Predictors of prostate cancer screening intention among older men in Jordan

Intention to prostate cancer screening (PCS) is one of the major factors affecting the long‐term success of population‐based PCS programmes. The aim of this study is to explore strong factors linked to intention to PCS among older Jordanian adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data were obtained from Jordanian older adults, aged 40 years and over, who visited a comprehensive health care centre within a ministry of health. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the internal consistency of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale for PCS and the clarity of survey questions. Sample characteristics and rates of participation in PCS were examined using means and frequencies. Important factors associated with intention to PCS were examined using bivariate correlation and standard multiple linear regression analysis. About 13% of the respondents were adherent to PCS over the prior decade. Four out of the seven HBM‐driven factors (perceived susceptibility, benefits and barriers to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) test, and health motivation) were statistically significant. Those with greater levels of susceptibility, benefits of PSA test and health motivation and lower levels of barriers to PSA testing were having more intention to participate in PCS. Family history, presence of urinary symptoms, age and knowledge about prostate cancer significantly predicted the intention to PCS. Intervention programmes, which lower perceived barriers to PSA testing and increase susceptibility, benefits of PSA testing and health motivation, should be developed and implemented.     

Instrument development for health belief model constructs

Research was conducted to develop valid and reliable scales to test the Health Belief Model (HBM). The dependent variable chosen for scale development was frequency of breast self-examination. Independent variables were constructs related to the HBM: susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, and health motivation. Analyses for construct validity and theory testing included factor analysis and multiple regression. Chronbach Alpha and Pearson r were used to compute reliabilities. Scales that were judged valid and reliable were susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, and health motivation.     

The Effect of Hypnosis on Adherence to Antituberculosis Drugs Using the Health Belief Model

An RCT on the efficacy of hypnosis in improving adherence to antituberculosis treatment using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Sixty study subjects were sampled at random from tuberculosis patients who visited the Center for Pulmonary Community Health in Solo, Indonesia. Hypnotherapy with posthypnotic suggestions was delivered once a week over 6 months. The data on pretested 7 HBM constructs were analyzed using t test and path analysis. Hypnotherapy had a positive effect on perceived susceptibility, seriousness, threat, benefit, and self-efficacy. It indirectly had a positive effect on adherence. Hypnotherapy had a negative effect on perceived barrier. This study supports the hypothesis that hypnotherapy effectively improves adherence to tuberculosis treatment, by enhancing health-related perception and beliefs in the HBM.     

Medication adherence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic evidence-based review

BackgroundCognitive impairment challenges the ability to adhere to the complex medication regimens needed to treat multiple medical problems in older adults.ObjectiveOur aim was to conduct a systematic evidence-based review to identify barriers to medication adherence in cognitively impaired older adults and interventions aimed at improving medication adherence.MethodsA search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, GoogleDocs, and CINAHL for articles published between 1966 and February 29, 2012 was performed. Studies included older adults with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment of any degree (mild cognitive impairment or mild, moderate, or severe dementia). To identify barriers to adherence, we reviewed observational studies. To identify relevant interventions, we reviewed clinical trials targeting medication adherence in cognitively impaired older adults. We excluded studies lacking a measure of medication adherence or lacking an assessment of cognitive function, case reports or series, reviews, and those focusing on psychiatric disorders or infectious diseases. Population demographics, baseline cognitive function, medication adherence methods, barriers to adherence, and prospective intervention methodologies were extracted.ResultsThe initial search identified 594 articles. Ten studies met inclusion criteria for barriers to adherence and three met inclusion criteria for interventional studies. Unique barriers to adherence included understanding new directions, living alone, scheduling medication administration into the daily routine, using potentially inappropriate medications, and uncooperative patients. Two studies evaluated reminder systems and showed no benefit in a small group of participants. One study improved adherence through telephone and televideo reminders at each dosing interval. The results of the review are limited by reviewing only published articles, missing barriers or interventions due to lack of subgroup analysis, study selection and extraction completed by 1 reviewer, and articles with at least an abstract published in English.ConclusionsThe few studies identified limit the assessment of barriers to medication adherence in the cognitively impaired population. Successful interventions suggest that frequent human communication as reminder systems are more likely to improve adherence than nonhuman reminders.     

