Objectives: To test the reliability and validity of the Students' Attitudes Towards Addressing Sexual Health questionnaire (SA-SH), measuring students' attitudes towards addressing sexual health in their future professions.

Method: A cross-sectional online survey (22 items) were distributed to 186 nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy students in Sweden, April 2015. Validity and reliability were tested.

Results: The construct validity analysis led to three major factors: present feelings of comfortableness, future working environment and fear of negative influence on future patient relations. The construct validity, internal consistency reliability and intrarater reliability showed good results.Conclusion: The SA-SH is valid and reliable.

The aim of this study was to explore differences and similarities in health care students’ attitudes towards working with and communicating with patients about sexual health issues in their future professions. The aim was also to explore whether the students’ gender, age and future professions were influencing factors and whether there was a change in attitude depending on educational levels, gender, age and future professions. The study also aimed to explore the potential development of those differences and similarities in attitudes between health care students having achieved different levels of education and training in their future professions. A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed with an online survey distributed to nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy students. The students believed that they needed increased sexual health education and increased communication skills about sexual health. Gender and future profession are factors that significantly affect the attitudes of the students towards working with sexual health. Nursing and occupational therapy students have a more positive attitude towards addressing sexual health in their future professions than do physiotherapy students. Further research is needed in this field to improve competence in sexual health for all student groups, particularly physiotherapy students. Further research is also needed to explore the significance of gender regarding education in sexual health and attitudes towards working with sexual health.

There are instruments that measure sexual function or sexual health for persons with RA, but since sexual health is a sensitive issue, the hypothesis is that it would be easier to have a standard questionnaire that could indicate the need for communication about sexual health issues instead of an extra questionnaire with more detailed questions on sexual health. The aim of the study is to find out whether sexual health difficulties can be screened by factors included in the MDHAQ-S for persons with RA. This study explores the relation between factors included in the MDHAQ-S and the Sexual Health Questionnaire (QSH) using a mixed methods design combining quantitative and qualitative data. The MDHAQ-S covers sexual health issues, not only by using the question on sexual health, but also on other factors included in the questionnaire such as increased pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, physical capacity, level of physiccal activity and body weight. To explore decreased sexual arousal, decreased sexual satisfaction and decreased sexual well-being, in-depth interviews must be held with persons with RA, either using a sexual health questionnaire or in a clinical interview.

The aim of the project was to explore and describe the views of physiotherapy students concerning sexual health as a part of physiotherapy education, and to enable them in their future profession as physiotherapists to be able to discuss sexual health matters with patients in an informed, sensitive and relaxed way. A qualitative interview study with data collection through focus group interviews was performed and analyzed with thematic content analysis. There was a strong consensus among the physiotherapy students in believing that sexual health should be acknowledged by physiotherapists. The theme that emerged from the data was: Sexual health—a professional challenge. The interviews resulted in the following categories: professional challenge, personal life experiences, communication, perceptive patient understanding, environmental factors and need for competence development. Students are positive towards working with sexual health. They believe that sexual health is an important aspect of quality of life, and therefore should be a part of physiotherapy education. Sexual health needs to be more addressed in the physiotherapy education. Students lack knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, sexual health and communication about sensitive issues. Perceived barriers towards working with sexual health could probably be lessened with increased education, but further research is needed. Personal development, knowledge, experience and environmental factors facilitate communication about sexual health.

Body image is a concept, referring to feelings and attitudes toward: the body. There are many di fervent factors affecting the body image; historical, cultural, social and individual factors. The aim ofthis study was to describe young Indian women's body image. One hundred female university students in India answered the Ben-Tovim Walker Body attitudes questionnaire (BAQ). The result showed that Indian women had a sound body image.

