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Biomedical subjects

L K Hart

Publications and source records attributed to L K Hart.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Characteristics of adolescent cancer survivors who pursue postsecondary education.

This study aimed to identify differences between adolescent cancer survivors who participate in postsecondary education and those who do not, as well as factors that helped these survivors to cope. American College Testing records for 129,824 adolescents were meshed with Iowa's Cancer Registry to identify Iowans who had received a diagnosis of cancer between the ages of 12 and 17 years. The potential subject pool contained 85 persons. A questionnaire was sent to the 28 persons who agreed to participate in the study, and 75% responded. Most of the respondents were girls with normal levels of physical function. Measures of adjustment and mood state indicated low distress levels. Fatigue was their area of highest distress. All the respondents were enrolled in education programs or had graduated. Help from family, friends, and teachers was seen as supportive, but lack of knowledge about their disease was cited most frequently by this same group as interfering with their coping. The respondents demonstrated more discipline, stamina, and commitment than was expected. However, the accrual protocol and respondents' comments revealed a stigmatization of patients with cancer by professional health workers, indicating a need to confront the value that health professionals place on this stigmatized population and health professionals' contribution to this societal posture.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Antiretroviral antibodies: implications for schizophrenia, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Some retroviral antigens share structural homology within a group of related retroviruses. It is possible that antibodies directed against one virus may cross-react with antigens from a different virus in the group. METHODS: Using this principle, the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) Western blot assay was used as an available source of human retroviral antigens to screen serum samples from an archived collection to ascertain whether there was an association between serum antiretroviral antibodies and mental illnesses. RESULTS: A statistically significant proportion (28/54, 52%) of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders had serum antibodies that recognized at least one antigen present on the blot, culminating in indeterminate HIV-1 tests. The majority of the reactive samples were directed against the HIV-1 group antigens p24 and p17. These findings contrast with those of nonpsychiatric patients, who had 4/16 (25%) indeterminate blots. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest exposure to retroviral antigens related to those of HIV-1 in subpopulations of schizophrenic, schizophrenic spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder patients.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1999

The willingness of family members of critically ill adults to learn the coping technique of imagery.

Critical care nurses face the challenge of helping anxious families cope with the critical illness of one of their members. The purposes of this exploratory descriptive pilot study were to identify whether adult family members of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients were willing and able to learn imagery during the time of their family member's critical illness, and which factors facilitate the learning. Of the 139 persons invited, 26 (18.7%) indicated willingness to participate, but only 10 participants completed both learning sessions. All 10 subjects achieved increased relaxation with the imaging. Facilitators of their learning were the quiet environment, the investigator's voice, and the breathing aspect of the technique. Those who participated found imagery beneficial, but further study is needed regarding the basis of both willingness and reluctance to learn relaxation techniques such as imagery to assist with coping during the SICU vigil.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Survey of sexual concerns among organ transplant recipients.

This study identified frequency of sexual dysfunction, degree of satisfaction with sexual relationship, differences in sexual function, overall satisfaction and life quality, and desire for and receipt of instruction regarding sexual dysfunction in kidney, pancreas/kidney, and liver transplant recipients. Of the 768 adult recipients surveyed by mailed questionnaire, 39% responded. Intimate relationships were reported by 69.9%; 66.7% indicated satisfaction with their relationship. Twenty-six percent were not sexually active. Transplant groups did not differ significantly regarding satisfaction, sexual function, or quality of life. Satisfaction groups differed significantly regarding intimacy and expected future life and health quality. Frequency of intercourse, desire, orgasm, erection dysfunctions, and the acceptance of partners' advances related to relationship satisfaction. Sixty-seven percent received no instruction concerning sexuality or fertility. Education efforts could validate and support sexual identity among this patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Sexuality and fertility concerns of dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to identify the frequency of sexual and fertility dysfunctions and satisfactions experienced by patients on dialysis therapy and their relationships to life quality variables, and whether patients desired to or received instruction regarding possible sexuality and fertility problems. DESIGN: The study used a descriptive, survey design. SAMPLE/SETTING: A convenience sample was obtained from 7 hospital-based dialysis centers in the state of Iowa. METHOD: A mailed questionnaire, composed of 7 instruments, was used to survey demographic and medical variables, activity level, fertility and sexual dysfunction, intimacy patterns, sexual attitudes, life and health quality, and satisfaction with sexual relationships of patients treated with dialysis therapy. RESULT: Sixty-five percent of the subjects (n = 135) were dissatisfied with their sexual relationship, 40% no longer engaged in intercourse or sexual activity, yet only 25% had received instruction regarding possible dysfunctions. Subjects satisfied with their sexual relationships differed significantly (p < .05) from those who were dissatisfied in activity level, intimacy patterns, and life and health quality with frequency of arousal, orgasm, and acceptance of partner's advances significantly related to sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The standards of care identified by the American Nephrology Nurses' Association regarding sexuality had not been achieved in the sample measured.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Pancreatic transplantation. Impact on the quality of life of diabetic renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of pancreas transplantation on the quality of life of renal transplant recipients with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental comparative study of 41 successful pancreas transplant (SP) recipients, 13 failed pancreas transplant (FP) recipients, and 28 kidney alone (KA) transplant recipients, we collected data from individuals who had their pancreas/kidney or kidney alone transplants > or = 6 months before at a university tertiary care center. This study was an extension of a 1992 study of SP and FP recipients. The subject group was enlarged with additional pancreas/kidney recipients and a control group of KA recipients. Five dimensions of life quality were measured. RESULTS: Groups did not differ significantly regarding age, gender, marital status, comorbidity, type of prior dialysis, current kidney function, length of time since transplant, physical activity, symptom burden, emotional state, and feelings of well-being. A significant time by group interaction occurred for quality of life (P = 0.0023) and health (P = 0.0001). Patients in the SP and KA groups perceived their past life and health quality to be significantly lower and their present and future life and health quality to be significantly better than did the FP group. The groups' major concerns differed significantly. The FP group's concern related to diabetes, the SP group's to immunosuppression, and the KA group's to graft rejection. CONCLUSION: Patients with failed pancreas but successful kidney transplants see less improvement in their quality of life than do patients who meet their transplant goals, irrespective of whether they receive a pancreas.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1994

Hypercatabolism of lipoprotein-free apolipoprotein A-I in HDL-deficient mutant chickens.

