Concerns Regarding the Glorification of Mental Illness on Social Media.

In today's world, it is becoming increasingly important to address not only the need for awareness of mental illnesses but also the undue glorification of the same by certain segments of society. Social media has been a major influence on Generation Z in terms of self-diagnosing mental illnesses and romanticizing them. More and more individuals have started recognizing online trends of self-diagnosis of mental illness, and it is increasingly plausible in the process of normalizing the conversation around mental health through memes, TikTok videos, and viral tweets; this has had the paradoxical effect of romanticization of mental illness in certain segments of society.  Through this editorial, we would like to highlight this important issue and urge the mental health community to be cognizant of this phenomenon, lest it curtail society's recent advancements in mental health destigmatisation.

Interoceptive experiences and ecological care: an embodied approach within therapeutical realms.

The conventional dichotomy between human health and disease has historically been approached through reductionist models that emphasize the exclusive causal relevance of physiological and pathological processes. Consequently, self-awareness and affective dimensions, integral to a phenomenological perspective, are often relegated to secondary traits, affording little consideration for the causal role of embodied living organization. Our interest lies in exploring the potential relevance of the phenomenology of embodied self-awareness in relation to interoceptive processes within therapeutic settings. As we illustrate, when the unfolding processes of interoceptive awareness and its affective capacity take precedence, the agent assumes an active, rather than passive, role in their own experience of health or illness. Departing from an enactive, phenomenological, and ecological standpoint, we propose a distinctive perspective on interoceptive processes, relying on an affective conceptualization of a spectrum of experiences of bodily being-in-the-world. Our primary argument posits that considering interoceptive processes from an embodied and ecological viewpoint of the self, interacting with the material and social environment, enables an approach to the gradient of affective experiences of embodied self-awareness-where pleasure or suffering is perceived and felt-in a naturalized, non-reductive, and relational manner. We discern two ways in which interoceptive processes interrelate with the experience of embodied self-awareness: sensitivity (self-affective) and affective-laden perception. Drawing on this distinction, we provide a nuanced description of these experiences within communities of cis-women, exemplified through the contexts of menstruation and endometriosis. This exploration seeks to enhance our understanding of the phenomenology of embodied, ecological, and affective self-experience from within diverse and situated bodies. The goal is to contribute to their autonomy and ability to adapt and self-regulate within therapeutic contexts.

A human resource professional perspective of strategies to accommodate employees with mental health conditions in the workplace in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The South African Labour Relations Act, specifically the Code of Good Practice (CGP) advocates against the discrimination and unfair dismissal of individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. However, little is known about the implementation of these national policies within the workplace, especially from the perspective of the employer rather than the employee. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of how human resource practitioners accommodate and support individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. METHOD: Eleven participants (Human Resource Professionals) participated in the study. The researchers utilized semi-structured interviews where the data was analysed by means of thematic analysis to formulate themes. RESULTS: Three themes emerged depicting the participants' experiences and perceptions of barriers and facilitators which influenced their return to work: The themes that emerged through thematic analysis consisted of 1) Challenges perceived by Human Resource personnel that influences work participation; 2) The influence that workplace accommodations and support structures have on the work participation; 3) The prevalence of policies and laws that are available in theworkplace. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted that Human Resource Professionals struggle to interpret and implement labor related polices that aid in employing individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. It is important to implement strategies that will assist Human Resource practitioners in understanding how to implement such policies to successfully accommodate individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace.

