• Efficacy of Hypnosis in the Treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Women: Rural and Urban Samples

    Type Journal Article
    Author Arreed Barabasz
    Author Linda Higley
    Author Ciara Christensen
    Author Marianne Barabasz
    Abstract This article investigates the effect of hypnosis on immunity and whether this is the key mechanism in the hypnotic treatment of the genital infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can lead to cervical and other cancers. Current medical treatments are aimed at tissue assault (acids, freezing, surgery). Medical wart clearance rates are only 30% to 70% and reoccurrence is common. Our research contrasted hypnosis-only with medical-only therapies, using both urban hospital and rural community samples. Both hypnosis and medical therapy resulted in a statistically significant (p < .04) reduction in areas and numbers of lesions. Yet, at the 12-week follow-up, complete clearance rates were 5 to 1 in favor of hypnosis.
    Publication International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
    Volume 58
    Issue 1
    Pages 102-121
    Date 1/2010
    Journal Abbr Int. J. of Clinical & Expt. Hypnosis
    DOI 10.1080/00207140903310899
    ISSN 0020-7144
    URL http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?
    genre=article&…
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
  • Complementary medicine in the primary care setting: Results of a survey of gender and cultural patterns in Israel

    Type Journal Article
    Author Eran Ben-Arye
    Author Sonia Karkabi
    Author Chen Shapira
    Author Elad Schiff
    Author Ofer Lavie
    Author Yael Keshet
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a primary care practice in Israel to determine prevalence and patterns of use. METHODS: Trained research assistants invited all patients attending the administrative, medical, pharmaceutical, or nursing services of 7 clinics in urban and rural areas of northern Israel over a 16-month period, from April 1, 2005, through August 1, 2006, to complete a 13-item written questionnaire about CAM use and beliefs about CAM safety and efficacy. CAM was defined as therapies often referred to as alternative, complementary, natural, or folk/traditional medicine, and which are not usually offered as part of the medical treatment in the clinic, including herbal medicine, Chinese medicine (including acupuncture), homeopathy, folk and traditional remedies, dietary/nutritional therapy (including nutritional supplements), chiropractic, movement/manual healing therapies (including massage, reflexology, yoga, and Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques), mind-body techniques (including meditation, guided imagery, and relaxation), energy and healing therapies, and other naturopathic therapies. The Pearson chi(2) test and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess univariate associations with the odds ratios of CAM use among Arab and Jewish women. A t test was performed to determine whether there were any differences in the continuous variables between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of 3972 consecutive patients who received the questionnaire, 3447 responded; 2139 respondents (62%) were women. Of the female respondents, 2121 reported their religion (1238 respondents [58%] self-identified as being Arab, and 883 [41.6%] as being Jewish). Compared with men, more women used CAM during the previous year (46.4% vs 39.4%; P < 0.001). Women were more likely to use CAM and to be interested in receiving CAM at primary care clinics. Arab women reported less CAM use than Jewish women but were more interested in experiencing CAM, had a higher degree of confidence in CAM efficacy and safety, and more frequently supported the integration of CAM practitioners in primary care clinics. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, women visiting primary care clinics in northern Israel used CAM more often than men did. Arab women reported less use of CAM than did Jewish women but also reported greater confidence in CAM efficacy and safety.
    Publication Gender Medicine: Official Journal of the Partnership for Gender-Specific Medicine at Columbia University
    Volume 6
    Issue 2
    Pages 384-397
    Date Jul 2009
    Journal Abbr Gend Med
    DOI 10.1016/j.genm.2009.07.002
    ISSN 1550-8579
    Short Title Complementary medicine in the primary care setting
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19682666
    Accessed Sat Sep 26 15:47:01 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19682666
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Notes:

    • Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a primary care practice in Israel to determine prevalence and patterns of use. Conclusions: In this study, women visiting primary care clinics in northern Israel used CAM more often than men did. Arab women reported less use of CAM than did Jewish women but also reported greater confidence in CAM efficacy and safety.

  • Eastern Approaches for Enhancing Women's Sexuality: Mindfulness, Acupuncture, and Yoga (CME)

    Type Journal Article
    Author Lori A. Brotto
    Author Michael Krychman
    Author Pamela Jacobson
    Abstract Introduction. A significant proportion of women report unsatisfying sexual experiences despite no obvious difficulties in the traditional components of sexual response (desire, arousal, and orgasm). Some suggest that nongoal-oriented spiritual elements to sexuality might fill the gap that more contemporary forms of treatment are not addressing.Aim.  Eastern techniques including mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, are Eastern techniques, which have been applied to women's sexuality. Here, we review the literature on their efficacy.Methods.  Our search revealed two empirical studies of mindfulness, two of acupuncture, and one of yoga in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.Main Outcome Measure.  Literature review of empirical sources.Results.  Mindfulness significantly improves several aspects of sexual response and reduces sexual distress in women with sexual desire and arousal disorders. In women with provoked vestibulodynia, acupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life. There is also a case series of acupuncture significantly improving desire among women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Although yoga has only been empirically examined and found to be effective for treating sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation) in men, numerous historical books cite benefits of yoga for women's sexuality.Conclusions.  The empirical literature supporting Eastern techniques, such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, for women's sexual complaints and loss of satisfaction is sparse but promising. Future research should aim to empirically support Eastern techniques in women's sexuality. Brotto LA, Krychman M, and Jacobson P. Eastern approaches for enhancing women's sexuality: Mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga. J Sex Med 2008;5:274120132748.
    Publication Journal of Sexual Medicine
    Volume 5
    Issue 12
    Pages 2741-2748
    Date 2008
    DOI 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01071.x
    Short Title Eastern Approaches for Enhancing Women's Sexuality
    URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01071.x
    Accessed Mon Sep 7 02:26:15 2009
    Library Catalog Wiley InterScience
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Notes:

    • A significant proportion of women report unsatisfying sexual experiences despite no obvious difficulties in the traditional components of sexual response (desire, arousal, and orgasm). The empirical literature supporting Eastern techniques, such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, for women’s sexual complaints and loss of satisfaction is sparse but promising.

