A Qualitative Study of Patients' Beliefs and Perception on Medicinal Properties of Natural Hot Spring Bath for Musculoskeletal Problems.

Natural therapy modalities such as thermal therapy and balneotherapy are commonly being practiced for the management of chronic aches and pain all over the world. Nepal has many such natural hot water springs among which few are famous for therapeutic purposes. Thousands of people with some musculoskeletal problem visit those places in the hope of getting rid of their problems. This study aimed to understand their belief in such therapies, expectations, and satisfaction after treatment along with their knowledge of the safety of hot spring water bath. Among 126 participants interviewed, 31% had inflammatory arthritis, followed by degenerative disorders in 29.4% and soft-tissue rheumatism in 12.7%. Around three-quarters believed that hot spring water has natural healing power and thus can improve their pain. Many even believed that water in natural springs is devoid of any chemicals. So, it is a safe treatment option. Regarding the expectation of cure, they had mixed opinions. Naïve participants hoped they might find a permanent cure in thermal baths. However, repeated visitors said that the effect usually lasted for a few months and they have to visit there regularly. Almost two-thirds of people thought that such natural treatment does not have any side effects. Few stated that they had faced certain problems after the treatment. The water tested from the study site showed that it contained a higher amount of chlorine and sulfate in comparison to other hot water springs in Nepal. The minerals present in water might be a cause of temporary relief of pain. Also, outbreaks of infection from common spring baths have to be considered as such cases have been reported in the past. In conclusion, the medicinal benefits of such natural hot water springs have to be studied further and awareness regarding safety should be given to the people seeking treatment.

Feeling excited or taking a bath: Do distinct pathways underlie the positive affect-health link in the U.S. and Japan?

Feeling good is linked to better health in Western contexts. Recent studies show, however, that the affect-health link is not consistent across cultures. We suggest two reasons for such inconsistency. The first follows from research showing that North American (vs. East Asian) cultures tend to value high arousal positive (HAP) states, for example, excited, more than low arousal positive (LAP) states, for example, calm. The second is one we propose for the first time. Positive affective experience is manifest in internal feelings but also in affective practices, such as taking a bath (a highly valued affective experience in Japan) or a fitness workout (a highly valued affective experience in the United States). We hypothesized that the HAP feelings/practices-health link would be stronger in the United States versus Japan, and the LAP feelings/practices-health link would be stronger in Japan versus the United States. Using survey samples from the United States (N = 640) and Japan (N = 382), we examined how health outcomes are shaped by positive affective feelings and practices varying in arousal. In a first set of analyses, HAP feelings predicted better physical and biological health in the United States but not in Japan. No cultural differences were consistently found for the effect of LAP feelings on health. In addition, engaging in HAP practices predicted better physical and biological health in the United States whereas engaging in LAP practices predicted better physical health in Japan but not in the United States. These findings suggest that the pathways underlying the culture-health link are culturally variable. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The lived experience of bathing adaptations in the homes of older adults and their carers (BATH-OUT): A qualitative interview study.

The onset of disability in bathing may be followed by disability in other daily activities for older adults. A bathing adaptation usually involves the removal of a bath or inaccessible shower and replacement with a level, easy access shower. The purpose is to remove the physical environmental barriers and restore older adults' ability to bathe safely and/or independently. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of older adults and their carers who had received a bathing adaptation in order to examine how the adaptation had affected them and identify mechanisms of impact and outcomes from their perspectives. The study was nested within a feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) (BATH-OUT) conducted within one local authority housing adaptations service in England. Semi-structured interviews were completed between 21 December 2016 and 19 August 2017 with 21 older adults and five carer participants of the feasibility RCT. Interview participants were purposively sampled on living arrangement and gender. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in seven stages using framework analysis. Findings were presented thematically. Five themes were identified: ease of use; feeling safe; feeling clean; independence, choice and control; and confidence and quality of life. The removal of the physical barriers in the bathroom led to older adults re-mastering the activity of bathing, having an improved sense of physical functioning which gave a sense of 'freedom'. This appeared to impact a range of areas contributing to a wider sense of increased confidence consistent with constructs underpinning social care-related quality of life. We suggest that future research should examine housing adaptations from a person-environment fit approach, and that timely restoration of bathing ability is especially important as it can affect confidence and perceived competence in other areas of daily living.

Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm shower or bath to improve sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Water-based passive body heating (PBHWB) as a warm shower or bath before bedtime is often recommended as a simple means of improving sleep. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochran, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases and extracted pertinent information from publications meeting predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to explore the effects of PBHWB on sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency (SE), slow wave sleep, and subjective sleep quality. The search yielded 5322 candidate articles of which 17 satisfied inclusion criteria after removing duplicates, with 13 providing comparable quantitative data for meta-analyses. PBHWB of 40-42.5 °C was associated with both improved self-rated sleep quality and SE, and when scheduled 1-2 h before bedtime for little as 10 min significant shortening of SOL. These findings are consistent with the mechanism of PBHWB effects being the extent of core body temperature decline achieved by increased blood perfusion to the palms and soles that augments the distal-to-proximal skin temperature gradient to enhance body heat dissipation. Nonetheless, additional investigation is required because the findings regarding PBHWB are limited by the relative scarcity of reported research, especially its optimal timing and duration plus exact mechanisms of effects.

Effects of disposable bath and towel bath on the transition of resident skin bacteria, water content of the stratum corneum, and relaxation.

BACKGROUND: Bed bath in daily nursing care is crucial for cleaning and moisturizing patients' skin. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cleaning and level of comfort of towel and disposable baths. The 2 methods were evaluated based on measurements of the transition of resident skin bacteria, stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss, and perceived relaxation levels. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy women aged 65-90 years participated in this study and received disposable and towel baths. We measured 4 indicators before and after bathing. The participants' relaxation levels were measured by the Japanese adult version of the Profile of Mood States Second Edition short form. RESULTS: Both disposable and towel baths significantly decreased resident skin bacteria. Disposable bath also significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus and effectively maintained the water content of the stratum corneum. Furthermore, disposable bath was as effective as towel bath at contributing to participants' relaxation levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that using a disposable bath for daily cleaning of patients' skin is more comfortable and effective than using a towel bath.

Patient perceptions of chlorhexidine bathing: A pilot study using the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Many studies investigating daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing as an infection control intervention to decrease health care-associated infections have focused on reduction of infection and colonization; few studies have assessed CHG bathing compliance, work system factors, facilitators, and barriers to implementation. METHODS: This is a combination retrospective/prospective pilot study conducted at a large academic teaching hospital that implemented daily CHG bathing across all inpatient units. CHG compliance and patient refusal were calculated on the basis of documentation in the electronic medical record. We used the health belief model to guide semistructured interviews with patients about knowledge and barriers related to CHG bathing. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients interviewed, 74% reported using CHG soap during their stay. Average compliance documented in the electronic medical record was 78% with a range of 57%-91% among all hospital units. Sixteen percent of patients declined CHG bathing, and refusal ranged from 3%-29% among all units. Major themes about CHG bathing from patient interviews include low perceived susceptibility to infection, high degree of trust in medical professionals, low knowledge of benefits of CHG, and low perceived self-efficacy in preventing HAIs. CONCLUSIONS: Educating patients about CHG bathing appears to be a critical factor in decreasing patient refusal of CHG bathing.

Culture, bathing and hydrotherapy in labor: An exploratory descriptive pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Though bathing (hydrotherapy) is widely used during labor to decrease anxiety and pain and to promote relaxation, the influence of cultural beliefs about bathing by parturients is virtually unknown. This pilot study explored pregnant women's experiences of bathing, bathing in labor, and cultural beliefs about bathing. DESIGN: An exploratory, descriptive design. SETTING: Low risk obstetrical clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy Hispanic, Black, White, American-Indian and Asian women (N = 41) at >37 weeks gestation. METHODS: During a routine prenatal visit women responded to a brief openended questionnaire on the use of bathing. Data was captured using a modified ethnographic method involving observation and note taking with thematic analysis and quantification of percent response rates. FINDINGS: Forty-six percent (N = 41) of women used bathing for purposes other than hygiene but only 4.9% (N = 41) of these women bathed during a previous labor. The women described bathing as relaxing, easing, calming, and efficacious for relief of menstrual cramps and labor contractions. Ten percent of women reported cultural beliefs about bathing. CONCLUSIONS: Women who bathe, report relief of anxiety, menstrual and labor pain and promotion of mental and physical relaxation. The findings do not support the view that bathing is associated with identifiable cultural beliefs; rather, they suggest that bathing is a self-care measure used by women. This practice is likely transmitted from generation to generation by female elders through the oral tradition. Assumptions that race or ethnicity precludes the use of bathing may be faulty. Cautionary instructions should be given to pregnant women who are <37 completed weeks of gestation, to avoid bathing for relief of cramping or contractions and to seek immediate health care evaluation. Study of culturally intact groups may uncover additional themes related to bathing in labor and as a self-care measure for dysmenorrhea.

