Biography:

Neha Sharma is the director of Warwick Research Services, UK and   She is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Research Initiative on India, China, Europe and Africa. Dr. Sharma has over 70 research articles and has been invited to speak at numerous national and international conferences. She has received many honors and awards including young scientist award and scientific excellence award. Dr Sharma has an international reputation in the field of the health and social care developing resources and practice for better health care.

Abstract:

Background: Panic disorder is one of the most disabling and costly disorders, which  often unnecessary use health care resources. Homeopathy has been discussed as a therapeutic alternative or add-on in relevance to psychiatry, but as yet no study has been conducted for panic disorder. 

Objective  To analyze the effectiveness of homeopathy intervention treating panic disorder.

Design and setting: Randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted in 4 psychiatric clinics from May 2014 to April 2016.  

Participants  Two hundred thirty-two   patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder. 

Intervention  182 meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder, were randomized to receive either treatment as usual or an intervention combination with homeopathy for up to 4 months, with up to 6 follow-up during the next 10 months, and pharmacotherapy provided by psychiatrist

Main Outcomes Measures: Treatment response was measured by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and change over time by World Health Organization Disability Scale and SF-12.

Results  The combined  intervention resulted in sustained and gradually better improvement than treatment as usual, with significant reduction in severity of panic symptoms (p<0.001) and more likely to respond at treatment termination (p<0.002). Greater improvements in World Health Organization Disability Scale (all points) and SF-12 mental health functioning were reported in combined homeopathy treatment. 

Conclusion  Delivery of evidence-based homeopathy and medication using the collaborative care model and homeopathy is feasible and significantly more effective than usual care for panic disorder.

Biography:

Dr Dore is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for the Northern Sydney Drug and Alcohol Service, and a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Sydney Northern Clinical School. For over 20 years her clinical work, teaching and research have focused on the assessment and management of patients with comorbidity (co-existing substance use and mental health disorders). In recent years her clinical team has worked with researchers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Sydney to explore effective treatments for patients with co-existing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders.

Abstract:

Trauma exposure and PTSD are common among patients of Mental Health services.  Existing treatments for these co-occurring conditions tend to be lengthy, treatment retention is relatively poor, and they require extensive training and clinical supervision.  This paper presents the findings of a pilot study conducted to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief intervention for PTSD symptoms for individuals with co-existing substance use disorders.  The brief intervention consisted of a single, one-hour manualised session providing psychoeducation pertaining to common trauma reactions and symptom management.  Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention.  PTSD symptom severity decreased significantly from baseline to 1-week follow-up and again between the 1-week and 3-month follow-ups. The brief intervention may best be conceptualized as a “stepping stone” to further trauma treatment, allowing patients to experience increased understanding of their psychological reactions to trauma as well as a reduction in the severity of their symptoms.

Biography:

Ugo Ikwuka is a Phd student pursuing at University of Wolverhampton

Abstract:

In the 'free market' model of mental healthcare characteristic of sub-Saharan Africa, traditional and faith healers provide competing services alongside biomedical professionals. This may be associated with delays in reaching specialized mental health services, and hence with longer duration of untreated illness. As first line care constitutes a crucial stage in psychiatric care, investigating pathways to mental healthcare can highlight choices that might have critical implications for eventual outcome. However, most research on pathways to mental healthcare in the region dealt with clinical samples at conventional psychiatric facilities where the customary pathway culminates. This creates a gap in knowledge since the pathways of many distressed persons do not lead to or end at such facilities. To fill this gap, this study explored the pathways to care for mental illness preferred by a non-clinical cross-section of the south-eastern Nigerian population. Convenience sampling was used to select participants (N = 706) who completed questionnaires on help-seeking. Contrary to expectation, results showed a significant preference for the biomedical (90.8%) to the spiritual (57.8%) and traditional (33.2%) pathways. Higher education predicted preference for the biomedical model while low education was associated with traditional and spiritual pathways. Protestants preferred the spiritual pathway more than did Catholics. The high potential patronage of biomedical care suggested by the findings is undermined by poor mental health infrastructure, a lack of fit between the cultures of biomedical and traditional care, the deep-seated cultural/religious worldviews of the people, the conceptualisation of mental illness, stigma surrounding mental illness, and the likelihood of a social desirability bias in responses. A complementary model of care is proposed.   