  • Gender differences in use of prayer as a self-care strategy for managing symptoms in African Americans living with HIV/AIDS

    Type Journal Article
    Author Christopher Lance Coleman
    Author William L Holzemer
    Author Lucille Sanzero Eller
    Author Inge Corless
    Author Nancy Reynolds
    Author Kathleen M Nokes
    Author Jeanne K Kemppainen
    Author Pam Dole
    Author Kenn Kirksey
    Author Liz Seficik
    Author Patrice Nicholas
    Author Mary Jane Hamilton
    Abstract The objective of this study was to explore the association of gender to use of prayer as a self-care strategy for managing the HIV-related symptoms of fatigue, nausea, depression, and anxiety among African American men and women who are HIV-seropositive. To accomplish this, data were determined using convenience sampling from a sample of 448 African American men and women from the United States who were participants in a national study on self-care symptom management of HIV/AIDS. Chi-square analyses were used to examine the potential relationships between gender and the use of prayer for managing the four symptoms. The mean age of the sample was 42.69 +/- 7.93 years (range, 20-66). Results showed the following gender differences in the use of prayer as a self-care strategy: fatigue-men 46% (n = 62), women 54% (n = 74); nausea-men 52% (n = 33), women 48% (n = 30); depression-men 55% (n = 90), women 45% (n = 73); and anxiety-men 77% (n = 83), women 87% (n = 73). Chi-square analyses determined that significant differences exist between African American men and women in the frequency of the use of prayer for managing HIV-related fatigue (chi(2) = 14.81, 1 df, p = .000), nausea (chi(2) = 4.10, 1 df, p =.043), and depression (chi(2) = 5.21, 1 df, p = .022). There was no gender difference in the use of prayer to manage anxiety. Prayer was reported as a self-care strategy by over 50% of the respondents for three of the four symptoms and was rated highly efficacious. The authors conclude that the African American men and women differed in their selection of prayer as a self-care strategy for managing HIV-related depression, fatigue, and nausea. A higher proportion of women than men used prayer to manage fatigue, and more men than women reported using prayer to manage nausea and depression.
    Publication The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care: JANAC
    Volume 17
    Issue 4
    Pages 16-23
    Date 2006 Jul-Aug
    Journal Abbr J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care
    DOI 10.1016/j.jana.2006.05.005
    ISSN 1055-3290
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16849085
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 16:43:10 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16849085
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Adult
    • African Americans
    • Aged
    • Anxiety
    • Attitude to Health
    • Chi-Square Distribution
    • depression
    • Factor Analysis, Statistical
    • Fatigue
    • Female
    • HIV Infections
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Men
    • Middle Aged
    • Nausea
    • Nursing Methodology Research
    • Questionnaires
    • religion
    • Self Care
    • Sex Factors
    • spirituality
    • United States
    • WOMEN

    Notes:

    • The objective of this study was to explore the association of gender to use of prayer as a self-care strategy for managing the HIV-related symptoms of fatigue, nausea, depression, and anxiety among African American men and women who are HIV-seropositive. A higher proportion of women than men used prayer to manage fatigue, and more men than women reported using prayer to manage nausea and depression.

  • Relational spirituality and depression in adolescent girls

    Type Journal Article
    Author Alethea Desrosiers
    Author Lisa Miller
    Abstract This study examines the possibility that relational spirituality may be inversely associated with the relatively higher rates of adolescent depression found in girls as compared with boys. Subjects were 615 adolescents, representing a diverse range of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall spirituality and depression were measured using The Brief-Multidimensional Measure of Religiosity/Spirituality and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Overall, both level of depression and level of relational spirituality were higher in girls as compared with boys. Regression analyses conducted independently for boys and girls revealed that daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, and religious coping were associated with less-depressive symptomatology exclusively in girls. This pattern in the findings suggests that uniquely in girls, depression may be associated with disruptions in a relational form of spirituality.
    Publication Journal of Clinical Psychology
    Volume 63
    Issue 10
    Pages 1021-1037
    Date Oct 2007
    Journal Abbr J Clin Psychol
    DOI 10.1002/jclp.20409
    ISSN 0021-9762
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17828762
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 17:56:04 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 17828762
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Adolescent
    • Adolescent Psychology
    • Adult
    • Child
    • depression
    • Female
    • Holistic Health
    • Humans
    • Illinois
    • Male
    • New Jersey
    • New York City
    • Psychometrics
    • Questionnaires
    • Religion and Psychology
    • San Francisco
    • Sex Factors
    • social support
    • spirituality

    Notes:

    • This study examines the possibility that relational spirituality may be inversely associated with the relatively higher rates of adolescent depression found in girls as compared with boys. Overall, both level of depression and level of relational spirituality were higher in girls as compared with boys.

