Standardized Research Tools Research Articles

ZAPOTRZEBOWANIA KOBIET Z WOJEWÓDZTWA ZACHODNIOPOMORSKIEGO NA USŁUGI OKOŁOPORODOWE ŚWIADCZONE PRZEZ POŁOŻNE ORAZ STOPIEŃ ZNAJOMOŚCI PRZEZ ŚRODOWISKO MEDYCZNE USTAWOWYCH KOMPETENCJI ZAWODOWYCH POLSKICH POŁOŻNYCH

Introduction: The midwife’s profession has evolved across the ages to become – in the vast majority of countries, including Poland – an independent medical occupation. The aim of this thesis was to define how big is the social demand for perinatal servises given by midwifes among women from Zachodniopomorskie province and investigate the knowledge base of medical staff in Zachodniopomorskie province in regard to the midwife’s rights and duties resulting from Polish law.Material and methods: Research was carried out from 1.10.2009 to 30.06.2010. It included 115 active midwifes in the city of Szczecin and beyond it (Zachodniopomorskie province). Additionally, 40 doctors, 99 nurses and 1 master of physiotherapy took part in the survey (all of them based in Zachodniopomorskie province). Research was also conducted among 150 women from the same province. The survey was presented in the form of a questionnaire. Since the available literature did not include a standardized research tool which could be used to achieve appointed goals a new method was devised. Results were subjected to mathematical and statistical analysis.Conclusions: After the compilation of results presented in this paper the following conclusions were made: 1. Some of the medical personnel who participated in the survey do not perceive midwifes as independent medical practitioners. 2. Most midwifes are aware of their rights and obligations outlined in Polish legislation. In their opinion the lack of independence in their profession is caused by unclear clauses and paragraphs in Polish law. The women who participated in the survey showed an interest in services provided by midwifes. 3. They stated that there is a common need for this kind of service. There are grounds to intensify the promotion of midwifery as an independent occupation.

Selected Aspects of Life Quality of Nurses Working at Neurological Wards

Introduction. The term “quality of life” (QL) initially defined “good life” determined by the resource of owned material goods. Later, it was extended to the term “to be” instead of just “to have”. Nurses perform a responsible job, often requiring sacrifices. They work with seriously ill patients at the neurology ward. Working with an ill patient is very difficult. A nurse carrying out her professional tasks is subject to numerous challenges, both mental and physical, which may affect the quality of life of this professional group.Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of nurses working at neurological departments.Material and Methods. The study was conducted in a group of 109 nurses working at the neurological departments of hospitals in Lublin and Chelm. The study used a standardized research tool: WHOQOL-Bref scale.Results. The surveyed nurses evaluated the overall quality of life and health status on the same level, respectively: 3.70±0.70 and 3.60±0.80. The field of social relations was the highest rated (71.70±16.10), while the lowest assessed field of psychological (61.00±13.30).Conclusions. The quality of life of nurses working at neurological wards was at the average level. The surveyed nurses assessed highest the quality of life as the highest in terms of social relations. The level of professional education significantly differentiated the quality of life of the surveyed nurses. The higher the education, the better the quality of life. (JNNN 2016;5(4):151–155)

Wpływ edukacji kardiologicznej na jakość życia chorych z niewydolnością serca

Introduction. Despite the dynamic development in the field of diagnostic measures and treatment in heart failure, a major role is attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health programs, which are an integral component of education. Properly carried out education allows to prepare patients for effective self-care and self-control and influences positively the quality of life. Aim. Assessment of the impact of the training method on the quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Material and Methods. The survey was conducted among 100 patients (76 men, 24 women), mean age 66.2 (SD ± 11.29). The study included 50 patients educated by the cardiac nurses in a primary care. The second group of patients participated in additional education. The data was collected by using the analysis of medical records and using standardized research tools: Beck Depression Scale allowing for the assessment of depressive symptoms and SF - 36 to assess quality of life. Results. Additionally educated patients achieved statistically significant (p = 0.000) higher scores in all domains of the SF-36 (RP, BP, GH, VT, SF, RE, MH) except summed PF and the quality of life in the component: mental (MCS) and physical (PCS). Conclusion. Patients with chronic heart failure, who undergo additional education obtain higher scores of quality of life results.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Medical Students' Perspectives on the Engagement in Research.