Factors associated with participation by Mexican migrant farmworkers in a tuberculosis screening program

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an important public health concern among migrant farmworkers in the United States; providing appropriate screening and treatment is difficult due to their highly mobile existence. PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between variables (susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, cues to action, normative beliefs, subjective norm, attitude, and intention) from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and participation by Mexican migrant farmworkers in a tuberculosis screening program. METHOD: A convenience sample of 206 migrant farmworkers were recruited after a presentation of a tuberculosis education program and were tracked during the administration and reading of the tuberculosis skin test. Participants were interviewed in Spanish by the principal investigator using the Tuberculosis Interview Instrument (TII) developed for this study. RESULTS: Most subjects were male, aged 18-27 years, and had less than a sixth-grade education. Of the 206 subjects, 152 (73.4%) received the skin test, 149 (98%) had the skin test read, and 44 (29.5%) had positive skin tests. Based on logistic regression analysis, the model that best predicted intention included cues to action, subjective norm, susceptibility, and attitude. Participation in screening was best predicted by a model containing only two variables: intention and susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, logistic regression analysis revealed that a more parsimonious model than the full HBM and TRA model accurately predicted both intention and behavior. The findings may be helpful in developing tuberculosis education and screening programs for Mexican migrant farmworkers.     

Adapting Champion's Breast Cancer Fear Scale to colorectal cancer: Psychometric testing in a sample of older Chinese adults

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of cancer in both men and women, and older adults are more susceptible to this disease. Previous studies suggest that cancer fear may be a key predictor of participation in cancer screening. Yet there is a lack of validated measuring tools of fear relating to CRC for the Chinese older adult population. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Colorectal Cancer Fear Scale (CRCFS), adapting from the Champion's Breast Cancer Fear Scale.MethodsThe CRCFS was developed by altering the wording ‘breast cancer’ to ‘colorectal cancer’. Interviewer-administered surveys were carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling adults aged at least 60 years old without a history of cancer. A subsample of 40 participants completed the scale again at one-month.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed that the one-factor model provided excellent fits to the overall data, and two randomly split samples. Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.95 and test-retest reliability was 0.52. Positive and significant correlations of CRC Cancer Fear with CRC-related susceptibility, severity and barriers were observed. A non-linear relationship with benefits was found.ConclusionsThe findings provide support for the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Champion Cancer Fear with an adaption to CRC in a sample of community dwelling older Chinese adults. The scale provides a useful tool to assess CRC-related fear, which interventions should address in order to improve screening rates among older Chinese adults.     

Predictors of and barriers to adherence in a 16-week randomised controlled trial of Bikram yoga in stressed and sedentary adults

BackgroundBikram yoga may enhance health outcomes in healthy adults and those at risk for chronic disease, however, challenges remain in achieving optimal adherence to this practice. This study investigated factors influencing adherence to a 16-week Bikram yoga intervention in stressed and sedentary adults.MethodsExperimental group participants (n = 29) were instructed to attend 3–5 Bikram yoga classes weekly for 16 weeks. Baseline demographics, behaviours and health measures were investigated as predictors of adherence. Barriers were assessed via documentation of adverse events, and exit survey responses.ResultsParticipants (38.2 ± 10.1 years) were predominantly overweight-obese (83%), female (79%), and attended 27 ± 18 classes. Higher adherence was associated with older age (p = 0.094), less pain (p = 0.011), fewer physical limitations (p = 0.011), poorer blood lipid profile, and higher heart rate variability (HRV; total power, (p = 0.097)). In multi-variable analysis, three variables: age (β = 0.492, p = 0.006), HRV (β = 0.413, p = 0.021) and pain (β = 0.329, p = 0.048) remained predictors of adherence. Difficulty committing to the trial, lack of enjoyment and adverse events were barriers to adherence.ConclusionsThese findings should be considered in the development of future Bikram yoga trials to facilitate higher levels of adherence, which may enhance health outcomes and inform community practice. Future trials should investigate and address additional barriers and facilitators of Bikram yoga practice.     