Itinerarios terapéuticos de mujeres migrantes con hipertensión arterial: miradas desde el proceso salud-enfermedad-atención / Therapeutic itineraries of migrant women with arterial hypertension: views from the health-disease-care process

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es un factor de riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel global y la principal causa de muerte prematura, afecta en buena parte a mujeres. El propósito del estudio fue comprender cómo las mujeres migrantes (MM) con HTA configuran sus itinerarios terapéuticos (IT) en la búsqueda de atención sanitaria en Colombia, desde el proceso salud-enfermedad-atención. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo con enfoque de teoría fundamentada. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas y 2 grupos focales a MM con HTA en Popayán Colombia. Se realizó muestreo teórico intencionado hasta alcanzar la saturación teórica y la abstracción de categorías emergentes a través de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Resultados: La codificación abierta generó 1.135 códigos. La categoría principal emergente fue que los IT en la atención de la HTA están determinados por dinámicas sociales, culturales, políticas y económicas. Como subcategorías relacionadas emergieron: riesgos de enfermar por HTA configuran IT; surge heterogeneidad de recursos terapéuticos formales e informales para atender la enfermedad; existen determinantes de acceso al sistema sanitario; y movilización de diversas prácticas para el seguimiento y control del padecimiento. Conclusión: Las mujeres en situación de migración con HTA configuran IT para lograr la atención en salud no solo desde el sistema sanitario estatal, sino a partir de diversos elementos del orden social, cultural, político y económico. En esta medida, la HTA supera nominaciones mórbidas exclusivas de la biomedicina y de la relación médico-paciente, para abocarse y trascender hacia un padecimiento que exige resolver contingencias del contexto. (AU)

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a global risk factor for morbidity and mortality and the main cause of premature death, largely affecting women. The purpose of the study was to understand how migrant women (MW) with AH configure their therapeutic itineraries (TI) in the search for health care in Colombia, from the health-disease-care process. Methods: Qualitative study with a grounded theory approach. 16 interviews and two focus groups were conducted with MW with AH in Popayán Colombia. Intentional theoretical sampling was carried out until reaching theoretical saturation and the abstraction of emerging categories through open, axial and selective coding. Results: Open coding generated 1,135 codes. The main emerging category was that TI in AH care are determined by social, cultural, political, and economic dynamics. As related subcategories emerged: the risks of getting sick from AH configure TI; heterogeneity of formal and informal therapeutic resources arises to attend to the disease; there are determinants of access to the health system; and mobilization of various practices for monitoring and control of the disease. Conclusion: Women in a situation of migration with AH configure TI to achieve health care not only from the state health system, but from various elements of the social, cultural, political and economic order. To this extent, AH goes beyond morbid nominations exclusive to biomedicine and the doctor-patient relationship, to address and transcend towards a condition that requires resolving contingencies of the context. (AU)

Social Determinants of Health in Urban Transgender Patients: A Case Report.

The social determinants of health (SDOH) are a complex web of factors that influence the health of individuals throughout their lifetime. There are many drivers of health inequities within the SDOH, such as socioeconomic status, education, employment, gender, and race/ethnicity. It is possible that mental illness may develop when these factors negatively affect health. However, current research primarily focuses on SDOH in cisgender individuals leaving a scientific gap in transgender individuals who require unique considerations when providing comprehensive medical care. We present the case of a 20-year-old transgender female who was admitted for suicidal attempts during a methamphetamine overdose, and who had been struggling with mental illness and suicidal gestures since she was a young teenager. The significance of our findings is discussed in the context of the substantial lack of current research on SDOH in transgender individuals to underscore the need for clinical awareness and promote future research.

Exploring the Relationship Between Health-Illness Transition Experiences and Distress Among Patients With Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the correlation between health-illness transition (HIT) experiences and distress among patients with pancreatic cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: 55 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer center in New York. METHODS & VARIABLES: A prospective correlational study was performed to explore the frequency, extent, and management of HITs. HITs were evaluated using the Measurement of Transitions in Cancer Scale, and distress was measured with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. RESULTS: All patients experienced at least one HIT. The extent of HITs decreased over time. Patients reported that they managed HITs moderately well. There was a significant correlation between unmanaged HITs and distress. As distress increased, the extent of the physical and emotional HITs increased and management worsened. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: HITs are ubiquitous among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Associated distress inhibits management. Nurses are well suited to assess for potential HITs and to support self-management of HITs.