The municipality should offer good healthcare for those living in managed care facilities. This responsibility encompasses both rehabilitation as well as certain technical aids. The purpose of the study was to survey the work procedures of physical therapists in municipalities. A mail survey with questions regarding organization, work procedures, competence and job satisfaction was sent to 96 randomly selected physical therapists employed by Swedish municipalities. 70 physical therapists responded to the survey, which showed that the organization varies widely among different municipalities. However, a common denominator was a large territory with a large number of caretakers. The work of physical therapists largely consists of advising and educating personnel. They have a broad competence which is necessary and in demand but few decision makers know what physical therapists can contribute. Most physical therapists believe that they have a stimulating and meaningful work but that the resources are too scarce

Health care staff meet people with chronic pain, for example fibromyalgia patients, every day. The way they encounter and communicate with these patients is important. The aim of this study was to explore how fibromyalgia patients experience encountering health care staff and their own family. The study also included questions about their view of a positive encountering. Ten fibromyalgia patients were interviewed in a multiple case study. The results showed that all women had both positive and negative experiences of the health care system. They found it important for staff to listen actively, show interest and understanding, be professional and take their problems seriously. For a positive experience each encounter must be tailored individually. The women had all met negative attitudes from people in their environment. The ten women all experienced support from their families. Having the diagnosis fibromyalgia confirmed was described as being important, but could also be a difficult matter to handle. Hence, it appears to be of considerable importance to seriously reflect over and to understand the impact of acting and communicating as health care staff when encountering and treating patients.

Sjukvårdsbaserad skadestatistik från Sverige visar att singelolyckor med fotgängare på is och snö, orsakar höga skadetal. I Sverige beräknas ca 10000 män och 15000 kvinnor uppsöka sjukvård på grund av skada vid fall på snö och is. Personer skadade i fallolyckor på snö och is har svårare skador och längre konvalescenstid jämfört med fotgängare som faller på barmark. Det är därför viktigt att identifiera preventiva metoder och hjälpmedel för fallolyckor vintertid.Syftet med detta arbete har varit att genomföra konsumenttester av vinterskor och halkskydd på olika underlag med avseende på hur väl de fungerar som skydd mot att halka samt hur användarvänliga de upplevs av brukaren. I arbetet har det också varit viktigt att försöka identifiera kriterier som kan anses vara betydelsefulla för att bedöma vinterväglagsegenskaperna. Dessutom fanns ett behov av att ta fram underlag och förslag på en standardiserad metod för halkskydds-/vinterskortester och en märkning som ger konsumenterna möjlighet att bedöma och jämföra halkskyddens respektive vinterskornas egenskaper innan köp.Testmetoden som tagits fram för att undersöka halkskyddens och skornas egenskaper bygger på tidigare erfarenheter från tester av halkskydd. Metoden bygger på att försökspersoner