  • Body awareness, eating attitudes, and spiritual beliefs of women practicing yoga

    Type Journal Article
    Author K A Dittmann
    Author M R Freedman
    Abstract This research evaluated attitudes about body image and eating in women practicing postural yoga. Study 1 described scores from questionnaires on variables related to body awareness, intuitive eating, spirituality, and reasons for practicing. Scores were favorable on all measures with significant correlations (p < .01) among all main variables except between spiritual readiness and intuitive eating, and between BMI and both body awareness and spiritual readiness. Reasons for practicing did not affect scores. Study 2 evaluated interviews in a sub-sample. Qualitative data reported improvements in body satisfaction and disordered eating due in part to yoga and its associated spirituality.
    Publication Eating Disorders
    Volume 17
    Issue 4
    Pages 273-292
    Date 2009 Jul-Sep
    Journal Abbr Eat Disord
    DOI 10.1080/10640260902991111
    ISSN 1532-530X
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19548145
    Accessed Mon Nov 9 00:41:38 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19548145
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adult
    • Attitude
    • Awareness
    • BODY image
    • eating disorders
    • Female
    • Humans
    • Middle Aged
    • Personality Inventory
    • Questionnaires
    • Self Concept
    • spirituality
    • yoga
    • Young Adult

    Notes:

    • This research evaluated attitudes about body image and eating in women practicing postural yoga.

  • Religious/spiritual coping among women trauma survivors with mental health and substance use disorders

    Type Journal Article
    Author Roger D Fallot
    Author Jennifer P Heckman
    Abstract This study examines the types of religious/spiritual coping used by women trauma survivors with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Analyses based on data from 2 large racially diverse samples indicate that women from the study population rely considerably more on positive, than negative, religious coping, and that their reliance on religious coping, in general, is significantly higher than that of the general population. Numerous significant relationships were also found between the severity of trauma-related and mental health symptoms and more negative religious coping. This study further suggests that more frequent childhood abuse and childhood sexual violence are especially associated with negative religious coping in adulthood. Findings support the importance of spiritual coping for women trauma survivors with co-occurring disorders and suggest the value of increased attention to spirituality in behavioral health services, especially in assessment and therapeutic relationships.
    Publication The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
    Volume 32
    Issue 2
    Pages 215-226
    Date 2005 Apr-Jun
    Journal Abbr J Behav Health Serv Res
    ISSN 1094-3412
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15834269
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 14:28:09 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 15834269
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Adolescent
    • Adult
    • Battered Women
    • Behavioral Medicine
    • California
    • Data Collection
    • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
    • District of Columbia
    • Female
    • Humans
    • Mental Disorders
    • Middle Aged
    • religion
    • spirituality
    • Substance-Related Disorders
    • Survivors
    • Wounds and Injuries

    Notes:

    • This study examines the types of religious/spiritual coping used by women trauma survivors with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Findings support the importance of spiritual coping for women trauma survivors with co-occurring disorders and suggest the value of increased attention to spirituality in behavioral health services, especially in assessment and therapeutic relationships.

  • Religious beliefs, faith community involvement and depression: a study of rural, low-income mothers

    Type Journal Article
    Author M E Betsy Garrison
    Author Loren D Marks
    Author Frances C Lawrence
    Author Bonnie Braun
    Abstract The current study investigated the connection between religion and mental health of 131 rural, low-income mothers. Two dimensions of religion, beliefs and faith community involvement, were included and depression was assessed by the CES-D. The sample consisted of mothers who participated in Wave 2 of a multi-state research project. As hypothesized, both religious beliefs and faith community involvement were negatively related to depressive symptoms indicating that mothers with stronger religious beliefs and more involvement in religious activities may experience less depressive symptoms. The results of the current study confirm previous work and support a multifaceted view of religion.
    Publication Women & Health
    Volume 40
    Issue 3
    Pages 51-62
    Date 2004
    Journal Abbr Women Health
    ISSN 0363-0242
    Short Title Religious beliefs, faith community involvement and depression
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15829445
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 14:27:42 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 15829445
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adult
    • Attitude to Health
    • depression
    • Female
    • Health promotion
    • Humans
    • Logistic Models
    • mental health
    • Mothers
    • Poverty
    • Questionnaires
    • Rural Population
    • social support
    • spirituality
    • United States

    Notes:

    • The current study investigated the connection between religion and mental health of 131 rural, low-income mothers. Two dimensions of religion, beliefs and faith community involvement, were included and depression was assessed by the CES-D. As hypothesized, both religious beliefs and faith community involvement were negatively related to depressive symptoms indicating that mothers with stronger religious beliefs and more involvement in religious activities may experience less depressive symptoms.

  • Spirituality and Religiosity: Factors Affecting Wellness Among Low-Income, Rural Women

    Type Journal Article
    Author C. S. Gill
    Author C. A. B. Minton
    Author J. E. Myers
    Abstract A study including measures of spirituality, religiosity, and wellness was conducted to identify coping strategies for the multiple challenges to wellness faced by low-income, rural women. Total spirituality and religiosity accounted for 39% of the variance in wellness, with purpose and meaning in life, unifying interconnectedness, and private religious practices composing the main contributions. Implications for counselors working with these women are discussed, as is the need for further research.
    Publication Journal of Counseling and Development
    Volume 88
    Issue 3
    Pages 293-302
    Date SUM 2010
    ISSN 0748-9633
    Short Title Spirituality and Religiosity
    Accessed Wed Jul 7 18:14:49 2010
    Library Catalog ISI Web of Knowledge
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011
  • Spirituality at the beginning of life

