Somporn Rungreangkulkij

Conceptual Approaches to Studying Family Caregiving for Persons With Severe Mental Illness

This article critically analyzes the conceptual frameworks commonly used to study family caregivers who have a family member with a severe mental illness. Those frameworks that are commonly in use present significant limitations to the study of the family as a whole. In contrast, the Family Resiliency Model permits family level analysis. The authors present this model and argue for its use in studying families with members who have a severe mental illness.

Psychological morbidity of Thai families of a person with schizophrenia

The paper presents data on families of a person with schizophrenia in rural Thailand, using the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation. The aim is to assess the impact of family factors on psychological morbidity of the mothers and relatives of a person with schizophrenia. One hundred and eight Thai families were interviewed based on family assessment instruments. Multiple regression analysis was performed. The findings suggest that in a stable stage of illness, other stresses of family life may have stronger impact on psychological status of family members, than the illness. Implications for clinical nurses and researchers are presented.

Nursing Research on Family Processes in Chronic Illness in Ethnically Diverse Families: A Decade Review

The aim of this article is to review the methods, innovations, and dilemmas reported in nursing research on chronic illness with ethnically diverse families. Articles published by nurse researchers were systematically searched using Medline, CINAHL, and PsychINFO for the years 1990 to 2000, with follow-up to methodological articles. Research was selected if it sampled families from diverse ethnicities living in the United States and employed family conceptualizations or measures. Four classes of research were identified that (a) examine the appropriateness of various research instruments for use with ethnically diverse families; (b) examine families of varied ethnicities, but report what is common, rather than unique to each ethnic group; (c) examine family processes in a single diverse ethnic group; and (d) compare family processes in at least two ethnic groups. Methodological recommendations for future research are offered.

The Psychological Impact of Buddhist Counseling for Patients Suffering From Symptoms of Anxiety

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of individual Buddhist counseling interventions for patients suffering from symptoms of anxiety. A single-group pretest and posttest design was used to measure outcomes. Twenty-one patients participated in the study as voluntary subjects, all of whom completed two sessions of Buddhist counseling interventions. The individual Buddhist counseling program was developed by the investigators based on the Buddhist doctrine. The outcomes were evaluated with the use of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test, which provides an indicator for evidence-based outcomes related to anxiety reduction scores. The results revealed that the scores on the state anxiety test in relation to the trait anxiety test had been reduced at the 1-month follow-up. The findings from content analysis showed that when the patients practiced mindfulness, they were able to accept unpleasant situations calmly. Sixteen patients were prescribed lower doses of antianxiety medications. Furthermore, medication was discontinued for two patients, and three other patients continued their prescribed medication regimen completely. The study indicates that counseling as a basis from Buddhist principles has the potential to benefit patients with emotional anxiety-based problems.

Enhancing a Health-Related Quality-of-Life Model for Laotian Migrant Workers in Thailand

We undertook this action research study to enhance the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Laotian migrant workers, and to conceptualize a practical model for workers for use in similar situations. Seventy Laotian migrant workers, 3 researchers, and 18 stakeholders took part in the study. Several data collection methods were utilized, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observations, and field notes. Content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. Findings suggest that because of their participation in the study, the workers improved certain aspects of their HRQOL through participation, consciousness raising, and empowerment, which enabled them to become more self-reliant, confident, and competent, and have greater strength to overcome their difficulties. The Enhancing Laotian Workers’ HRQOL Model was conceived as a practical model that could be used by community health nurses working with migrant workers in various contexts.

Perception of Stress in Laotian Migrant Workers in Thailand

Globalization and the movement of workers across borders in search of a better life or employment are presenting healthcare systems and researchers with problems of increasing complexity. This study focused on how migrant workers in Thailand from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic conceptualized their stress and stressing factors. Participant observation, in-depth interviews, and field notes were employed in the study, which analyzed data from seventy subjects through qualitative content analysis. The migrant workers in this sample perceived stress as a state of being unable to fulfill their preferences or expectations revolving around issues of: living with poverty, employment, loneliness, poor relationships, competition in the workplace combined with job uncertainty, and invisibility. To provide care for the minority migrant workers, nurses need to focus on identifying how these users perceive stress, and urgent action and further research are needed.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Laotian Migrant Workers in Thailand

The aim of this paper is to explore how migrant workers from the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic conceptualized their health-related quality of life while they worked and lived in Thailand. Seventy workers took part in the study. Data collected from participant observation and in-depth interviews were examined using content analysis. The findings showed that nearly all the workers perceived health-related quality of life as a state of general well-being expressed in the vernacular as u suk sabai. Living, social and employment conditions exerted variable effects on their perceptions of health-related quality of life.

P-499 - Experiences of depression: learning from thai patients

Major depression is the fourth leading cause of global disease burden. This phenomenology study aims to explain the experiences of male and female patients with depressive disorder. The participants were patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A total of 42 participants including 21 male and 21 female patients were recruited from out-patient clinics. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis method. Findings: Both female and male patients suffered from gender role internalization. They suffered from ruminative thoughts. Depressive symptoms do not present any concrete abnormality as other illnesses do; consequently it is difficult for others to understand their experiences. Female patients shared there were stigma from receiving treatment from psychiatric hospitals and therefore considered as a barrier to seek help from experts. Both male and female patients did not understand the illness, its course and treatment. In addition, many tended to adjust the medication doses by themselves. Female patients also indicated reasons for not complying with treatment; they included concern of gaining weight and the danger of being under medications for a long period of time. Some men would like to regain self-control so they stopped taking medication. The majority of patients received only medication treatment without psychosocial treatment. Both male and female patients shared that sex of therapist was not as significant as their characters. The findings suggest that new innovations that can enhance public awareness of depression are urgently needed in order to reduce stigma related to illness and enhance accessibility to treatment