Developing a Community for Patients With Cancer Through Longer-Term Art Therapy

2020 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00419
Author(s):  
Sam Brondfield ◽  
Naike Bochatay ◽  
Cynthia Perlis
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Art Therapy ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Medical Centers ◽  
Directed Content Analysis

PURPOSE: Art therapy (AT) improves quality of life and symptoms in patients with cancer. However, previous studies that have demonstrated these effects focused on time-limited interventions. The benefits of longer-term AT interventions for patients with cancer remain unexplored. We aimed to delineate the benefits of one such intervention for patients with cancer. METHODS: The Art for Recovery open art studio (OAS) is a weekly experience that provides patients the opportunity to express themselves through art and discussion. In April 2019, we sent a cross-sectional survey with closed- and open-ended components to all patients attending the OAS. We analyzed the closed-ended results using descriptive statistics and the open-ended results using directed content analysis through the theoretical framework of community-based development (CBD). RESULTS: The response rate was 82% (18 of 22 patients). The median duration of OAS attendance was 2 years, and the median frequency of attendance was three times per month. All respondents found the OAS very helpful, and 17 (94%) of 18 believed that the friendships they had made were very valuable. Directed content analysis revealed three themes: togetherness, active engagement, and familiar surroundings. These themes and our closed-ended results aligned well with the CBD framework. CONCLUSION: Longer-term AT experiences may provide benefits, such as community development, that briefer interventions lack. Medical centers should consider providing longer-term AT experiences for patients with cancer to give them access to these benefits.

African business leadership: Perspectives from aspiring young leaders

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matete Lerutla ◽  
Renier Steyn
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Business Leadership ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Directed Content Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Definition Of

Orientation: Although a lot is written about leadership in Africa, little empirical research has been conducted and published in prominent academic journals, which comprehensively and specifically define the concept of African business leadership.Research purpose: The goal of the research study was to define the African business leadership comprehensively, tapping into the views of young leaders and making a contribution to the discourse and literature on leadership in Africa.Motivation for the study: Whilst business leadership practices are deemed to be universal by some, others argue that the matter is geographically specific. The latter view is supported by those interested in decolonisation and Africanisation. Although politically inspired and philosophically embedded definitions of African leadership are readily available, definitions stemming from empirical processes seem to be absent.Research approach, design and method: This research focuses on the sub-Saharan region, which accounts for the greater part of the African continent. A total of 121 adult students, representing 14 sub-Saharan countries, participated in this study. The participants were part of the Young African Leaders Initiative, a leadership development programme facilitated by the University of South Africa. A cross sectional survey design was used, as part of which open-ended questions were posed to the young leaders. Summative content analysis (Cohort 1) was uses to identify elements central to African leadership, and directed content analysis was then framed based on inter-relational plots, which include all these identified themes.Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, as part of which open-ended questions were posed to the young leaders. Summative content analysis (Cohort 1) was used to identify elements central to African business leadership, and directed content analysis (Cohort 2) was applied to verify the themes. A definition of African business leadership was then framed based on inter-relational plots, which include all these identified themes.Main findings: Eight elements typical of African business leadership were identified and, following an analysis of inter-relational plots, a definition incorporating the participants’ inputs was crafted. African business leadership is seen as unique to leaders on the continent (Afrocentric), as an act of service to the community (Ubuntu), operating in challenging and resource-deprived environments (because of the legacy of colonialism) and providing hope for creating a better future. African business leadership is further seen as being dominated by those in positions of (political) authority, who engage in entrepreneurial activities, and yet as still requiring development because many leaders are corrupt (brokenness), which seems to be legitimised by post-colonial sentiments (Afro-centric).Contribution: The research study presents a multidimensional perspective on defining African business leadership, reiterating the admirable community orientation, but also the skill gaps, and therefore, the need for improvement.Practical Implications: The definition crafted from the research study provides a compelling conceptualisation of a phenomenon that is often described from only a philosophical or political perspective. This empirical research study contributes to the leadership debate by providing a multidimensional and comprehensive definition of African business leadership, incorporating both the positive and negative elements.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life in Chinese population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a national multicenter survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Huang ◽  
Jian-Gao Fan ◽  
Jun-Ping Shi ◽  
Yi-Min Mao ◽  
Bing-Yuan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Background Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a multi-dimensional construct that can comprehensively evaluate the patient’s health status, including physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on HRQL in a Chinese population. Methods In this national multicenter cross-sectional survey, patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-NAFLD was used to qualify HRQL. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of HRQL. Results A total of 5181 patients with NAFLD from 90 centers were enrolled in this study (mean age, 43.8 ± 13.3 years; male, 65.8%). The overall CLDQ score was 5.66 ± 0.89. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI: HR, 1.642; 95% CI, 1.330–2.026), alanine transaminase (ALT: HR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001–1.011), triglyceride (HR, 1.184; 95% CI, 1.074–1.305), disease severity (HR, 3.203; 95% CI, 1.418–7.232) and cardiovascular disease (HR, 4.305; 95% CI, 2.074–8.939) were independent risk factors for overall CLDQ score. In the logistic analyses of individual domain, BMI and triglyceride were independent risk factors of all domains. ALT, disease severity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease were influencing factors for the CLDQ score of several domains. Conclusions This national multicenter cross-sectional survey in China indicated that the HRQL in patients with NAFLD was impaired. HRQL was found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Attention should be paid to the optimally managing care of patients with NAFLD to improve their HRQL.

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