Connecting and Attuning Mental Health Care for Adolescent Patients: The Role of Presence Practice.

Introduction: The healthcare system over the years has witnessed evolvement and transformation in the care pattern, including in the mental healthcare system. This has seen a considerable and commendable improvement in patient care. This article aims to demonstrate the need for "presence practice" and practical implications thereof, in the care of adolescents with mental health illnesses and to further demonstrate the need for connecting and attuning mental health care for good care and positive nurse and patient outcomes. The developmental stage of adolescents is characterized by various psychosocial changes. At the same time, the emergence of numerous mental health conditions is prevalent at the adolescent stage, contributing to the disease burden among this age group. Understandably, the prevalence of mental health illnesses in adolescents could be associated with their vulnerability and the result of the interaction of numerous biopsychosocial factors in the lives of the individuals, asserting influences on their development and mental health such as family challenges, the stress associated with schooling, relationship issues, and abuse. Method: This article follows a quality improvement method where the author took time to nonsystematically explain existing literature on presence practice and its practical implication and further practically demonstrated the need for and how to facilitate connecting and attuning mental health care for good care and positive nurse and patient outcomes. Result: Presence practice should be adopted by mental health nurses to foster the establishment of relational care with mental health care users, such as adolescents with mental illness, and to help mitigate relapse. Being open-minded and preparing their minds to be receptive and present during care should be part of nurses effective presence practice. Conclusion: The article concludes that mental health nurses, as frontline caregivers, should always endeavor to connect and attune care to the needs of the adolescents receiving mental health care to foster positive outcomes.

A clinical review of antidepressants, their sexual side-effects, post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, and serotonin syndrome.

Depression and anxiety are common, with one in six people experiencing symptoms in any given week. Of these people, 8.32 million are prescribed antidepressants. People living with HIV are likely to experience psychiatric disorder, with one in three experiencing depression and anxiety, and being at greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Sexual side-effects of psychotropic medication are very common, cause distress, and can persist even after the medication has been withdrawn. Antidepressants are powerful drugs and can have severe interactions with many other substances. This article seeks to raise awareness of sexual side-effects of psychotropic medications and draw attention to ethical issues related to post selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sexual dysfunction (PSSD). Additional risk factors and interactions between psychotropic medications and recreational drugs are identified. Recommendations are made to improve care and clinical outcomes through the development of therapeutic alliances.

Mental Health Disorders Due to Disaster Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Natural disasters are complex, global issues that affect people individually, families, and communities, upsetting their emotional wellbeing. This research aims to comprehend the connections between disasters and their effects on mental health. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis on the effect of disasters on mental health disorders using defined search terms across three major databases. The search technique adhered to the PECO framework. The study locations were dispersed across Asia, Europe, and America. An electronic search was established in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Medline databases. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out. The I2 statistic was used to explore heterogeneity. In the random-effects analysis, Tau-squared, τ2, or Tau2 evaluates the effects seen between the study variances. Publication bias was examined. The outcomes of the included studies on mental health issues (n = 48,170) brought on by catastrophic disasters were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. The three main mental health illnesses attributed to the disaster catastrophe in most studies were generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, substance use, adjustment disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Storms, including cyclones and snowstorms, had an impact on 5,151 individuals. 38,456 people were harmed by flooding, and 4,563 people were affected by the earthquake. The included studies showed prevalence rates for mental health disorders ranging from 5.8% to 87.6%. The prevalence rates were between 2.2% and 84% for anxiety, 3.23% and 52.70% for depression, and 2.6% and 52% for PTSD, respectively. The point effect estimates of studies included the flood, storm/cyclone, and earthquake were 0.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.12), 0.18 (95% CI: 0.03-0.32), and 0.15 (95% CI: 0.03-0.27), respectively, which revealed a statistically significant positive effect (p-value: < 0.05) with a narrow 95% CI indicating more precise population estimates. However, the pooled effect estimates were not of a large effect size of 0.129 (95% CI: 0.05-0.20). This study found a link between disaster and poorer outcomes for mental health. The risk of psychological morbidity and fatalities increased with relocation and disruption of essential services. Flooding was the most frequent calamity. The "medium human development countries" were found to have the highest prevalence rate of mental health disorders in our meta-analysis. The "very high human development" and "high human development" nations, however, also had a higher prevalence rate of mental health disorders following catastrophic events. This study could aid in the creation of thorough strategies for the mitigation and avoidance of mental health problems during natural disasters. Increased community resilience, improved access to healthcare services, and a suitable mitigation strategy can all help to improve the situation of the disaster's vulnerable population.

