Physical Activity, Blood Glucose and C-Peptide in Healthy School-Children, a Longitudinal Study

Aim To further elucidate the relationship between physical activity and several risk factors for development of diabetes (glucose, C-peptide and obesity) over time. Methods A prospective longitudinal study where physical activity was measured on 199 children from Kalmar and Linköping at age 8, and the same 107 children from Linköping again at age 12. Anthropometric data was collected and blood was analyzed for C-peptide and f-glucose. The children in the study were representative for the general Swedish child population, and on an average lean. Results High physical activity was related to lower C-peptide at age 8 and 12. This correlation was especially pronounced in boys, who also were more physically active than girls at both time points. The association seen at 8 years of age was similar at age 12 in most children. Children with higher BMI Z-Score had a higher fasting C-peptide (age 12) but linear regression showed that children with more steps per day were less likely to have a higher fasting C-peptide irrespective of BMI. Longitudinal follow-up showed that a decrease in physical activity increased insulin resistance and β-cell load. Conclusions Already in young children, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the need of C-peptide over time. This seems to become even more pronounced with increasing age when children are followed longitudinally. Low physical activity increases the load on insulin producing β-cells, might increase the risk for both type 1- and 2 diabetes.

Comparing children's self-report instruments for health-related quality of life using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY)

Children with chronic conditions often experience a long treatment which can be complex and negatively impacts the child's well-being. In planning treatment and interventions for children with chronic conditions, it is important to measure health-related quality of life (HrQoL). HrQoL instruments are considered to be a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) and should be used in routine practice. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the content dimensions of HrQoL instruments for children's self-reports using the framework of ICF-CY. Method: The sample consist of six instruments for health-related quality of life for children 5 to 18 years of age, which was used in the Swedish national quality registries for children and adolescents with chronic conditions. The following instruments were included: CHQ-CF, DCGM-37, EQ-5D-Y, KIDSCREEN-52, Kid-KINDL and PedsQL 4.0. The framework of the ICF-CY was used as the basis for the comparison. Results: There were 290 meaningful concepts identified and linked to 88 categories in the classification ICF-CY with 29 categories of the component body functions, 48 categories of the component activities and participation and 11 categories of the component environmental factors. No concept were linked to the component body structures. The comparison revealed that the items in the HrQoL instruments corresponded primarily with the domains of activities and less with environmental factors. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results confirm that ICF-CY provide a good framework for content comparisons that evaluate similarities and differences to ICF-CY categories. The results of this study revealed the need for greater consensus of content across different HrQoL instruments. To obtain a detailed description of children's HrQoL, DCGM-37 and KIDSCREEN-52 may be appropriate instruments to use that can increase the understanding of young patients' needs.

Women's experiences of how their recovery process is promoted after a first myocardial infarction : Implications for cardiac rehabilitation care

Background: After a myocardial infarction and discharge from the hospital a recovery process follows for the women. In order to facilitate their recovery, both a preventive and promotive perspective should be taken into consideration. Despite this, today´s healthcare focuses more on prevention and thus research into the promotion of women’s recovery process is needed. Aim: To explore how women’s recovery processes are promoted after a first myocardial infarction Methods: The study had an explorative and descriptive design based on qualitative content analysis. Findings: The women’s recovery process was promoted through using external and internal resources as well as embracing behaviour, social and psychological dimensions. The women embraced these dimensions to a varying extent and this process led to them being able to take in a new perspective on life. Conclusions: The women’s personal recovery is a multidirectional process with a desire to develop and approach a new perspective on life. It is important for cardiac rehabilitation nurses to not only focus on lifestyle changes and social support, but also on working actively with the women’s inner strength in order to promote the personal recovery of the women. Furthermore, it would be interesting to investigate men’s experiences of how their recovery process after a first Myocardial infarction is promoted.