    Type Journal Article
    Author Jennifer Hall
    Abstract AIM: The aim of this paper was to explore the issues surrounding the spirit of the unborn child. BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and birth have been recognised to have a spiritual nature by women and health professionals caring for them. Midwives and nurses are expected to have a holistic approach to care. I suggest that for care to be truly holistic exploration is required of the spiritual nature of the unborn fetus. METHODS: Historical, philosophical and religious views of the spirit of the fetus, are explored as well as those of women. Investigation was made of views of the timing of 'ensoulment'. RESULTS: The review demonstrates the value women place on the sacredness of pregnancy and birth, and that the spiritual nature of the unborn should be recognised. CONCLUSION:This paper shows that the views and values women have of pregnancy and birth and the powerful, spiritual relationship they have with the unborn, indicates that further discussion and research needs to be carried out in this area. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is recommended that all who work with women who are pregnant should recognise the spiritual nature of the unborn when carrying out care.
    Publication Journal of Clinical Nursing
    Volume 15
    Issue 7
    Pages 804-810
    Date Jul 2006
    Journal Abbr J Clin Nurs
    DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01650.x
    ISSN 0962-1067
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16879373
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 16:44:18 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16879373
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Attitude to Health
    • Beginning of Human Life
    • Fetus
    • Holistic Health
    • Humans
    • Maternal-Child Nursing
    • Maternal-Fetal Relations
    • Nurse's Role
    • Obstetrical Nursing
    • Philosophy, Nursing
    • Pregnant Women
    • Religion and Psychology
    • Reproductive Techniques
    • Social Values
    • spirituality

    Notes:

    • The review demonstrates the value women place on the sacredness of pregnancy and birth, and that the spiritual nature of the unborn should be recognised.

  • An exploration of spirituality in rural women with chronic illness

    Type Journal Article
    Author Jenaneta S Hampton
    Author Clarann Weinert
    Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore expressions of spirituality in rural women with chronic illness. Six categories that emerged were prayer, faith, verse, finding meaning, transcendence, and family. Results of this study were consistent with findings in previous literature that spirituality can be an extremely helpful and powerful coping mechanism that can be used in managing the stressors of a chronic illness. Spirituality is an important illness management tool that needs to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals.
    Publication Holistic Nursing Practice
    Volume 20
    Issue 1
    Pages 27-33
    Date 2006 Jan-Feb
    Journal Abbr Holist Nurs Pract
    ISSN 0887-9311
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16428969
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 15:35:17 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16428969
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Adult
    • Attitude to Health
    • Chronic Disease
    • Female
    • Holistic Nursing
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Middle Aged
    • Questionnaires
    • Rural Population
    • spirituality
    • Women's Health

    Notes:

    • The purpose of this study was to explore expressions of spirituality in rural women with chronic illness. Six categories that emerged were prayer, faith, verse, finding meaning, transcendence, and family. Results of this study were consistent with findings in previous literature that spirituality can be an extremely helpful and powerful coping mechanism that can be used in managing the stressors of a chronic illness. Spirituality is an important illness management tool that needs to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals.

  • Correlations between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors among sheltered homeless women

    Type Journal Article
    Author Jene M. Hurlbut
    Author Leslie K. Robbins
    Author Mary M. Hoke
    Abstract This study examined the relationship between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors in a convenience sample of 90 sheltered homeless women using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. A moderate positive correlation was found between spiritual well-being and overall health promoting lifestyle (r = .426). Moderate to strong positive correlations were found between the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II dimension subscales (physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management). The results support the importance of spirituality in relation to health-promoting behaviors among sheltered homeless women.
    Publication Journal of Community Health Nursing
    Volume 28
    Issue 2
    Pages 81-91
    Date Apr 2011
    Journal Abbr J Community Health Nurs
    DOI 10.1080/07370016.2011.564064
    ISSN 1532-7655
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21541870
    Accessed Mon May 9 19:04:27 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 21541870
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:55:31 2011
  • Mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review

    Type Journal Article
    Author Kim E. Innes
    Author Terry Kit Selfe
    Author Abhishek Vishnu
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the peer-reviewed literature regarding the effects of self-administered mind-body therapies on menopausal symptoms. METHODS: To identify qualifying studies, we searched 10 scientific databases and scanned bibliographies of relevant review papers and all identified articles. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed systematically using predefined criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-one papers representing 18 clinical trials from 6 countries met our inclusion criteria, including 12 randomized controlled trials (N=719), 1 non-randomized controlled trial (N=58), and 5 uncontrolled trials (N=105). Interventions included yoga and/or meditation-based programs, tai chi, and other relaxation practices, including muscle relaxation and breath-based techniques, relaxation response training, and low-frequency sound-wave therapy. Eight of the nine studies of yoga, tai chi, and meditation-based programs reported improvement in overall menopausal and vasomotor symptoms; six of seven trials indicated improvement in mood and sleep with yoga-based programs, and four studies reported reduced musculoskeletal pain. Results from the remaining nine trials suggest that breath-based and other relaxation therapies also show promise for alleviating vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms, although intergroup findings were mixed. Most studies reviewed suffered methodological or other limitations, complicating interpretation of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, findings of these studies suggest that yoga-based and certain other mind-body therapies may be beneficial for alleviating specific menopausal symptoms. However, the limitations characterizing most studies hinder interpretation of findings and preclude firm conclusions regarding efficacy. Additional large, methodologically sound trials are needed to determine the effects of specific mind-body therapies on menopausal symptoms, examine long-term outcomes, and investigate underlying mechanisms.
    Publication Maturitas
    Volume 66
    Issue 2
    Pages 135-149
    Date Jun 2010
    Journal Abbr Maturitas
    DOI 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.01.016
    ISSN 1873-4111
    Short Title Mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms
    Accessed Wed Jul 7 11:40:24 2010
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 20167444
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
  • Effects of spirituality and psychosocial well-being on health risk behaviors in Appalachian pregnant women

