http://hdl.handle.net/10397/1326 Search the Channel search http://repository.lib.polyu.edu.hk/jspui/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/10397/5619 Title: A controlled trial of a needs-based, nurse-led psychoeducation programme for Chinese patients with first-onset mental disorders: 6 month follow up<br/><br/>Authors: Chien, Wai-Tong; Leung, Sau-fong<br/><br/>Abstract: The study reported herein a randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of a nurse-led, needs-based psycho-education program for Chinese patients with first-onset mental illness over a 6-month follow-up. Ninety-six families of Chinese patients with schizophrenia newly referred to one outpatient clinic in Hong Kong were randomly assigned to a nurse-led psycho-education program or usual outpatient care, each comprising 48 subjects. The patients’ mental health, illness insight, self-efficacy, services utilization, and hospitalization rates were measured at recruitment and at one week and six months post-intervention. The patients in the psycho-education program reported significantly greater improvements in mental health, insights into treatment and illness, and hospitalization rates over the 6-month follow-up, when compared with those who received usual care. The findings provide evidence that the needs-based, nurse-led psycho-education program can improve the health conditions and treatment insights of Chinese out-patients with first-onset mental illness.<br/><br/>Description: DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12015 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10397/5609 Title: Recent advances in noninvasive glucose monitoring<br/><br/>Authors: So, C. F.; Choi, Kup-Sze; Wong, Thomas K. S.; Chung, Joanne<br/><br/>Abstract: The race for the next generation of painless and reliable glucose monitoring for diabetes mellitus is on. As technology advances, both diagnostic techniques and equipment improve. This review describes the main technologies currently being explored for noninvasive glucose monitoring. The principle of each technology is mentioned; its advantages and limitations are then discussed. The general description and the corresponding results for each device are illustrated, as well as the current status of the device and the manufacturer; internet references for the devices are listed where appropriate. Ten technologies and eleven potential devices are included in this review. Near infrared spectroscopy has become a promising technology, among others, for blood glucose monitoring. Although some reviews have been published already, the rapid development of technologies and information makes constant updating mandatory. While advances have been made, the reliability and the calibration of noninvasive instruments could still be improved, and more studies carried out under different physiological conditions of metabolism, bodily fluid circulation, and blood components are needed.<br/><br/>Description: DOI: 10.2147/MDER.S28134 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10397/5482 Title: A quasi-experimental intervention to improve self-efficacy for eating and exercise weight management: short-term effects<br/><br/>Authors: Lee, Regina Lai-tong; Loke Yuen, Alice<br/><br/>Abstract: Aims: To determine the effects of a nutrition and exercise weight management program supported by social cognitive theory on self-efficacy, body mass index and psychosocial functioning in adolescents aged 10-13 years (n=119).; Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention to improve self-efficacy for eating and exercise weight management for 59 overweight adolescents aged 10-12 years who participated in a 6-month weight-control self-efficacy programme. The control group consisted of 60 overweight adolescents. The changes in BMI, lifestyles and psychosocial functioning through self-efficacy beliefs, were assessed using the chi-squared and t-test.; Results: Weight loss at 6 months was 0.05 kilograms of baseline body weight, and self-efficacy scores increased in the range of 0.58 to 0.75 among adolescents in the intervention group, while for those in the control group, self-efficacy scores decreased by -0.15 to -1.03. Self-esteem was one of the psychosocial factors that caused the overweight and obese adolescents to eat appropriately and intend to exercise regularly. Thus, this intervention had the most significant impact on adolescents’ self-esteem (t=3.2, p=0.002) using the paired t-test between the pre- and post-tests.; Conclusions: Findings were consistent with the social cognitive theory, namely that improvement in self-efficacy over time supports greater weight loss. Adherence to exercise and appropriate eating can benefit weight-loss outcomes because individuals’ cognitive capability and belief in the intervention are taken into consideration by engaging them in pre-set actions and health outcomes.<br/><br/>Description: DOI: 10.4172/2161-0509.1000121 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10397/5225 Title: Children and adolescents living with atopic eczema: an interpretive phenomenological study with Chinese mothers<br/><br/>Authors: Cheung, Winnie K. H.; Lee, Regina Lai-tong<br/><br/>Abstract: Aim. This article is a report on a phenomenological study of Chinese mothers’ experiences of caring for their children who were living with atopic eczema.; Background. A mother’s attitude and personality may have a direct influence on her child’s adherence to treatment for atopic eczema. Thus, good communication between healthcare professionals and the mother is essential. Treatment and care should also be culturally appropriate.; Methods. Using an interpretive phenomenological method, 14 interviews were conducted in Hong Kong, China from September 2007 to August 2008, with nine mothers caring for their children who were living with atopic eczema. Crist and Tanner’s circular process of hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology was chosen to guide the data analysis.; Findings. Mothers’ coping patterns involved persistently dealing with enduring demands and seeking alternative therapies that were aimed at curing the disease. Four themes finally emerged from the data: (1) dealing with extra mothering, (2) giving up their life, (3) becoming an expert and (4) living with blame and worry. Mothers’ coping patterns involved persistently finding ways to relieve their children’s suffering with the aim of curing the disease and dealing with their own emotions related to the frustration resulting from giving up their life and living with blame and worry.; Conclusion. The study findings provide nurses with an empathic insight into mothers’ feelings and the enduring demands of caring for children with atopic eczema, and help nurses to develop culturally sensitive interventions, reinforce positive coping strategies, increase family function and improve health outcomes.<br/><br/>Description: DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05915.x Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT