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Tag: qualitative
02/27/2023

Dementia, Substance Misuse, and Social Determinants of Health: American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples’ Prevention, Service, and Care

Crouch MC, Cheromiah Salazar MBR, Harris SJ, Rosich RM. Dementia, Substance Misuse, and Social Determinants of Health: American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples’ Prevention, Service, and Care. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks). 2023 Jan 18;7:24705470221149479. doi: 10.1177/24705470221149479. PMID: 36699807; PMCID: PMC9869198.

A qualitative study was conducted to understand the cultural practices and beliefs among American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Elders about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). Interviews investigated the etiology, course, treatment, and cultural meanings of ADRD as well as the social determinants of health related to ADRD and role of substance use disorder. AI/AN tribal Elders are identified as individuals who are designated culture bearers, wisdom holders, and role models in their respective communities. Twelve AI/AN Elders (mean age=73) who speak English participated in semi-structured interviews. The sample was predominantly female (66.7%), Athabascan Tribal heritage (58.3%) and retired (66.7%). All participants had a family member with ADRD but did not themselves have an ADRD diagnosis. Qualitative analyses identified 6 themes of etiology, barriers to treatment, and social determinants: (1) postcolonial distress; (2) substance misuse; (3) distrust of Western medicine; (4) structural inequities; (5) walking in two worlds; and, (6) decolonizing and indigenizing medicine. Findings highlight potential causal factors in disease development and manifestation as viewed by AI/AN Elders. This study exemplified historical and ongoing discrimination and stress in Western medicine and the importance of adopting a holistic view to address cultural health disparities.

05/10/2019

A qualitative exploration of service user views about using digital health interventions for self-management in severe mental health problems

Berry N, Lobban F, Bucci S. (2019). A qualitative exploration of service user views towards using digital mental health interventions. BMC Psychiatry. 19(35). doi: 10.1186/s12888-018-1979-1

Researchers in the United Kingdom recruited 18 people with bipolar (n=10) or schizophrenia-spectrum (n=8) disorders to participate in individual interviews about digital interventions for people with severe mental illness (SMI). Interviews included questions about the acceptability of and design considerations for using technology to address SMI. Read More

04/19/2019

Social support for active substance users: A content analysis of r/Drugs

Wombacher K, Sheff SE, Itrich N. (2019). Social support for active substance users: A content analysis of r/Drugs. Health Communication. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1587691

Researchers analyzed post content and engagement on r/Drugs, a Reddit forum (i.e. subreddit) dedicated to discussing substance use, to understand social support exchanges. Read More

03/22/2019

Digital exclusion among mental health service users: Qualitative investigation

Greer B, Robotham D, Simblett S, Curtis H, Griffiths H, Wykes T. (2019). Digital exclusion among mental health service users: Qualitative investigation. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 21(1): e11696. doi: 10.2196/11696

Researchers interviewed 20 patients at a mental health clinic who were unable to use the internet (i.e. digitally excluded). Participants completed an assessment of technology access and confidence and participated in an interview exploring familiarity with the internet, barriers to internet use, and facilitators to initiating internet use. Read More

03/15/2019

Beliefs and attitudes about the dissemination and implementation of internet-based self-care programs in a large integrated healthcare system

Hermes EDA, Burrone L, Heapy A, et al. (2019). Beliefs and attitudes about the dissemination and implementation of internet-based self-care programs in a large integrated healthcare system. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research. 10.1007/s10488-018-0913-7

Researchers interviewed providers (n=12) and administrators or policy makers (n=8) from 10 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) programs to explore determinants of dissemination and implementation of digital health. Interviews were guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Researchers thematically coded interview transcripts and identified 8 distinct themes. All participants noted that current healthcare systems, including clinical norms and workflows do not facilitate use of digital health. Nineteen participants (95%) mentioned gaps in provider understanding of digital health and when or how to use digital health in practice, inadequate digital infrastructures (e.g., VHA internet systems, patient technology access), and the influence of support from leadership. Eighteen (90%) participants mentioned a need for organizational dissemination and implementation strategies (e.g., provider training, consumer advertising), specifically highlighting the need for a learning management system that allows providers and patients to access digital health programs. Fourteen participants (70%) mentioned that health system strategic priorities need to promote dissemination and implementation of digital health and that current strategies that may complement digital health implementation (e.g., measurement-based care, electronic health record development) also compete for funding. Twelve participants (60%) discussed how organizational structures and an emphasis on specialty care rather than integrated care can result in siloed information between central administration, specialty care facilities, and primary care facilities. Finally, 11 (55%) participants discussed regulations and policies relating to privacy and security (e.g. against the transmission of patient-reported information to health records) reducing the utility of digital health.

06/29/2018

Evaluation of two mobile health apps in the context of smoking cessation: Qualitative study of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus non-CBT-based digital solutions.

Tudor-Sfetea C, Rabee R, Najim M, et al. (2018). Evaluation of two mobile health apps in the context of smoking cessation: Qualitative study of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus non-CBT-based digital solutions. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 6(4): e98. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.9405

Researchers recruited 29 people who smoke and randomized them to use a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based app (Quit Genius) or an app offered by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (Smokefree) for 1 week. Read More