Biobehavioral Responses of Preterm Infants to Conventional and Swaddled Tub Baths: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Bathing is a routine care procedure that exposes preterm infants to prolonged handling, which could cause stress and potentially disrupt infants' biobehavioral responses. The aim of this double-blind randomized crossover trial was to compare the preterm infant's body temperature, heart rate (HR), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), salivary cortisol levels, and sleep-wake states during and after swaddled and conventional tub baths. Forty-three infants born at 32 to 36 weeks postmenstrual age, weighing 2225 g or less, were enrolled in the study. Infants were videotaped before and after each type of baths. The time interval between baths ranged from 24 to 72 hours to allow a washout period. Physiological, hormonal, and behavioral responses were collected at baseline and during recovery from baths. No significant differences in the mean body temperature, HR, SpO2, salivary cortisol levels, and sleep-wake states between the bath types were observed in the baseline or recovery responses during the first 20 minutes after bath. Regardless of bath type, salivary cortisol levels showed a nonstatistical significant increase.

Life Starts at Home: Bathing, Exertion and Participation for People With Mobility Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between perceived exertion while bathing/dressing/grooming and associations with social-recreational activities outside the home for individuals with mobility impairment (MI). DESIGN: A 2-study approach was used to examine data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) and primary data from the Health and Home Survey (HHS). The relationship between bathing/dressing/grooming and engagement in social-recreational activities was explored, as well as the role that exertion in the bathroom may play in participation in these activities. SETTING: General community setting. PARTICIPANTS: For the ATUS survey, participants (n=6002) included individuals who reported an MI. For the HHS, 2 mail-based recruitment methods were used to recruit a sample of individuals with MI (n=170) across 3 geographically diverse U.S. communities. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participation in social and recreational activities. RESULTS: People with MI (relative to those without MI) were less likely to report spending any time bathing/dressing/grooming on a given day, but spent more time when they did. People with MI reported higher exertion while bathing/dressing/grooming than people without. People with MI were less likely to leave the house or engage in social-recreational activities on days where they did not engage in bathing activities. People who reported greater exertion in the bathroom engaged in fewer social-recreational activities. CONCLUSIONS: Exertion in the bathroom may present a barrier to participation, indicating a relationship between exertion in the bathroom and social-recreational participation. Research that examines the impact of home modifications on exertion and participation is needed.

Australian midwives views and experiences of practice and politics related to water immersion for labour and birth: A web based survey.

BACKGROUND: There is little published research that has examined practitioners' views and experiences of pain relieving measures commonly used during labour and birth, particularly for non-pharmacological measures such as water immersion. Furthermore, there is minimal published research examining the process of policy and guideline development, that is, the translation of published research to usable practice guidance. AIMS: The aims of phase three of a larger study were to explore midwives knowledge, experiences and support for the option of water immersion for labour and birth in practice and their involvement, if any, in development of policy and guidelines pertaining to the option. METHODS: Phase three of a three phased mixed methods study included a web based survey of 234 Australian midwives who had facilitated and/or been involved in the development of policies and/or guidelines relating to the practice of water immersion. FINDINGS: Midwives who participated in this study were supportive of both water immersion for labour and birth reiterating documented benefits of reduced pain, maternal relaxation and a positive birth experience. The most significant concerns were maternal collapse, the difficulty of estimating blood loss and postpartum haemorrhage whilst barriers included lack of accredited staff, lifting equipment and negative attitudes. Midwives indicated that policy/guideline documents limited their ability to facilitate water immersion and did not always to support women's informed choice. CONCLUSION: Midwives who participated in this study supported the practice of water immersion reiterating the benefits documented in the literature and minimal risk to the woman and baby. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia approved the research.

