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Lowe, P. (2007). A descriptive research study on factors that impact upon the quality of life of elderly women with comorbid chronic illnesses: Three women's perspectives. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The aim of this research study is to explore factors that older women living with comorbid chronic illnesses identify as key to maintaining or improving their quality of life. This study uses a qualitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with three women over the age of 80 who had been diagnosed with more than one chronic illness. These interviews were audiotaped, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. What emerged from this analysis of older women was the need for them to create meaning in their life, which is further explicated through three main themes: (1) coping with changing health, (2) the impact of family, and (3) attitude. Attitude to life and having a positive outlook were all factors these participants expressed as being essential to maintaining their quality of life. The quality of life of these participants is enhanced by the ability of these women to create meaning in their life. They do this by integrating their wealth of past experience into their present, reflecting back on their lives, but still gaining enjoyment from the here and now.
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McNamara, N. (2007). The meaning of the experience for ICU nurses when a family member is critically ill: A hermeneutic phenomenologcial study. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This study provides insight into the experience of being an ICU nurse and relative of a critically ill patient. Analysis of data from interviews of four ICU nurses who had experienced having a family member admitted to ICU brought up several themes. These included: a nurses' nightmare, knowing and not knowing, feeling torn, and gaining deeper insight and new meaning. Recommendations for organisational support for ICU nurse/relatives, and education for staff are made, based on the findings.
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Levien, J. (2007). Maori health: One area of risk. Available online at coda, An Institutional Repository for the New Zealand ITP Sector, 11, 17–21.
Abstract: This essay explores the social and historical context of the continued incidence of rheumatic fever amongst Maori. This communicable disease is associated with poverty, inadequate housing and overcrowding. These risk factors are all higher for indigenous populations. The article traces the effects of colonisation on Maori health, and presents the Te Whare Tapa Wha health model, which is grounded in a Maori world view, and provides a framework to examine this issue. The implications for nursing practice are explored.
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