    Type Journal Article
    Author D Elizabeth Jesse
    Author Pamela G Reed
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships of spirituality and psychosocial well-being to health risk behaviors in pregnant Appalachian women. METHOD: Descriptive study of 120 women between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. The instruments used were the Spiritual Perspective Scale and religiosity items from the Jarel Well-Being Scale. Psychosocial well-being was measured by the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile. Four items measured health risk behaviors. RESULTS: Higher levels of spirituality (spiritual perspective and religiosity) were significantly correlated with greater satisfaction with social support, higher levels of self-esteem, and decreased levels of smoking. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, and spiritual variables explained 25% of the variance in frequency of smoking, and in the logistic regression analysis, psychosocial stress was the only variable that significantly predicted substance use. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of spirituality and lower levels of stress are associated with decreased health risk behaviors among pregnant women from Appalachia. Increasing spiritual resources and decreasing stress during pregnancy offer the potential to improve health promotion efforts in pregnancy with women from Appalachia.
    Publication Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing: JOGNN / NAACOG
    Volume 33
    Issue 6
    Pages 739-747
    Date 2004 Nov-Dec
    Journal Abbr J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs
    DOI 10.1177/0884217504270669
    ISSN 0884-2175
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15561662
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 13:08:55 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 15561662
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Adolescent
    • Adult
    • Appalachian Region
    • Attitude to Health
    • Female
    • Health Behavior
    • Health Status
    • Humans
    • Maternal Behavior
    • Nursing Methodology Research
    • Pregnancy
    • Prenatal Care
    • Quality of Life
    • Questionnaires
    • Self Concept
    • spirituality
    • Stress, Psychological

    Notes:

    • Objective: To determine the relationships of spirituality and psychosocial well-being to health risk behaviors in pregnant Appalachian women. Conclusion: Higher levels of spirituality and lower levels of stress are associated with decreased health risk behaviors among pregnant women from Appalachia.

  • The Effects of Church-Based Emotional Support on Health: Do They Vary by Gender?

    Type Journal Article
    Author Neal Krause
    Author Christopher G. Ellison
    Author Jack P. Marcum
    Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among social support provided by church members, gender, and change in physical health status over time. More specifically, this study was designed to see whether women receive more support from church members than men, whether more support from church members is associated with better self-rated health over time, and whether there are gender differences in the relationship between church-based support and health. The data come from a longitudinal nationwide survey of members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The findings suggest that women receive more emotional support from church members than men. Moreover, church-based support is associated with better self-rated health over time, but these effects emerge among men only. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed and elaborated.
    Publication Sociology of Religion
    Volume 63
    Issue 1
    Pages 21-47
    Date Spring, 2002
    ISSN 10694404
    Short Title The Effects of Church-Based Emotional Support on Health
    URL http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/stable/3712538
    Accessed Fri Sep 25 12:28:31 2009
    Library Catalog JSTOR
    Extra ArticleType: primary_article / Full publication date: Spring, 2002 / Copyright © 2002 Association for the Sociology of Religion, Inc.
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Notes:

    • The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among social support provided by church members, gender, and change in physical health status over time. More specifically, this study was designed to see whether women receive more support from church members than men, whether more support from church members is associated with better self-rated health over time, and whether there are gender differences in the relationship between church-based support and health.

  • Gender differences in religious practices, spiritual experiences and health: results from the US General Social Survey

    Type Journal Article
    Author Joanna Maselko
    Author Laura D Kubzansky
    Abstract Even though a majority of Americans report having spiritual/religious beliefs, the role of different dimensions of spirituality/religiosity in health is not well understood. Moreover, given that the experience of spirituality/religiosity differs for men and women, it is possible that the strength of the association between spirituality/religiosity and health may also differ by gender. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between spirituality/religiosity and three markers of health and well-being, and any gender differences in these relationships. First, we test the hypothesis that engagement with formal religious institutions (i.e. public religious activity) will be more beneficial for men than for women and we examine the role of denominational affiliation in any observed differences. Second, we directly compare effects of three different kinds of religious activities (public and private religious activity and spiritual experience) on health and well-being. Data are from the 1998 US General Social Survey, a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized adults. Participants were asked about the frequency of engaging in public and private religious activities and having spiritual experiences. Psychological distress, happiness and self-rated health were used as indicators of health and well-being. Results suggest that weekly public religious activity was significantly associated with better health and well-being. Furthermore, this relationship was stronger for men than women and was influenced by denominational affiliation. When public religious activity, private religious activity and spiritual experiences were considered simultaneously, public religious activity emerged as the most consistent predictor of health and well-being among men. Among women, both public religious activity and spiritual experiences maintained an independent association with the health and well-being. These results suggest that it may not be appropriate to generalize findings about the relationship between spirituality/religiosity and health from one form of spirituality/religiosity to another, across denominations, or to assume effects are uniform for men and women.
    Publication Social Science & Medicine (1982)
    Volume 62
    Issue 11
    Pages 2848-2860
    Date Jun 2006
    Journal Abbr Soc Sci Med
    DOI 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.11.008
    ISSN 0277-9536
    Short Title Gender differences in religious practices, spiritual experiences and health
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16359765
    Accessed Fri Nov 13 15:31:42 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 16359765
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adult
    • Female
    • Health Status
    • Health Surveys
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Middle Aged
    • Personal Satisfaction
    • religion
    • Sex Factors
    • spirituality
    • Stress, Psychological
    • United States

    Notes:

    • The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between spirituality/religiosity and three markers of health and well-being, and any gender differences in these relationships.

