Having a Sibling with ASD: Perspectives of Siblings and Their Parents.

The overall purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of families living with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper reports the experiences of siblings of children with ASD, from the perspective of both siblings and parents. Using a phenomenological case study design, participants completed face sheets to provide context for one-on-one, semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim, and verified via member checks. Van Manen's (1990) selective approach was used for data analysis. Siblings and parents described that the children with ASD made their siblings the targets of their aggression, and siblings spent less time with parents the children with ASD required more attention. It was also acknowledged that the siblings were more mature as a result of having a sibling with ASD. Families acknowledged that the relationship between children with ASD and their siblings would not differ if their children did not have ASD. This work highlights the importance of examining the family as a unit to provide a multifaceted perspective of how having a child with ASD affects their siblings.

Balancing my disease: women's perspectives of living with inflammatory bowel disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to examine the lived experiences of women with inflammatory bowel disease, by specifically exploring their management of their illness after diagnosis. BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that has no known cause or cure. It is composed of two types of conditions: Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis which have similar signs and symptoms, but have distinct physiological properties. Currently, Canada has the highest reported prevalence and incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world (Molodecky et al. 2012). Despite these increasing rates, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the burdens associated with inflammatory bowel disease, in particular from the participant's perspective. DESIGN & METHODS: Heuristic phenomenology was the theoretical orientation used for this study. Eight women (aged 30-50 years) with inflammatory bowel disease who resided in Southern Ontario were recruited. Each participant completed background questionnaires and a one-on-one semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Several salient themes were identified; however, this paper will solely focus on one theme, balancing my disease. To achieve balance, the women described changing dietary behaviours, adjusting daily routines and managing symptoms through medications. These modifications were described as being important in controlling inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology on a day-to-day basis. CONCLUSION: There are many triggers for inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology. As such, the means in which those with inflammatory bowel disease manage their conditions varies. Participants discussed using a combination of strategies to control their condition. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This information is important for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease, their support people, and healthcare professionals to identify various key strategies to improve the quality of life and well-being of those affected by inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, this research provided a voice to women diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease by allowing them to openly convey their experiences of living with inflammatory bowel disease.

How do I cope? Factors affecting mothers' abilities to cope with pediatric cancer.

The overall objective of this exploratory research was to examine the lived experiences of female caregivers of children with cancer during diagnosis, treatment, and the period thereafter. Specifically, the authors examined factors that affected mothers' abilities to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. The interviews were completed with 9 mothers of children who had been treated for pediatric cancer, in addition to 3 health care workers who provided care for families with children with cancer. From this process, a number of salient issues were identified, one of which was factors that assisted or hindered mothers' abilities to cope. The subthemes of this theme consisted of: (1) support; (2) faith, positive thinking, and hope; (3) taking care of self; (4) being fearful and protective--keeping family close; and (5) living life--during and after the diagnosis. This research enabled caregivers of children with cancer to express their experiences about provision of care and factors that affected their ability to cope. Health care professionals, particularly pediatric oncology nurses and social workers, are perfectly aligned to help families reduce or manage the turmoil in families that must cope with a diagnosis of pediatric cancer.

Humor as a coping strategy for adult-child caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Guided by a phenomenological theoretical perspective, 6 young adult-child caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease were interviewed. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of young adult-child caregivers, with the key focus being the use of humor as a coping strategy in this caregiving circumstance. Qualitative analysis revealed a unique young adult-child caregiver experience in relation to humor including an acknowledgment of 3 key determinants that must be considered if humor is to be effective as a coping strategy, the identification of 4 factors that influence humor use, and finally a description of the perceived benefits of humor. Moreover, these research findings highlight the potential for the use of humor to be incorporated as a coping strategy for caregivers in the hope of preventing caregiver burnout and optimizing patient care.

