Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N C Lovejoy

Publications and source records attributed to N C Lovejoy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Cognitive-behavioral interventions to manage depression in patients with cancer: research and theoretical initiatives.

The incidence of depression is rising worldwide, possibly due to urban crowding and insufficient resources. This pandemic raises the possibility that disabling depression among patients with cancer will increase. Already, about one-third of patients with cancer present with depression. Although many progressive cancer centers are instituting psychooncology services, the projected decline in numbers of psychiatrists in the coming decade suggests that these programs may flounder unless nurses are able to provide adjuvant support. Consequently, this article describes the theoretical and emerging research data base regarding the treatment of cancer-related depression with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Implications drawn from this review suggest that nurses can take an active role in preventing and managing cancer-related depression in direct care environments by developing critical pathways for screening, prevention, treatment, and outcomes assessment using theory-based research.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Multinational approaches to cervical cancer screening: a review.

Worldwide, cervical cancer incidence is 75% higher than the projected ideal set by the World Health Organization. Despite an effective screen for in situ stage cancer, many women do not adhere to regular screening schedules. These delays raise mortality rates, since curative therapies are available only for the early stages of disease. Seeking to improve cancer control among women, investigators have developed a variety of methods to improve adherence rates. This article presents these methods as well as the cost-effectiveness of each when evaluative data are available. The article suggests that nurses may draw upon current knowledge to design and test the effectiveness of cancer control models in the catchment areas served by their institutions and agencies.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mood-altering drugs in patients with cancer.

Undertreatment of depression in patients with cancer is a clinical problem requiring prompt action. Although responsive to cognitive and behavioral interventions, unipolar depression in patients with cancer often requires pharmacologic management. Because of pathologies associated with cancer and its treatment, pharmacologic outcomes are often unpredictable, necessitating careful assessment of risk factors for over- and undermedication. This article reviews important principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mood-altering drugs administered by oral routes and ways therapeutic effects might be influenced by cancer. Contigent implications for advancing practice, research, and policy are also described.

Depressive Disorder↗
PubMed1994

Squamous cell cervical lesions in women with and without AIDS. Biochemical risk factors, prevention, and policy.

Worldwide, squamous cell cervical cancer and intraepithelial lesions (SIL) are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Compared to women in general, women with human immunodeficiency syndromes (HIV) are at higher risk of developing SIL. With the HIV epidemic escalating among women, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality related to SIL are likely to increase unless adequate prevention and detection programs are mounted. Consequently, this article provides background information for the design of such programs, focusing on selected biochemical risk factors and natural history of SIL in women infected with HIV (HIV+) and women in general (HIV-). Current screening policies are described, and implications for nursing research and policy are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions: the multicultural "male" risk factor.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review current knowledge regarding characteristics of males whose partners develop cervical cancer. DATA SOURCES: Classic and current descriptive, cohort, and case-control studies of "male factors" associated with risk of precancerous squamous cell intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical cancer. DATA SYNTHESIS: Male hygiene sperm and seminal fluids, occupational exposure to carcinogens, smoking, promiscuity, and venereal infections have been linked to increased risks for developing cervical cancer in a number of studies. Results vary from culture to culture. CONCLUSIONS: Areas of strongest association that can be targeted for prevention programs include male history of genital warts, poor hygiene, smoking, high numbers of sexual partners, and infrequent practice of safe sexual behaviors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Establishment of prevention programs predicated on reducing male factors known to increase risk, encouraging screening of high-risk populations, and using patient education to reduce the practice of high-risk sexual behaviors are called for.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1992

AIDS epidemiology and pathology. Implications for intensive care units.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) evolves from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV attacks the hosts' immune and neuroendocrine systems, rendering the host susceptible to a myriad of chronic and acute conditions requiring intensive care. This article reviews epidemiologic and pathologic trends associated with HIV infections that have the potential to increase demands for admission to intensive care units. Research describing potential predictors of survival among patients with HIV-related conditions is also described. In addition, possible implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Potential predictors of information-seeking behavior by homosexual/bisexual (gay) men with a human immunodeficiency virus seropositive health status.

