672 research outputs found
Methodological Triangulation: An Approach to Understanding Data
Aim: To (describe the use of methodological triangulation in a study of how people who had moved to retirement communities were adjusting.
Background: Methodological triangulation involves using more than one kind of method to study a phenomenon. It has been found to be beneficial in providing confirmation of findings, more comprehensive data, increased validity and enhanced understanding of studied phenomena. While many researchers have used this well-established technique, there are few published examples of its use.
Data sources: The authors used methodological triangulation in their study of people who had moved to retirement communities in Ohio, US.
Review methods A blended qualitative and quantitative approach was used.
Discussion The collected qualitative data, complemented and clarified the quantitative findings, by helping to Identify common themes. Qualitative data also helped in understanding interventions for promoting \u27pulling\u27 factors and for overcoming \u27pushing\u27 factors of participants. The authors used focused research questions to reflect the research\u27s purpose and four evaluative criteria - \u27truth value\u27, \u27applicability\u27, \u27consistency\u27 and \u27neutrality\u27 â to ensure rigour.
Conclusion: This paper provides an example of how methodological triangulation can be used in nursing research. It identifies challenges associated with methodological triangulation, recommends strategies
for overcoming them, provides a rationale for using triangulation and explains how to maintain rigour.
Implications for research/practice: Methodological triangulation can be used to enhance the analysis and the interpretation of findings. As data are drawn from multiple sources, it broadens the researcher\u27s insight into the different issues underlying the phenomena being studied
The Effect of a Resourcefulness Training Intervention on Relocation Adjustment and Adaptive Functioning among Older Adults in Retirement Communities
The population of older adults is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach 83.7 million by the year 2050. Previous research demonstrates that greater resourcefulness is associated with better quality of life and life satisfaction. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a resourcefulness training intervention on positive cognitions, resourcefulness, relocation adjustment, and adaptive functioning among older adults who have relocated to retirement communities. Resourcefulness theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Forty older adults who relocated to three retirement communities in Milwaukee, WI were randomly assigned to either a diversional activity group or to a resourcefulness training (RT) intervention group. Two older adults dropped out of the study (one from the diversional activity group and one from the RT group), leaving 38 elders. The results of the study indicated that there were slight increases (a trend) in the mean of positive cognitions, relocation adjustment, adaptive functioning, and personal resourcefulness in the expected direction for the RT intervention group as compared to the diversional group. Recommendations for future research include the use of larger and more diverse samples over a longer periods of time (6 weeks and 12 weeks post-intervention) as well as the use of cut scores on the resourcefulness scale so that the RT training intervention is taught to those who need it
Loneliness: A Concept Analysis
TOPIC. Loneliness is a universal human experience recognized since the dawn of time, yet it is unique for every individual. Loneliness can lead to both depression and low selfâesteem.
PURPOSE. This article explicates the concept of loneliness through the examination of its conceptual definition and uses, defining attributes, related concepts, and empirical referents.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Literature review using hand search and database were used as sources of information.
CONCLUSION. Because loneliness is commonly encountered in nursing situations, the information provided will serve as a framework for assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of clients
Comprehensive evaluation of interventions: eight vital parameters
Background It is critically important to determine the effectiveness of an intervention before it can be translated into clinical practice. However, the future implementation and sustainability of the intervention may be diminished if other intervention parameters are not assessed. This requires obtaining feedback from intervention recipients so interventions will be perceived as appealing, relevant, meaningful and beneficial to them; otherwise recipients may be unlikely to perform them over time, resulting in unsuccessful health outcomes.
Aim To propose the addition of two intervention parameters to the existing six-parameter model and provide examples from recent research of how each parameter can be tested.
Discussion Definitions of the eight parameters are provided and methods for analysing each of them explained. While some studies show necessity, fidelity and cost have unique distinguishing characteristics, other studies indicate feasibility, acceptability and safety have common features, and efficacy and effectiveness are closely associated.
Conclusion Researchers frequently examine one or two parameters, but few simultaneously apply the six-parameter model. This model is also missing two vital parameters â efficacy and cost.
