Using the Relating to Older People Evaluation tool to measure ageism in higher education

The global population is ageing, and this trend is expected to continue. Cultures around the world socialise with older people differently with distinctive attitudes towards ageing. Ageism is a complex multifaceted concept that includes attitudes and behaviours. In the UK, ageism and discriminatory practices exist within nursing, and nurse educationalists and clinicians need to address ageist attitudes and promote older people care as healthcare needs increase. Within the context of nursing there is a lack of synthesised evidence which measures ageism amongst nursing students. This paper examines the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) questionnaire which has been used in different student populations in Higher Education (HE) including nursing students. A systematic search across databases was conducted from June 2007 to December 2017 resulting in 6 quantitative studies. Statistical analysis of ROPE was not possible, so a thematic analysis of the narrative was completed identifying two themes: attitudes predict behaviour and socialisation to ageism in HE. There remains a need to explore ageism and ageist attitudes of student nurses in HE. The ROPE is a suitable tool to measure student nurses’ ageist attitudes and behaviours

Planetary Dance d’Anna Halprin

Anna Halprin (née en 1920), danseuse et chorégraphe américaine, invente des pratiques et des explorations du mouvement qui vont transformer considérablement le développement de la danse et de la performance, en particulier dans leurs rapports à l’environnement. Son travail, ancré sur la côte ouest des États-Unis, accompagne les mutations urbaines, la prise de conscience des urgences environnementales, ou encore les problèmes spécifiques rencontrés autour d’un sujet et/ou par une communauté, affecté notamment par la maladie (sida, cancer). Planetary Dance, danse née en 1981 pour soigner le Mont Tamalpais (CA), est l’un des exemples emblématiques de circulation à l’échelle planétaire d’un rituel dansé. Nous examinons ici le contexte d’émergence de cette danse, les formes qu’elle dessine, les techniques corporelles et les expériences perceptives qu’elle offre avant de proposer des filiations avec deux autres rituels dansés également nés en Californie et diffusés à l’international : la Spiral Dance, de Starhawk, et la danse des 5 rythmes, de Gabrielle Roth. En conclusion nous esquissons une analyse « écologique » de ces phénomènes en invitant à penser la repolitisation somaesthétique des énergies et des affects.Anna Halprin (b. 1920), American dancer and choreographer, developed practices and movement explorations that would considerably transform the development of dance and performance, particularly in their relationship to the environment. Her work, anchored on the West Coast of the United States, accompanies urban transformations, the evolution of environmental consciousness, or the specific problems encountered by a subject or a community, particularly in relation to disease (AIDS, Cancer). Planetary Dance, a ritual dance born in 1981 to heal Mount Tamalpais (CA), is one of the emblematic examples of the worldwide circulation of ritual dance. We will examine the context of the emergence of this dance, the forms it draws, the body techniques and the perceptive experiences it offers before proposing filiations with two other danced rituals born in California with an international export story: Starhawk's Spiral Dance and Gabrielle Roth's 5 Rhythms Dance. In conclusion we will attempt an “ecological” analysis of these phenomena by politicized the somaesthetic of energies and affects

The development and evaluation of an analytical framework to explore student nurses’ cultural beliefs of dementia

Background: People diagnosed with dementia need culturally sensitive person-centred care in order to promote their health and wellbeing. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be able to provide culturally competent care, of which an element is understanding their own cultural heritage and how this impacts on their beliefs regarding dementia. This is essential as cultural norms and values provide meanings and understanding of chronic conditions such as dementia. The current study explored student nurses’ cultural beliefs of dementia through the completion of focus groups, which generated a large amount of data. The analysis of this large qualitative data set required structure and a framework. Purpose: One purpose of the current paper was to present the methodological analysis of the study and this encompasses the analytical framework. The second purpose was to apply the framework in understanding the cultural beliefs of dementia among student nurses from an international perspective. Methods: Focus groups with student nurses from five Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in England, Philippines, Slovenia and New Zealand were completed, audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative data was analysed using the framework method of analysis. Data from the focus groups conducted at two HEIs in England were analysed, which encompassed synthesising, refining and agreeing on the codes, categories/themes established separately by four researchers. The analytical framework developed was then tested on the qualitative data obtained from focus group conducted in Slovenia, the Philippines and New Zealand. Results: The results are presented in three parts; the cultural analytical framework, the process of developing the initial categories/themes and the final themes that emerged from the data obtained from the focus groups. Conclusion: An analytical framework was developed and applied to student nurses in order to understand their cultural values and beliefs of dementia

Patterns and Predictors of Service Use Among Women Who Have Separated from an Abusive Partner

