First name
Frances
Middle name
K
Last name
Barg

Title

A Qualitative Study of Facilitators and Barriers to Self-Management of CKD.

Year of Publication

2022

Number of Pages

46-55

Date Published

2022 Jan

ISSN Number

2468-0249

Abstract

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Self-management is an integral component of CKD treatment. Nevertheless, many patients with CKD do not adequately engage in self-management behaviors, and little is known on the underlying reasons. We aimed to identify and describe the factors that influence self-management behaviors from the perspective of adults with CKD.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted 30 semistructured interviews with adults with CKD stage 3 or 4 from an academic nephrology clinic in the United States. Interviews were analyzed thematically.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>The following are the 3 key phases of CKD self-management behavior engagement identified: (i) prioritization, (ii) performance, and (iii) maintenance. Prioritization was favorably influenced by optimism, stress management, and patient-provider communication and hampered by fatalism and competing priorities. Behavior performance was facilitated by motivating factors, self-efficacy, and support resources and impeded by comorbid conditions that caused treatment burden and adverse symptoms. Behavior maintenance relied on effective routines, influenced by similar factors as behavior performance, and reinforced by memory aids, goal setting, self-monitoring, and proactive preparation.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We identified modifiable facilitators and barriers that influence the incorporation of CKD self-management into daily life. Our findings have important implications for the care of patients with CKD by providing a framework for providers to develop effective, tailored approaches to promote self-management engagement.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.ekir.2021.10.021

Alternate Title

Kidney Int Rep

PMID

35005313

Title

The impact of disease-related knowledge on perceptions of stigma among patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.

Year of Publication

2021

Number of Pages

e0258143

Date Published

2021

ISSN Number

1932-6203

Abstract

<p>Most patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection perceive some degree of disease-related stigma. Misunderstandings about diseases may contribute to disease-related stigma. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient-level knowledge about HCV infection transmission and natural history and its association with HCV-related stigma among HCV-infected patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 265 patients with HCV in Philadelphia using the HCV Stigma Scale and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Hepatitis C Follow-up Survey (2001-2008). The association between HCV knowledge and HCV-related stigma was evaluated via linear regression. Overall knowledge about HCV transmission and natural history was high, with &gt;80% of participants answering ≥9 of 11 items correctly (median number of correct responses, 9 [82%]), HCV-related knowledge was similar between HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected participants (p = 0.30). A higher level of HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceived HCV-related stigma (β, 2.34 ([95% CI, 0.51-4.17]; p = 0.013). Results were similar after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, HIV status, education level, stage of HCV management, time since diagnosis, and history of injection drug use. In this study, increased HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceptions of HCV stigma. Clinicians may consider allotting time to address common misconceptions about HCV when educating patients about HCV infection, which may counterbalance the stigmatizing impact of greater HCV-related knowledge.</p>

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0258143

Alternate Title

PLoS One

PMID

34610030

Title

Barriers and Facilitators to Guideline-Adherent Pulse Oximetry Use in Bronchiolitis.

Year of Publication

2021

Number of Pages

23-30

Date Published

2021 Jan

ISSN Number

1553-5606

Abstract

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring (cSpO) in children with bronchiolitis does not improve clinical outcomes and has been associated with increased resource use and alarm fatigue. It is critical to understand the factors that contribute to cSpO overuse in order to reduce overuse and its associated harms.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>This multicenter qualitative study took place in the context of the Eliminating Monitor Overuse (EMO) SpO study, a cross-sectional study to establish rates of cSpO in bronchiolitis. We conducted semistructured interviews, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, with a purposive sample of stakeholders at sites with high and low cSpO use rates to identify barriers and facilitators to addressing cSpO overuse. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Analyses were conducted using an integrated approach.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Participants (n = 56) included EMO study site principal investigators (n = 12), hospital administrators (n = 8), physicians (n = 15), nurses (n = 12), and respiratory therapists (n = 9) from 12 hospitals. Results suggest that leadership buy-in, clear authoritative guidelines for SpO use incorporated into electronic order sets, regular education about cSpO in bronchiolitis, and visual reminders may be needed to reduce cSpO utilization. Parental perceptions and individual clinician comfort affect cSpO practice.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>We identified barriers and facilitators to deimplementation of cSpO for stable patients with bronchiolitis across children's hospitals with high- and low-cSpO use. Based on these data, future deimplementation efforts should focus on clear protocols for cSpO, EHR changes, and education for hospital staff on bronchiolitis features and rationale for reducing cSpO.</p>

DOI

10.12788/jhm.3535

Alternate Title

J Hosp Med

PMID

33357326

Title

Determinants of Stigma among Patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection.

