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1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Katri Hämeen‐Anttila, Mirja Juvonen, Riita Ahonen, Patricia J. Bush and Marja Airaksinen

This study is part of a larger project, which aims to develop medicine education materials for teachers. The aim of the present study was to discover children's interests in…

1557

Abstract

Purpose

This study is part of a larger project, which aims to develop medicine education materials for teachers. The aim of the present study was to discover children's interests in medicines and teachers' opinions on what should be taught about medicines to children of different ages. Furthermore, teachers' opinions were assessed about the importance of medicine education as a part of school health education. The aim of the recommendations, based on our research and the materials developed during this process, is to clarify what proper use of medicines can mean, and in this way help teachers fulfil the requirements of the new Finnish health education curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve focus group discussions were conducted among a convenience sample of first‐graders (7‐8 years, n=23), fourth‐graders (10‐11 years, n=24) and seventh‐graders (13‐14 years, n=19). A national representative survey was conducted to gather data from the teachers (n=284, response rate 71 percent).

Findings

Children's interests and teachers' opinions on what could be taught about medicines to children of different ages were quite similar. However, fourth‐graders were interested in many topics which teachers considered suitable for older children, for example, how medicines work, how to avoid adverse reactions, and abuse of medicines. The vast majority of the teachers (93 percent) considered teaching about the proper use of medicines so important that it should be included in the national curriculum of health education. Of the children, fourth‐graders were the most interested in medicines.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies, which combine the opinions of children and teachers, on what to teach children of different ages about the proper use of medicines. During the study, evidence‐based recommendations on what to teach children about medicines and teaching materials were created.

Details

Health Education, vol. 105 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Sirpa Kärkkäinen, Katri Hämeen-Anttila, Kirsti Vainio, Sirpa Kontturi, Risto Patrikainen and Tuula Keinonen

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of medicine education by examining pupils’ perceptions of medicines and medicine use.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of medicine education by examining pupils’ perceptions of medicines and medicine use.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourth graders’ (n=51, aged 10-11) perceptions about medicines and their use were collected in one school through mixed-methods using a questionnaire, a drawing and discussions.

Findings

Listing several over-the-counter medicines, pupils most frequently perceived that medicines are meant for treating headaches, wounds or temporarily when they are sick or have some pain, and that medicines help to ease symptoms and speed recovery. Pupils mentioned getting information about medicines from the pharmacist, the internet, the physician, as well as from medical packages.

Research limitations/implications

This study was carried out in one school context and is therefore not necessarily generalizable, it does, however, bring an awareness of concrete pedagogical needs to the debate on health education and was conducted using methods that, to some extent, can be transferred to any school setting.

Practical implications

These results show that medicine education should already be started in primary school, along with critical thinking skills related to use of the internet.

Social implications

The development of medicine education may help improve the wellbeing of pupils.

Originality/value

The triangulation of data used in the paper are in the authors’ awareness unique in the context of medicine education. The results particularly highlight the role of the internet in medicine education, thus suggesting the importance of critical thinking.

Details

Health Education, vol. 114 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Katri Hämeen‐Anttila, Marja Airaksinen, Johanna Timonen, Patricia Bush and Riitta Ahonen

The aim of this study is to investigate teachers' attitudes towards medicines and to determine what they are willing to teach children about medicines. This study is part of a…

1431

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate teachers' attitudes towards medicines and to determine what they are willing to teach children about medicines. This study is part of a larger project where medicine education materials accessible on the internet (www.uku.fi/laakekasvatus, in Finnish with English introduction) were designed, developed, and evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a convenience sample of primary (n=11) and junior secondary (n=3) schoolteachers who attended three focus group discussions (FGDs). Before the FGDs, the teachers had taught three medicine education sessions based on medicine education curriculum materials to their own classes.

Findings

Three different types of teachers were found: empowering (n=6), paternalistic (n=6), and material evaluating (n=2). An empowering teacher was ready to facilitate the empowerment of children as medicine users. A paternalistic teacher wanted to teach children the dangers of medicines and also the importance of a healthful lifestyle. The material evaluating type of teacher commented mainly on the usefulness of the medicine education materials without expressing any attitude towards medicines.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small number of teachers participating in this study, it may be regarded as a pilot study that generated a hypothesis. Results need to be verified with a larger sample of teachers and with quantitative research methods before generalizations can be made.

Originality/value

This study suggests a need to educate teachers about what medicine education is and how it could be taught with an empowering approach.