Preventive skin care beliefs of people with spinal cord injury

Although health beliefs have been correlated with self-care adherence in other chronic conditions, little is known about skin care beliefs after spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the skin care beliefs of individuals with SCI. The conceptual framework was the Health Belief Model (HBM), which proposes that adherence to a health regimen is motivated by beliefs about susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 22 people with SCI. Content analysis of data collected using semistructured questions was used to identify domains of skin care beliefs, including HBM components. Themes that emerged about skin care beliefs included taking vigilant care, taking charge, maintaining health, and passing up care. Although most participants believed they were susceptible to pressure ulcers and preventive care was important, paradoxical statements about beliefs and preventive behaviors were common. These incongruent responses may reflect ambivalence about competing priorities or the efficacy of preventive practices. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon. Increased understanding of skin care beliefs will assist in developing tailored teaching programs for people with SCI.     

Effects of Exercise on Motivational Outcomes in Rectal Cancer Patients During and After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesUnderstanding exercise motivation in rectal cancer patients during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy is important to improve adherence and achieve potential benefit. We report the motivational effects of exercise from the Exercise During and After Neoadjuvant Rectal Cancer Treatment trial.Data SourcesWe randomized 36 rectal cancer patients to supervised high-intensity interval training during neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by unsupervised moderate-to-vigorous exercise after therapy, or usual care. Using the theory of planned behavior, we assessed motivation, perceived benefits/harms, and perceived barriers for exercise during and after therapy. Supervised exercise during neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was experienced as meaningfully (d≥0.33) more controllable (p=0.08, d=0.60), more enjoyable (p=0.25, d=0.45), and less difficult (p=0.45, d=-0.38) than anticipated. Unsupervised exercise after therapy was experienced as meaningfully more enjoyable (p=0.047, d=0.50) and less difficult (p=0.43, d=-0.36), but also less controllable (p=0.14, d=-0.80) than anticipated. Common self-reported benefits of exercise both during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy were cardiovascular endurance, physical functioning, and quality of life. Common self-reported harms were exacerbation of treatment side effects. Frequently reported barriers to exercise during therapy were side effects of treatment, whereas exercise barriers after therapy were lack of motivation and lingering side effects.ConclusionExercise during and after therapy generally had positive effects on exercise motivation, however, perceived harms and barriers related to treatment side effects were identified.Implications for nursing practiceNurses can help rectal cancer patients initiate and maintain exercise during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiation by discussing the potential benefits, harms, and barriers to exercise.     

Exercise adherence following physical therapy intervention in older adults with impaired balance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study looked at adherence, and factors affecting adherence, to a prescribed home exercise program (HEP) in older adults with impaired balance following discharge from physical therapy. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 556 older adults (> or =65 years of age) who were discharged from physical therapy during the period 2000 to 2003. METHODS: A survey was developed to determine participation in a HEP. Univariate logistic regressions identified specific barriers and motivators that were associated with exercise participation following discharge from physical therapy. RESULTS: Ninety percent of respondents reported receiving a HEP; 37% no longer performed it. Change in health status was the primary reason for poor adherence to a HEP. Eight barriers (no interest, poor health, weather, depression, weakness, fear of falling, shortness of breath, and low outcomes expectation) were associated with a lack of postdischarge participation in exercise. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Exercise adherence following discharge from a physical therapy program is poor among older adults. Barriers, not motivators, appear to predict adherence.     

Healthy eating and physical activity among new graduate nurses: A qualitative study of barriers and enablers during their first year of clinical practice

BackgroundNew graduate nurses entering the workforce experience numerous barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including shift work, the high cost of healthy foods at the workplace and high levels of exhaustion which reduce motivation to participate in regular physical activity. Research has documented unhealthy lifestyles among nurses across the profession. However, few studies focus on graduates' experiences during their transition into their careers.AimTo investigate the barriers and enablers to healthy eating and participation in physical activity for new graduate nurses during their first year of clinical practice, and to explore attitudes to participation in workplace health promotion programs.MethodsSemi-structured interviews informed by the socioecological model were conducted with 24 new graduate nurses and analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsFour key themes emerged as barriers to healthy eating and physical activity: time, shift work, work environment, and work culture. Participants indicated a high interest in workplace health promotion programs.DiscussionLimited time and shift work impact on the eating and physical activity behaviours of new graduate nurses which leads to unhealthy snacking to maintain energy, as does high levels of exhaustion, reduced motivation to eat healthy foods, and decreased participation in physical activity. The work culture and environment also influence eating behaviours. Inadequate breaks lead to consumption of foods that are quick to eat but often low in nutrients.ConclusionNew graduate nurses experience the same difficulties in maintaining healthy lifestyles as more experienced nurses. Understanding the barriers which influence their dietary and physical activity behaviours can help inform strategies to improve the health of nurses at a critical time when they enter the nursing workforce.     

