RESUMEN
Nonadherence with medical treatment is a critical threat to the health of those living with HIV disease. Unfortunately the search for explanatory factors for nonadherence is still not fully developed, particularly in the area of religion and spirituality. Extant literature suggests that church attendance, religious practices and spiritual beliefs may improve health and generally benefit patients. However, religious beliefs may also play a negative role in treatment adherence due to the stigma attached to HIV disease, particularly in geographical areas and in population subgroups where religious practices are strong. In this exploratory study, HIV-positive individuals (n = 306) in a southern state were surveyed as to their attitudes and beliefs surrounding HIV disease and adherence with medical treatment for the disease. The results indicate that multiple factors influence adherence with treatment and that certain religious practices are positively associated with adherence, but certain religious beliefs are negatively related to adherence. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of remembering and addressing a patient's religious beliefs as a part of medical care.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Cooperación del Paciente , Religión y Medicina , Adulto , Anciano , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Encuestas de Atención de la Salud , Humanos , Louisiana , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sudeste de Estados UnidosRESUMEN
In our society, state governments have the major role in regulating physician behavior and actions related to end-of-life decision making. However, in the current confusing and conflicted legal environment, how well are state governments doing with this serious responsibility? The authors of this article report the results of the first statewide survey of Louisiana physicians regarding their knowledge of and compliance with specific parts of one state government's attempt to regulate end-of-life decision making: the Louisiana Natural Death Act (LNDA). Physician respondents were asked to indicate their level of familiarity with the LNDA and several questions examined physician compliance with specific sections contained in the statute. Among many things, the survey revealed most physicians (74%) were not familiar with even the basic provisions of the LNDA, and had not received either medical school or subsequent post graduate training in this area. Based on the results of this survey, the authors offer several policy recommendations that could enhance physician knowledge and subsequent compliance with the LNDA.
Asunto(s)
Eutanasia/legislación & jurisprudencia , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Rol del Médico , Relaciones Médico-Paciente , Adulto , Directivas Anticipadas , Femenino , Humanos , Louisiana , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
This research is an examination of job satisfaction and turnover among nursing assistants employed in nursing homes. Using a statewide sample with 550 nursing assistants responding, the results indicated that 60% were satisfied with their jobs and 30% planned to quit. The nursing assistants participating in this study identified the relationship with the resident as the most important work issue, and their major reason for staying in the job. They were most dissatisfied with pay, benefits, and recognition and appreciation. Although the respondents were dissatisfied with benefits and salary, these work issues could not explain overall satisfaction or turnover. The multivariate analysis confirmed that professional growth and involvement in work-related decisions, supervision, and management keeping employees informed were significantly related to both turnover and overall satisfaction.