  • A Theistic spiritual treatment for women with eating disorders

    Type Journal Article
    Author P. Scott Richards
    Author Melissa H. Smith
    Author Michael E. Berrett
    Author Kari A. O'Grady
    Author Jeremy D. Bartz
    Abstract The authors describe a psychological treatment for women with eating disorders who have theistic spiritual beliefs and illustrate its application with a case report. They begin by briefly summarizing a theistic view of eating disorders. Then they illustrate how a theistic approach can complement traditional treatment by describing the processes and outcomes of their work with a 23-year-old Christian woman receiving inpatient treatment for an eating disorder not otherwise specified and a major depressive disorder (recurrent severe). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65:172-184, 2009.
    Publication Journal of Clinical Psychology
    Volume 65
    Issue 2
    Pages 172-184
    Date February 2009
    DOI 10.1002/jclp.20564
    URL http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1002/jclp.20564
    Accessed Tue Sep 15 00:13:26 2009
    Library Catalog Wiley InterScience
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Notes:

    • The authors describe a psychological treatment for women with eating disorders who have theistic spiritual beliefs and illustrate its application with a case report. They begin by briefly summarizing a theistic view of eating disorders. Then they illustrate how a theistic approach can complement traditional treatment by describing the processes and outcomes of their work with a 23-year-old Christian woman receiving inpatient treatment for an eating disorder not otherwise specified and a major depressive disorder (recurrent severe).

  • A controlled study of the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction technique in women with multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia

    Type Journal Article
    Author Tara Sampalli
    Author Elizabeth Berlasso
    Author Roy Fox
    Author Mark Petter
    Abstract BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on women diagnosed with conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS The intervention group underwent a 10-week MBSR program. Symptoms Checklist Inventory (SCL-90R) was used as outcome measure and was administered before the start of the program (pre-), immediately upon completion (post-) and at three-month follow-up. Women on the wait list to receive treatment at the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre were used as control subjects for the study. RESULTS A total of 50 participants in the intervention group and 26 in the wait-list controls group were recruited for this study. Global scores in the intervention group reached statistical significance pre-post (<0.0001) and at pre-follow-up (<0.0001) while the global scores in the control group remained the same. Five of nine and eight of nine subscales of the SCL-90R showed improvement of statistical significance in MBSR group following treatment and at three-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The study showed the importance of complementary interventions such as MBSR techniques in the reduction of psychological distress in women with chronic conditions.
    Publication Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
    Volume 2
    Pages 53-59
    Date 2009
    Journal Abbr J Multidiscip Healthc
    ISSN 1178-2390
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21197347
    Accessed Mon Mar 28 18:13:46 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 21197347
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011

    Tags:

    • Fibromyalgia
    • MBSR
    • mindfulness based stress reduction
  • The relationship between religion and cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in the women's health initiative observational study

    Type Journal Article
    Author Eliezer Schnall
    Author Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller
    Author Charles Swencionis
    Author Vance Zemon
    Author Lesley Tinker
    Author Mary Jo O'Sullivan
    Author Linda Van Horn
    Author Mimi Goodwin
    Abstract Some studies suggest that religiosity may be related to health outcomes. The current investigation, involving 92,395 Women's Health Initiative Observational Study participants, examined the prospective association of religious affiliation, religious service attendance, and strength and comfort from religion with subsequent cardiovascular outcomes and death. Baseline characteristics and responses to religiosity questions were collected at enrollment. Women were followed for an average of 7.7 years and outcomes were judged by physician adjudicators. Cox proportional regression models were run to obtain hazard ratios (HR) of religiosity variables and coronary heart disease (CHD) and death. After controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and prior health variables, self-report of religious affiliation, frequent religious service attendance, and religious strength and comfort were associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality [HR for religious affiliation = 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75-0.93] [HR for service attendance = 0.80; CI: 0.73-0.87] [HR for strength and comfort = 0.89; CI: 0.82-0.98]. However, these religion-related variables were not associated with reduced risk of CHD morbidity and mortality. In fact, self-report of religiosity was associated with increased risk of this outcome in some models. In conclusion, although self-report measures of religiosity were not associated with reduced risk of CHD morbidity and mortality, these measures were associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
    Publication Psychology & Health
    Volume 25
    Issue 2
    Pages 249-263
    Date Feb 2010
    Journal Abbr Psychol Health
    DOI 10.1080/08870440802311322
    ISSN 1476-8321
    Accessed Wed Apr 21 17:09:19 2010
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 20391218
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
  • The prevalence and characteristics of young and mid-age women who use yoga and meditation: Results of a nationally representative survey of 19,209 Australian women

    Type Journal Article
    Author David Sibbritt
    Author Jon Adams
    Author Pamela van der Riet
    Abstract <p>SummaryObjective<br/>To determine the characteristics of yoga and meditation users and non-users amongst young and mid-aged Australian women.Design and setting<br/>The research was conducted as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) which was designed to investigate multiple factors affecting the health and well being of women over a 20-year period.Participants<br/>The younger (28-33 years) (n = 8885) and mid-aged (56-61 years) (n = 10,324) cohorts of the ALSWH who completed Survey 5 in 2006 and 2007 respectively.Main outcome measure<br/>Use of yoga.Results<br/>This study estimates that 35% of Australian women aged 28-33 and 27% of Australian women aged 56-61 use yoga or meditation. Younger women with back pain (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.52) and allergies (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.49) were more likely to use yoga or meditation, while younger women with migraines or headaches (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.87) were less likely to use yoga or meditation. Mid-age women with low iron (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.19) and bowel problems (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.65) were more likely to use yoga or meditation, while mid age women with hypertension (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.76) were less likely to use yoga or meditation.Conclusion<br/>A large percentage of the female population are using yoga or meditation. Given that women who regularly use yoga or meditation positively associated with measures of mental and physical health, there is a need for further research to examine the experiences and potential benefits of these mind-body practices for women's health.</p>
    Publication Complementary Therapies in Medicine
    Volume 19
    Issue 2
    Pages 71-77
    Date April 2011
    DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.12.009
    ISSN 0965-2299
    Short Title The prevalence and characteristics of young and mid-age women who use yoga and meditation
    URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WCS-524F636-1/2/71028ad54645b6ba9c81c4400d6ddffb
    Accessed Mon May 9 19:19:25 2011
    Library Catalog ScienceDirect
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:55:49 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:55:49 2011