Biography:

Dr. Somaya Abou-Abdou has completed her Ph.D. in Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. She is working as an Associate Prof. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. Also, she is one of the board member of Faculty of Nursing in the same university. She has published papers in conferences and journals.  

Abstract:

Adolescent’s depression refers to a mood state or a cluster of specific symptoms with associated impairment as persistent sadness, discouragement, losses of self-worth and interest in usual activities. Depressed adolescents are particularly likely to have trouble asserting themselves because they feel that they are worthless and undeserving, such feeling make assertiveness difficult. The study aimed to identify the relationship between depressive symptom and self-assertiveness among Egyptian university students. The study included 564 students that were being chosen randomly from six different faculties three practical (Nursing, science, Engineering) faculties and three theoretical faculties (Arts, Tourism and Hotels, Commerce). Two tools were used, Tool 1: Beck Depression Inventory to assess the symptoms of depression, Tool 2: Self-Assertiveness Scale to measure how people behave in different situations. This study results proved that mild depression is common among university students and Self-Assertiveness was also observed in those students, there was statistical significant correlation between level of depression and students’ age and academic scores, also statistical significant correlation between students’ self-assertiveness and age, academic year and practical faculties. A negative correlation between depressive symptoms and self-assertiveness among university students is concluded. Self-Assertiveness skills for the students through workshops, role playing and clinical training is recommended.

Biography:

Mukhripah Damaiyanti has completed Master of Nursing Science at the age 35 years from Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. She is coordinator of Department of Mental Health Nursing and chairman of Community Mental Health Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences Muhammadiyah Samarinda, Indonesia. Also, she is vice of chairman of Indonesia Mental Health Nurse Association. She has published papers in conferences and journals.  

Abstract:

The descriptive correlational study aimed to describe the prevalence of adolescent depression and explain selected variables as factors predict to depression in adolescences of Samarinda municipal, East Kalimantan province, Indonesia. A total of 552 adolescents in senior high school aged between 14-19 years were recruited through stratified cluster sampling during March to April, 2015. The instruments were CES-D, Negative Automatic Thoughts, Social Problem Solving, Negative Life Events and Parental Bonding. The data were analyzed by statistical method including t-test, Chi-square, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions. The result showed the prevalence of depression in this sample of Indonesian adolescents was 52.7% (26.6% female, 26.1% male). There were significant relationship between adolescents’ depression and educational level, negative life events and parental bonding with mother. The stepwise regression results indicated the negative life events (R² = 0.057) or 5.7% of the variance and educational level (R² = 0.023) or 2.3% of variances in total adolescents depression as a significant predict adolescents depression and included in the fit model (F= 22.84, p=0.000). Specifically, some programs are able to do in school such as counseling center, stress management program, time management, and screening about negative life events. This strategy includes the participation of other personnel such as class coordinator and health workers.

Biography:

Leepile Sehularo is working  as a faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology in North West University in South Africa

Abstract:

Adolescents’ substance use needs to be identified and addressed as soon as possible and substance use among adolescents needs to be prevented. The purpose of this study was to develop a substance use prevention programme focusing on resilience as a protective factor for adolescents in the North West Province of South Africa. The programme was developed based on the results of systematic review and qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research. A conceptual framework was used to guide the researcher to link the results of systematic review and qualitative research with the programme. The survey list of the Practice Oriented Theory was used as a guide for development of a conceptual framework and the programme. The findings of this study confirmed the content of the programme, and indicate that the programme to prevent substance use among adolescents should focus on strengthening adolescents’ resilience and on mobilizing protective factors. This programme adds important knowledge and practice guidelines to the field of psychiatry and mental health. Recommendations were made for implementation of the programme.