The Prevalence of Comorbidities and Substance Use Disorder.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex illnesses and may occur in individuals with other physical and mental illnesses. Common comorbidities for SUDs include mental health illness and/or chronic pain. Nurses face additional risk factors for the development of SUD and comorbid illnesses. The relationships among these comorbidities and SUD are multifaceted, requiring understanding of the individual disease processes and how they may impact the manifestations of one another, as well as response to treatment considerations. Understanding the prevalence of these comorbidities and potential relationships is crucial to prevention, management, and treatment outcomes.

Off-Label Cyproheptadine in Children and Adolescents: Psychiatric Comorbidities, Interacting Variables, Safety, and Risks of Hepatotoxicity.

Cyproheptadine is a widely prescribed first-generation antihistamine, and due to its unique chemical structure, it has a popular off-label choice for a range of clinical conditions. Its efficacy is widely debated in the literature, but there are reports of hepatotoxicity as a rare adverse effect. Its benefits in migraine prophylaxis and appetite stimulation also underscore a highly overlapping clinical pathway that requires additional assessment and evaluation. The evidence suggests a baseline metabolic profile before initiation and assessment for co-occurring mental health conditions may improve overall response with evidence-based mental health interventions.

Exploring awareness, attitude, and practices toward mental illnesses: A cross-sectional survey among university students in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Mental illness is a serious condition requiring early intervention. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and stigma toward mental illness among university students in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted during the academic year 2018-2019 in a university in Saudi Arabia. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select students (n = 778). A standardized self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: The students had an adequate level of knowledge on mental illness (44.1%), and almost half of them had a positive attitude (52.2%) toward mental illness. The female students (55.9%) exhibited a significantly higher positive attitude than the males (48.4%) (P = 0.038). The students' knowledge level increased significantly with an increase in the academic year (P = 0.010). The students from urban places showed a significantly higher knowledge level (50.5%) than those from the rural areas (40.5%) (P = 0.007). The students from health-related colleges (59.7%) showed higher positive attitudes, but without statistical significance (P = 0.104) than those from other colleges. The female gender (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.88, P = 0.020) was an important factor associated with positive attitudes. The important independent predictors of adequate mental illness knowledge were living in urban places (OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.09-1.98, P = 0.012) and studying in the sixth year (OR = 2.1, 95% CI, 1.1-3.9, P = 0.028). Conclusions: Although students showed a favorable attitude toward mental illness, their knowledge level can be improved. Research outcomes can be used to design health educational interventions to enhance university students' mental health literacy.

Strengthening Response Toward Promoting Mental Health in India: A Narrative Review.