Details

Health Education, vol. 106 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Katri Hämeen‐Anttila, Leena Honkanen and Kirsti Vainio

A medicine education web site was developed during a research project in 2002–2004 to help teachers in primary and junior secondary schools to teach children the proper use of…

1380

Abstract

Purpose

A medicine education web site was developed during a research project in 2002–2004 to help teachers in primary and junior secondary schools to teach children the proper use of medicines. However, there was a need to develop further the assignments for the youngest schoolchildren. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of three medicine education assignments created for seven to nine year‐old children, and to describe how children experienced them.

Design/methodology/approach

Triangulation of two methods was used: ten observed lessons and eight focus group discussions (FGD) with children (n=46). Two researchers observed medicine education lessons given by four primary school teachers. After these lessons, the children were interviewed in focus group discussions.

Findings

Teachers used the assignments in various ways. It became clear in the observations that the children enjoyed the assignments and that they did not feel embarrassed about the topics discussed. During the FGDs, they discussed topics related to learning objectives generally in a good and extensive way. Moreover, the children remembered the main messages to be learnt.

Originality/value

The medicine education assignments developed for seven to nine year‐old children are useful and feasible, and furthermore, they are flexible and can be used in different situations with different groups of children.

Details

Health Education, vol. 109 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2010

144

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 23 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2013

Michael O. Ogundele

ADHD is the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder of children and adolescents. ADHD is no longer conceptualized as a predominantly childhood disorder but is a chronic disorder…

Abstract

Purpose

ADHD is the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder of children and adolescents. ADHD is no longer conceptualized as a predominantly childhood disorder but is a chronic disorder that persists into adolescence and adulthood. The paper aims to analyse the transitional care of adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in childhood into adult specialist ADHD services in a local district. The paper also seeks to review current practice and to design a multi‐disciplinary transitional care pathway to adult services for adolescents with complex health needs based on best practice and available clinical guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD from childhood who were eligible for transition to adult ADHD services and who reached the age of 16 years over a period of two years consecutively (July 2009 to June 2011) were studied by a retrospective analysis of their clinical records. The current transitional care pathway was reviewed and revised.

Findings

Out of 504 patients on the specialist ADHD database, 104 adolescents were eligible for transition to adult services. A total of 19 patients (18 per cent) were referred to CAMHS. A total of 68 adolescents (65 per cent) were discharged from the paediatric services following voluntary discontinuation of medications and non‐attendance at follow‐up clinics. Only 16 patients (15 per cent) were successfully referred to the specialist adult ADHD services (three of them already discharged). A multi‐disciplinary transitional care pathway to adult services for young people with complex health needs and learning difficulties and information for the carers and young people have been designed and adopted in the local city borough, agreed by all the stakeholders.

Practical implications

A total of 73 per cent of eligible patients were either discharged or lost to follow‐up. There must be some flexibility in the referral pathway to the adult ADHD services to allow some of the adolescents who were previously lost to follow‐up to be re‐referred by other primary or secondary care healthcare professionals if the need arises in the future.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there is a high rate of discontinuation of medications, loss to follow‐up and a remarkably low rate of successful transition to locally commissioned adult ADHD services among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in childhood.

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2020

Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif Ishak, Yit Siew Chin, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib and Zalilah Mohd Shariff

This study aimed to explore the understanding of Malaysian adolescents towards concept of physical activity (PA) and their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the understanding of Malaysian adolescents towards concept of physical activity (PA) and their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quota sampling method, a total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were performed at two secondary schools, which were randomly selected in Selangor. This study involved 72 adolescents (males = 51.4%, females = 48.6%) aged 13–14 years. Based on ethnicity, there was an equal number of Malay, Chinese and Indian participants (n = 24, 33.3%). For analysing the outcome from the FGDs, thematic analysis was applied.

Findings

The adolescents perceived exercise and PA as structured games. They perceived that exercise could have positive effects on the body, appearance and health, and PA as a daily routine. Common differences between exercise and PA were based on frequency, intensity, energy and venue. Perceived facilitators in practising an active lifestyle include concern about body or health, have companions, familial or peer influence, availability of facilities in the neighbourhood and have scheduled time for exercise. Time constraint, no motivation, physically unwell or tired, no companion, security issue at playground or exercise facilities or venue, and weather were mentioned as barriers in practising an active lifestyle.

Originality/value

This study contributed to an improved understanding of the adolescents’ concept of PA, as well as their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle. The study suggested that health intervention should embrace a way of promoting the immediate advantages of practicing an active lifestyle in order to reinforce the importance of an active lifestyle among adolescents. Furthermore, future intervention should emphasise on educating the adolescents on ways to cope with environmental barriers when practicing an active lifestyle.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 122 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2009

Maida J. Sewitch, Brian Bexton, Elham Rahme, Sophie Galarneau and Régis Blais

The purpose of this paper is to compare predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.