Erfarenheter från lärandeseminarier : Barn som anhöriga: Reflektioner från följeforskning

Under 2015 genomfördes nationella lärandeseminarier för att stärka implementeringen av den lag som ger barn rätt till information, råd och stöd när en förälder plötsligt avlider, är svårt sjuk eller skadad (HSL 2g §). Satsningen var ett förbättringsarbete som omfattade sex landsting som med hjälp av en projektledning träffades vid fyra tillfällen från januari till september. Två av träffarna skedde i Stockholm och två var digitala. Under våren 2015 knöts följeforskning till arbetet med frågeställningar om vilka resultat förbättringsarbetet gav och hur deltagarna upplevde arbetssättet. Syftet var att lyfta fram vad satsningen gav samt att lära inför framtida satsningar – är lärandeseminarier ett användbart arbetssätt för nationella implementeringssatsningar? Rapporten visar att lärandeseminarier tycks vara en användbar form. Teamen kan redovisa att de uppnått många av de mål som de föresatte sig under projekttiden. Det handlade om kartläggning av kunskapsläge och strukturer, kompetensutveckling samt utveckling av rutiner och material. Teamen uppskattade också att få delta i ett nationellt sammanhang som gav inspiration. Samtidigt framkom det önskemål om fortsatt och ännu mer handfast stöd i fortsatt implementering i klinisk verksamhet.

Partner relationship in couples living with atrial fibrillation

The aim of this thesis was to describe and explore how the partner relationship of patient–partner dyads isaffected following cardiac disease and, in particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) in one of the spouses. The thesis is based on four individual studies with different designs: descriptive (I), explorative (II, IV), and cross-sectional (III). Applied methods comprised a systematic review (I) and qualitative (II, IV) and quantitative methods (III). Participants in the studies were couples in which one of the spouses was afflicted with AF. Coherent with a systemic perspective, the research focused on the dyad as the unit of analysis. To identify and describe the current research position and knowledge base, the data for the systematic review were analyzed using an integrative approach. To explore couples’ main concern, interview data (n=12 couples) in study II were analyzed using classical grounded theory. Associations between patients and partners (n=91 couples) where analyzed through the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model using structural equation modelling (III). To explore couples’ illness beliefs, interview data (n=9 couples) in study IV were analyzed using Gadamerian hermeneutics. Study I revealed five themes of how the partner relationship is affected following cardiac disease: overprotection, communication deficiency, sexual concerns, changes in domestic roles, and adjustment to illness. Study II showed that couples living with AF experienced uncertainty as the common main concern, rooted in causation of AF and apprehension about AF episodes. The theory of Managing Uncertainty revealed the strategies of explicit sharing (mutual collaboration and finding resemblance) and implicit sharing (keeping distance and tacit understanding). Patients and spouses showed significant differences in terms of self-reported physical and mental health where patients rated themselves lower than spouses did (III). Several actor effects were identified, suggesting that emotional distress affects and is associated with perceived health. Patient partner effects and spouse partner effects were observed for vitality, indicating that higher levels of symptoms of depression in patients and spouses were associated with lower vitality in their partners. In study IV, couples’ core and secondary illness beliefs were revealed. From the core illness belief that “the heart is a representation of life,” two secondary illness beliefs were derived: AF is a threat to life, and AF can and must be explained. From the core illness belief that “change is an integral part of life,” two secondary illness beliefs were derived: AF is a disruption in our lives, and AF will not interfere with our lives. Finally, from the core illness belief that “adaptation is fundamental in life,” two secondary illness beliefs were derived: AF entails adjustment in daily life, and AF entails confidence in and adherence to professional care. In conclusion, the thesis result suggests that illness, in terms of cardiac disease and AF, affected and influenced the couple on aspects such as making sense of AF, responding to AF, and mutually incorporating and dealing with AF in their daily lives. In the light of this, the thesis results suggest that clinicians working with persons with AF and their partners should employ a systemic view with consideration of couple’s reciprocity and interdependence, but also have knowledge regarding AF, in terms of pathophysiology, the nature of AF (i.e., cause, consequences, and trajectory), and treatments. A possible approach to achieve this is a clinical utilization of an FSN based framework, such as the FamHC. Even if a formalized FSN framework is not utilized, partners should not be neglected but, rather, be considered a resource and be a part of clinical caring activities. This could be met by inviting partners to take part in rounds, treatment decisions, discharge calls or follow-up visits or other clinical caring activities. Likewise, interventional studies should include the couple as a unit of analysis as well as the target of interventions.