Initial development of a questionnaire evaluating perceived benefits and barriers to pediatric clinical trials participation

ObjectiveTo evaluate perceived benefits and barriers to pediatric clinical trials participation to improve decision-making and enhance recruitment and retention among minority youth with chronic health conditions (sickle cell disease, asthma) and their caregivers.MethodsA questionnaire was developed based on the social ecological model using input from medical experts and community-based public health organizations. Parallel caregiver, adolescent/young adult (AYA; 16–39 years old), and child (8–15 years old) versions were field tested. Patients and caregivers completed the questionnaire, which included demographic items, perceived life stress and social desirability measures.ResultsExploratory factor analysis rendered a four-factor solution for the caregiver version (direct treatment benefit, mistrust of research/researchers, trust in healthcare team to engage in safe research, and opportunity cost) and the AYA version (mistrust/no direct benefit, safety, direct treatment benefit/practical considerations, and social support for research). Factor structures differed for SCD and asthma caregivers; results were equivocal for the child version. Summated subscales were not significantly associated with patient demographics or social desirability, but significant correlations with perceived life stress and prior participation in research were identified.ConclusionsWhile the factor structure should be confirmed with larger samples, findings indicate potential benefit, perceived harm due to mistrust of researchers, and logistics are primary factors in decision-making about participation in pediatric clinical trials. By addressing these benefits/barriers through adjustments to recruitment and informed consent procedures, researchers may address misperceptions of research, improve decision-making, and increase recruitment and retention particularly for ethnic minority children with chronic health conditions.     

A qualitative exploration of barriers and motivators to physical activity participation in women treated for breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among women after breast cancer is an important priority for public health and rehabilitation science. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the factors influencing their ability to maintain a self-directed physical activity program. Method: Nine women participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were coded into perceived barriers and motivators to maintenance of physical activity using thematic analysis. Results: Women identified a range of physical (e.g. cancer-related physical symptoms), environmental/organizational (e.g. bad weather, lack of equipment/facilities, lack of knowledge, time constraints) and psychosocial (e.g. lack of motivation, low social support, low confidence/skill) barriers. They also identified perceived physical (e.g. weight management, health improvement or maintenance, increase energy) and psychosocial (e.g. improve body image, experience enjoyment, social support, positive emotions) motivators. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with research on barriers and motivators to physical activity initiation, and can be used to develop self-directed physical activity programs that target active breast cancer survivors to sustain regular engagement. Furthermore, the barriers and motivators identified represent key variables for further investigation.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• The present study identifies a number of perceived physical, psychosocial and organizational/environmental barriers to naturally occurring physical activity participation among active breast cancer survivors that should be addressed to ensure they maintain a physically active lifestyle

• This study also provides evidence that comprehensive approaches that address physical and psychosocial motivators to physical activity should be developed to assist women with a history of breast cancer maintain their physical activity levels

     

Adherence to iron supplementation amongst pregnant mothers in Surabaya,Indonesia: Perceived benefits,barriers and family support

BackgroundAnaemia during pregnancy is a major nutritional problem that can cause preterm delivery and low birth weight. Adherence to iron supplementation can prevent anaemia during pregnancy. However, adherence to iron supplementation remains a problem in many countries.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the correlations of the perceived benefits and perceived barriers of and family support for iron supplementation with adherence to this practice amongst pregnant woman in Surabaya, Indonesia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 102 pregnant women who attended check-ups at the Puskesmas and received iron supplementation. Data were collected using questionnaires.ResultsPerceived benefits (r = 0.334, P = 0.001), perceived barriers (r = −0.294, P = 0.003) and family support (r = 0.263, P = 0.008) were noted to be correlated with adherence to iron supplementation amongst pregnant woman in Surabaya, Indonesia.ConclusionPerceived benefits, perceived barriers and family support are related to adherence to iron supplementation; thus, developing good perceptions and family support should be properly promoted.     