Social support for physical activity and perceptions of control in early Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to investigate how social support influences physical activity participation, as perceived by men and women in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). It will also address how this perceived support interacts with perceptions of control to influence this participation. METHOD: Three women and four men with early PD completed a background questionnaire and participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model was used as a framework to develop questions related to the environmental factors examined. Phenomenology was employed in the analysis of interview transcripts. RESULTS: Three main types of support (instrumental, emotional, informational) were provided to participants, and each of these had a positive influence on physical activity participation. In addition to this support, participants reported personally participating in exercise as a means to help control the progression of PD. CONCLUSIONS: This is believed to be the first study looking at factors influencing physical activity participation in PD. Issues related to support for exercise from physicians and organisational issues of support groups for PD are discussed. Directions for future research are provided, which should aid in the identification of strategies to increase physical activity levels in those with PD.

'One sip won't do any harm . . .': temptation among women with inflammatory bowel disease/irritable bowel syndrome to engage in negative dietary behaviours, despite the consequences to their health.

The purpose of this research was to explore the dietary lived experiences of university-aged women suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This paper will address the decision-making process used by these women when contemplating the consumption of dietary temptations, despite the associated negative consequences. This phenomenological study was guided by heuristic inquiry. A purposive sample of eight women, between the ages of 18 and 23 years, who were living with IBD or IBS were recruited via postings and word-of-mouth. The findings indicate that these women occasionally felt compelled to give into dietary temptations, despite the consequences to their health. The decision-making process they used when considering these negative health behaviours involved three personally controlled parameters. These three parameters included: assessing the cost-benefit relationship before engaging in these behaviours; having a physical and/or psychological reliance on medications to treat resulting symptoms; and through controlling the timing and surroundings in which they indulged in these negative dietary behaviours. The practical implications for health-care professionals treating patients with IBD or IBS are discussed.

I am doing the best that I can!: Living with inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome (part II).

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are 2 gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that are chronic, are debilitating, and diminish quality of life and have no known etiology. Persons with IBD and/or IBS share similar signs and symptoms, although IBS does not result in intestinal inflammation/alteration or increase one's risk for colorectal cancer as does IBD. The literature reports different mechanisms by which to cope with a GI disorder; however, few studies have focused on the life experiences/coping abilities from the perspective of those who have a GI disorder. As such, exploring the lived experiences of women diagnosed with IBD and/or IBS would provide information about coping strategies from the perspective of those affected, which in turn would be useful for other individuals affected by these conditions and individuals treating patients with GI disorders. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this research was to explore the lived experiences of women diagnosed with the GI disorders of IBD and/or IBS. This article will focus on the strategies that women used for coping with such a diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: Eight women diagnosed with IBD and/or IBS were recruited from a university in southern Ontario, Canada. Each woman completed a background questionnaire, an e-mail interview, and a face-to-face interview. These data were subsequently analyzed for trends using phenomenology to direct the analysis. RESULTS: Women reported using a number of strategies to help them cope with their diagnosis of IBD or IBS: positive attitude, support, controlling the situation and surroundings, distraction/ignoring the problem, relaxation techniques, and education/knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: This research enables women to share their experiences concerning their coping strategies used in the management of IBD and/or IBS. The qualitative nature of this study provides the "voice" of women who have a GI disorder, which is often lacking in the literature, thus providing healthcare professionals with insight into the feelings and experiences of these women. The inability to understand the experiences of individuals with chronic conditions can act as a barrier in the treatment and interaction/rapport between healthcare professional and client.