Mental health is an essential component of human development. It deals with human ideas and emotions, and it helps to lead a good life by paving the way for healthy minds. The absence of a healthy mind is a substantial hindrance to personal, societal, and national economic, political, and social functioning. For a long time in India, mental illness has been shrouded in stigma, ignorance, and superstition. The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) has undergone major strategic revisions throughout its existence, from instituting a district as the entity for program planning and implementation under the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) to integrating it with the National Rural Health Mission to productively scale up the program. Many researchers reviewed the program, which was also evaluated by governing and non-governmental institutions. Financial and human capital restrictions, a lack of public involvement, inefficient training, poor non-governmental organization/private cooperation, and a deficit of solid monitoring and evaluation system have all hampered the program's impact. A thorough study of the literature on India's unique mental health initiatives was conducted using particular Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, including "community mental health program," "mental health project," "innovative in mental health programs," and "India," and Boolean operators "AND/OR." The MeSH keywords used were as follows: mental health project OR ("mental health project" [Mesh] OR "innovative in mental health programs" [Mesh]) AND community mental health program AND ("community mental health program" [Mesh]), India OR ("India" [Mesh]). A preliminary search was conducted in Google Scholar and the PubMed database. A total of 55 indexed papers were found, of which 24 articles were duplicates, hence they were removed and the research eventually contained 31 investigations. Over time, it has become clear that a strong focus on community mental health is critical, and that the DMHP and NMHP, in terms of coverage and utilization of their service components, need to be strengthened. As with many other public health programs, public awareness and information, education, and communication programs must be the most important components for change to occur at the community level. Many tactics and innovations also help to democratize mental health care by allowing the integration of mental health programs into primary care, which is more equitable in the long run and leads to "good mental health for everyone."

The Risk of Fatal Arrhythmias Associated With Sertraline in Patients With Post-myocardial Infarction Depression.

Sertraline is a first-line antidepressant and the most commonly used in the treatment of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in major depression. It is preferred due to its central and peripheral actions on the serotonergic system in patients with mental health issues as well as cardiovascular disease, particularly post-myocardial infarction depression. Some of the feared adverse effects include QT prolongation, arrhythmias including Torsades de pointed, and sudden cardiac death, which are associated with older antidepressants and are rarely seen with SSRIs, including sertraline. We tried to understand the risks associated with sertraline use in cardiac patients. We reviewed all the relevant information from inception up to July 2022 regarding the risks of sertraline use in cardiovascular diseases, particularly with a focus on post-myocardial infarction depression, and gathered around 500 articles in our research and narrowed it down to 37 relevant articles. The database used was PubMed and the keywords used are sertraline, arrhythmia, major depression, post-myocardial infarction, and ventricular tachycardia. We carefully screened all relevant articles and found articles supporting and refuting the effects of sertraline in increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We concluded that there is a significant variability due to confounding factors affecting individual cases. Overall, sertraline has no increased risk in comparison with other antidepressants and a comparatively preferable safety profile to other SSRIs like citalopram in general cases. Any patient with a high risk of arrhythmias due to any etiology should receive a screening ECG before sertraline prescription for baseline QT interval and genotyping for any serotonin transporter/receptor variations. Patients should also be periodically monitored for drug-drug interactions while on therapy. We encourage further research, including randomized clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance regarding the use of sertraline in high-risk cases.

Hoping for a Better Future during COVID-19: How Migration Plans Are Protective of Depressive Symptoms for Haitian Migrants Living in Chile.

This paper explores the migration experiences, perceived COVID-19 impacts, and depression symptoms among Haitian migrants living in Santiago, Chile. Ninety-five participants from eight neighborhoods with a high density of Haitian migrants were recruited. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Chi-squared tests were used to confirm univariate results. We found that 22% of participants had major depressive symptoms based on the CESD-R-20 scale, 87% reported major life changes due to COVID-19, and 78% said their migration plans had changed due to the pandemic. Factors associated with more depressive symptoms were being in debt (OR = 3.43) and experiencing discrimination (ORs: 0.60 to 6.19). Factors associated with less odds of depressive symptoms were social support (ORs: 0.06 to 0.25), change in migration plans due to COVID-19 (OR = 0.30), and planning to leave Chile (OR = 0.20). After accounting for relevant factors, planning to leave Chile is significantly predictive of fewer symptoms of depression. Haitian migrants living in Chile had a high prevalence of depression. Planning to leave Chile was a significant protector against depressive symptoms. Future studies should explore how nuanced experiences of uncertainty play out in migrants' lives, mental well-being, and planning for their future.