Using baseline data from a survey of 309 Canadian women recently separated from an abusive partner, we investigated patterns of access to health, social, legal, and violence-specific services and whether abuse history and social and health variables predict service use. We compared rates of service use to population rates, and used logistic regression to identify determinants of use. Service use rates were substantially higher than population estimates in every category, particularly in general and mental health sectors. Although women were confident in their ability to access services, they reported substantial unmet need, difficulty accessing services, and multiple barriers. The strongest unique predictors of use varied across service type. Health variables (high disability chronic pain, symptoms of depression and PTSD), low income, and mothering were the most consistent predictors. Service providers and policy makers must account for social location, abuse history, and health status of Intimate Violence (IPV) survivors. Strategies to enhance access to primary health care services, and to create a system of more integrated, accessible services, are required

Menopause at work—An organisation-based case study

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and understand the organizational culture of a workplace in terms of support and well- being for staff experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms at work. Design: It is widely acknowledged that perimenopause and menopause symptoms are experienced by a large percentage of the female workforce. There is a lack of research into how nurses are supported through menopause (Cronin et al. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 42, 2021, 541–548). The perimenopause and menopause transition can be a challenging time where many may require symptom management and support (RCN, The Menopause and Work: Guidance for RCN Representatives, 2020). This paper presents a case study research (CSR) approach to examine one healthcare organization. Methods: CSR design was used: A survey distributed to all staff employed, a review of the available documentation on menopause and interviews with managers from different levels of the organization. The COREQ consolidated criteria was used for reporting the qualitative research reported this study. Results: The case study generated both quantitative and qualitative data using sur-veys, interviews and documentation. Data from the organization (n= 6905) showed a majority female workforce of 81.9% with 40.6% aged between 41 and 55 years old, meaning a third of the organization working through perimenopause and menopause. Survey responses (n= 167) collected biographical and psychometric data on the prevalence of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Seven managers were interviewed highlighting two themes: Access to support and culture of menopause and 13 documents from the organization on menopause were analysed for content. The study design permitted an iterative approach to data collection and providing an in-depth understanding of the needs and support for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The findings help healthcare organizations to understand their workforce and take in to account the larger numbers of female employees particularly nurses with the need to provide person-centred support mechanisms and an organizational approach for all employees

Nursing students' cultural beliefs and understanding of dementia: A phenomenological study across three continents

Background: Migrant nurses have reported difficulties adapting to their new culture and providing culturally sensitive care for people with dementia. However, to date no studies have explored the impact of student nurse's cultural heritage on their beliefs and understanding of dementia. Objectives: To explore the cultural beliefs of dementia of student nurses studying in England, Slovenia, Philippines and New Zealand. Design: An explorative hermeneutic phenomenology design. Settings: Higher Education Institutes delivering undergraduate nursing education in England (University of Greenwich and University of Essex), Slovenia (Angela Boškin Faculty of Health Care), New Zealand (University of Auckland), and the Philippines (University of Silliman). Participants: Student nurses studying nursing in England (n = 81), Slovenia (n = 41), Philippines (n = 53) and New Zealand (n = 6). Participants from England and New Zealand were from diverse cultural backgrounds. Student nurses at the beginning of their studies (n = 100) and towards the end of their studies (n = 81) participated. Methods: Completion of focus groups (n = 23), in England (n = 10), Slovenia (n = 6), Philippines (n = 6), and New Zealand (n = 1). All focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed by applying an inductive theoretical approach of the Framework Method, which supports the generation of themes through open unhindered coding, pinpointing, examining, and recording patterns within the data. Results: Two major themes were identified in the data: familial piety and dementia discourse. Familial piety emerged from the importance of family and caring for family members with dementia, subthemes included: ‘my granddad’: familial experience, and ‘better to be with her’: familial home. Dementia discourse emerged from the terminology student nurses applied, such as: ‘preconceptions and misconceptions’ of aggression, and ‘considered crazy’ stigma of dementia due to a lack of awareness. Conclusions: The cultural heritage of student nurses impacted on their beliefs of dementia; however their understanding of the needs, care and support of a person with dementia changed and developed through clinical experience and education