"I know this is bad for me, but...": a qualitative investigation of women with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease: part II.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience similar symptoms; however, individuals with IBD have alterations in their digestive tract and an increased probability of developing colorectal cancer, whereas individuals with IBS do not. Although not well documented within the literature, individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may engage in adverse behaviors regarding their intake of food, regardless of the fact that the "offending agents" have been identified. Further study into these negative behaviors is warranted for healthcare professionals to be provided with a better understanding of the behaviors that individuals with GI disorders knowingly engage in, despite the negative consequences. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this research was to explore the lived experience of women diagnosed with the GI disorders IBD and/or IBS, with an emphasis on the dietary patterns of the women before and after diagnosis. Specifically, this article examines the adverse behaviors that women engaged in with respect to the consumption of food, beverages, and medications. METHODS: Eight women diagnosed with IBD or IBS were recruited from a university campus in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants completed a background questionnaire, a 14-day food diary, and a semistructured interview consisting of 8 open-ended questions. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: family and friend support, control, and adverse behaviors. The focus of this article, the theme of adverse behaviors, consisted of 2 major subthemes: dietary restrictions and issues with medication. All women engaged in adverse behaviors regarding their food intake and/or consumption of medications as related to food intake. CONCLUSIONS: Semistructured interviews with women diagnosed with IBD and IBS revealed that all women felt governed by their bowels to varying degrees. In addition, all women within this sample knowingly engaged in behaviors concerning food/beverages that had the potential to be detrimental to their conditions. A myriad of reasons were given for consuming foods/beverages. Implications for nursing practitioners are discussed.

'I feel as if my IBS is keeping me hostage!' Exploring the negative impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) upon university-aged women.

The purpose of this article is to describe the negative impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) upon university-aged women. This exploratory study was conducted using phenomenology, with heuristic inquiry as the guiding theoretical orientation. Seven women participated in an email interview and in a semistructured interview. The findings indicate that women with active IBD/IBS commonly experience an anxiety reaction, followed by an attack of illness. This attack then triggers a cascade of impact that negatively influences their emotional and physical well-being, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life. Health-care professionals can play an important role in minimizing the impact of IBD/IBS upon those affected, and possible interventions are suggested.

Seeking control through the determination of diet: a qualitative investigation of women with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

PURPOSE: The overall objective of this investigation was to study the lived experience, in relation to diet, of women who have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This study specifically explored pre-illness and postdiagnosis dietary patterns of participants with an emphasis on the changes, if any, that participants had made to their diet. METHODS: This study took place on a university campus in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Eight women between the ages of 18 and 23 years were recruited. Participants completed a consent form, background questionnaire, and a 14-day food diary. Participant also engaged in one-on-one semistructured interviews that consisted of 8 open-ended questions aimed at gaining a thorough understanding of the lived experience of these women, with respect to their dietary practices. RESULTS: The 3 major themes identified included: control; family and friend support; and adverse behaviors. The salient theme of control included the subthemes timing and awareness of surroundings, giving into temptations, and determination of diet. Determining one's diet, the subtheme that is addressed in this article, involved several key elements, including (1) the role of the physician(s), (2) experimentation, (3) seeking information, and (4) food modifications. CONCLUSIONS: Diet was the primary behavioral factor manipulated by participants to manage their conditions. The determination of potential trigger foods/beverages, however, entailed an often frustrating process of trial and error, in which few of the women received assistance from primary healthcare professionals. As a result, many of the women sought dietary information from alternate sources, some of which may not provide reliable information. Through experimentation and, for some, the documentation of food intake and symptom production, all participants identified food/beverage items they believed to cause symptom development. Although similar items were identified by many, all participants had individual triggers and sensitivities.

Examining gender differences in the health behaviors of Canadian university students.

UNLABELLED: The relationship between lifestyle choices and health outcomes has been an area of interest for many health professionals. Gender differences in these choices have also been an area of scrutiny. AIMS: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine gender differences in the health and lifestyle behavioral choices of Canadian university students. METHODS: A total of 638 (472 female and 166 male) undergraduate students were evaluated. RESULTS: Males and females differed significantly in their responses to appraisals of general state of health, hours/day engaged in social activities, frequency of drinking alcohol, amount of alcohol consumed per session, total number of sexual partners, number of meals eaten per day, participation in physical activity, completion of annual check-ups with doctor, screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and hypertension screening. Generally, men engaged in more risky health behaviors than females (e.g. alcohol use). CONCLUSION: Results are discussed in terms of cultural comparisons to previous research studies evaluating college health behaviors. Suggestions are made for health professionals to incorporate gender differences in behavioral change programmes geared towards improving awareness of the consequences of lifestyle choices.

