Amir Baigi

Attitudes and Behaviors with Regards to Androgenic Anabolic Steroids Among Male Adolescents in a County of Sweden

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes towards androgenic anabolic steroids among male adolescents who have used anabolics compared to those who have not. Design and Setting. A cross-sectional survey was performed in the year 2000 in all secondary schools in the county of Halland on the west coast of Sweden. Participants and Measurements. An anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to all classes with 14-, 16-, and 18-year-old male adolescents. The response rate was 92.7% (n = 4049). Findings. Those who admitted having used androgenic anabolic steroids differed in several ways from those who had not. Fewer believed androgenic anabolic steroids to be harmful [odds ratio (OR) = 0.15, 95% CI 0.08–0.30] and more believed that girls preferred boys with large muscles (OR = 6.1, 95% CI 3.4–11.0). They trained more often at gyms (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 3.0–10.6), drank more alcohol (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 2.0–9.1), and had used narcotic drugs more often (OR = 15.3, 95% CI 8.5–27.5) than the other male adolescents. More immigrants than native-born adolescents had used anabolics (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 2.2–7.9). Conclusion. Attitudes towards anabolics differ between users and nonusers. These aspects may be beneficial to focus on as one part of a more complex intervention program in order to change these attitudes and decrease the misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids.

Social physique anxiety and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance impact on orthorexia test in fitness participants

This study investigates how scores on the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ) relate to Bratmans orthorexia test (BOT) scores with regard to age, sex, and self‐reported exercise frequency and duration in a sample of Swedish participants in fitness center activities. A total of 251 participants (166 women and 85 men) completed the SPAS, the SATAQ, and a questionnaire focusing on exercise frequency and duration. The results indicated that the SATAQ subdomain internalization could itself explain the variation in BOT results. In women, the results indicated that exercise frequency, followed by SPAS score and the SATAQ subdomains internalization and awareness, could together explain the variation in BOT results. Fitness centers could make a point of emphasizing that some physical ideals are neither healthy nor realistic, thus strengthening member self‐image and preventing social physique anxiety, eating disorders, and negative attitudes toward appearance.

PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR WORK CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

OBJECTIVE To identify predictive factors for work capacity in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. DESIGN A descriptive, evaluative, quantitative study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS The study was based on 385 patients who participated in a rehabilitation programme. METHODS Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on their ability to work. The groups were compared with each other with regard to sociodemographic factors, diagnoses, disability pension and number of sick days. The patients level of exercise habits, ability to undertake activities, physical capacity, pain and quality of life were compared further using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Predictive factors for work capacity, such as ability to undertake activities, quality of life and fitness on exercise, were identified as important independent factors. Other well-known factors, i.e. gender, age, education, pain and earlier sickness certification periods, were also identified. Factors that were not significantly different between the groups were employment status, profession, diagnosis and levels of exercise habits. CONCLUSION Identifying predictors for ability to return to work is an essential task for deciding on suitable individual rehabilitation. This study identified new predictive factors, such as ability to undertake activities, quality of life and fitness on exercise.

Young women's sexual health and their views on dialogue with health professionals

Background. Many women who experience sexual problems or who have been subjected to sexual abuse, do not seek help, and often health professionals avoid raising such issues. The aim of this study was to describe young womens sexual health and their views on a dialogue about aspects of sexuality in connection with a gynecologic examination. Method. Cross‐sectional study. Women, 23, 26 and 29 years of age, called for gynecologic screening between March and July 2006 (n = 488; response rate 75%). Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression and bivariate analysis were used. Results. The majority (95%) had a positive attitude towards sexuality, although many women reported sexual problems, and one‐fifth (22%) were dissatisfied with their sex life. Women considered it appropriate to be asked about sexuality in general (92%), while a majority (72%) found questions about sexual abuse appropriate. However, depending on the area, the majority (76–99%) had never been asked such questions. Demographic variables, aspects of life, sexuality and sexual abuse were irrelevant for whether women considered it appropriate to be asked questions about aspects of sexuality, by a midwife/doctor in connection with a gynecologic examination. Conclusion. The result can activate health professionals to initiate a dialogue about sexual issues among young women. In this way, many women who experience sexual problems or have been subjected to sexual abuse, may be provided the opportunity to improve their sexual health.

Trends in the misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids among boys 16-17 years old in a primary health care area in Sweden.

Objective - To evaluate the effects of an appearance programme in preventing the misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids among male adolescents in a primary health care area in Sweden. Methods - Attitudes to steroid hormones among 16-17 years old male and female adolescents are discussed. A well-established anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was answered by 921 adolescents and statistically analysed. Results - The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids tended to decrease after the intervention. Conclusions - The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids did not increase, and even tended to decrease, after the intervention, indicating that drug-abuse among male adolescents can be decreased through discussions about appearance and attitudes. Repeat and prospective studies have to be done before this intervention programme can be generalised.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of an appearance programme in preventing the misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids among male adolescents in a primary health care area in Sweden. METHODS Attitudes to steroid hormones among 16-17 years old male and female adolescents are discussed. A well-established anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was answered by 921 adolescents and statistically analysed. RESULTS The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids tended to decrease after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids did not increase, and even tended to decrease, after the intervention, indicating that drug-abuse among male adolescents can be decreased through discussions about appearance and attitudes. Repeat and prospective studies have to be done before this intervention programme can be generalised.