Engaging students in active learning lies at the center of effective higher education. In medical schools, students' engagement in learning and research has come under increasing attention. The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence on medical students' perspectives on the engagement in research. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Relevant studies were searched in electronic databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Overall, 14 observational studies (with 17 data sets) were included. In general, many studies did not use the same questionnaires and the outcome measurements were not consistently reported; these presented some difficulties in pooling the results. Whenever data permitted, we performed pooled analysis for the 4 education outcomes. A Bayesian meta-analytical approach was supplemented as a measure of uncertainty. A pooled analysis showed that 74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57%-11.07%; I2: 95.2%) of those students who engaged in research (while at the medical school) had positive attitudes toward their research experiences, whereas 49.5% (95% CI: 36.4%-62.7%; I2: 93.4%) had positive attitudes toward the study of medical sciences, 62.3% (95% CI: 46.7%-77.9%; I2: 96.3%) had self-reported changes in their practices, and 64% (95% CI: 30.8%-96.6%; I2: 98.5%) could have published their work. There was substantial heterogeneity among studies. We acknowledged the caveats and the merit of the current review. Findings showed that engagement in research resulted in favorable reactions toward research and academic learning. Future well-designed studies using standardized research tools on how to engage students in research are recommended.

Improving nutrition surveillance and public health research in Central and Eastern Europe/Balkan Countries using the Balkan Food Platform and dietary tools

The objective of this paper is to share experience and provide updated information on Capacity Development in the Central and Eastern Europe/Balkan Countries (CEE/BC) region relevant to public health nutrition, particularly in creation of food composition databases (FCDBs), applying dietary intake assessment and monitoring tools, and harmonizing methodology for nutrition surveillance. Balkan Food Platform was established by a Memorandum of Understanding among EuroFIR AISBL, Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Capacity Development Network in Nutrition in CEE – CAPNUTRA and institutions from nine countries in the region. Inventory on FCDB status identified lack of harmonized and standardized research tools. To strengthen harmonization in CEE/BC in line with European research trends, the Network members collaborated in development of a Regional FCDB, using web-based food composition data base management software following EuroFIR standards. Comprehensive nutrition assessment and planning tool – DIET ASSESS & PLAN could enable synchronization of nutrition surveillance across countries.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF THE YOUTH IN SELECTED COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD

Physical activity is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle, and its lack or insufficient amounts can lead to serious health disorders. There are many adult diseases which are associated with the behaviour, lifestyle during puberty, including physical inactivity. It was therefore decided in this study to present the physical activity of young people from six countries in the world in the context of different variables. The following countries: Brazil, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, Norway and Nepal were selected for comparison. Although all studies used the same standardized research tool, ie. the International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ, in the course of analysis, the authors encountered difficulties with comparability, associated with the usage of various methods and data processing, which could result in different or reduced comparability. Consequently, it was decided not to make a detailed comparative analysis of individual research results and the presentation of the key conclusions brought about selected studies worldwide. Analyses of studies which have been conducted in different cultural contexts, confirm once again the thesis of the decline in physical activity levels with age for both girls and boys. Gender quite substantially differentiated physical efforts in adolescents. Girls at the age of adolescence are less physically active than boys. It was also noted that the increase of sedentary behaviour among children and adolescents and their disastrous consequences have an impact on the health and life in this age group, the studies of sedentary lifestyle have become a very important subject of many studies. Girls are still “more sedentary” than boys. Many authors, in order to ensure the reliability and relevance of their research, complied with the objective instrument eg. accelerometer or metabolic analyzer.

HANDEL ZAGRANICZNY W PROCESIE KONWERGENCJI – METODYKA BADAŃ PRZEDSIĘBIORSTW HANDLOWYCH WOJEWÓDZTWA PODLASKIEGO

The main aim of this paper is to present the methodology of research, carried out in the framework of the project The role of foreign trade in the convergence process. Trading companies - opportunities and risks in the euro zone . The research was conducted in 2013 by a group of researchers representing Bialystok University of Technology, Faculty of Management. The article focuses on the description of the quantitative on-line survey, conducted using CAWI technique on a sample companies from Podlaskie region. In addition, the synthetic characteristics of socio-economic specificity of Podlaskie region was presented, which provides a background for the research. The quantitative research methodology presented in this paper was based on a standardized research tool (on-line questionnaire). It enabled authors to make a thorough analysis of the surveyed companies in three key areas of research: the euro zone and entrepreneurship; convergence – the adjustment process, and the regulation of international trade. Such approach, in which the knowledge and experience of different groups of researchers was successfully combined, gave an immeasurable added value to the project.

