State of the Science: Salivary Biomarker Utilization for Stress Research

The use of salivary biomarkers for stress research is increasing based on the convenience of collection, affordability and scientific merit. This short review provides an overview of the state of the science of salivary biomarkers utilized in research related to stress. Methods: An integrative review was conducted. Results: The trend of utilizing salivary biomarkers in stress research was reviewed, specifically, focusing on the use of endocrine and inflammatory biomarkers incorporated in previous stress research. Then, a review of sampling procedures for salivary biomarkers and the analytic methods is provided. Finally, a discussion on the strengths and areas for improvement in the use of salivary biomarkers in stress research is included. Conclusion: Salivary biomarkers as an alternative to blood biomarkers are increasingly being recognized as a legitimate source for analyzing the stress response in humans

Jeanne Salyer interview

Oral history interview documenting the history of women in Chattanooga conducted as part of the work of the City of Chattanooga's Mayor's Council for Women History Committee, which was established in 2015 to create positive change to advance the status of women and their families in the city and throughout the region

Self and Family Management in Type 2 Diabetes: Influencing Factors and Outcomes

Type 2 diabetes impacts over 30 million Americans and that number is increasing. Fundamental to optimal Type 2 diabetes control and improved health outcomes consists is effective self-management. There are several factors that promote and inhibit sustained and effective self-management. The established and evidence-based self and family management framework is proposed here as a solution for guiding research and practice to improve self-management and outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Variables and Predictors

Guided by the Self and Family-Management framework, relationships between diabetes distress, self-efficacy, resilience and outcomes of A1c, quality of life and health status were explored. A cross sectional descriptive design was used. 78 individuals were enrolled from US clinics. Data were analyzed to test for associations, main effects and interactions and predictors of self-management. Results indicated low diabetes distress (M = 20.53), high self-efficacy (M = 7.32), moderate resilience (M = 80.27), and mean A1c 7.35%/56.88 mmol/mol. 76% scored above the mental health norm, 46% scored above the physical health norm. Average weighted quality of life = −1.74. Diabetes distress was negatively associated with self-efficacy, resilience, physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Self-efficacy was positively associated with resilience, physical health and quality of life. Resilience was positively associated with physical health, mental health and quality of life. Positive associations were found between quality of life, physical and mental health. No associations were found between A1c and variables in the study. Multiple significant interactions were found with A1c, mental health and quality of life outcomes. Terms in the model included treatment regimen, years since diagnosis, provider collaboration and history of diabetes self-management education. Distress was a significant predictor of health status and quality of life. The results confirm self-management facilitators self-efficacy and resilience and barrier diabetes distress and their relationships with outcomes in the framework. This study contributes to the understanding of the emotional aspect of diabetes. Continuing this work will allow researchers to better understand self-management, support self-management efforts and better outcomes

Structural Stress and Otherness: How Do They Influence Psychological Stress?

Background: This study represents the initial steps in researching the cultural distress model and explores the cumulative layering of stressors that place the patient at risk for cultural distress, including structural stress and otherness. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational analysis of intersecting identities (Structural Stressors), ethnicity-related stressors (Otherness) and ethnic-identity (Otherness) on psychological stress. Participants were also asked to define the word culture. Results: Results indicated that structural stressors did not significantly influence on psychological stress but were associated with perception of discrimination. The experience of otherness significantly influenced psychological stress. Discussion: Given the association between structural stress and perceived discrimination, additional research and tool development is needed to better understand how structural stressors influence psychological stress. Participant definitions of culture fell into two primary themes: Collectiveness and Individualness, indicating that the way we live is influenced by shared experiences, yet also a product of individual choices