Biography:

Born November 27th, 1968, from police Officer, father and preacher woman of God. Attended government schools graduating from high school from (1985-1989) Married and had two daughters, divorce pushed him into depression, but got treated, 1996 Founder of MHUNZA, a self-advocacy group. Sylvester Katontoka has spoken at international conferences on mental health issues including summits organized by W.H.O, co-authored many written works in the area of mental. Chosen as a laureate of the Award 2008 for an outstanding achievement in the field of mental Health care by the Swiss Foundation for World Health in collaboration with W.H.O

Abstract:

Mental illness has for long been on the edge hence allowing a number of serious human rights violations. At end are children, women, elderly, minority population and poor communities. Two NGOs, MHUNZA and MDAC teamed up and against all odds and carried out an investigation, looking at the reality of people’s lived experience through the lens of international human rights law. The mission was undertaken from 2011 to 2014. Using the UN Convention on the Rights of with Disabilities as a tool, uncovered evils. Research on mental health services was conducted, from the year’s 2011to 2013 in five provinces ill treatment, violations both in conventional and traditional settings uncovered. Human rights and mental health in Zambia Report 2014 was published. Five psychiatric hospital, five traditional healing centers and a settlement were visited Collected and publicized disaggregated data of ill-treatment observed provided a momentum to policy-makers to undertake reforms. Baseline data sets the tone for action, to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation, policies, monitor the quality and efficacy of services and respond to social and health conditions. Such effort will explore and give priority to mental health research, and move it from margins to center of health and social policy, to recruit and train social scientists and health workers who are knowledgeable about mental health findings and committed to the improvement of mental health services. The agenda for action and research for scientific knowledge base to examine primary prevention activities must be pursued by all.

Biography:

Jeeva.Sebastian is a Junior Lecturer, working in College of Nursing, CMC, Vellore.

Abstract:

Aim of the study to assess the burden and coping strategies employed by care givers of patients having schizophrenia and BPAD. Descriptive design was used. Family members of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders who attended O.P.D’s and accompanying with the patients admitted in department of psychiatry. Descriptive statistic ,Independent‘t’ test s, Pearson’s co-relation co-efficient Chi-square and Logistic regression were used to find the association between socio demographic variables with burden and coping. Health team membrs should assess the current actions of the care giver & how they are received by the patient. Family members often benefit from education about the illness, its treatment and family counselling that provides emotional support and practical advice on how to manage the patient's behaviour thereby minimizing the stress of care giving.

Biography:

Rocío Casañas is a PhD Psychologist who graduated from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), a nursing graduate from the Universitat Ramon Llull (URLL) and with a master’s degree in Public Health from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra ( UPF). She works as a professor  in the Escola Superior d’Infermeria del Mar (ESIM) affiliated with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra ( UPF) and as a psychologist in a research department in the Associació Centre Higiene Mental Les Corts ( Grup CHM salut Mental). She   performed her doctoral thesis on interventions in major depression in Primary Care carried out by community nurses.  

Abstract:

Depression is a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, and it has been associated with greater morbidity, mortality, health care utilization and health care costs. Studies show the effectiveness of group psychoeducation in the treatment of depression in adults, as it reduces depressive symptoms and can prevent depression in primary care patients. However, few controlled studies that have included aspects of personal care and healthy lifestyle (diet, physical activity, sleep, information on the importance of therapeutic adherence) and the identification and management of depression symptoms within the psychoeducational group intervention; aspects which have already been shown to aid recovery in these patients. The objective of this presentation is showed the results obtained from a randomized controlled trail about to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational group therapy for major depression (mild/moderate symptoms) in Primary Care patients carried out by community nurses. The results showed that psychoeducational group therapy is an effective short- and long-term treatment for patients with mild depressive symptoms, but only in the short term for patients with moderate symptoms. It is also shown to be effective in the short term for patients who are not treated with antidepressant medication before receiving the psychoeducational therapy. The therapy improves HRQoL in the short term, and this improvement remained stable during follow-up over 9 months, especially in the group of patients with moderate symptoms.

Biography:

Imas Rafiyah has completed her bachelor of nursing at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia and Master of nursing from Prince of songkla University, Thailand. He is the manager of education at faculty of nursing padjadjaran University. He has published 5 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member on Padjadjaran Nursing Journal.
 

