ABSTRACT
Depression is a leading mental health problem and a significant contributor to human suffering and disability, especially among the elderly. Elderly women are known to be more prone to depression than are men. Using a two group, pretest-posttest, control group design, this study sought to determine if a cognitive mindfulness practice program reduced depression among elderly Thai women, with mild to moderate depression, receiving care at a community center in Chiang Mai. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in a cognitive mindfulness practice program developed by the primary researcher. The control group received typical emotional support and nursing care from community nurses at the community center. Each participant’s level of depression was assessed: (a) prior to the start of the program’s protocol; (b) upon program completion; and, (c) three months thereafter. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way mixed-design ANOVA, independent sample t-test and ANCOVA. Those who participated in the cognitive mindfulness practice program, compared to those who did not participate in the program, had a greater decrease in depression scores upon completion of the program and three months after completion of the program. Findings suggest the program may have contributed to changes in the level of depression among those who participated in the program. Nurses educated, and trained, in the use of the cognitive mindfulness program, potentially, could provide a non-biological, culturally appropriate intervention for the treatment of mild to moderate depression among elderly Thai women.
ABSTRACT
Background An insuffi cient number of health personnel and excessive workload havebeen common barriers for the provision of adequate HIV care in Thailand. HIV patients areoften discouraged when they experience medication side effects as they commence highlyactive antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Peer educators present a potential solution to thisproblem. This report focuses on patient satisfaction with the activities of peer educators.Method Two hundred and twenty three people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) wereenrolled into this study following initiation of HAART. A structured interview was used.Complete data of 219 participants at month 4, and 211 at month 12 after initiation ofHAART were collected. Focus group discussions were held in 4 selected hospitals.Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Paired t-tests were carried out to comparesatisfaction difference between month 4 and month 12. Content analyses of qualitativedata were done.Result The mean age of participants was 35 (range: 18-73 years) and 53% of them weremale. Their need for home visits by peer educators was higher at month 4 than at month12. Participants expressed a high satisfaction rate with peer educators (time provided;willingness to listen; ability to explain; convenience in making contact when necessary;client comfort in talking to them; attentive to the condition; and provision of help, adviceand encouragement in taking anteretroviral (ARV) medications at month 4 as well as month12.Conclusion Peer educator intervention could be successfully deployed to support PLHAand help them adhere to antiretroviral medication. Chiang Mai Medical Journal2009;48(3):95-104.