genomför gångtester med halkskydd och skor på olika underlag samtidigt som olika mätmetoder, både objektiva och subjektiva, används för att kategorisera gång. Tester har genomförts av 9 försökspersoner, över 45 år, 4 män och 5 kvinnor, som testat 19 halkskydd och 20 olika skor. Fyra olika underlag har använts för att kategorisera egenskaperna på de undersökta halkskydden och skorna: is, is täckt med snö, packad snö, torr betong.Testmetoden har kompletterats med laboratoriemätningar av halkskyddens och skosulornas friktion på is samt hårdheten hos skornas sulor. Multipel hierarkisk multipel regressionsanalys användes för att identifiera vilka kriterier som kan ha betydelse för fotgängarnas skattade helhetsupplevelse av de testade halkskydden på olika underlag.Resultatet av förmätningarna visar att testgruppen (fem kvinnor och fyra män med medålder 47 år) motsvarar en normalpopulation, avseende variationer i de uppmätta bakgrundsparametrarna.FIOH:s friktionsmätningar på is av samtliga skor och halkskydd visar att halkskydden har genomgående högre friktionsvärden än skorna, dvs. de har bättre fäste på is än de skor som testats men resultaten visar på små skillnader mellan de sämsta halkskydden och de bästa skorna.Resultat från friktionsmätningen, som den utförs idag i fixerat utförande, ger inte överensstämmelse med försökspersonernas upplevelser av gångsäkerhet eller fallrisk. Försökspersonernas gångcykel med hälisättning, överrullning och fotavveckling bygger upp den samlade uppfattningen om egenskaperna och fångas enbart i de subjektiva mätmetoderna.Sex kriterier som bedömts viktiga att ta hänsyn till när det gäller halkfri gång med en vintersko har kunnat identifieras via analys av försökspersonernas fritextsvar avseende fördelar, nackdelar och övrig funktionalitet: gångsäkerhet, möjliggör ett naturligt gångmönster, stabilitet, förutsägbarhet, flexibilitet och passform/komfort. Gångsäkerhet är viktigast och omfattar fäste/grepp, detta är viktigast på is, is/snö vid gång samt vid start och stopp.Sju subjektiva kriterier för halkskydd har också identifierats; gångsäkerhet, tillåter naturligt gångmönster, stabilitet, förutsägbarhet, flexibilitet, passform/komfort, och ljud. Gångsäkerhet är viktigast.Den självskattade hälisättningen på underlagen ren is samt på snö på is framkom som det viktigaste kriteriet för testpersonernas helhetsupplevelse av skyddet. Även skattad fotavveckling på alla underlag med främst på främst på snö på is var av betydelse. Upplevd balans och fallrisk var mest utslagsgivande för helhetsupplevelsen av de halkskydd som inte valdes för eget bruk. Det tyder på att en lägre grad av skattad kontroll av kroppshållning och balans under gång med skyddet är en relevant indikator för att identifiera skydd med bristande funktioner.Variablerna subjektivt skattad fallrisk, balans, hälisättning och fotavveckling kan samtliga relateras till ett skydds halkegenskaper och funktion. Upplevd fallrisk samvarierar med såväl balans, hälisättning och fotavveckling vilket innebär att kriteriet upplevd fallrisk kan antas omfatta de övriga och kan väljas som en enskild variabel i fortsatta analyser.Kvalitetsnivåer i bedömningsskalor kan antas gå att knyta till de subjektiva kriterierna.En standardiserat testmetod för klassindelning av egenskaper för vinterskor respektive halkskydd bör bygga på mätmetoder med försökspersoner enligt ovan.Fortsatta studier med fler testpersoner behövs för att verifiera de resultat som indikeras ovan.