Abstract:

Few studies conducted about social support, coping, and burden of family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to examine correlation between social support, coping, and burden of family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia.It was a correlational study. Eighty eight family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia were recruited purposively from the Outpatient Department of West Java Province Mental Hospital, West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected with self-report questionnaires and were analyzed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient.The findings showed that there were significant positive correlation between social support and confrontative (r = .68, p < 0.01), optimistic (r = .42, p < .01), and supportant (r = .46, p < .01), but social support was significantly and negatively correlate with evasive (r = -.52, p < .01) and fatalistic (r = -.41, p < .05). There were significant positive correlation between burden and evasive, fatalistic, emotive (r = .50, r = 57, r = 38; p < .01), but burden was significantly and negatively correlated with confrontative, optimistic, supportant (r = -.40; r = -.31, r = -36, p < .01). Social support was significantly and negatively correlated with burden (r = -.50; p < .01).Maintaining optimistic coping, teaching problem solving coping, and providing support are recommended for family caregivers to reduce burden. 

Biography:

Ade Herman Surya Direjais working as a lecturer at Tri Mandiri Sakti Bengkulu, Indonesia

Abstract:

This study explored the essence of the lived experiences of family members with children with maladaptive behavior who have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. It aims to enumerated and specified the challenges in caring for a child with paranoid schizophrenia and the study cited how family members cope with the challenges. The participants of this study were family members who have children with maladaptive behavior specifically those with diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia at Bengkulu Province-Indonesia. A total of ten (10) family members purposively selected either the children’s parents or their sibling were the participants of the study. They were selected according to the following criteria: (1) family members of children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia presently admitted for a minimum six month in a Mental Hospital in Bengkulu Province in Indonesia and (2) those who were willing to consent and participate in this study. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach in exploring the lived experiences of family members with children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The sample consisted of male and female between twenty one (21)-seventy four (74) years old. The transcripts from the interview revealed two general themes namely: ‘Challenges Encountered’ which included feelings of being ashamed, stressful condition, anxiety, worry, sadness, and burden in life. And ‘Coping’ which included spiritual approach, support groups, available alternative, optimism, positive outlook in life, and love of parents. Based on the findings of the study, the following generalized conclusions were drawn: (1) Family members faced social stigma, emotional and social difficulties in caring for their children which leads to experiences of feelings of being ashamed, stressful condition, anxiety, worry, sadness and burden in life; (2) In addressing the challenges, family members adopted coping mechanisms to face the problems brought about by caring with child diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; (3) Despite the challenges faced by the family members in caring for their children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, positive attitude was a key factor in successfully managing with the problems related with taking care of children with paranoid schizophrenia.

Biography:

Ms Laxmi Kumari is currenty in her final year of postgraduate course in Psychiatric Nursing. She is having more than ten years of clinical experience. She is a beginer in research. AIIMS is a premier  organization. 

Abstract:

Background: Patient’s with schizophrenia shows scarcity in various spheres of cognitive function which affects their community functioning, subjective wellbeing and self efficacy. Only clinical measures for determining the total recovery of a patient with schizophrenia will not be enough, to ensure their complete functioning.

Aim: To explored the Relationship of Community Functioning of Persons having Schizophrenia with their Subjective well-being and Self- efficacy.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey done on 30 adult patients having Schizophrenia in remission phase. Setting: a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Ethical permission was obtained. Tools: Lawton Instrumental activities of daily living scale and the UCSD performance-based skills assessment (UPSA-BRIEF) scale, WHO-5 Well-being scale and generalized self efficacy scale by Schwarzer and Ralf were used.

Results: The Most of patients were male(63% ), mean duration of illness- 11.35±9.31years, mean duration of treatment- 9.56±9 years, most  70% were compliant with treatment regimen and 93% of them were getting atypical anti-psychotics. Although patients were in their remission phase still they had poor community functioning, poor subjective wellbeing and lower self efficacy. Self efficacy is negatively correlated with total duration of illness and total duration of dysfunction. Self efficacy was higher for those with higher educational status and compliance. High community functioning and self efficacy was positively correlated.

Conclusion: The subjective wellbeing and self efficacy of patients must be assesses separately and not to be confused with activities of daily living in order to improve both psychological and social impairments and carry out interventions to enhance the social functioning and Quality of life of patients. 

Biography:

Francis Acquah was born in West Africa, Francis qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in the United Kingdom and is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.  He has over 25 years of experience across youth, adult, public and private health care in Australia and the United Kingdom and has undertaken a range of roles, including clinical, managerial and educational.  He has also served as a Specialist Pharmaceutical Advisor for a leading pharmaceutical company. 