540

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective database cohort study included adolescent, adult and senior Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan beneficiaries with new episode depression, who were diagnosed by primary care physicians or psychiatrists (October 2000 to March 2001) and received pharmacotherapy. Receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy, based on the first psychoactive medication dispensed following the depression diagnosis, was defined according to Canadian guidelines.

Findings

Receipt of first‐line pharmacotherapy was documented in 52 percent, 71 percent and 50 percent of adolescents, adults and seniors, respectively. Among adolescents and seniors, diagnosis by a psychiatrist was associated with a lower likelihood of receipt of recommended pharmacotherapy. Adolescent females and senior males were more likely and adults with comorbidity were less likely to receive recommended pharmacotherapy. For all age groups, having a physician who both diagnosed the depression and prescribed the initial pharmacotherapy was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving recommended pharmacotherapy. Relational continuity of care influenced receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy. Gender differences in treatment were found in adolescents and seniors.

Originality/value

This paper identifies predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2020

Rosie Blount

Rising societal pressures for the Filipino urban poor population – precipitating increased crime – alongside widespread corruption, have led to many children being both lawfully…

Abstract

Purpose

Rising societal pressures for the Filipino urban poor population – precipitating increased crime – alongside widespread corruption, have led to many children being both lawfully and unlawfully detained in child rehabilitation centres. Far from rehabilitating, detained children live in prisonlike conditions, despite the illegality of child imprisonment in the country. Their human rights disregarded; they suffer from abuse, neglect and a multitude of health issues, with no access to healthcare. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of formerly detained looked-after adolescents and their carers, on the priority health issues and key health determinants of detained Filipino children.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted in June 2019 in a Filipino children’s home for previously detained children. In total, 18 semi-structured interviews, using photo-elicitation, were conducted to retrospectively explore the experiences of formerly detained children and their carers, who were purposively sampled. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Leeds.

Findings

Adolescents and carers commonly reported eight key health issues in detained children, namely, most frequently skin disease, mental health issues and malnutrition, then additionally wounds, respiratory disease, dental problems, sexual health issues and gastrointestinal issues. Six determinants of health in detainment centres were identified as follows: hygiene, food, weather, overcrowding, facilities and safeguarding issues.

Originality/value

The illegality and corruption associated with child detention centres mean the situation of detained Filipino children is difficult to assess directly. This study combats this by exploring the experiences of formerly detained children and their carers, to retrospectively assess the health of illegally detained Filipino Children.

Details

International Journal of Prisoner Health, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-9200

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2022

Waleed Sweileh

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face discrimination, verbal harassment, rejection and physical violence that affect their mental health and well-being…

Abstract

Purpose

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face discrimination, verbal harassment, rejection and physical violence that affect their mental health and well-being. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to analyze research publications on the mental health and well-being of LGBT adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive research strategy was implemented using the SciVerse Scopus database to accomplish the objective of the study. The study period was all times up to 2020. VOS viewer program was used for mapping of frequent author keywords, journal citations and research collaboration.

Findings

The search strategy found 1,167 documents authored by 4,067 researchers and disseminated through 321 scientific journals. Research on the topic started half a century ago but showed a visible steep growth after 2008. Authors and institutions in the USA dominated the field. Northwestern University, based in the USA, was the most active institution. No significant cross-country collaboration was observed in this field. The most active journal was Journal of Adolescent Health (n = 67, 5.7%), followed distantly by the Journal of LGBT Youth (n = 48, 4.1%). The contribution of journals in the field of mental health to the topic was limited. Documents on family acceptance, suicidality and school victimization/violence received the highest number of citations. The retrieved documents in the field had five major topics: suicide, mental health/depression, bullying/victimization, substance use/alcohol and violence.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has a few limitations that are typical of any bibliometric study. Both the search strategy and the use of Scopus are inherent limitations of bibliometric studies.

Practical implications

Policymakers and public health experts in various countries need to prioritize research on the mental health and well-being of LGBT adolescents based on the number of publications produced by the country. The finding that certain world regions have limited research contribution does not mean the absence of mental health problems of LGBT adolescents.

Social implications

The limited number of scholars in the field of sexual health, the cultural barriers are the main obstacles for publishing in this field. Research on LGBT adolescents’ mental health and well-being should be prioritized in countries and world regions with limited research in this field. Therefore, journal editors should endorse publications in this field through publishing thematic issues in this field.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess the scientific research publications on the mental health of the LGBT people as an indication of interest and social problems facing this community.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000