Year of Publication

2020

Date Published

2020 Jun 05

ISSN Number

1365-2893

Abstract

<p>Stigma around hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important and understudied barrier to HCV treatment and elimination. The determinants of HCV-related stigma, including the impacts of stage of HCV treatment (i.e., spontaneously-cleared; diagnosed, untreated; previously treated, not cured; currently being treated; treated, cured) and coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), remain unknown. To address these gaps, we conducted a cross-sectional study among patients with a history of HCV infection (n=270) at outpatient clinics in Philadelphia from July 2018 - May 2019. We evaluated stigma using the validated HCV Stigma Scale, adapted from the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Associations among HCV-related stigma and hypothesized demographic, behavioral, and clinical risk factors were evaluated by multivariable linear regression. Most participants (95.5%) experienced HCV-related stigma. Mean stigma scores did not differ significantly between HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected participants (P=0.574). However, we observed significant interactions between HIV status and multiple determinants; therefore, we stratified analyses by HIV status. Among HIV/HCV-coinfected participants, previous HCV treatment without cure, female gender, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and some college education were significantly associated with higher HCV-stigma scores. An annual income of $10,000-$40,000 was associated with significantly lower stigma scores. No significant associations were observed among HCV-monoinfected participants. We found that most participants experienced stigma associated with HCV diagnosis. While stigma scores were similar between HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected participants, the determinants associated with HCV stigma differed by HIV status. Understanding how experiences of stigma differs between HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients may aid in the development of targeted interventions to address the HCV epidemic.</p>

DOI

10.1111/jvh.13343

Alternate Title

J. Viral Hepat.

PMID

32500618

Title

Early Childhood Sleep Intervention in Urban Primary Care: Clinician and Caregiver Perspectives.

Year of Publication

2020

Date Published

2020 May 20

ISSN Number

1465-735X

Abstract

<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Despite significant income-related disparities in pediatric sleep, few early childhood sleep interventions have been tailored for or tested with families of lower socio-economic status (SES). This qualitative study assessed caregiver and clinician perspectives to inform adaptation and implementation of evidence-based behavioral sleep interventions in urban primary care with families who are predominantly of lower SES.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with (a) 23 caregivers (96% mothers; 83% Black; 65% ≤125% U.S. poverty level) of toddlers and preschoolers with insomnia or insufficient sleep and (b) 22 urban primary care clinicians (physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychologists; 87% female; 73% White). Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the interview guide assessed multilevel factors across five domains related to intervention implementation. Qualitative data were analyzed using an integrated approach to identify thematic patterns across participants and domains.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Patterns of convergence and divergence in stakeholder perspectives emerged across themes. Participants agreed upon the importance of child sleep and intervention barriers (family work schedules; household and neighborhood factors). Perspectives aligned on intervention (flexibility; collaborative and empowering care) and implementation (caregiver-to-caregiver support and use of technology) facilitators. Clinicians identified many family barriers to treatment engagement, but caregivers perceived few barriers. Clinicians also raised healthcare setting factors that could support (integrated care) or hinder (space and resources) implementation.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Findings point to adaptations to evidence-based early childhood sleep intervention that may be necessary for effective implementation in urban primary care. Such adaptations could potentially reduce significant pediatric sleep-related health disparities.</p>

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa024

Alternate Title

J Pediatr Psychol

PMID

32430496

Title

Validation of a modified Berger HIV stigma scale for use among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Year of Publication

2020

Number of Pages

e0228471

Date Published

2020

ISSN Number

1932-6203

Abstract

<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Stigma around hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important and understudied barrier to HCV prevention, treatment, and elimination. To date, no validated instrument exists to measure patients' experiences of HCV stigma. This study aimed to revise the Berger (2001) HIV stigma scale and evaluate its psychometric properties among patients with HCV infection.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>The Berger HIV stigma scale was revised to ask about HCV and administered to patients with HCV (n = 270) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Scale reliability was evaluated as internal consistency by calculating Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to evaluate construct validity by comparing item clustering to the Berger HIV stigma scale subscales. Item response theory was employed to further evaluate individual items and to calibrate items for simulated computer adaptive testing sessions in order to identify potential shortened instruments.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The revised HCV Stigma Scale was found to have good reliability (α = 0.957). After excluding items for low loadings, the exploratory factor analysis indicated good construct validity with 85% of items loading on pre-defined factors. Analyses strongly suggested the predominance of an underlying unidimensional factor solution, which yielded a 33-item scale after items were removed for low loading and differential item functioning. Adaptive simulations indicated that the scale could be substantially shortened without detectable information loss.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The 33-item HCV Stigma Scale showed sufficient reliability and construct validity. We also conducted computer adaptive testing simulations and identified shortened six- and three-item scale alternatives that performed comparably to the original 40-item scale.</p>

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0228471

Alternate Title

PLoS ONE

PMID

32023310

Title

The role of resilience in healthcare transitions among adolescent kidney transplant recipients.