Quality of Life of Patients with Back Pain

Introduction. Spinal pains regard people of different age and professions, being also a difficult problem which generates limitations in the professional, social and family spheres and it results in the deterioration of the quality of life.Aim. Determination of the quality of life of patients with the degenerative disease of the spine before surgery by the assessment of the intensity of pain and mood.Material and Methods. The research covered 90 patients with the osteoarthritis of the spine diagnosed, before surgery, hospitalized in the Department of Neurosurgery at USK in Białystok. The research was carried out based on our questionnaire prepared for the need of work as well as on standardized research tools and the BMI indicator.Results. The research covered 40 (44.4%) women and 50 (55.6%) men at the average age of 48.5±12.3 years (18–78 years). The average value of the body weight index (BMI) was 26.8±4.6 kg/m2 (16.3–38 kg/m2). Back pain mostly concerned lumbar (58;64.4%) and cervical (39;43.3%) sections. The average degree of pain according to the VAS descriptive scale was 57.8±23.3%. The strongest pain was felt by those whose illness affected absence from work and who indicated decrease of the quality of life. Depressive disorders occurred in 37 (41.11%) patients and were of mild and moderately severe nature. Average severity of pain in patients without depression was 52.83±20.86%, whereas in those with depression 64.86±25.12% (p=0.015). There was no evidence of the effect of the disease and the coexistence of depression on the performance of professional duties, quality of life, presence at work or limited contact with others. However, persons with depression significantly more often assessed their current health status as poor (p=0.011).Conclusions.1. Back pain often included one or two sections of the spine and the degree of pain perceived generated deterioration in the quality of life caused by an increase in absence from work, severity of depression, limited social interaction, and difficulties in carrying out physiological functions.2. Depressive disorders more often occurred in patients with changes in the cervical and lumbar sections of the spine, in residents of large cities, married, retired and non-smokers, exposed however to stress. These people often underwent diagnostic tests, the number of hospitalizations increased and their duration was extended. (JNNN 2014; 3(3):107–115)

The use of Functional Capacity Scale in the Assessment of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury — Multicenter Studies

Introduction. One of the most serious life and health hazards of a modern man are injuries, one of which is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Among functional scales that are most commonly used for the assessment of the condition of a patient after TBI we can distinguish the Modified Rankin Scale, Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Glasgow Outcome Scale and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE).Aim. The main aim of this work was to present Functional Capacity Scale in the assessment of patients after traumatic brain injury.Material and Methods. In the multicenter studies, there were 159 patients examined. They were hospitalized in neurosurgical wards in Bydgoszcz, Lublin and Wroclaw due to traumatic brain injury. The research was based on twofold assessment (on the day of admission — assessment 1 and discharge — assessment 2) of the condition of a patient after traumatic brain injury with the use of standardized research tools such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Functional Capacity Scale (FCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The method used was direct observation with measurement.Results. The average result of functional capacity in FCS was 34,41 points (71.7%) on the day of admission, and 41,87 points (87.2%) on the day of discharge. After analyzing the differences between the FCS results of men and women, there was no difference between gender groups that would be statistically significant (p>0.05) both on the day of admission and discharge. The age groups remained in statistically significant, low correlation with the results of FCS on the day of admission (R=0.261; p=0.001) and were on the edge of significance (R=0.140; p=0.088) on the day of discharge. The place of residence did not differentiate (p>0.05) the functional capacity assessed with FCS. The results of FCS remained in statistically significant correlation with GCS results (p<0.05) both on the day of admission and discharge and GOS (p=0.000) results on the day of discharge.Conclusions. The FCS scale, suggested for functional assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury, is a tool that appropriately recognizes the functional condition of a patient with traumatic brain injury. It substantially correlates with GCS and GOS, which denotes that its construction and prognostic features are accurate. (JNNN 2014;3(4):175–182)