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of temporal patterns of daily occupations that could be related to high and low subjective health among older adults in Northern Sweden. A cross-sectional design imprinted by time-geographic methodology was used and participants 70 years and older were purposively selected and divided into groups of high and low health using the SoC-29 and SF-36 questionnaires. Daily occupations data were registered and analysed using VISUAL Time-PAcTS and related to health conditions using SPSS. The results showed that the participants in the high- and low-health groups showed similar patterns of participation in occupations during the 24-hour sequences describing their daily routines. Some differences in patterns of frequency and duration of occupations were shown between health groups during the 24-hour sequences as well as within six intervals. The low-health group showed higher frequencies and longer durations for “care for oneself” and “reflection and recreation” occupations and lower for “house-keeping” and “procure and prepare food” occupations compared to the high-health groups. There were few significant differences between the high- and low-health groups' mean durations for occupations. The results of this study could contribute to the support and assistance of occupations of older adults in society.

This study sought to expand knowledge regarding patterns of daily occupations and, specifically, to explore and describe the daily occupations of Swedish people aged over 70 years by investigating sequences, contexts and time-use. A cross-sectional design with a time-geographic approach was used. Open time diaries from 151 participants were collected and analysed using the software VISUAL-TimePAcTS. The results were illustrated as a routine of six pooled intervals during 24-hour sequences. The intervals comprised different lengths of time and each interval was dominated by different occupations. Night was dominated by ‘care for oneself’; morning by ‘house-keeping’ and ‘reflection and recreation’; lunch-time by care for oneself; afternoon by ‘reflection and recreation’; dinner/tea-time by ‘care for oneself’, and evening by ‘reflection and recreation’. The results were also illustrated as characteristic profiles of occupations visualised by the number of participants in each occupation during 24-hour sequences. Occupations were mainly supported by the home environment. Summed time-use showed the highest proportions in ‘care for oneself’ and ‘reflection and recreation’ occupations. To what extent health and well-being experiences of patterns of daily occupations might be related to challenges and fulfilment of basic occupational needs requires further investigation

Computers are used in the outdoors and in connection with cold store work. Cold hand and fingers limit data input, as studied here. Six input devices; trackballs, pens, and a mouse were tested by 19 participants in a Fitts' target acquisition task with 2 target sizes under 2 experimental conditions; warm and cold right hand. Measures were acquisition times, number of errors, participant's preferences, and observed handling of the devices. Effects of device, target size, and cold were significant. Learning and attempts to improve handgrip were confirmed. Large enough targets, a thick pen, and a mouse make computer work practicable in the cold. Direct visual feedback, as with pen on template with target images, shortened acquisition times by half a second.

This study addresses computer work in cold environments with the two-fold aim to explore conditions for such work, and to add knowledge about the use of fingers at data entry in the cold. Five workplaces were visited and work contents and use of computers are briefly described. Effects of work in the cold were in line with those mentioned in the literature, and manual lifting of heavy goods the most impairing activity. Subjects contended with strenuous working postures--holding the computers in their hands or arms--and with cold fingers. Individual fingering for data input was noted. Forefinger or a pen were used, and a pen is recommendable for input, either as a touch pen or, simply to press the keys. A supportive rack could be recommended for portable workstations.

BACKGROUNDWeb-based interventions for pain management are increasingly used with possible benefits, but never used in addition to multimodal rehabilitation (MMR). MMR is recommended treatment for persistent pain in Sweden. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a self-guided, web-based programme added to MMR for work ability, pain, disability and health-related quality of life.METHODSWe included 99 participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain in a randomized study with two intervention arms: (1) MMR and web-based intervention, and (2) MMR. Data was collected at baseline, 4 and 12 months. Outcome measures were work ability, working percentage, average pain intensity, pain-related disability, and health-related quality of life.RESULTSThere were no significant effects of adding the web-based intervention to MMR regarding any of the outcome variables.CONCLUSIONSThis trial provides no support for adding a self-guided, web-based activity programme to MMR for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain.SIGNIFICANCEThe comprehensive self-guided, web-based programme for activity, Web-BCPA, added to multimodal treatment in primary health care had no effect on work ability, pain, disability or health-related quality of life. Future web-based interventions should be tailored to patients' individual needs and expectations

Objective

We evaluated first a self-managed web-based programme for activity compared to waiting list for persons with persistent musculoskeletal pain suited for primary health care. Thereafter, we evaluated the effects and process of a novel multimodal treatment intervention combining the web programme with counselling and physiotherapy.

Design

A weekly comparison of measures of outcome data between those using the self-managed web-based programme to those on a waiting list. After that a Single Subject Experimental Design (SSED) evaluation of the multimodal intervention, structured interviews and log data.

Setting

Clinical setting in primary health care.

Subjects

Ten participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Intervention

First, only a self-managed web-based programme for activity. Thereafter a multimodal intervention combining the web programme with counselling and physiotherapy.

Main measures

Effect measures were work ability, pain intensity, disability and self-efficacy. Process evaluation by interviews of the participants and log data of usage of the modalities.

Results

There were no conclusive effects of the self-managed web-based programme as compared to waiting list. The SSED analyses of the multi-modal showed promising short-term results regarding disability and pain intensity, but no conclusive results for work ability or self-efficacy. The multimodal intervention process seemed successfully implemented, and the importance of physiotherapy and to some extent counselling was emphasized by the participants.