    Tags:

    • Meditation
    • Women's Health
    • yoga
  • Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women

    Type Journal Article
    Author Katy Tapper
    Author Christine Shaw
    Author Joanne Ilsley
    Author Andrew J Hill
    Author Frank W Bond
    Author Laurence Moore
    Abstract To explore the efficacy of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women. Sixty-two women (ages 19-64; BMI 22.5-52.1) who were attempting to lose weight were randomised to an intervention or control condition. The former were invited to attend four 2-h workshops, the latter were asked to continue with their normal diets. Data were collected at baseline, 4 and 6 months. BMI, physical activity, mental health. At 6 months intervention participants showed significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to controls (p<.05) but no significant differences in weight loss or mental health. However, when intervention participants who reported 'never' applying the workshop principles at 6 months (n=7) were excluded, results showed both significantly greater increases in physical activity (3.1 sessions per week relative to controls, p<.05) and significantly greater reductions in BMI (0.96 relative to controls, equivalent to 2.32 kg, p<0.5). Reductions in BMI were mediated primarily by reductions in binge eating. Despite its brevity, the intervention was successful at bringing about change. Further refinements should increase its efficacy.
    Publication Appetite
    Volume 52
    Issue 2
    Pages 396-404
    Date Apr 2009
    Journal Abbr Appetite
    DOI 10.1016/j.appet.2008.11.012
    ISSN 1095-8304
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19101598
    Accessed Mon Mar 28 18:18:24 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 19101598
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:06:18 2011

    Tags:

    • Adult
    • Awareness
    • Body Mass Index
    • Bulimia
    • Cognition
    • Emotions
    • Energy Intake
    • Feeding Behavior
    • Female
    • Humans
    • mental health
    • Middle Aged
    • Patient Selection
    • Questionnaires
    • Self Concept
    • Weight Loss
    • Young Adult
  • Qigong improving physical status in middle-aged women

    Type Journal Article
    Author Yi-Kuei Tsai
    Author Hsing-Hsia Chen
    Author I-Hsin Lin
    Author Mei-Ling Yeh
    Abstract Regular exercise has been shown to benefit its practitioners and prevent and control diseases. Muscle/Tendon Change Classic (MTCC) qigong, characterized by simple, slow, and full-body exercise, is appropriate for the middle-age population. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the MTCC qigong program in improving physical status for middle-aged women. A quasi-experimental design was used. The experimental group (n = 37) received an 8-week MTCC qigong program, whereas the control group (n = 34) received none. Physiological parameters of muscular performance, body composition, and bone strength were measured before and after the program. The average age was 49 +/- 4.13 years for the experimental group and 50 +/- 4.74 years for the control group. The demographic characteristics were homogeneous between the two groups. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in muscular endurance, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index at the completion of 8-week MTCC qigong program. The MTCC qigong could improve muscle endurance and body composition but not bone strength for middle-aged women, thereby demonstrating the qigong practice has certain health-preserving effects on women in this stage of life.
    Publication Western Journal of Nursing Research
    Volume 30
    Issue 8
    Pages 915-927
    Date Dec 2008
    Journal Abbr West J Nurs Res
    DOI 10.1177/0193945908319991
    ISSN 0193-9459
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18612090
    Accessed Mon Nov 2 13:05:41 2009
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 18612090
    Date Added Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011
    Modified Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011

    Tags:

    • Adipose Tissue
    • Age Factors
    • Body Mass Index
    • Bone Density
    • Breathing Exercises
    • Chi-Square Distribution
    • Clinical Nursing Research
    • Female
    • Hand Strength
    • Humans
    • Middle Aged
    • Physical Endurance
    • Physical Fitness
    • Taiwan
    • Treatment Outcome
    • Waist-Hip Ratio
    • WOMEN

    Notes:

    • This study aims to evaluate the effect of the MTCC qigong program in improving physical status for middle-aged women. The MTCC qigong could improve muscle endurance and body composition but not bone strength for middle-aged women, thereby demonstrating the qigong practice has certain health-preserving effects on women in this stage of life.

  • Effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems: a pilot study

    Type Journal Article
    Author Ozlem Ulger
    Author Naciye Vardar Yağlı
    Abstract OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems. DESIGN: Twenty-seven women (30-45 years old) with musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis and low-back pain, were included in the present study. The patients participated in 8 sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks) of a yoga program which included asanas, stretching exercises, and breathing techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' static balance measurements and gait parameters were determined before and after the study using a stabilometer and a gait trainer, respectively. RESULTS: Post-study values of patients' gait parameters were found to be statistically higher than their pre-study values (p < 0.05) The values of patients' balance addressed anterior and right positions with patients' eyes open and subsequently closed pre-treatment. However, it was notable that balance post-treatment was minimal when subjects eyes were open or closed. Anterior-posterior values and right-left values were almost equal after treatment. DISCUSSION: The results showed that yoga has a positive effect on balance and gait parameters of women with gait and balance disturbances that are caused by musculoskeletal problems. It is feasible to conclude that asanas and stretching exercises included in the yoga program brought about such a positive effect, and therefore it is possible to use yoga programs to solve problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
    Publication Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
    Volume 17
    Issue 1
    Pages 13-15
    Date Feb 2011
    Journal Abbr Complement Ther Clin Pract
    DOI 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.06.006
    ISSN 1873-6947
    Short Title Effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems
    Accessed Tue Mar 15 14:21:57 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 21168108
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:56:57 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:56:57 2011
  • Demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of complementary and alternative medicine and prayer use among midlife women: 2002