Bath for dependent patients: theorizing aspects of nursing care in rehabilitation / Baño del paciente dependiente: aspectos teorizantes de la atención de Enfermería en rehabilitación / Banho no cliente dependente: aspectos teorizantes do cuidado de Enfermagem em reabilitação

ABSTRACT Objective: to produce a reflective essay on what has been produced in relation to bath as a procedure related to nursing care and diagnosis for dependent patients undergoing mediate and immediate rehabilitation processes after a traumatic event. Method: discursive, reflective study supported by classical content analysis consisting of the following stages: a) reading of the texts in their most comprehensive form; b) emphasizing the relevant elements produced about bathing; c) reflection on texts and what is produced about bathing. Results: the texts point out to three categories for nursing practice and reflection: Meaning to patients on the purposes of bathing; Representation for nurses in the work process; Representation for nurses in the management of care and nursing care planning. Conclusion: the reflection points out understandings on bathing as a care focused on the autonomy of nursing rehabilitation patients, requiring further investigations.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar en la perspectiva de un ensayo reflexivo sobre lo que está siendo producido acerca del baño, como procedimiento de atención y diagnóstico de enfermería para pacientes dependientes, en proceso de rehabilitación mediato e inmediato, posterior a evento traumático. Método: Discursivo, reflexivo, respaldado por análisis de contenido clásico, incluyendo las etapas: a) lectura integral de los textos; b) énfasis en elementos relevantes producidos sobre el baño; c) reflexión sobre los textos y sobre la producción sobre el baño. Resultados: Los textos determinaron tres categorías para reflexión y práctica de enfermería: Significado para el paciente de la práctica de enfermería; Representación para enfermeros en el proceso de trabajo; representación para enfermeros en la gestión del cuidado y planificación de atención de enfermería. Conclusión: La reflexión refiere una comprensión del baño como cuidado enfocado en la autonomía del paciente de enfermería de rehabilitación, y carece de investigaciones futuras.

RESUMO Objetivo: versar na perspectiva de um ensaio reflexivo do que vem sendo produzido sobre o banho, como um procedimento do cuidado e do diagnóstico de enfermagem para clientes dependentes, em processo de reabilitação mediata e imediata, após evento traumático. Método: discursivo reflexivo, apoiado pelo método de análise de conteúdo clássica, constituída pelas seguintes etapas: a) leitura dos textos em sua forma mais abrangente; b) destaque para os elementos relevantes produzidos sobre o banho; c) reflexão sobre os textos e o que é produzido sobre o banho. Resultados: os textos apontam três categorias para reflexão e prática de enfermagem: Significado para o cliente nos propósitos desta; representação para enfermeiros no processo de trabalho; representação para estes na gestão do cuidado e planejamento da assistência de enfermagem. Conclusão: a reflexão aponta entendimentos do banho como cuidado focado na autonomia dos clientes da enfermagem de reabilitação e carece de futuras investigações.

Bath for dependent patients: theorizing aspects of nursing care in rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: to produce a reflective essay on what has been produced in relation to bath as a procedure related to nursing care and diagnosis for dependent patients undergoing mediate and immediate rehabilitation processes after a traumatic event. METHOD: discursive, reflective study supported by classical content analysis consisting of the following stages: a) reading of the texts in their most comprehensive form; b) emphasizing the relevant elements produced about bathing; c) reflection on texts and what is produced about bathing. RESULTS: the texts point out to three categories for nursing practice and reflection: Meaning to patients on the purposes of bathing; Representation for nurses in the work process; Representation for nurses in the management of care and nursing care planning. CONCLUSION: the reflection points out understandings on bathing as a care focused on the autonomy of nursing rehabilitation patients, requiring further investigations.

Effects of Short Forest Bathing Program on Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood States in Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals.

The present study investigated changes in autonomic nervous system activity and emotions after a short (2 h) forest bathing program in the Xitou Nature Education Area (XNEA), Taiwan. One hundred and twenty-eight (60.0 ± 7.44 years) middle-aged and elderly participants were recruited. Physiological responses, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), and psychological indices were measured before and after the program. We observed that pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower after the program, which indicated physiological benefits from stress recovery. The Profile of Mood States negative mood subscale scores of "tension-anxiety", "anger-hostility", "fatigue-inertia", "depression-dejection", and "confusion-bewilderment" were significantly lower, whereas the positive mood subscale score of "vigor-activity" was higher. Furthermore, participants exhibited significantly lower anxiety levels according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. However, changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity were nonsignificant. Our study determined that the short forest bathing program is a promising therapeutic method for enhancing heart rate and blood pressure functions as well as an effective psychological relaxation strategy for middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Research on the Effect of the Foot Bath and Foot Massage on Residual Schizophrenia Patients.