Primary Prevention Research in Suicide

At the American Association of Suicidology’s (AAS) 46th Annual Conference in Austin, Texas (http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/education-and-training/annualconference), participants were challenged to address why there has not been more progress in reducing the rates of completed suicides (Berman, 2013). A draft of recommendations from the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Research Prioritization Task Force was presented at the meeting and subsequently published in this journal (National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention [NAASP], 2013a, 2013b). The purpose of this commentary is to address this challenge by emphasizing the importance of employing a disease etiology strategy that integrates molecular data with clinical data, environmental data, and health outcomes in a dynamic, iterative fashion. The recommendations of the Research Prioritization Task Force tackle important public health program issues and are embedded within seven key questions, summarized as: 1. Why do people become suicidal? 2. How do we better detect/predict risk? 3. What interventions prevent suicidal behavior? 4. What are the effective services for treating suicidal persons and preventing suicidal behavior? 5. How do we reduce stigma? 6. What are the suicide prevention interventions outside of health-care settings? 7. Which existing and new infrastructure needs are required to further reduce suicidal behavior? (NAASP, 2013b; Silverman et al., 2013)

Establishment and validation of a model for non-luteinized human mural granulosa cell culture

Cell culture techniques of human mural granulosa cells (MGCs) serve as a major in vitro tool. However, the use of luteinized MGCs has major limitations due to their luteinized state. Our aim was to establish a standardized protocol for the culture of MGCs as a model for different stages of folliculogenesis. We showed that early-non-luteinized, preovulatory-non-luteinized and luteal-MGCs have distinct gene expression pattern. After 4days of incubation of luteinized-MGCs, ovulatory genes mRNA’s achieve expression levels similar to the early non-luteinized follicles. FSH stimulation for 48h of these 4days cultured MGCs showed ovulatory genes mRNA’s expression similar to the pre-ovulatory non-luteinized follicles. These FSH-stimulated cells responded to hCG stimulation in a pattern similar to the response of pre-ovulatory follicles.This novel model may provide a standardized research tool for delineation of the molecular processes occurring during the latter stages of follicular development in the human ovary.

Perceived Effects of Neuroticism, Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy on the Bullying Behaviour of Students

School bullying is one of the most prevalent issues facing school personnel today and the threat of this behaviour to a safe school environment. Adopting the ex-post facto type, this study investigated the perceived impact of neuroticism, emotional intelligence self-efficacy and bullying behaviour with 500 randomly selected senior secondary school students in Asaba metropolitan of Delta State. Four validated and standardized research tools were administered to the participants. Three research questions were raised in the study. The Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression were the major statistical tools used. The result indicated that with the exception of Neuroticism and emotional intelligence, all the variables had significant relationship with bullying behaviour. With

ANALIZA POZIOMU SATYSFAKCJI ZAWODOWEJ ORAZ JEJ ZWIĄZKU Z SUBIEKTYWNIE OCENIANĄ JAKOŚCIĄ ŻYCIA POŁOŻNYCH

According to the so called Transactional Model of Quality of Life, job satisfaction is a part of subjective well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between professional commitment, expressed as job satisfaction or dissatisfaction, consideration of leaving the profession or/and workplace, and subjective assessment of well-being among midwives working at hospitals. The study was a part of the international research project, coordinated by the University of Ostrava. The group of respondents consisted of 176 midwives working at selected hospitals in the Silesian region. The study was conducted using the method of diagnostic survey, questionnaire techniques and standardized research tools, such as McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS), Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A) and Subjective Emotional Habitual Wellbeing Scale (SEHP). The overall midwives' job satisfaction was found to be at a medium level. Respondents less satisfied with various aspects of work (interaction, co-workers, professional opportunities, praise/recognition, control/responsibility) and life (standard of living and achievements in life) were significantly more often considering changing their jobs. Dissatisfaction with the extrinsic rewards (salary, vacation, benefits package) had additionally influenced the frequency of considering changing the profession. The respondents were characterized by much lower sense of present and future security than that observed in Western countries, as well as by low satisfaction with standard of living and feeling part of the society. Job satisfaction and subjective well-being remain in strong relationship, and although it is difficult to determine the direction of these relationships, they seem to have a significant impact on each other.

