Effects of music therapy on spirituality with patients on a medical oncology/hematology unit: A mixed-methods approach

Despite considerable interest in the potential relationship between oncology and spirituality, it remains unclear how the spiritual wellbeing of patients is best addressed in health care environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of three music therapy doses on spirituality in patients on a medical oncology/hematology unit (N = 17). The researchers measured participants’ faith, peace, and meaning by using the FACIT-Sp. tool ( Brady, Peterman, Fitchett, Mo, & Cella, 1999) at pre- and posttest during a randomized controlled design. The researchers also incorporated interviews from patients concerning potential effects of music therapy and spirituality. Quantitative results indicated significant between-group differences in peace and faith subscales, with participants in the music therapy condition having higher posttest means than participants in the control condition. Qualitative data tended to support the importance of music therapy in meeting spiritual needs: Results of a thematic analysis indicated music therapy helped participants feel closer to God and elevated their moods. Consistent with the literature base, participants noted that that spiritual needs should indeed be addressed during a person's time at the hospital. Limitations of the study, areas for future investigation, and implications for clinical practice are provided.     

Acute erosive reactive arthritis associated with campylobacter jejuni-lnduced colitis

A case of acute erosive, reactive arthritis following Campylobacter jejuni-induced ulcerative colitis is presented. This is the 12th such case reported in the literature and the first in which destructive lesions of periarticular bone are demonstrated. A review of the literature suggests that reactive arthritis associated with C. jejuni infection is similar to that following other invasive types of bacterial diarrhea and is often associated with HLA-B27 lymphocyte antigen.     

高校辅导员开展大学生诚信伦理教育工作的若干思考

当前,部分大学生学习不努力、考试作弊,在简历中造假,待人不诚信,严重影响大学生群体的形象.其主要原因是社会不良风气的冲击,就业形势的严峻,高校思想教育工作的薄弱以及个别学生修养不高.提高大学生诚信意识,高校辅导员应该发挥重要作用.可通过建立诚信档案,填写诚信协议书,营造诚信氛围,加强诚信教育等措施促使大学生树立诚信伦理意识.     

Emotional control and autonomic arousal in breast cancer patients

Thirty breast cancer patients and 27 “healthy” controls were compared for differences in personality, reported emotional state and autonomic responses occurring under conditions of acute experimental stress. The data indicated that breast cancer patients were more likely than a control group to report a tendency to control emotional reactions, particularly anger, and to respond to stress using a repressive coping style. Emotional state reported at different points throughout the procedure suggested that the breast cancer group experienced more anxiety and disturbance but were more inclined to inhibit their reaction. There were no differences between the groups on autonomic measures but within the breast cancer group increased electrodermal activity was significantly associated with a tendency to respond to stress using a repressive coping style. The results are discussed in relation to psychobiological models of cancer.     

Coping and cancer prognosis

Psychological responses to a diagnosis of breast cancer, assessed three months post operatively, are related to outcome 10 yr after operation. These results confirm the findings previously reported at 5 yr. The need for further study into the nature of the reported psychological response categories and the likely mediating mechanisms is emphasized.     

Striving for Control: Cognitive, Self-Care, and Faith Strategies Employed by Vulnerable Black and White Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions

The average older adult reaches age 65 with at least two chronic, co-occurring illnesses, or multiple morbidities (MM). We currently lack critical information about the specific strategies older adults use to attempt to control these MM. To increase our understanding of how older adults attempt to manage these MM and retain control of their health, in-depth interviews were conducted with 41 Black and White middle aged and older men and women with MM. We were particularly interested in representing the experience of those groups more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes due to greater disease prevalence and low income. During in-depth interviews, we asked open-ended questions on life and health history and open-ended and semi-structured questions about self-care for multiple morbidities. Participants expressed a strong desire to remain in control of their health; to do so they employed a wide range of strategies including cognitive structuring techniques (being health vigilant, normalizing, resignation/relinquishing control, and social comparison), self-care activities (emphasizing diet, exercise, medication taking, modifying existing activities, going to the doctor), and faith orientations (prayer as a constructive support strategy, gaining strength from God, church as a central part of life). With the exception of faith orientations, there were no race/ethnicity differences in the strategies participants use. Future studies should expand on this knowledge by exploring the contextual, cultural, and psychological backdrop and characteristics that shape the use of these coping strategies.

辽宁某医科大学学生艾滋病知识态度调查分析

目的了解医学院校大学生艾滋病相关知识、态度、信念情况，为制定大学生预防艾滋病健康教育方案提供依据。方法对大连医科大学216名在校学生的艾滋病相关知识、态度、安全性信念等进行问卷调查。结果大学生对AIDS的知识和态度得分为27，66±3．52分（满分46），安全性信念知识得分为3，71±1．38分（满分8）。能正确判断共用饮食器皿、共用坐厕、共用剃须刀和牙刷等途径能否传播艾滋病的比例分别为42，65％、37．91％和33．18％。正确的安全性观念的持有率较低。结论大学生艾滋病知识和安全性观念还很欠缺，对传播途径存在的认识误区，提示在医学院大学生中开展艾滋病健康教育是必要的。     

Addressing children's beliefs through Fowler's stages of faith

Knowledge of child development, including faith development, is important in providing holistic care to the child. Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners may be inadequately prepared to meet the spiritual needs of children in developmentally appropriate ways. This article demonstrates why it is necessary to asses a child's or an adolescent's religious and spiritual beliefs and when and how a nurse intervenes. Modeled here is one way in which pediatric nurses can effectively combine their knowledge of child development and Fowler's theory of faith development to address the child and adolescent's spiritual needs.