Factors facilitating a national quality registry to aid clinical quality improvement : findings of a national survey

Objectives: While national quality registries (NQRs) are suggested to provide opportunities for systematic follow-up and learning opportunities, and thus clinical improvements, features in registries and contexts triggering such processes are not fully known. This study focuses on one of the world's largest stroke registries, the Swedish NQR Riksstroke, investigating what aspects of the registry and healthcare organisations facilitate or hinder the use of registry data in clinical quality improvement. Methods: Following particular qualitative studies, we performed a quantitative survey in an exploratory sequential design. The survey, including 50 items on context, processes and the registry, was sent to managers, physicians and nurses engaged in Riksstroke in all 72 Swedish stroke units. Altogether, 242 individuals were presented with the survey; 163 responded, representing all but two units. Data were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression. Results: A majority (88%) considered Riksstroke data to facilitate detection of stroke care improvement needs and acknowledged that their data motivated quality improvements (78%). The use of Riksstroke for quality improvement initiatives was associated (R2=0.76) with ‘Colleagues’ call for local results’ (p=<0.001), ‘Management Request of Registry data’ (p=<0.001), and it was said to be ‘Simple to explain the results to colleagues’ (p=0.02). Using stepwise regression, ‘Colleagues’ call for local results’ was identified as the most influential factor. Yet, while 73% reported that managers request registry data, only 39% reported that their colleagues call for the unit's Riksstroke results. Conclusions: While an NQR like Riksstroke demonstrates improvement needs and motivates stakeholders to make progress, local stroke care staff and managers need to engage to keep the momentum going in terms of applying registry data when planning, performing and evaluating quality initiatives.

Äldre invandrares från före detta Jugoslaviens förväntningar i mötet med sjuksköterskor i Sverige : -En kvalitativ intervjustudie

Dagens samhälle blir allt mer mångkulturellt. Det ställer högre krav på både omvårdnaden och sjuksköterskan. Sjuksköterskans eventuella brist på kompetens om kulturskillnader kan skapa kulturkrockar, missförstånd och felaktig omvårdnad. Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka förväntningar äldre invandrare från förre detta Jugoslavien har i möten med sjuksköterskan i Sverige samt hur sjuksköterskans kompetens kan skiljas från undersköterskor, sjukgymnaster och arbetsterapeuter. Metod: Studien är kvalitativ med en induktiv ansats och baseras på sex intervjuer med äldre invandrare som ursprungligen kom från fd. Jugoslavien. Personlig kontakt togs med informanterna om deltagande i undersökningen genom serbiska/bosniska/kroatiska/makedoniska. Författaren informerade om studien och att de som ville delta kontaktade författaren. Insamlat material analyserades systematiskt med innehållsanalys. Resultat: Det som framkom att de äldre invandrarna förväntade sig i mötet med sjuksköterskan presenteras i följande fem kategorier; Att få bekräftelse för uttalade behov; Empatisk kontakt; Kommunikation och dialog i mötet; Respekt för sina värderingar och syn på hälsa och Trygghet. Slutsatsen: omvårdnad av äldre patienter med en annan kulturell bakgrund kräver båda kulturell kompetens och professionellt förhållningssätt. Sjuksköterskan behöver kunna identifiera patientens vårdbehov och i detta fallet även övergå de språkliga barriärer och nå patienten och förstå deras behov.