Multi-decadal environmental change in the Barents Sea recorded by seal teeth

This work resulted from the ARISE project (NE/P006035/1, NE/P006000/1), part of the Changing Arctic Ocean programme, jointly funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). We thank Jim Ball for his help in the isotopic lab in Liverpool University. This work resulted from the ARISE project, part of the Changing Arctic Ocean programme.Multiple environmental forcings, such as warming and changes in ocean circulation and nutrient supply, are affecting the base of Arctic marine ecosystems, with cascading effects on the entire food web through bottom-up control. Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) can be used to detect and unravel the impact of these forcings on this unique ecosystem, if the many processes that affect the δ15N values are constrained. Combining unique 60-year records from compound specific δ15N biomarkers on harp seal teeth alongside state-of-the-art ocean modelling, we observed a significant decline in the δ15N values at the base of the Barents Sea food web from 1951 to 2012. This strong and persistent decadal trend emerges due to the combination of anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Atlantic, increased northward transport of Atlantic water through Arctic gateways and local feedbacks from increasing Arctic primary production. Our results suggest that the Arctic ecosystem has been responding to anthropogenically induced local and remote drivers, linked to changing ocean biology, chemistry and physics, for at least 60 years. Accounting for these trends in δ15N values at the base of the food web is essential to accurately detect ecosystem restructuring in this rapidly changing environment.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Enhancing the health of women living with HIV: the SMART/EST Women’s Project

The principal objective of these multisite studies (Florida, New York, New Jersey: epicenters for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] among women) was to develop and implement effective combinations of behavioral interventions to optimize the health status of the most neglected and understudied population affected by the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in the United States: poor women of color living with HIV. The two studies enrolled nearly 900 women randomly assigned to “high intensity” (cognitive–behavioral stress management training combined with expressive–supportive therapy [CBSM]+ group) or “low intensity” (individual psychoeducational program) treatment conditions over a period of 9 years. The initial study of the stress management and relaxation training/expressive–supportive therapy (SMART/EST) Women’s Project (SWP I) focused on reducing depression and anxiety, as well as improving self-efficacy and overall quality of life for women with case-defined AIDS. Findings from this study demonstrated the utility of CBSM+ in reducing distress (depression, anxiety) and denial, while improving social support, self-efficacy, coping skills, and quality of life. The second study (SWP II), which included all women living with HIV, extended these findings by demonstrating that exposure to CBSM+ significantly improved the ability of the participants to take advantage of a health behavior change program encouraging the adoption and maintenance of healthier lifestyle behaviors (high levels of medication adherence, appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity, safer sexual practices, and reduced alcohol use/abuse) essential for optimal health in the context of living with HIV. SWP II also determined that the intervention program was equally beneficial to less-acculturated segments of the affected population (ie, non-English speaking HIV+ women) through the creation of culturally and linguistically sensitive Spanish and Creole versions of the program. A third study (SWP III) is currently underway to “translate” this evidence-based treatment program into Community Health Centers in Miami, New York City, and metropolitan New Jersey

Implications of COVID-19 control measures for diet and physical activity, and lessons for addressing other pandemics facing rapidly urbanising countries.

At the time of writing, it is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic will play out in rapidly urbanising regions of the world. In these regions, the realities of large overcrowded informal settlements, a high burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, as well as malnutrition and precarity of livelihoods, have raised added concerns about the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in these contexts. COVID-19 infection control measures have been shown to have some effects in slowing down the progress of the pandemic, effectively buying time to prepare the healthcare system. However, there has been less of a focus on the indirect impacts of these measures on health behaviours and the consequent health risks, particularly in the most vulnerable. In this current debate piece, focusing on two of the four risk factors that contribute to >80% of the NCD burden, we consider the possible ways that the restrictions put in place to control the pandemic, have the potential to impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours and their determinants. By considering mitigation responses implemented by governments in several LMIC cities, we identify key lessons that highlight the potential of economic, political, food and built environment sectors, mobilised during the pandemic, to retain health as a priority beyond the context of pandemic response. Such whole-of society approaches are feasible and necessary to support equitable healthy eating and active living required to address other epidemics and to lower the baseline need for healthcare in the long term

Overcoming Ostrea edulis seed production limitations to meet ecosystem restoration demands in the UN decade on restoration

The European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis, is a habitat-forming bivalve which was historically widespread throughout Europe. Following its decline due to overfishing, pollution, sedimentation, invasive species, and disease, O. edulis and its beds are now listed as a threatened and/or declining species and habitat by OSPAR. Increasing recognition of the plight of the oyster, alongside rapidly developing restoration techniques and growing interest in marine restoration, has resulted in a recent and rapid growth in habitat restoration efforts. O. edulis seed supply is currently a major bottleneck in scaling up habitat restoration efforts in Europe. O. edulis has been cultured for centuries, however, research into its culture declined following the introduction of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas to Europe in the early 1970 s. Recent efforts to renew both hatchery and pond production of O. edulis seed for habitat restoration purposes are hampered by restoration project timelines and funding typically being short, or projects not planning appropriately for the timescales required for investment, research-and-development and delivery of oyster seed by commercial producers. Furthermore, funding for restoration is intermittent, making long-term commitments between producers and restoration practitioners difficult. Long-term, strategic investment in research and production are needed to overcome these bottlenecks and meet current ambitious restoration targets across Europe