Impact of a six-month empowerment-based exercise intervention programme in non-physically active adolescent Swedish girls

Objective: This study evaluated changes in self-efficacy in non-physically active adolescent girls (13–19 years old) who participated in a six-month, empowerment-based exercise intervention programme (EIP). Design: The study used a pre- and post-test randomized group design and included one pre- and one post-test (at six months) and non-physically active adolescent girls (N = 110) were assigned to an intervention group (n = 54) or a comparison group (n = 56). Setting: Two upper secondary schools and five secondary schools, located in the low socio-economic areas of two communities in southern Sweden were involved in the study. Method: The Swedish version of a 10-item General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Social Barriers to Exercise Self-efficacy Questionnaire (SPBESQ) were used. In addition, BMI and results from a physical fitness test were measured. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon’s matched-pairs signed-rank test were used. Results: Analysis showed a statistically significant difference in GSES scores (p = 0.037) between the groups after the EIP was implemented. Girls in the intervention group had increased their levels of general perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.004). Both groups increased their level of physical fitness (intervention, p = 0.06 and control, p = 0.013). BMI increased in the control group (p = 0.031). Conclusions: The EIP had an impact on adolescent girls’ general perceived self-efficacy and can be regarded as an outcome of empowerment that indicates the development of the adolescent girls’ ability to effectively deal with a variety of stressful situations in general.

Patient participation in the emergency department: an evaluation using a specific instrument to measure patient participation (PPED).

AIM This study aimed at evaluating patient participation from the perspective of patients who received care in emergency departments, with a separate examination of the relationship between participation and age, gender, education and priority level. BACKGROUND International and national guidelines encourage patient participation. High patient participation is required to ensure a high quality of care. No studies evaluating patient participation at an emergency department have been published. METHODS An evaluating study, with the Patient Participation Emergency Department questionnaire, was conducted at emergency departments in Sweden. A consecutive sample of 356 patients participated. Data were collected in 2008: participants were 49% women and with an average age of 56 years. The statistical methods used were Students t-test, one-way ANOVA and Spearman correlation. RESULTS The results revealed that patients experienced good requirement for participation such as time and information. Mutual participation demonstrated a reasonable level, but patient participation is low in two dimensions (Fight for participation, Participation in getting basic needs satisfied). Young and well-educated patients fought more to participate in their care and gained less attention for basic needs than older and less well-educated patients. CONCLUSIONS Patient participation in a mutual care situation between patients and healthcare professionals requires further improvement to ensure that patients are satisfied and do not have to struggle and fight to participate in their care.

Questionnaire for patient participation in emergency departments : development and psychometric testing

AIM The aim of the study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a patient participation questionnaire in emergency departments. BACKGROUND Patient participation is an important indicator of the quality of healthcare. International and national healthcare policy guidelines promote patient participation. While patients cared for in emergency departments generally express dissatisfaction with their care, a review of the literature fails to reveal any scientifically tested instruments for assessing patient participation from the perspective of patients. METHODS A methodological study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 356 patients recently cared for in emergency departments in Sweden. Data were collected in 2008 and analysed for construct and criterion validity, also homogeneity and stability reliability. RESULTS A 17-item questionnaire was developed. Two separate factor analyses revealed a distinct 4-factor solution which was labelled: Fight for participation, Requirement for participation, Mutual participation and Participating in getting basic needs satisfied. Criterion validity testing showed 9 out of 20 correlations above 0.30 and, of these, three were moderate correlations of 0.62, 0.63 and 0.70. Cronbachs alpha coefficient ranged from 0.63 to 0.84 and test-retest varied between 0.59 and 0.93. CONCLUSION The results signify evidence of acceptable validity and reliability, and the questionnaire makes it possible to evaluate patient participation in emergency department caring situations. In addition, it produces data which are usable by a diverse range of healthcare professionals.

Return or no return – psychosocial factors related to sick leave in persons with musculoskeletal disorders: a prospective cohort study

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare psychosocial factors between healthy persons and sick-listed persons with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD); both groups with MSD 10 years ago. Methods. This cohort study was prospective and 385 persons participated in a rehabilitation program 10 years ago, and 354 persons took part in the follow-up. Of these, 243 persons completed a questionnaire. Two groups were included in the study: a healthy group (not sick-listed) (n = 112) and a sick-listed group (n = 74). Psychosocial factors related to sick leave were compared between the groups. Results. In the 10-year follow-up, the healthy group showed a significantly higher quality of life, more control over the working situation, better sense of coherence and unexpectedly more life events. There was no significant difference in social integration and emotional support between the groups. Conclusions. Using the knowledge about the characteristics of the healthy group, adequate rehabilitation for every sick-listed person with a musculoskeletal disorder can be given and therefore facilitate the returning to work process. A multidimensional approach taking into account a persons physical condition and workplace related problems, as well as psychosocial factors, is of great importance for the person and for society.

Satisfaction with housing and housing support for people with psychiatric disabilities.

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of satisfaction with housing and housing support for people with psychiatric disabilities in Sweden. A total of 370 residents, in supported housing and in ordinary housing with housing support, completed a new questionnaire and reported a high degree of overall satisfaction, but many of them wanted to move somewhere else. Differences were found between the two different types of housing concerning satisfaction with housing support, social life and available choices. Security and privacy, as well as others influence on the choice of residential area and dwelling proved to be important predictors for satisfaction.