Abstract:

The West African country of Ghana is situated just north of the equator bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana’s tropical beaches and picturesque countryside are starkly contrasted by the destitute and inhumane living environments of people living with mental health conditions who often find themselves subjected to archaic treatment regimes as articulated in the report “Like a Death Sentence”, Human Rights Watch (2012). The MHFGH was formed as a direct result of this report and comprises mental health professionals and academics mainly based in the diaspora. It is a registered charity and contributes to government, community and private efforts to promote mental health and wellbeing, and reduce stigmatisation of mental illness in Ghana. I am a mental health nurse working in Australia, but originally from Ghana, I lead the MHFGH as its current president. As a Ghanaian-Australian, I bring knowledge of local culture and health beliefs and can partner them with my contemporary western health qualifications and expertise, thus bridging the void between cultures. This mix is mirrored by many of the members of the MHFGH and builds strength and confidence in the work we are initiating in Ghana. Our work has led to numerous achievements. We host an international conference each year in Ghana, which coincides with the annual World Mental Health Day. In addition, we involve local mental heath clinicians in research projects and education programs in partnership with Ghanaian and overseas educational institutions. We are already seeing the beginnings of mental health transformation. The aim of this paper is threefold: to explore some of the personal stories of those living with mental health conditions in Ghana; to raise awareness of shared concerns about health and wellbeing that cross transcultural borders; and to discuss important aspects of the Foundation’s work to date.

Biography:

Carmel Sheridan graduated with first class honours in her Master’s degree in Psychology from the National University of Ireland in 1986. She completed a second Master’s degree in Health Psychology in 2014. Carmel is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice in the West of Ireland. She teaches mindfulness and compassion-based practices to healthcare professionals, including nurses, with a focus on self-compassion to promote resilience, focus, self-care and well-being. She is the author of 3 books: Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer’s Patient, Reminiscence: Uncovering a Lifetime of Memories and The Nurse’s Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness and Compassion.

Abstract:

Mindfulness and compassion — the practices of focusing awareness on the present moment, and relating kindly to ourselves and others — offer nurses powerful resources to cope with stress, resulting in improved self-care and better patient outcomes. To nurse mindfully, you need to be mindful. There’s no way around it. Being totally present with your patients is the greatest gift you can give to them. In light of this, the first part of this session will be largely experiential in nature, beginning with a guided mindfulness practice so that you can first learn to embody the practice. Exercises and meditations from the new book, The Nurse’s Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness and Compassion, will be used to explore the benefits and value of cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion. The benefits of mindfulness and compassion practice have been well researched. These practices enhance physical and emotional well-being, help cultivate presence and empathy in everyday life, improve awareness and attention, and boost compassion for oneself and others. Current research highlighting the benefits of mindfulness and compassion practice will be explored. You will walk away with tangible tools that will build resilience and foster mindfulness by bringing a kind attention to the here and now. Using an interactive and experiential format, the workshop will deepen your understanding of how these practices can be easily integrated into your workday and help you to: Nurture others without depleting oneself Overcome compassion fatigue and burnout Decrease frustration and job overwhelm Reduce mistakes through managing attention Respond rather than react to crises

Biography:

Dr. Beverley Cassidy Dr. Cassidy is the leader of the Fountain of Health's National Speakers' Bureau, having presented on the initiative both provincially and internationally. She is an Assistant Professor in Dalhousie University's Department of Psychiatry. Her academic interests in Geriatric Psychiatry include late life mood and anxiety disorders, the neurobiology of healthy aging, and the application of cognitive behavioral therapy in late life and resilience across the lifespan. Dr. Cassidy pursued her undergraduate degree in neurobiology at Yale University, received her psychiatric training at McGill University, and completed 2 year fellowship at the University of Toronto with a focus on attachment, affect regulation and mood disorders.  Dr. Cassidy has been actively involved in the Fountain of Health Initiative for Optimal Aging for the past five years, and currently spearheads a provincial effort to bring healthy aging tools to frontline clinicians in primary care settings to promote health behavior change in seniors. Currently she is supervising a resident research project on the feasibility of using the FOH Clinicians’ Guide (link: fountainofhealth.ca) in broad spectrum primary care and other settings to activate behavioral and attitude changes that foster healthier aging. She is part of the FOH App development team. 

