Suggestions For Health Professionals Research Articles

FEASIBILITY OF INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES TO PROMOTE LEISURE ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT AMONG ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS

Abstract Research suggests that advanced technologies, such as wearable technology and tablets, can serve an important role in the cost-effective, accessible delivery of health promotion that is individualized, immersive, and engaging for users. The present study was designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of two integrated technologies among assisted living facility residents: CareBand’s wearable technology and Eperture’s RememberStuff (R/S) tablet platform. The purpose of the qualitative component of the project was to provide preliminary information from the perspective of the assisted living facility participants on these two technologies. Another goal was to assess the challenges of their participation. Drawing on qualitative thematic analyses of data collected from semi-structured interviews with 16 participants (four staff members and 12 residents) prior to and following the 6-week integrated technology program, three themes emerged as positive outcomes of the technology experiences: (a) leisure activity engagement, (b) exploration of tablet features, and (c) cognitive stimulation. This finding suggests that these technologies may enhance leisure engagement and cognitive function. On the other hand, there were three challenges that participants experienced while participating in the program: (a) inability to grasp functionality, (b) need for continued education for the technology, and (c) negative stereotypes toward technology use. These challenges provide guidance for future protocol design in follow-up studies to further explore the integrated technology efficacy for older adult users. The practical implications of this study and suggestions for health professionals are discussed.

A qualitative investigation of leisure benefits for social and psychological health among international volleyball players living in South Korea

ABSTRACT Purpose The proportion of foreign players in global sports industries has steadily increased in the last decade. This qualitative study aims to capture the benefits of leisure activities for the social and psychological health of international volleyball players affiliated with South Korean volleyball leagues. Method A purposeful criterion sampling strategy was employed in this qualitative study. Findings: Based on semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, in this study three major themes pertaining to leisure benefits are identified: (a) new leisure opportunities and coping, (b) inter-intra group friendships, and (c) acculturation. Conclusions These benefits can contribute to social and psychological health for the participants. Practical implications of this study and suggestions for health professionals, sports psychologists, and team counsellors are discussed.

‘My face in someone else’s hands’: a qualitative study of medical tattooing in women with hair loss

ABSTRACT The psychological and social impact of hair loss and its ongoing treatment can be considerable. Medical treatments are not always successful, and alternative treatments, such as medical tattooing, are growing in popularity. The aims of this study were to explore adults’ motivations, experiences, and self-perceived outcomes in relation to medical tattooing. Individual telephone interviews were conducted with 22 women from the United Kingdom aged 26–67 years who had undergone medical tattooing in the past 5 years related to hair loss. Interviews were transcribed and inductive thematic analysis was performed. Appearance concerns, loss of self-confidence/identity, and the practicalities of daily upkeep were cited as reasons for seeking a semi-permanent solution. Trust in the practitioner and the ongoing costs of tattoo maintenance were important considerations in participants' decision-making process and their overall satisfaction with treatment outcomes. Participants felt the emotional impact of hair loss and the subsequent need for appearance-restoring treatment remains unrecognised. This study provides insight into participants’ perceptions of an under-researched and unregulated but widely accessible treatment. Implications for the decision-making process are discussed, and suggestions for health professionals are offered.

What Does Asexuality Teach Us About Sexual Disinterest? Recommendations for Health Professionals Based on a Qualitative Study With Asexually Identified People

This article draws on qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 asexually identified individuals living in the United States in order to contribute to our understanding of when low sexual desire should be treated as a medical or mental health issue and when it should be treated as a benign sexual variation. The article discusses five findings of relevance to health professionals: (1) the line between a desire disorder and asexuality is not clear-cut; (2) asexually identified individuals may experience distress, so distress alone does not separate a desire disorder from asexuality; (3) asexually identified individuals may face sexual pressure from a partner or may have difficulty negotiating sexual activity with a partner; (4) asexuality does not need to be distressing, rather it can be experienced as a fulfilling form of sexuality; and (5) many asexually identified individuals believe in the usefulness of low sexual desire as a diagnostic category and support medical and mental health professionals in their efforts to develop treatments for sexual desire disorders. Based on these five findings, this article offers four concrete suggestions for health professionals working with clients with low sexual desire, whether or not those clients identify as asexual.

Cystic fibrosis: adolescent and maternal concerns about hospital and home care.

The purpose of this study was to describe problems occurring in adolescents with cystic fibrosis that related to home or hospital care, maternal concerns, and the role of the health-care professional in promoting care. Forty-question semistructured interviews of adolescents (N = 20) and their mothers (N = 12) were used. Interrater reliability (90%) was established through analysis of 8 audiotaped interviews and agreement on content analysis of the 32 interviews. Results are discussed according to five categories of concerns identified by adolescents: (a) knowledge deficits, (b) self-care/decision making, (c) home care management, (d) hospital care management, and (e) suggestions for health professionals. Mothers described six categories of concern: (a) fear, (b) effect on self, (c) disruption of family life, (d) health-care management at home, (e) health-care management in the hospital, and (f) suggestions for health professionals.