The Effects of Shared Decision-Making on Patient Participation in Discharge Meetings in a Behavioral Health Unit.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that persons diagnosed with behavioral health illnesses can benefit from shared decision-making. On an inpatient behavioral health unit, low Press Ganey scores related to satisfaction with involvement in care triggered a root cause analysis that identified patients did not feel engaged by nursing during their time together; and discharge meetings with the health care team were not required. AIMS: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve patient perception of involvement in their care as evidenced by increased Press Ganey scores and increased number of patients involved in discharge meetings. METHODS: Nurses used an evidence-based model for nurse-patient communication: the Seeking information, Engaging in conversation, Exploring options, and Deciding on treatment (SEED) and use of a Control Preferences Scale (CPS) to increase communication about treatment and discharge decisions. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients engaged in the intervention. Patient presence at discharge meetings increased from 39% to 82% (p < .001), and Press Ganey scores evidenced minimal change. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the SEED model and CPS by nurses was effective in increasing patients' involvement in their treatment. Although findings were limited due to COVID-19, the study suggests that improving patient involvement from admission through discharge throughout hospitalization can improve patient experience scores.

Gestational diabetes: changed health beliefs in migrant women from five Asian countries living in Sweden: a prospective qualitative study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the temporal development of beliefs about health, illness and health care in migrant women with gestational diabetes (GD) born in Asia residing in Sweden, and the influence on health-related behaviour in terms of self-care and seeking care. BACKGROUND: Migrant Asian women are a high-risk group for developing GD. Adapting to the culture in the new society and the healthcare system, being diagnosed with GD and becoming a mother is demanding. The question is whether Asian migrants' patterns of beliefs and behaviour change over time, as no previous study has been revealed on this topic. METHOD: Qualitative prospective exploratory study. Semi-structured interviews were held on three occasions: during pregnancy and three and fourteen months after delivery, with women born in Asia, diagnosed with GD. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: There was a temporal change of beliefs influencing health-related behaviour, showing a rising curve in risk awareness. An increasing number of persons described developing a healthy diet/lifestyle based on initial advice and shifted focus from the child to worries about the woman's health and risk of developing type 2 diabetes and being unable to care for the child/family. Also, the number of women perceiving GD as a transient condition decreased and more believed it would last forever. Beliefs about health care were unchanged, the healthcare model was perceived working well but information about GD and follow-ups was requested even after delivery, and competent staff was expected. Health professionals' beliefs about the seriousness of GD influence patients' beliefs and need to be considered. Migrant women need support with adequate information, based on their individual beliefs, to continue develop a sustainable healthy lifestyle even after giving birth, to promote health and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Diagnóstico em saúde mental: aceitação e desprezo da pluralidade / Mental health diagnosis: acceptance and contempt of plurality

Resumo Neste ensaio, discutem-se constructos ligados às concepções de saúde e doença e, em particular, a aspectos que influenciaram e influenciam a noção de adoecimento mental. Partindo de uma revisão narrativa de literatura, visitam-se diferentes tempos e ideias que, em consonância, apontam que processos produtivos, época, território, conjunturas políticas e simbólicas, assim como modelos sanitários, sugestionam a forma de se diagnosticar e intervir sobre doenças. A atitude diagnóstica diante daquilo que se considera ou não patológico revela características fundadoras das sociedades e das forças que as operam e, ao alcançar o campo da subjetividade, potencializa-se como força capaz de elevar ou anular a pluralidade contida na existência humana.

Abstract This essay discusses constructs linked to the conceptions of health and illness and, in particular, ideas that influenced and still influence the notion of mental illness. Starting from a narrative literature review, different times and ideas are visited, which, in consonance, point out that productive processes, time, territory, political and symbolic situations, as well as health models, suggest the way to diagnose and intervene in diseases. The diagnostic attitude towards what is considered pathological or not reveals fundamental characteristics of societies and the forces that operate them and, by reaching the field of subjectivity, it is potentialized as a force capable of elevating or canceling the diversity contained in human existence.