Seeking ways to improve their health, gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections living in San Francisco are developing information networks and patterns of self-care behavior. Drawing from a set of explanatory theories, this cross-sectional survey with retrospective elements examined patterns and potential predictors of information-seeking activity in a cohort or 162 HIV seropositive (HIV+) men, 60 of whom provided complete data sets. The study suggests that 1 year after becoming aware of an HIV+ health status, most patients have developed multifaceted information networks. The amount of tangible aid acquired from these networks and frequency of consultation is positively related to patterns of HIV self-care behaviors and "feeling calm" (p less than 0.01), suggesting that these variables may be important markers for the need of supportive-educative nursing care. Suggestions for nursing practice and research are also described.

Bisexuality↗
PubMed1991

Arguments against mandatory screening for HIV in low-prevalence areas.

With heightened awareness that healthcare professionals may be a potential source of infection for the human immunodeficiency virus, calls for serial, mandatory testing and reporting are increasing. Fear and hysteria are particularly noticeable in rural settings, which are only now experiencing marked increases in the incidence of AIDS cases. While arguments for and against the merits of serial mandatory testing programs can be constructed, this paper presents support to oppose mandatory testing. Evidence for this stance is drawn from several sources, including epidemiologic, economic, and clinical research; as well as medical ethics literature.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1989

Psychoneuroimmunology and AIDS.

Although PNI is a relatively new field, basic research has demonstrated the interconnectedness of immune and neurological systems, alerting nurses to the need to conduct multisystem assessments and provide holistic nursing care to persons with AIDS. Although the burden of research does not support the notion that the mind can cure AIDS, preliminary studies suggest that under certain circumstances the psychogenic and physiological conditions of the host alter rates of progression of HIV infection. Nursing research is needed to determine circumstances under which immunomodulating events alter disease progression in this population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Pediatric tumor markers.

Tumor markers are biochemical substances that identify the presence of cancer or signal its regression or progression. These markers are currently being introduced into the clinical management of pediatric tumors. This article describes the strengths and limitations of selected pediatric markers and derives implications for patient and family education.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Selected AIDS beliefs, behaviors and informational needs of homosexual/bisexual men with AIDS or ARC.

Due to the current absence of curative therapies, patients with AIDS or ARC (AIDS-Related Complex) rely on information to provide them with a sense of control over their lives [Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Confronting AIDS: Directions for Public Health, Health Care and Research (1986)]. The purpose of this study was to describe AIDS beliefs, behaviors and informational needs of patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex 7 years into the epidemic. Data were collected once using a modified version of the AIDS Beliefs and Behaviors Questionnaire (ABBQ) developed by McKusick et al. [Am. J. Public Hlth. 75, 493-496 (1985)] and Moran et al. [Oncol. Nurs. Forum (1988)]. Study results showed that 90% of outpatients (N = 30) at an internationally recognized AIDS medical center wanted more information about building their immune systems. Surprisingly few patients (10%) wanted explicit information about safe sexual behaviors, although 4 years into the epidemic, this information was a central concern [Moran, Unpublished Masters thesis (1986)]. Results suggests that nurses need to take a more active role in monitoring and addressing patients' changing informational needs.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1988

Self-care behaviors and informational needs of seropositive homosexual/bisexual men.

Patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) are developing beliefs, behaviors, and a knowledge bases that may affect their health status, sense of well-being, and health care needs. However, little documentation of these changes exists. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to describe AIDS beliefs, behaviors, and informational needs of homosexual/bisexual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patients 7 years into the epidemic. Data were collected once from 178 patients using a modified version of the AIDS Beliefs and Behaviors Questionnaire (ABBQ). Study results showed that in 1987, most outpatients (73%) in an AIDS epicenter wanted more information about building their immune systems. Few patients (12%) wanted more explicit information about safe sexual behaviors, although 3 years into the epidemic this information was a central concern. Results suggest that health professionals need to take an active role in monitoring and addressing patients' changing informational needs.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A method for developing faculty leaders.

The authors explore peer review as a mechanism for developing faculty leaders who can meet the educational challenges posed by public demands for accountability in higher education and an increasingly diverse student body. How educational paradigms influence the design of peer review programs is described. Incentives and disincentives as well as options for counteracting disincentives also are considered. Recommendations include the need to study effects of peer review programs on productivity, professional relationships, and educational outcomes within situational contexts, resources, and constraints.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