Implications for practice Comprehensive and systematic evaluation of all eight intervention parameters is recommended before researchers begin randomised controlled trials and translate them into practice
Relationships Among Perceived Burden, Depressive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Quality of Life in Female Relatives of Seriously Mentally Ill Adults
Providing care and support to a seriously mentally ill (SMI) family member can have deleterious effects on one\u27s health and quality of life. This study explored relationships among perceived burden, depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and quality of life in 60 African-American and Caucasian women family members of SMI adults. Caucasians reported greater burden than African-Americans; the groups were similar in depressive cognitions, resourcefulness, and quality of life. In Caucasians and African-Americans, burden correlated with depressive cognitions and both correlated with poorer mental health. In African-Americans, burden also correlated with lower personal resourcefulness and both correlated with poorer mental health. The findings suggest a mediating role by depressive cognitions for both groups and by resourcefulness in African-Americans. Thus, both groups of women may benefit from positive thinking while African-Americans also may benefit from learning personal resourcefulness skills
Psychometric Evaluation of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in Adults with Functional Limitations
Enjoyment is an important construct for understanding physical activity participation, and it has not been examined in adults with functional limitations. This secondary analysis reported the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in a convenience sample of 40 adults with functional limitations. The participants completed the PACES, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) prior to beginning a 12-week feasibility dance intervention study. Results indicated reliability as Cronbach\u27s alpha was .95 and mean inter-item correlation was .52. To further support reliability, homogeneity of the instrument was evaluated using item-to-total scale correlations. Homogeneity was supported as all items had corrected item-to-total correlations greater than .30. For validity, the PACES was significantly related to only the Physical Function component of the LLFDI (r = .38, p = .02), but not the CES-D. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 3-factor structure that accounted for 73.76% of the variance. This feasibility intervention dance study represented the first attempt to examine the psychometric properties of the PACES in adults with functional limitations. The findings demonstrate support for the scale\u27s reliability and validity among adults with functional limitations. Results are informative as further psychometric testing of the PACES is recommended using randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes. Enjoyment for physical activity is an important construct for understanding physical activity participation in adults with functional limitations
Happiness: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations
TOPIC. Although happiness is important in maintaining health, few studies of happiness can be found in the nursing literature.
PURPOSE. This paper explicates the concept of happiness through examination of its defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and measurement.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Literature review using hand search, and databases were used as sources of information.
CONCLUSION. The information provided can be used in clinical practice so that nursing strategies can be developed and tested to help people to become happy and healthy
Is TGF-β playing a role in ectopic neuromuscular junction formation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans?
The neuromuscular junction (nmj) is a commonly studied synapse, used often to investigate reciprocal signaling between a motor neuron and the appropriate target muscle. In Caenorhabditis elegans, ectopic nmjs can be created by eliminating selected embryonic muscle cells that act as guideposts for the migration of post-embryonic muscles. The ectopic muscles are required to induce sprouting from DD motor neurons, indicating the presence of a muscle derived signaling molecule that interacts with the neurons. A TGF-β homolog, unc-129, is reported to be transiently expressed in the dorsal body wall muscles. The timing of the expression of TGF-β coincides with the time that the DD motor neurons respecify their synapses. In this study, we show that TGF-β is expressed by the ectopic muscle and that in unc-129 mutant animals, the ectopic muscle is unable to induce sprouting from the DD motor neurons. Therefore, we conclude that TGF-β is necessary for ectopic nmj formation in C.elegans
Location of Violent Crime Relative to Trauma Resources in Detroit: Implications for Community Interventions
Introduction: Detroit, Michigan, is among the leading United States cities for per-capita homicide and violent crime. Hospital- and community-based intervention programs could decrease the rate of violent-crime related injury but require a detailed understanding of the locations of violence in the community to be most effective.Methods: We performed a retrospective geospatial analysis of all violent crimes reported within the city of Detroit from 2009-2015 comparing locations of crimes to locations of major hospitals. We calculated distances between violent crimes and trauma centers, and applied summary spatial statistics.Results: Approximately 1.1 million crimes occurred in Detroit during the study period, including approximately 200,000 violent crimes. The distance between the majority of violent crimes and hospitals was less than five kilometers (3.1 miles). Among violent crimes, the closest hospital was an outlying Level II trauma center 60% of the time.Conclusion: Violent crimes in Detroit occur throughout the city, often closest to a Level II trauma center. Understanding geospatial components of violence relative to trauma center resources is important for effective implementation of hospital- and community-based interventions and targeted allocation of resources.
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