The Wisconsin Hypoalpha Mutant (WHAM) chicken has a sex-linked mutation associated with a 90% reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). In the present studies, we did not detect a defect in apoA-I synthesis or secretion in liver or intestine. We tested the hypothesis that apoA-I is not binding properly to lipoprotein particles and is undergoing hypercatabolism. We therefore studied the in vivo turnover of lipid-free 125I-apoA-I. Its turnover was fourfold faster in WHAM chickens than in normal chickens. The 125I-apoA-I equilibrated more slowly with HDL in the WHAM chickens, and these animals had a much larger steady-state pool of lipid-free apoA-I than did control chickens. To determine the tissue sites of degradation of apoA- I, the tissue distribution of 125I-tyramine cellobiose apoA-I was assessed. The liver and kidneys were the major sites of apoA-I degradation, but in the WHAM chickens, the kidney made a twofold larger contribution to apoA-I degradation than in normal chickens. Total plasma phospholipid levels are reduced by 44% to 78% in the WHAM chickens. A phospholipid deficit might explain the elevated lipid-free apoA-I pool and, secondarily, the HDL deficiency of the WHAM chickens.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A Delphi study of the basic principles and corresponding care goals of holistic nursing practice.

This descriptive, non-experimental study using the Delphi survey process identified basic holistic health principles for which holistic nurse practitioners agreed guide their healing practice. Seventeen expert holistic nurse practitioners (and AHNA leaders) comprised the respondent group. On the average these practitioners have been nurses for 25 years and holistic practitioners for 11 years. Seventy percent of the group completed all three Delphi rounds indicating their agreement regarding 25 principles of holistic health, their applicability to practice, and care goals related to each principle. A high level of consensus was reached regarding 17 principles. In addition to affirming principles related to unity, interdependence, evolution, energy fields, and interactions, the AHNA expert nurse practitioners strongly emphasized spirituality. The group addressed reality as a unified whole, not limited by the material universe, supporting a practice model based on holographic perspectives.

Delphi Technique↗
PubMed1992

Quality of life of pancreatic transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively assess and compare pancreas/kidney transplant recipients' quality of life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental comparative study of 31 successful and 13 failed pancreas transplant recipients collected data from persons who had received pancreas and kidney transplants > or = 6 mo prior at a university tertiary care center. Physical and social function, symptoms, mental state, and sense of well-being of the recipients were assessed. RESULTS: Groups did not differ significantly regarding age, gender, marital status, onset or length of diabetes, comorbidity, type of prior dialysis, current kidney function, length of time since transplant, physical activity, symptom burden, emotional state, feelings of well-being, and present quality of life and health. A significant time by group interaction occurred for quality of life (P = 0.0013) and health (P = 0.0001). The successful group indicated that both quality of life and health were significantly better than in the past, and continued improvement was expected. The unsuccessful group did not have this perception. Members of the failed group were significantly more satisfied with their social support. The unsuccessful group's major concerns related to diabetes, not immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Recipients of successful pancreas transplants perceived their improvement in health and quality of life to be significantly greater than the unsuccessful recipients.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Pancreas transplantation: assessing secondary complications and life quality.

Two sequential studies of life quality among pancreas transplant recipients are reported. The first study (n = 32) investigated symptoms of neuropathy, enteropathy and retinopathy, along with well-being post successful transplantation. Patients noted improvement in secondary complications, were satisfied with the procedure and expressed hope for the future. The second study compared physical and social function, burden of symptoms, emotional/mental state and sense of well-being in successful (n = 31) and successful (n = 13) pancreas transplant recipients. Patient satisfaction with pancreas transplantation was high. Successful transplant patients perceived their health to be good, believed it would continue to be good, with life quality becoming better over time. The failed group expected life quality to become worse.

Depression↗
PubMed1990

Fatigue.

Fatigue is a pervasive, protective phenomenon affecting the totality of the individual. Assessment and management involve a wide range of activities to address the total human being's physical, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions. When elimination or neutralization of the effect of an antecedent condition is not an option, redesigning one's life-style may be the primary avenue of fatigue management. This protective mechanism, fatigue, may in fact herald the return of quality and purpose to one's life.

Fatigue↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between the health belief model and compliance of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Thirty insulin-treated diabetic individuals were interviewed in their homes 6-12 mo after having attended diabetic education classes at a community hospital. Self-report as well as direct observation were used to measure these patients' level of compliance with their insulin administration, urine testing, diet, hypoglycemia management, and foot care prescriptions. All patients were complying with at least 59% of the points measured. Over one-half of the group indicated compliance with at least 70% of the 61 points measured. However, only 7% complied with every one of the 45 points considered to be necessary for good control of their disease. The group was most compliant with regard to insulin administration and least compliant regarding urine testing. The level of these patients' beliefs regarding their disease (severity and susceptibility, treatment benefits, and barriers) and cues to action were also measured. A correlation of 0.5 occurred between these patients' overall compliance levels and a composit of their level of health belief motivation. The highest levels of correlations between the areas of compliance and the motivators occurred with cues to action.

Attitude to Health↗