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
The Fountain of Health Initiative is a Canadian project offering evidence-based information on successful aging and mental health promotion. It includes 5 key healthy aging messages, and supports and evaluates mental health interventions by care providers in community and long term care settings. 
 

METHOD: 
Educational tools including a website, an educational video, worksheets and booklets were provided to family doctors, nurse practitioners and other community mental health providers in Nova Scotia. A total of 74 clinicians received in person and telehealth education sessions about Fountain of Health materials. Pre and post questionnaires assessed knowledge transfer. In total 37 questionnaires were completed. Translation to practice to educate seniors in community and long term care settings was followed over 2 months. A further intervention to assess the impact in of music therapy in nursing home settings is also in progress, with pre and post measures of mental health and behaviour to be evaluated in 2016. 

RESULTS:
It was found that clinicians' knowledge regarding mental health promotion improved following delivery of FoH education. Unpaired t-tests found significant differences between pre- and post-questionnaire mean scores (p<0.0001) indicating highly effective knowledge transfer. Effect size using a Cohen's d found a correlation of 0.8. Follow up over 2 months indicated good uptake and positive response from patients and clinicians alike.
Results from the intervention with music in long term care will be available for discussion at the conference.

Biography:

Suhathai Tosangwarn, have worked as a lecturer at the Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand since 2007. In this role, I had the opportunity to work in different areas including hospitals, primary care centres and care homes. The care home has become the most interesting setting for me, because I found that most older adults were suffering from depression. As a result, my research project is related to exploring the factors associated with depressive symptoms and understanding the stigma of living in a care home among older adults residing in care homes in Thailand.

Abstract:

Background: Most Thai people reject the idea of letting their ageing parents live in a care home due to the belief that a care home is a place for poor older adults who have no family. These beliefs could influence the perception of living in a care home among older residents and result in low self-esteem, isolation, self-harm and depression. Therefore, this study explored the factors associated with depressive symptoms and other variables among older adults residing in a care home in Thailand.

Method/Design: 128 older residents were recruited from two care homes in the northeast of Thailand and data was collected using the 15-Item Thai Geriatric Depression Scale, Internalised Stigma of Living in a Care Home Scale, Thai Version of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Thai Version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and a Coping Strategies Inventory Short Form.

Results: Depressive symptoms were found to be significantly correlated with internalised stigma, self-esteem and social support (r= 0.563, -0.574 and -0.333) (p< 0.001), respectively. Perceived internalised stigma of living in a care home is the strongest predictor of reporting experiencing some level of depressive symptoms, resulting in an odds ratio of 9.165.

Discussion: Perceived internalised stigma is significantly positively correlated with depressive symptoms and is the strongest predictor of the risk of depressive symptoms. By understanding and improving the knowledge of internalised stigma of living in a care home could inform strategy, intervention and guidelines for appropriate care for older adults residing in a care home.

Biography:

Mr. Don Leonardo N. Dacumos, is a RN, MN, at Saint Louis University School of Nursing, Philippines.

Abstract:

Rationale of the study: Since discussion about sexuality is considered taboo in the Filipino culture, provision of quality holistic care often lacks sexuality aspect. This research was conducted to highlight the need for nurses to incorporate sexuality in their care of older adults.

Research Objectives: To measure the levels of older adults’ sexual desire, sexual behavior, and sexual intimacy and relate them to sex, living arrangement, educational level, and presence of chronic illness, whether with or without treatment.

Methods: This study is of quantitative descriptive design that utilized purposive sampling. 400 older adults of Baguio City participated. The study used a 30 point researcher-made questionnaire, one-on-one interview and focused group discussion to gather data. Data were treated using weighted mean, t-test, F-test, and Scheffe's test.

Results and Conclusions: The overall findings revealed that Filipino older adults have low level of sexuality expressed by the participants’ sexual desire, behavior, and intimacy. Males have significantly higher level of sexual desire, behavior, and intimacy. Living arrangement does not seem to influence the level of sexuality in all its 3 facets. Sexual desire was significantly higher among those with tertiary education and without chronic illness.