Screening for cervical cancer among Israeli lesbian women

Background:  The proportion of lesbian women who contract the human papilloma virus may reach 13% or even 21%; however, lesbian women were found to receive Pap smear tests less often or less regularly.
Aim:  To explore factors influencing lesbian women to undergo Pap smear tests and to determine whether the Health Belief Model (HBM) is able to predict whether lesbian women would be willing to undergo the test.
Method:  This is a correlational quantitative study guided by the HBM. A convenience sample of 108 Israeli lesbian women was recruited from local events in the lesbian community in the city of Tel Aviv, Israel. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.
Findings:  Findings indicate that only 22.2% of the women had undergone Pap smear tests in the past, but a slightly higher proportion, 30.8%, intended to be tested during the next year. Older women were found to be more compliant with the test. Model-based factors affecting actual testing were perceived benefits and barriers. Factors affecting women's intention to be tested were perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and general health motivation.
Conclusions:  Effective strategies for nurses promoting cervical cancer screening among lesbians should address ways to improve familiarity with Pap smear tests, raise physicians' awareness of offering the test to lesbians and emphasize the importance of women-based medical teams.     

Participating in an exercise group after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is perceived to influence psychosocial factors and successful recovery: a focus group qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore the patients’ experiences of participating in an exercise group following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).DesignHermaneutic phenomenological qualitative study of two focus groups.SettingOutpatient care, private rehabilitation centre.ParticipantsNine adults who had participated in an exercise group led by a physiotherapist following ACLR.ResultsThree major themes emerged from the data: psychosocial factors, physical outcomes and identity of the exercise group. The most significant perception of engaging in an exercise group following ACLR was its influence on psychosocial factors, especially motivation, self-confidence and social support. The group influenced the participants’ motivation, enjoyment and commitment to exercise during their rehabilitation. Social support, self-confidence and reassurance were mostly gained. The participants taking part in sport experienced the ACLR group as a substitute for sport trainings. The group was perceived to help enhance speed of recovery and facilitate the return to normal life, especially for participants with lower reported motivation and adherence to home-exercises. The authors interpreted that the subjective physical outcomes’ improvements described by all the participants was potentially an increased level of self-efficacy.The challenging role of the physiotherapist was highlighted as well as the promotion of shared accountability between patients and the group’s leader. The exercise group’s identity was questioned within the rehabilitation process, and the need for more knowledge of its existence in order to promote exercise group therapy was suggested.ConclusionParticipating in an exercise group therapy influences psychosocial factors such as motivation, self-confidence, social support, potentially self-efficacy and helps enhance a faster successful recovery following ACLR. Our findings indicate that participants with a lower reported adherence to home-exercises may especially benefit from it.     

Colorectal cancer screening behaviour and associated factors among Chinese aged 50 and above in Hong Kong – A population-based survey

PurposeThis study reports the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening among Chinese people aged 50 or above and the identified factors associated with the likelihood of undergoing such screening.MethodsA cross-sectional population-based telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong during the period 2 to 28 May 2007. The survey covered demographics, perceived health status and susceptibility to cancer, utilisation of complementary medicine, family history of cancer and cancer screening behaviour.ResultsThe survey was completed by 2004 Hong Kong Chinese residents aged 50 or older (response rate = 66.6%). The uptake rate of a fecal occult blood test and a colonoscopy was 12% and 19% respectively. Factors associated with colorectal cancer screening behaviour included: male participants, ex-smokers, with cancer or other serious disease, a family history of cancer, perceived health status fair or poor, regular visits to a doctor to look after health, and utilisation of complementary medicine.ConclusionsThe uptake rate of this study population was low though an increasing trend did appear. Heath education and promotion programmes may focus on these identified factors to facilitate colorectal cancer screening in a Chinese population.