LEVEL OF PRO-HEALTH BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN FROM RURAL AND METROPOLITAN ENVIRONMENT WHO ARE ACTIVE ON THE HEALTH-RELATED INTERNET PORTALS

The development of health education, education in the scope of healthy lifestyles is significantly affected by the mass media, and primarily the Internet, which is an interactive source of information and the space to acquire competencies supporting health. Access to the Internet is getting more and more widespread; also the range of easily accessible content, related to the lifestyle has expanded. Migrations of populations tend to impair the traditionally understood image of the urban and rural environments. Technological advances in the field of transport communications and IT have also reduced the distance between the two discussed environments. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pro-health behaviors of women who are interested in a healthy lifestyle, and who live both in the countryside and in large cities. The study involved 78 women from the towns with up to 3 thousand inhabitants and 130 from the cities with a population over 100 thousand inhabitants. All research participants were active participants in one of the largest health services for mature women in Poland. The research was part of the PARP project - Global health problems , implemented by the Foundation ‘Smak Żcia’. Standardized research tools Health Behavior Inventory were applied according to the adaptation of Z. Juczynki. As many as 30% of patients achieved a low level of pro-health behaviors, 45% obtained an average score, and only 25%-a high one, which due to an interest in the subject of a healthy lifestyle, occurring as a constant activity on the online health portal, can be regarded as an unsatisfactory result. The research participants (female subscribers of advice from pro-health service) willing to share their experience, commented on a variety of content related to health issues, however, the level of their health behaviors did not differ significantly from the average values for the Polish population. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of realized health behaviors between women living in rural and metropolitan environments. Research confirmed that Internet theme services concerning issues of a healthy lifestyle, are a chance to equalize disparities in pro-health behaviors, and consequently - in health itself, thus initiatives of raising interest in health education through the mass media ought to be supported.

Research on indigenous elders: from positivistic to decolonizing methodologies.

Although indigenous peoples have lower life expectancies than the social majority populations in their countries, increasing numbers of indigenous people are living into old age. Research on indigenous elders is informed by a number of research traditions. Researchers have mined existing data sets to compare characteristics of indigenous populations with non-indigenous groups, and these findings have revealed significant disparities experienced by indigenous elders. Some investigators have attempted to validate standardized research tools for use in indigenous populations. Findings from these studies have furthered our knowledge about indigenous elders and have highlighted the ways in which tools may need to be adapted to better fit indigenous views of the constructs being measured. Qualitative approaches are popular, as they allow indigenous elders to tell their stories and challenge non-indigenous investigators to acknowledge values and worldviews different from their own. Recently, efforts have extended to participatory and decolonizing research methods, which aim to empower indigenous elders as researchers. Research approaches are discussed in light of the negative experiences many indigenous peoples have had with Eurocentric research. Acknowledgment of historical trauma, life-course perspectives, phenomenology, and critical gerontology should frame future research with, rather than on, indigenous elders.

Serial CSF sampling over a period of 30 h via an indwelling spinal catheter in healthy volunteers: headache, back pain, tolerability and measured acetylcholine profile

Timed interval cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling by indwelling catheterization can be a valuable corroborative tool for the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment of drugs. CSF sampling in studies on drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease have been conducted in evaluations of the biomarkers acetylcholine (ACh), tau proteins, amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloid fragments. The primary aim of this study was to study the feasibility and the burden on the healthy volunteers of serial CSF sampling within the contract research organization environment in order to establish a standardized research tool for future drug development studies. This study is a validation study in healthy subjects: eight healthy male subjects aged 55-75 years were enrolled. After eligibility had been confirmed, the subjects were admitted to the clinical pharmacology unit 2 days before starting the CSF sampling procedure. Hydration by drip infusion of 2 L saline was performed for 24 h before starting the CSF sampling procedure, and for antithrombotic purposes, Fraxiparine (nadroparine calcium) was given 12 and 36 h after intradural catheterization. CSF catheterization was performed by board-certified anesthesiologists with experience in inserting indwelling intrathecal catheters. Subjects only required to remain in a horizontal position for the first 24 h after removal of the catheter. CSF and blood samples were collected by interval sampling over a 30-h period. The study was completed by seven of the eight subjects. Six subjects who completed the study reported adverse effects (AEs) which were all mild and from which they recovered during their stay in the clinic. A total of 25 AEs were reported of which 13 were considered to be procedure-related. The procedure was well tolerated by all participating subjects, and the VAS scale scores for headache and back pain were low. CSF samples were analyzed for ACh. All values were above the lowest limit of quantification. On average, the ACh concentration started at a low level but rose between 1 and 2 h after insertion of the catheter and then remained high during the whole sampling period up to 30 h. Serial sampling of CSF in seven healthy volunteers up to 30 h occurred without serious complications and was well tolerated. The CSF collected was of good quality and facilitated the assessment of an Alzheimer's disease-sensitive biomarker. We conclude that this validation study can form the basis for future patient studies aimed at elucidating disease mechanisms and the pharmacodynamics of drugs in the developmental stage.