Researchers performed foot baths and massages for residual schizophrenia patients to gauge the effects on psychiatric symptoms. Subjects were six residual schizophrenia patients hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital. Three times a week for 4weeks, they received an 8-minute effleurage massage to their legs after a 10-minute foot bath. The effect of physiological relaxation was identified by a significant decline in heart rate in all cases. The results of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale are as follows: a mean score of 29.0 was measured before treatment, which lowered to 21.5 after treatment, indicating that foot care improved their negative symptoms (p<0.05).The results of the Quality of Life Scale before the foot care intervention, were 10.5 and increased to 34.0 after the intervention, indicating improvement in their quality of life (p<0.05). The results of the two measurements indicate that foot baths and massages were effective in improving psychiatric symptoms.

Being washed by someone is therapeutic... and a treat.

When in Istanbul, I visited a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. I'm familiar with other bathing rituals--steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi--but suspected being washed by someone in front of others was not very British.

[Neonatal skin care in tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hungary]. / Borápolási gyakorlat a Neonatális Intenzív Centrumokban Magyarországon.

INTRODUCTION: Skin physiology of neonates and preterm infants and evidence-based skin care are not well explored for health care providers. AIM: The aim of our present study was to investigate the skin care methods of the tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Hungary. METHOD: A standardized questionnaire was distributed among the 22 tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units with questions regarding skin care methods, bathing, emollition, skin disinfection, umbilical cord care, treatment of diaper dermatitis, and use of adhesive tapes. RESULTS: The skin care methods of the centres were similar in several aspects, but there were significant differences between the applied skin care and disinfectant products. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey facilitate the establishment of a standardized skin care protocol for tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units with the cooperation of dermatologists, neonatologists and pharmacists.

Effect of the bathing without a battle training intervention on bathing-associated physical and verbal outcomes in nursing home residents with dementia: a randomized crossover diffusion study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Bathing Without a Battle intervention in reducing physical and verbal aggressive behaviors for nursing home residents with dementia. DESIGN: A randomized crossover diffusion study, with one group receiving the intervention after one round of baseline observations and a delayed intervention group receiving the intervention after two rounds of baseline observations. SETTING: Six nursing home facilities in the state of New York. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing home residents with dementia (N = 240). INTERVENTION: The Bathing Without a Battle educational program, designed for direct-care staff members responsible for bathing residents diagnosed with dementia and implemented through a train-the-trainer model. MEASUREMENTS: Rates of verbal and physical aggressive and agitated behaviors were measured using the Care Recipient Behavior Assessment; secondary measures of effect included bath duration, bath modality, and antipsychotic medication use. RESULTS: In spite of implementation obstacles (consent delays and change in leadership at one facility), a significant change was observed in how residents were bathed that translated into a significant reduction in the rate of aggressive and agitated behaviors, particularly verbal, during residents' baths. The use of in-bed baths increased 17%, and average bath duration decreased significantly (average 1.5 minutes less) in the postintervention period, particularly for in-bed baths. Verbal behaviors declined 17.8% (P = .008), combined verbal and physical behaviors declined 18.6% (P = .004), and antipsychotic use declined 30% (P = .002) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The Bathing Without a Battle educational program, delivered through a train-the-trainer format, is an effective means of improving the bathing experience of residents with dementia in nursing homes. This research supports broadly adopting this intervention, especially for nursing homes serving many residents with dementia.

Swimming pools and health-related behaviours: results of an Italian multicentre study on showering habits among pool users.

OBJECTIVES: Showering before entering a swimming pool is highly recommended to reduce the risk of biological and chemical contamination. This study evaluated the behaviour of indoor swimming pool users; analysed the variables associated with lack of showering; and assessed awareness of the importance of showering. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about users of swimming pools located in five different Italian cities. The association between specific variables and the lack of showering was assessed. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: In total, 4356 questionnaires were analysed. Sixty-five percent of interviewees always showered before entering the pool. The main reason given for pre-swim showering was 'to wash oneself' (50.5%); or 'to get used to the temperature of the water' (44.3%); and 5.2% answered 'for both reasons'. Risk factors significantly associated with lack of showering were: female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.59), age 14-17 years (OR 5.09, 95% CI 3.40-7.64); not reading the swimming pool rules (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.41); living in Central Italy (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.65-4.1) or Southern Italy (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.55); and previous/current attendance of a swimming course (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.48-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed low compliance with the rule of showering before entering a swimming pool, and little awareness of the preventive role of showering in the hygienic management of swimming pools. There is a need for targeted educational interventions to inform swimming pool users of the reasons for the importance of showering before entering a pool.