Recommendation: It is recommended that nurses carry out their assessment of clients to include the exploration of their sexuality especially the older adults. A similar study may be done to explore other variables like demographic location, i.e., rural or urban setting; socio-cultural factors; and functional performance status. It is also recommended that a similar study may be done exploring the different facets of sexuality among homosexual older persons.

Biography:

Iris joined Kingston & St George's in 1995 following a variety of roles in nursing practice and education with Belfast City Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and the Carshalton and Croydon College of Nursing. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Social Sciences during which she evaluated mental health hospital day care, and an MSc in Sociology (Social Policy) in which she explored community psychiatric nursing attitudes to supervised discharge. She has also completed a PhD. Iris is currently associate professor and team leader in Mental Health Nursing and year three lead for BSc Nursing (all fields). Her PhD and research interests are in mental health service user and carer perspectives on medication adherence.

Abstract:

Background:

Usage of the British Mental health Act (1983) (both hospital detention and supervised community treatment) continues to rise year on year (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2015). The demographic groups most likely to be represented in compulsory treatment continue to be from Black and Asian backgrounds at 56.9% and 50% respectively.

Aims:

To gain an understanding of factors that improve mental health medication adherence in Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group mental health Service Users (SUs).To co-produce common understanding of factors optimising medicines adherence, develop, implement and evaluate an educational intervention with mental health professionals.

Methods: 

This project describes Phases 1 and 2 of a 3 stage study that focused on analysis of case studies involving Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) service users, carers; lay and professional with experience of medication adherence issues.

Findings: 

Initial findings from Phase 1 were analyzed, using a staged, qualitative coding approach (adapted from grounded theory) by a group comprised of professionals and service users (SUs). Emerging themes indicate that professional communication, including SUs as part of the team and understanding the role of family are important. Phase 2 is working on a co-produced educational workbook for practitioners. A consensus workshop is planned, comprising professionals and service users who will review findings from phase 1 and work together to produce the main factors considered influential to enable professionals to work more effectively with service users and families in optimizing medication adherence. Further work will pilot and evaluate the educational intervention with practitioners.

Conclusions:

These initial findings suggested that service users and families could feel that there was some conflict between themselves and the professionals regarding medication decisions. They would welcome greater involvement.

Key words: Black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME), medication, co-production, education.

Biography:

Laurie Dahl is working as a Senior Lecturer in department of Mental Health Nursing in Kingston University, London. Laurie academic and professional qualifications include, completed master of research on "An exploration of service users with psychosis experiences with an Internet resource on an acute ward" at SGUL (St George's, University of London). Completed BSc, Mental Health Nursing at Kingston University. Completed BA(Hons), Politics and Sociology at North Staffordshire Polytechnic

Abstract:

Background:

The Internet is ubiquitous in modern life. Seeking health information is widespread; given stigmatisation in mental health, the potential for service users (SUs) to profit from Internet resources is great. There is little information on SU use of the Internet during admission, which, given the growing prevalence of smart phone technology, is a growing area. There is little research on the experiences of patients suffering with psychosis using the Internet during the acute phase of their illness. There is potential for the augmentation of ward staff psycho-education through Internet resources and this may be significant to SU care.

Aim:

To explore if those with a psychotic experiences use Internet resources during their inpatient admission to learn about their condition. Method A qualitative exploratory purposive study was conducted on three acute wards in an inner city mental health Trust. Semi-structured interviews with nine SUs were undertaken and thematically analysed. Findings Participant responses suggest they do not seek information about their mental health condition while on the ward though some have done historically. Younger participants were keen to seek such information though the study found SUs access was hindered. The previously defined ‘digital divide’ was in evidence as SUs were largely unable to utilise their own Internet enabled devices. But access was also compromised by the hardware functionality on the wards and ineffective IT support.

Conclusion:

The Internet has great potential for enhancing the ward experience of SUs experiencing psychosis, though they do not seek information about the mental health condition whilst on the ward. The communication opportunities the Internet provides while on the ward are an important bridge to an outside world of family, friends, work, university and employment opportunities. Internet shopping provides autonomy. Further research on a larger scale is needed.

Key words Information, inpatient, Internet, online, psychosis.