Creating Supportive Nutrition Environments for Population Health Impact and Health Equity: An Overview of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network's Efforts

Childhood obesity is a major threat to individual health and society overall. Policies that support healthier food and beverage choices have been endorsed by many decision makers. These policies may reach a large proportion of the population or in some circumstances aim to reduce nutrition disparities to ensure health equity. The Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (NOPREN) evaluates policy as a tool to improve food and beverage environments where Americans live, work, play, and learn. The network aspires to address research and evaluation gaps related to relevant policies, create standardized research tools, and help build the evidence base of effective policy solutions for childhood obesity prevention with a focus on reach, equity, cost effectiveness, and sustainability.

Development and validation of a survey instrument for assessing prescribers' perception of computerized drug-drug interaction alerts.

To develop a theoretically informed and empirically validated survey instrument for assessing prescribers' perception of computerized drug-drug interaction (DDI) alerts. The survey is grounded in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and an adapted accident causation model. Development of the instrument was also informed by a review of the extant literature on prescribers' attitude toward computerized medication safety alerts and common prescriber-provided reasons for overriding. To refine and validate the survey, we conducted a two-stage empirical validation study consisting of a pretest with a panel of domain experts followed by a field test among all eligible prescribers at our institution. The resulting survey instrument contains 28 questionnaire items assessing six theoretical dimensions: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived fatigue, and perceived use behavior. Satisfactory results were obtained from the field validation; however, a few potential issues were also identified. We analyzed these issues accordingly and the results led to the final survey instrument as well as usage recommendations. High override rates of computerized medication safety alerts have been a prevalent problem. They are usually caused by, or manifested in, issues of poor end user acceptance. However, standardized research tools for assessing and understanding end users' perception are currently lacking, which inhibits knowledge accumulation and consequently forgoes improvement opportunities. The survey instrument presented in this paper may help fill this methodological gap. We developed and empirically validated a survey instrument that may be useful for future research on DDI alerts and other types of computerized medication safety alerts more generally.

The Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G): A new research tool for controlled simultaneous social stress exposure in a group format

Psychological stress is an ubiquitous challenge across human cultures affecting mental and physical health. Recent evidence indicates that performance tasks combining elements of socio-evaluative threat and uncontrollability elicit reliable stress responses. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is the most frequently used psychological protocol in stress research; however, to date it has only been available in a single-subject version. In particular, there is an increasing need in several emerging research fields such as stress research or social neurosciences for a standardized research tool to expose relatively large groups of subjects to controlled simultaneous stress. In search of a laboratory stressor that allows simultaneous stress exposure in a group format, we exposed a total of 25 healthy male participants to the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G; public speaking and mental arithmetic tasks in front of a panel of two evaluators in groups of six participants) and a specific control condition. Results showed that the TSST-G induced significant increases in cortisol, heart rate, and psychological stress responses. The TSST-G provides a novel, effective, and economical protocol for experimental paradigms requiring simultaneous stress induction in multiple participants.

Taking the MINI to Mustang, Nepal: methodological and epistemological translations of an illness narrative interview tool

Illness narratives and explanatory models have been a research focus for the discipline of medical anthropology for decades. In recent years, standardized qualitative research tools have been developed to elicit illness narratives as a means of conducting socio-cultural analysis and as a springboard for health-related interventions – particularly with reference to communities experiencing rapid socioeconomic transition or those in which trauma has been experienced. Nevertheless, gaps persist in terms of the latent methodological and epistemological challenges of translating and transplanting such research tools to new contexts. This paper chronicles the adaptation of the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI) for use in the culturally Tibetan region of Mustang, Nepal. This analysis is based on 44 in-depth interviews using an adapted version of the MINI to elicit narratives about experiences of illness. The MINI proved to be a compelling research tool, particularly in terms of engaging research assistants in the field. Yet its deployment in a context where distinctions between individual and social suffering can be blurred, where the dichotomization of ‘religion’ and ‘medicine’ makes little sense, and where understandings of causality are rooted in the concept of karma, revealed the extent to which the MINI – and, by extension other such qualitative research tools – emerges from particular models of narrative construction and assumptions about the relationships between self and other, cause and effect. Concluding recommendations are made regarding the adaptation of this tool to other settings.