Conclusion

For persons with persistent musculoskeletal pain, the newly designed multimodal intervention in primary care seemed feasible and showed some promising short-terms effects, while the implementation of a self-managed web-based programme as a single intervention seemed without effect.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review stress reducing interventions on group and organisational levels in organisations and analyse the studies according to quality of design, results and employee participation and learning.Methods: A literature review was carried out, with data search in the databases Current Contents, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINEH. Results: Nineteen interventions had a high quality design. An action research and participatory research design was the best design to reduce work related stress on group and organisational levels. The studies with the most effective results were based on a contract with the organisation, had supportive supervisors and managers and an individual and organisational stressor reduction process. They also identified work constraints and implemented an action plan using problem-based learning. There were six studies which met the criteria for the highest level of participation, which is official participation in problem solving and development activities. There were four studies which met the criteria for the highest level of learning, creative learning. Discussion: Researchers working with stress reducing interventions on group and organisational levels need to ecommend high-quality design on each level. A successful group and organisational intervention needs to have a strategy that guarantees top management's commitment and methods that create effective participation, individual and organisational learning, social support, and empowerment of employees.

We explored the benefit of video communication in home rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement and compared it to referral for physiotherapy in the conventional way. A total of 22 patients were included in the study. The intervention group (n = 10) had training at home under the supervision of a physiotherapist at the hospital using videoconferencing. The control group (n = 12) had physiotherapy training in a conventional way in their home town. All patients had the same postoperative, three-phase-programme for two months. The outcome measures were a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), shoulder function ability (Constant score and SRQ-S) and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Questions about areas of priority for improvement and general satisfaction with the shoulder were also included. The telemedicine group received a greater number of treatments compared to the control group. After the intervention, there were significant improvements in VAS-pain, Constant score and SRQ-S for both groups. The telemedicine group improved significantly more in all three measurements than the control group (P < 0.001 for all). When changes from baseline to follow-up were compared, the telemedicine group improved significantly more in terms of decrease in pain (P = 0.004) and vitality (P = 0.001) than the control group. Despite some limitations, there seem to be clear benefits from physiotherapy at a distance with a telemedicine technique that allows patients to obtain access to physiotherapy at home.

There are several therapies designed to increase body awareness. They are commonly known as body awareness therapies (BAT) and include Basic BAT, Mensendieck and Feldenkrais therapy. A focus on emotions is important in all these therapies. In this article the aim and development of Basic BAT is described together with evaluations of treatments including Basic BAT. Multidisciplinary studies have shown that Basic BAT can increase health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness. However Basic BAT needs to be further studied in relation to patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic pain. Studies so far indicate that Basic BAT has positive effects.

Torture can be defined as the deliberate or systematic infliction of physical or mental suffering to force another person to yield information, as a punishment or to destroy a person's identity. The aim of the physiotherapy treatment for persons who have undergone torture is to relieve or reduce pain, correct musculoskeletal dysfunctions, teach the client to cope with pain, and regain body awareness. A good interaction and communication with each refugee is needed to optimize the treatment. The aim of this study was to identify factors important for a good interaction between physiotherapist (PT) and the patient among PTs specialising in refugees who have been tortured. A qualitative multiple case study was done. Ten physiotherapists working within the Red Cross, psychiatry or primary health care, who held positions specialising in treating persons who have undergone torture were interviewed. The interviews were analysed with content analysis. The results showed that the factors important for a good interaction could be summarised into two themes; prerequisites for a good interaction and interaction factors. Five prerequisites for a good interaction with persons who have undergone torture were found: personal characteristics, professional and therapeutic competence and support, language factors, time, and frames. Five factors in the interaction situation were important for a good interaction: cultural factors, treatments tailored to the patient's needs, to develop confidence and trust, religious factors, and capacity to handle negative emotions. All these factors have to be considered to improve the interaction between PTs and persons who have undergone torture