Year of Publication

2019

Number of Pages

e13559

Date Published

2019 Aug 22

ISSN Number

1399-3046

Abstract

<p><strong>PURPOSE: </strong>AYAs with KTs experience high rates of premature allograft loss during the HCT. There is a critical need to identify protective factors associated with stable HCT. Resilience-the ability to adapt and thrive in the setting of adversity-has known positive impact on health outcomes. This study explored the novel role of resilience constructs as protective factors in securing stable HCT among AYA with KT.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>We conducted semi-structured interviews of adolescents and young adults who transitioned from a single pediatric transplant center to multiple adult nephrology centers between 2010 and 2017. Interviews explored the role of key resilience constructs in participants' lives around the time of HCT. Participants were stratified into stable or unstable HCT groups based on biological markers of allograft function and clinical data from chart review. Content analyses of interview transcripts were reviewed and compared among HCT groups.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Thirty-two participants enrolled (17 stable; 15 unstable). Key resilience constructs more salient in the stable versus unstable HCT group were confidence in and connection to one's healthcare team. Reports of healthcare self-management competencies were similar across both HCT groups.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Confidence in and connection to one's healthcare team appear to be linked with a stable HCT among AYA with KT. This suggests that interdependence, the ability to foster connections with and elicit support from healthcare providers, as opposed to complete independence or autonomy, which is often advised in the HCT process, is a critical component of resilience linked to stable HCT.</p>

DOI

10.1111/petr.13559

Alternate Title

Pediatr Transplant

PMID

31441191

Title

A Qualitative Exploration of Co-location as an Intervention to Strengthen Home Visiting Implementation in Addressing Maternal Child Health.

Year of Publication

2018

Date Published

2018 Feb 10

ISSN Number

1573-6628

Abstract

<p><strong>Objectives</strong> The aim of this paper is to explore the process and impact of co-locating evidence-based maternal and child service models to inform future implementation efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong> As part of a state-wide evaluation of maternal and child home visiting programs, we conducted semi-structured interviews with administrators and home visitors from home visiting agencies across Pennsylvania. We collected 33 interviews from 4 co-located agencies. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to describe the key elements mitigating implementation of multiple home visiting models.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong> A primary advantage of co-location described by participants was the ability to increase the agency's base of eligible clients through the implementation of a model with different program eligibility (e.g. income, child age) than the existing agency offering. Model differences related to curriculum (e.g. content or intensity/meeting frequency) enabled programs to more selectively match clients to models. To recruit eligible clients, new models were able to build upon the existing service networks of the initial program. Co-location provided organizational opportunities for shared trainings, enabling administrative efficiencies and collaborative staff learning. Programs implemented strategies to build synergies with complementary model features, for instance using the additional program option to serve waitlisted clients and to transition services after one model is completed.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions for Practice</strong> Considerable benefits are experienced when home visiting models co-locate. This research builds on literature encouraging collaboration among community agencies and provides insight on a specific facilitative approach. This implementation strategy informs policy across the social services spectrum and competitive funding contexts.</p>

DOI

10.1007/s10995-018-2463-8

Alternate Title

Matern Child Health J

PMID

29429135

Title

Attitudes and Beliefs Pertaining to Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Unmarried, Female Bhutanese Refugee Youth in Philadelphia.

Year of Publication

2017

Date Published

2017 Sep 18

ISSN Number

1879-1972

Abstract

<p><strong>PURPOSE: </strong>We explored attitudes and beliefs pertaining to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among unmarried, female, resettled Bhutanese refugees 16-20&nbsp;years.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Fourteen interviews were analyzed using the constant comparison method, and major themes were identified.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>SRH was stigmatized for unmarried youth, making seeking information about SRH or accessing family planning difficult. There were many misconceptions about access to SRH.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Universal, culturally, and linguistically appropriate comprehensive SRH education is recommended for female Bhutanese refugee youth. Terminology used should take into account&nbsp;differences in conceptualization of concepts like dating. Educators and health care providers should clearly describe consent and confidentiality laws regarding adolescent SRH services.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.06.011

Alternate Title

J Adolesc Health

PMID

28935387

Title

Young Transgender Women's Attitudes Toward HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis.

Year of Publication

2017

Date Published

2017 Jan 26

ISSN Number

1879-1972

Abstract

<p><strong>PURPOSE: </strong>Our primary aim was to explore themes regarding attitudes toward HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young transgender women (YTW), in order to develop a theoretical model of PrEP uptake in this population disproportionally affected by HIV.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Qualitative study nested within a mixed-method study characterizing barriers and facilitators to health services for YTW. Participants completed an in-depth interview exploring awareness of and attitudes toward PrEP. Key themes were identified using a grounded theory approach.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Participants (n&nbsp;= 25) had a mean age of 21.2&nbsp;years (standard deviation 2.2, range 17-24) and were predominately multiracial (36%) and of HIV-negative or unknown status (68%). Most&nbsp;participants (64%) reported prior knowledge of PrEP, and 28% reported current use or intent to use PrEP. Three major content themes that emerged were variability of PrEP awareness, barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake, and emotional benefits of PrEP. Among participants without prior PrEP knowledge, participants reported frustration that PrEP information has not&nbsp;been widely disseminated to YTW, particularly by health care providers. Attitudes toward PrEP were overwhelmingly positive; however, concerns were raised regarding barriers including cost, stigma, and adherence challenges. Both HIV-positive and negative participants discussed emotional and relationship benefits of PrEP, which were felt to extend beyond HIV prevention alone.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>A high proportion of YTW in this study had prior knowledge of PrEP, and attitudes toward PrEP were positive among participants. Our findings suggest several domains to be further explored in PrEP implementation research, including methods of facilitating PrEP dissemination and emotional motivation for PrEP uptake.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.12.004

Alternate Title

J Adolesc Health

PMID

28132744

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