The information needs of carers of adults diagnosed with epilepsy.

AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the information needs of informal carers, and how information from health professionals can become more effective for families caring for people with epilepsy. METHODS: A combined methodology was used, comprising an interview study and a survey. Twelve in-depth interviews with carers were carried out. The questionnaire was developed using the interview data, to which 70 carers responded. RESULTS: Four main themes have been drawn from the study. Carers' of people with epilepsy have a need for improved and more appropriate levels of information giving by health professionals in both primary and secondary care. Carers' perceived self-efficacy expectations in seeking information are positive but they do not always feel listened to. Carers' prefer to receive information in a one-to-one setting but also need information from formats other than leaflets. Carers' perceive barriers to having their information needs met, such as their needs being unrecognised in relation to the person with epilepsy.     

Risk indicators for third molar caries and periodontal disease in senior adults.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify risk indicators for the prevalence at enrollment and incidence over 36 months of periodontal pathology and coronal caries experience affecting third molars in a community-based study of people over 65 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from a subsample of 810 dentate subjects from the Piedmont 65+ Study were available for analyses. All visible teeth were examined. Periodontal probing measures were taken at 2 sites, mesiobuccal and buccal/facial. Clinical data on caries experience were collected by visual-tactile examination. At enrollment, 340 subjects had at least 1 visible third molar; all were examined for caries experience. Periodontal probing measures were available for 277 of these same subjects. The significance of the possible risk indicators for periodontal pathology and caries affecting third molars was determined by chi(2) tests. Statistical significance was set at .05. Logistic multivariable models were used to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: African-American subjects were more likely to have visible third molars (P < .01). Caucasian subjects were more likely to have third molar coronal caries experience (P < .01), as were subjects with greater than a high school education and those with a dental visit within 3 years (both P < .01). However, African American subjects were more likely to have periodontal pathology, CALs >/= 3 mm on third molars (P < .01), as were those who used tobacco (P < .01). None of the other risk indicators we studied were associated with progression of periodontal pathology or coronal caries experience on visible third molars. CONCLUSION: In this population study of senior adults, Caucasians and African Americans appear to have different levels of risk for caries experience and periodontal pathology affecting retained third molars.     

Improving recovery following cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial*

To enhance individual and family health during recovery from heart surgery, this study employed nursing interventions based on self-efficacy and family stress theory during the hospitalization period and for 3 months thereafter. The effectiveness of the interventions were assessed through a randomized trial in which 67 prospective bypass and valve surgery patients, aged 30-77 years, and their spouses, were allocated either the experimental interventions or usual care and followed for 6 months. At 3 months post-surgery, the only statistically significant differences between the experimentals and controls were on perceived self-efficacy for lifting and tolerating emotional distress. At 6 months no significant differences were found on individual or family measures. Analyses revealed that age, gender and preoperative cardiac status significantly affected individual recovery. The study is continuing with a larger sample in order to explicate the recovery process and to better determine whether a low intensity nursing intervention can effect changes in individual and family recovery.     

A life course approach to women's health.: Diana Kuh, Rebecca Hardy (eds). (435 pages, {pound}37.50.) Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 0-19-263289-2.

If I had not been asked to read this book, I would not havepicked it off the shelf, despite my interest in women’shealth. The two reasons for this were the cover and the title.I’m ashamed to admit that ‘A Life