    Type Journal Article
    Author Dawn M Upchurch
    Author Claire E Dye
    Author Laura Chyu
    Author Ellen B Gold
    Author Gail A Greendale
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of the most frequently used types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy and the use of prayer for health among midlife women. We also examined the extent to which women used CAM for treatment of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms, and for general health and well-being. METHODS: Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional, household survey representative of the U.S. civilian adult population, were used. Midlife women aged 40-59 years (n = 5849) were analyzed. Bivariate prevalence estimates were obtained, and binomial logistic regression models were estimated; all analyses were weighted. RESULTS: Overall, 46% of midlife women used any type of CAM in the past 12 months, and 54% reported using prayer for health reasons. The top five specific CAM therapies used were herbs and natural products; relaxation techniques; chiropractic care; yoga, tai chi, or qi gong; and massage. Multivariate results demonstrated different patterns of association between demographic, health, and behavioral characteristics and specific CAM therapies. A higher percentage of women used chiropractic care for an existing health condition than those using relaxation techniques, and few women used CAM specifically for menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: CAM and prayer are frequently used by midlife women, and herbs and natural supplements are the mostly frequently used. The findings underscore the importance, particularly in the clinical setting, of asking women about their use of individual CAM therapies. Such clinical assessment is also important because of the potential for interactions of CAM therapies with prescribed therapies.
    Publication Journal of Women's Health (2002)
    Volume 19
    Issue 1
    Pages 23-30
    Date Jan 2010
    Journal Abbr J Womens Health (Larchmt)
    DOI 10.1089/jwh.2008.1096
    ISSN 1931-843X
    Short Title Demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of complementary and alternative medicine and prayer use among midlife women
    Accessed Sun Jan 24 17:48:19 2010
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 20088655
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:35 2011
  • Impact of self-hypnosis in women on select physiologic and psychological parameters

    Type Journal Article
    Author Leona VandeVusse
    Author Lisa Hanson
    Author Margaret A. Berner
    Author Jill M White Winters
    Abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine physiologic and psychologic effects of hypnosis in healthy women. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, within-subject, repeated measures. SETTING: Private laboratory setting in an urban Midwestern College of Nursing. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 30 healthy, female volunteers who were nonpregnant, predominantly White, college students. METHOD: Participants listened to a 30-minute recording of relaxing, affirming hypnotic suggestions while sitting comfortably in a recliner. Hypnotizability and trait anxiety were measured at baseline. Tension-anxiety was measured at baseline and following the hypnotic induction. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability were collected before, during, and following the hypnotic experience. RESULTS: Paired t tests revealed significantly reduced heart rate (p<.001), respiratory rate (p<.001), low-to-high frequency heart rate variability ratio (p<.001), and tension-anxiety (p<.001), whereas high frequency heart rate variability was increased (p<.001) after the 30-minute hypnotic session. CONCLUSIONS: Hypnosis is an innovative, low-technology, self-modulated approach that may contribute to stress reduction and health promotion. Parameters demonstrated increased parasympathetic nervous system activity associated with relaxation during and immediately after the hypnosis experience. Findings from this study suggest that nurses can include hypnosis information when advising healthy women about available stress reduction approaches, as well as tailor their nursing care for women who present using this alternative approach.
    Publication Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing
    Volume 39
    Issue 2
    Pages 159-168
    Date Mar 2010
    Journal Abbr J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs
    DOI 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01103.x
    ISSN 1552-6909
    Accessed Sun Apr 25 17:26:32 2010
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 20409116
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 09:04:02 2011
  • Yoga and menopausal transition

    Type Journal Article
    Author Nirmala Vaze
    Author Sulabha Joshi
    Abstract With increased life expectancy, today, women spend one-third of their life after menopause. Thus more attention is needed towards peri- and post-menopausal symptoms. Estrogen replacement therapy is the most effective treatment, however, it has its own limitations. The present need is to explore new options for the management of menopausal symptoms. Yogic life style is a way of living which aims to improve the body, mind and day to day life of individuals. The most commonly performed Yoga practices are postures (asana), controlled breathing (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). Yoga has been utilized as a therapeutic tool to achieve positive health and control and cure diseases. The exact mechanism as to how Yoga helps in various disease states is not known. There could be neuro-hormonal pathways with a selective effect in each pathological situation. There have been multiple studies that have combined the many aspects of Yoga into a general Yoga session in order to investigate its effects on menopausal symptoms. Integrated approach of Yoga therapy can improve hot flushes and night sweats. There is increasing evidence suggesting that even the short-term practice of Yoga can decrease both psychological and physiological risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies conclude that our age old therapy, Yoga, is fairly effective in managing menopausal symptoms.
    Publication Journal of Mid-Life Health
    Volume 1
    Issue 2
    Pages 56-58
    Date Jul 2010
    Journal Abbr J Midlife Health
    DOI 10.4103/0976-7800.76212
    ISSN 0976-7819
    URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716773
    Accessed Wed Jul 13 18:15:27 2011
    Library Catalog NCBI PubMed
    Extra PMID: 21716773
    Date Added Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011
    Modified Thu Sep 29 08:54:25 2011