Is there any food I can eat? Living with inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome are chronic, debilitating gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. There are no known causes of inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome. Both of these GI conditions significantly impair quality of life and the ability to complete activities of daily living. Unfortunately, there has been little education and research surrounding the evaluation of effective coping strategies with respect to GI disorders, particularly from the perspective of those diagnosed. As such, exploring the strategies of individuals with GI disorders would provide information concerning coping strategies from the perspective of those afflicted. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this research was to explore the lived experience of women who had been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome. This article specifically explores the relationship between food and irritable bowel syndrome and/or inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Eight females, diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome, were recruited via on-campus posters from a university in southern Ontario, Canada. Qualitative information was collected in the form of background questionnaires, e-mail interviews, and face-to-face interviews, which were subsequently analyzed for trends. RESULTS: Every woman reported that one of the most significant means by which to cope with their condition centered around food consumption or controlling their food consumption. Subjects identified the importance of determining their "trigger foods," selecting healthy food choices, the impact of stress, and problems associated with food and travel. CONCLUSIONS: This research, predicated on the narratives of women diagnosed with GI disorders, substantiates the profound effect that food has on conditions of the GI tract. All of the women identified their relationship with food as a dynamic learning process, one that they thought would be a lifelong struggle. The implications for community health nurses in assisting individuals with GI disorders are discussed.

The importance of host ecology in thelastomatoid (Nematoda: Oxyurida) host specificity.

An experimental investigation of host specificity within the Thelastomatoidea is presented by means of a comparison of the thelastomatoids of two panesthiine cockroaches, Panesthia cribrata and P. tryoni tryoni, with those of other log-dwelling arthropods and those of leaf litter dwelling arthropods found near by. 145 log-dwelling and leaf-litter dwelling arthropods, representing adjacent ecological niches, were collected from Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia. A high degree of thelastomatoid species sharing (19 incidences from 26 specimens) occurs between log-dwelling arthropods and the two cockroach species. No overlap in thelastomatoid fauna was observed between the log dwelling and leaf-litter dwelling groups. Our results suggest that host specificity of thelastomatoids is largely dictated by host ecology.

Beacon in the storm: an exploration of the spirituality and faith of parents whose children have cancer.

The purpose of this article is to describe the role of spirituality as a coping mechanism in the lives of parents of children with cancer. This exploratory study was conducted using a dominant-less dominant research design with phenomenology as the guiding theoretical orientation. Twelve parents (eight women and four men) were interviewed. Spirituality was described as playing a key role in the coping repertoire of these parents. In particular, spirituality's influence was described in both a religious and secularized manner with both aspects having a positive influence on coping behaviors among these parents. Health care professionals and nurses in particular have a role to play in facilitating access to spiritual resources as well as acknowledging and accepting the spiritual practices of the families they serve.

Mothers' home health care work when their children have cancer.

The lack of research devoted to understanding the specific home health care work that mothers of children with cancer perform necessitates research in the area. This study examines the health care activities that mothers of children with cancer must assume in the home (eg, nursing care such as the administration of medicines, protecting the immune-suppressed child from concurrent illness, watching for side effects, record keeping, scheduling checkups and treatments). The implications for public policy of the extent and nature of home and lay health care in the hospital, clinic, and home are discussed.

Aoruroides queenslandensis n. sp. (Oxyurida: Thelastomatoidea), a new nematode from Australian Panesthiinae (Blattodea: Blaberidae).

A new thelastomatid, Aoruroides queenslandensis, is described from two native Australian cockroaches, Panesthia tryoni tryoni Shaw and P. cribrata Saussure, from sub-tropical rainforest in south-eastern Queensland. Species of Aoruroides Travassos & Kloss, 1958 have previously been reported from cockroaches found in Brazil and the Philippines, but A. queenslandensis n. sp. is the first species of this genus found in Australia. The new species differs from the other members of Aoruroides principally in the position of the nerve-ring and egg morphology.