Trabalho, gestão e saúde-adoecimento: um estudo qualitativo sobre as vivências de bancários no Rio Grande do Sul / Labor, management and health-illness: a qualitative study about the experience of bank workers in Rio Grande do Sul

Este estudo teve o intuito de conhecer a vivência de trabalhadores bancários no que diz respeito às relações entre organização do trabalho e saúde mental. Foram realizados grupos focais em que participaram bancários de diferentes cidades do Rio Grande do Sul. Os tópicos de discussão buscavam compreender como os profissionais vivenciavam suas experiências laborais. As sessões grupais foram transcritas e submetidas à análise de conteúdo qualitativa, resultando em três grandes categorias: sentido do trabalho, gestão do trabalho bancário, e trabalho e adoecimento. Constatou-se que o sentido do trabalho se apresenta primordialmente como meio de subsistência; e as metas, excessivamente elevadas, contribuem para os trabalhadores renunciarem seus valores éticos. O sofrimento psíquico causado pelo trabalho influencia as relações interpessoais dos participantes, empobrecendo-as do ponto de vista afetivo. Evidenciou-se a necessidade da discussão política da relação entre trabalho e saúde/adoecimento. A partir deste estudo, aposta-se na ação coletiva e na retomada de laços de solidariedade como forma de resistência às estratégias de gestão individualizantes e alienantes

This study aimed to understand the experience of bank workers concerning the relationships between work organization and mental health. Focal groups were conducted in which bank workers from different cities of the state of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, participated. The topics of discussion in the groups sought to understand how workers experience their work processes. The group sessions were transcribed and submitted to qualitative content analysis, resulting in three major categories: work meaning, work management, and work and the process of falling ill. It was found that the meaning of the work presents itself primarily as a mean of subsistence; and that the, excessive high, goals contribute to drive workers to give up their ethical values. The psychic suffering caused by work influences interpersonal relationships, impoverishing them in the affective point of view. The need of political discussion about the relations between work and health/illness was evidenced. From this study, the collective action and the recovery of ties of solidarity as a form of resistance in face of individualizing and alienating management strategies emerge as a goal

Migrant Middle Eastern women with gestational diabetes seven years after delivery - positive long-term development of beliefs about health and illness shown in follow-up interviews.

AIM: No previous studies have been found focusing on the long-term development of beliefs about health, illness and healthcare in migrant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to explore this and the influence on health-related behaviour (i.e. self-care and care seeking) in migrant women from the Middle East living in Sweden seven years after delivery. BACKGROUND: GDM is increasing, particularly in migrant women. The risk of adverse outcomes of GDM for health can be improved by interventions reducing blood glucose and lifestyle modifications which medicalise the woman's pregnancy due to intensive follow-up and demanding self-care. The reactions might have an enduring impact on the women's long-term psychological and physical health and adoption of preventive health behaviours. METHOD: Qualitative exploratory study. Semi-structured follow-up interviews 7 years after delivery with women previously interviewed in gestational weeks 34-38 and 3 and 14 months after delivery. Data analysed with qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: Health meant freedom from illness, feeling well and living long to be able to care for the children. The present situation was described either positively, changing to a healthier lifestyle, or negatively, with worries about being affected by type 2 diabetes. Beliefs changed among the majority of women, leading to a healthier lifestyle, and they looked positively back at the time when diagnosed and their reactions to it. With few exceptions, they were confident of being aware of future health risks and felt responsible for their own and their children's health/lifestyle. None except those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had been in contact with healthcare since the last follow-up a year after delivery. Yet, they still would like and need a healthcare model delivering more information, particularly on developing a healthy lifestyle for children, and with regular check-ups also after the first year after delivery.