Changes in the prevalence of breast feeding in preterm infants discharged from neonatal units : a register study over 10 years

Objective: There are indications that the prevalence of exclusively breastfed preterm infants is decreasing in Sweden. The objective was to investigate trends in exclusive breast feeding at discharge from Swedish neonatal units and associated factors in preterm infants. Design, setting and participants: This is a register study with data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register. Data from 29 445 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) <37 weeks) who were born during the period 2004–2013 were retrieved. Data included maternal, perinatal and neonatal characteristics. Data were analysed for the whole population as well as for 3 GA groups. Results: From 2004 to 2013, the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding decreased, in extremely preterm (GA 22–27 weeks) from 55% to 16%, in very preterm (GA 28–31 weeks) from 41% to 34% and in moderately preterm infants (GA 32–36 weeks) from 64% to 49%. The decline was statistically significant (p<0.001) in all 3 GA groups. This decline remained significant when adjustments were made for factors negatively associated with exclusive breast feeding and which became more prevalent during the study period, that is, small for GA (all groups) and maternal mental illness (very preterm and moderately preterm infants). Conclusions: In the past 10 years, Sweden has experienced a lower rate of exclusive breast feeding in preterm infants, especially in extremely preterm infants. The factors analysed in this study explain only a small proportion of this decline. The decline in exclusive breast feeding at discharge from neonatal units raises concern and present challenges to the units to support and promote breast feeding.

New graduate nurses' developmental trajectories for capability beliefs concerning core competencies for healthcare professionals : A national cohort study on patient-centered care, teamwork and evidence-based practice.

Background: This study aimed to describe the developmental trajectories of registered nurses' capability beliefs during their first 3 years of practice. The focus was on three core competencies for health professionals-patient-centered care, teamwork, and evidence-based practice. Methods: A national cohort of registered nurses (n = 1,205) was recruited during their nursing education and subsequently surveyed yearly during the first 3 years of working life. The survey included 16 items on capability beliefs divided into three subscales for the assessment of patient-centered care, teamwork, and evidence-based practice, and the data were analyzed with linear latent growth modeling. Results: The nurses' capability beliefs for patient-centered care increased over the three first years of working life, their capability beliefs for evidence-based practice were stable over the 3 years, and their capability beliefs for teamwork showed a downward trend. Linking evidence to action: Through collaboration between nursing education and clinical practice, the transition to work life could be supported and competence development in newly graduated nurses could be enhanced to help them master the core competencies. Future research should focus on determining which factors impact the development of capability beliefs in new nurses and how these factors can be developed by testing interventions.

Anhöriga äldre angår alla!

