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Biomedical subjects

J B Meisenhelder

Publications and source records attributed to J B Meisenhelder.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Prayer and health outcomes in church lay leaders.

This study examined the relationship of frequency of prayer on health outcomes in a national sample of 1,014 church lay leaders. The survey included questions on the frequency of prayer and the Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form 36 Health Survey, measuring eight categories of functional health. The results indicated a high level of functioning overall. Age was strongly related to most aspects of health in this sample. Frequent prayer was associated with poor physical functioning and poor ability to carry out role activities, but these relationships were not significant when the effect of age and gender was controlled. Frequent prayer was also significantly associated with high mental health scores, regardless of age or gender. This study supports the growing body of data suggesting a positive relationship between frequency of spiritual practices and mental health, even in a homogeneous sample of active church members.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

Faith, prayer, and health outcomes in elderly Native Americans.

This survey questioned 71 Native Americans over age 65 living in the general community on their frequency of prayer, importance of faith, and their health status. The researchers hypothesized that people with higher scores in faith and prayer would experience a more positive health status. Self-reports of health indicated a high level of functioning overall. Older people and those living alone had poorer physical and emotional health outcomes than younger elders and those living with one or more persons, although neither age nor living situation was related to mental health. People who prayed more often and those who indicated a high importance of their faith scored higher in the mental health subscale, confirming the hypothesis for this dimension of health.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Prayer and health outcomes in church members.

CONTEXT: This study adds to the existing research on religion and health by focusing on the specific practice of prayer and its relationship to health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this survey is to examine the relationship of frequency of prayer to 8 categories of physical and mental health. DESIGN: The Presbyterian Church, USA, performed data collection as part of an ongoing research program. Members of the Presbyterian Church were randomly selected from the national population and surveyed by mail on their frequency of prayer and their health status, as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 36 Health Survey. RESULTS: Self-reports of health indicated a high level of functioning overall for all 8 categories of physical and mental health. People who prayed more often scored lower in their physical functioning and their ability to carry out role activities, and higher in their reports of physical pain. However, people who prayed more often also had significantly higher mental health scores than did those who prayed less frequently, despite their physical health problems. CONCLUSION: This study supports the relationship of a high frequency of prayer with a more positive mental health. Various explanations of the results are explored.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Anticipated outcomes of accidental occupational exposure to HIV.

This descriptive study surveyed a random sample of 60 registered nurses (R.N.s) regarding their perceptions of nine possible consequences of an HIV infection resulting from occupational exposure. Areas of highest concern were financial: adequacy of workers' compensation and ability of the employer to cover all health care costs. Nurses were also concerned about confidentiality and ability to trace the event of the occupational exposure. These nurses felt the least threatened in the areas of maintaining their housing and the support of family and friends. Overall, the responses indicate a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the anticipated outcomes of an accidental occupationally derived infection. The results suggest clearer communication is needed between nurses and their employers regarding their benefits and existing support services.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Contributing factors to fear of HIV contagion in registered nurses.

This study tested the relationships of homophobia, fear of the unknown, fear of death, and fear of punishment as predictors of fear of HIV contagion. Knowledge of transmission and emotional involvement with a person at risk for HIV were hypothesized as decreasing fear among 114 randomly-selected RNs. Results supported significant relationships for all predictors except fear of death. Homophobia, lack of knowledge, lack of emotional involvement, and fear of the unknown predicted 57 percent of the variance in fear of contagion.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Fear of contagion among home health aides: a community survey.

Fear of contagion--an overwhelming anxiety about catching a disease--has been reported among a variety of healthcare workers as a common response to AIDS. This survey assessed the availability of home health aides to meet the predicted increases in demand for home health care to persons living with AIDS. The findings showed 27 out of 31 home healthcare agencies either experienced or anticipated experiencing difficulty servicing home care to persons with HIV infection. The author briefly discusses the dynamics of fear of contagion and offers specific suggestions for countering this fear among home health aides.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Fear of contagion: a stress response to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The threat of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has triggered an affective stress response to illness: fear of contagion, an anxious response to the perceived threat of catching a disease. Three behaviors characterize this fear: avoidance, extreme precautions, and verbal expressions of fear regarding the disease. Despite the scientific evidence for the low risk of occupational exposure to this infection, many health care workers appear to demonstrate highly fearful behavior. Social and cultural values, which attach a deep symbolic meaning to AIDS, combine with misperceptions about transmission to create this stress response. This article suggests education on cross-cultural, sexual, and death-related issues, as well as factural information on AIDS to decrease this fear. Implications for nursing research are included.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Fear of contagion: the public response to AIDS.

The threat of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has triggered a specific public response: fear of contagion, an anxiety over the perceived threat of catching the disease. Four behaviors characterize this fear: avoidance, attempting extreme precautions, lack of regard for the victims, and expressions of fear of catching the disease. Social and cultural values, which attach a deep symbolic meaning to AIDS, combine with misperceptions about transmission to create this public reaction. This fear results in the isolation and rejection of AIDS and potential AIDS clients. Fear of contagion may be a useful concept in nursing interventions for motivating risk-reduction behavior and creating a more therapeutic environment for persons with AIDS. Agendas for nursing research are suggested.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

Self-esteem: a closer look at clinical interventions.

Self-esteem, a positive regard for oneself, is a universal need for every human being and a key component in restoring and maintaining mental and physical health. Yet, this important concept is remarkably neglected in nursing literature and easily overlooked in clinical practice. This article examines the existing research on the antecedents of self-esteem and compiles a list of factors which can facilitate the nurse's therapeutic effect on her client's positive self-concept. From this list, specific nursing interventions are provided for raising and maintaining a client's self-esteem. Since the impact of nursing interventions varies with clinical circumstances, the nursing actions are correlated with their most effective health care settings. This article provides a global and practical approach to the enhancement of clients' self-esteem.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perceived barriers to getting published: results of the JANAC survey.

In order to identify strategies to promote the publication of ANAC members' knowledge and expertise, the authors conducted a survey of JANAC readers. Twenty-four respondents, almost all clinicians, identified 25 areas of interest they want to develop for publication. Barriers to getting published fell into four categories: lack of time, writing skills, self-confidence, and motivation or ideas. Suggestions for facilitating scholarship focused mainly on collaboration with writing experts and learning through educational workshops. The results of this study can serve as a guide in the development of services to readers interested in their own development as scholars.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