Anhörigomsorg är del av en komplex väv med olika nivåer, individuella, familjemässiga och övergripande samhälleliga, där åtminstone de senare har begränsade resurser. Denna rapport presenterar och diskuterar kunskapsläget inom svensk och internationell forskning om anhöriga till äldre. Vi sätter den svenska anhörigomsorgen i ett större sammanhang genom resonemang om demografiska förutsättningar, historiska tillbakablickar och internationella utblickar. Nutid belyses med aktuella undersökningar och vi tror att framtiden kan klaras tack vare den allt större överlappning vi redan ser mellan många olika former av hjälp, service, omsorg och vård. Vi ställer frågan om dessa mönster kanske förbises i de ofta dystra, rent demografisk-ekonomiska framskrivningarna. Rapporten redovisar många svenska undersökningar av anhörigomsorg, både i befolkningen i stort och bland äldre. Det förefaller klart att det skett en faktisk ökning av anhörigomsorgens omfattning från 1990-talet och början av 2000- talet, något som flera studier visar. Resultat från en europeisk undersökning med gemensamma frågor och svarsalternativ tyder på att anhörigomsorg är vanligare i Nordeuropa än i Sydeuropa vilket nog strider mot gängse föreställningar. Kanske är det i Norden vanligare att vara hjälpgivare men inte med lika omfattande engagemang eller lika länge och man bor sällan tillsammans. Då fördelas nog omsorgen på fler händer. I Sverige angav mindre än 1 procent att de gav omsorg på heltid, i Spanien 5 procent. Sammantaget har, i Sverige liksom i övriga Europa, mer än 4 av 10 i befolkningen en aktuell eller tidigare personlig erfarenhet av att ge omsorg, och på befolkningsnivå är anhörigomsorgen klart större än den offentliga. De flesta svenska studier visar att det är ungefär lika vanligt bland kvinnor och män att vara givare av anhörigomsorg. Kvinnor ger dock oftare personlig omvårdnad och de ger fler timmar omsorg än männen. De flesta omsorgsgivare ger ganska få hjälptimmar, men timinsatserna ökar med stigande ålder och är högst bland de äldsta. I genomsnitt ger omkring 30 procent av omsorgsgivarna daglig hjälp, men den andelen stiger till nästan 40 procent för anhörigvårdare i 65–80 årsåldern och till 80 procent för dem som är ännu äldre. Äldre utgör således 30 procent av alla som ger omsorg, oftast till andra äldre, men utför ungefär 4 av 10 omsorgstimmar. Äldre personer är inte bara mottagare av omsorg utan minst lika ofta också givare. De flesta givare av anhörigomsorg ger ”lättare” former av insatser (skjutsning, passning, tillsyn etc.), insatser som många gånger säkerligen är viktiga och kan vara avgörande för mottagaren. Det är viktigt att se det stora spektret av anhörigomsorg och att det också finns grupper av anhöriga (ofta äldre personer) som gör omfattande insatser som kan påverka såväl egen hälsa som arbetsliv. Vid små hjälpbehov – fallet för de flesta – får man lite hjälp främst av anhöriga, vid större behov mer hjälp och då av både anhöriga och av kommunen. Delat ansvar är vanligt och även vad omsorgsgivare och mottagare önskar. Få önskar bära ansvaret ensamma och få önskar att ansvaret helt ligger på det offentliga. Historiskt utgör barn och andra anhöriga en viss trygghet på ålderdomen, något som inte tillhör det förflutna, utan snarare kommer att få större betydelse framöver. Anledningen är demografisk: allt fler har nära anhöriga i form av en egen familj. Familjens relativa betydelse har ökat, inte minskat som man ibland föreställer sig. Detta accentueras av att den offentliga omsorgen visserligen är väl utbyggd i Sverige, men tycks ha nått gränsen för vad den kan uträtta, praktiskt och finansiellt. Anhörigomsorgen har även socialpolitiska aspekter. Den som är eller varit anhörigvårdare vill helst inte själv vara mottagare av omfattande anhörigvård, utan hellre få huvuddelen av omsorgen från det offentliga. Man kan nog förutse ännu strängare ransonering av offentliga tjänster i framtiden, där anhöriga och marknadsbaserade tjänster är alternativen, möjligen tillsammans med växande insatser från ideella organisationer.

“Who wants to go repeatedly to the hospital?” : Perceptions and experiences of simplified medical abortion in Rajasthan, India

The aim of this study is to explore women's experiences and perceptions of home use of misoprostol and of the self-assessment of the outcome of early medical abortion in a low-resource setting in India. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women seeking early medical abortion, who administered misoprostol at home and assessed their own outcome of abortion using a low-sensitivity pregnancy test. With home use of misoprostol, women were able to avoid inconvenience of travel, child care, and housework, and maintain confidentiality. The use of a low-sensitivity pregnancy test alleviated women's anxieties about retained products. Majority said they would prefer medical abortion involving a single visit in future. This study provides nuanced understanding of how women manage a simplified medical abortion in the context of low literacy and limited communication facilities. Service delivery guidelines should be revised to allow women to have medical abortion with fewer visits.