Publications by authors named "Hon K Yuen"
Article Synopsis
- * Data on park size was collected via Google Earth Pro, while crime statistics and demographic information were sourced from reputable organizations like the U.S. Census Bureau and the CDC.
- * A statistical analysis found that larger parks are associated with lower crime rates, and factors like mental health, social vulnerability, and alcohol spending also influence crime rates, suggesting potential strategies for local policy improvements.
Article Synopsis
- Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a method that helps capture the real-time experiences of family caregivers, particularly for those caring for adults with chronic conditions.
- A systematic review identified 12 studies focused mainly on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia, revealing a 75% average compliance rate, which is below the ideal standard.
- The review highlighted that while EMA is a feasible approach for collecting caregiver data, many studies lack essential information on caregivers' daily activities and emotional experiences, indicating a need for further research in this area.
Article Synopsis
- Medical laboratory science (MLS) professionals are essential in healthcare, yet their engagement in research is limited, requiring an exploration of their attitudes towards research activities and how to enhance involvement.
- A survey involving 116 MLS professionals revealed that while 53% were engaged in research, many had positive views of research but were not actively participating, with education and mentorship playing key roles in fostering a research-friendly environment.
- The study indicates that while there is a positive perception of research in MLS, nearly half of the respondents felt a lack of incentives to engage, suggesting that initiatives to increase dedicated research time and mentorship could boost research activity in the field.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess how a guided expressive writing program via videoconferencing can help adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in coping with grief.
- Twenty-four participants engaged in 10 weekly sessions where they wrote expressively, leading to notable improvements in grief severity, emotional distress, and social participation immediately after the program and at a one-month follow-up.
- Results suggested that those with more recent injuries (within 5 years) saw greater benefits, indicating the program's effectiveness in promoting emotional well-being and a sense of purpose among individuals adjusting to life with SCI.
The Impact of an Expressive Writing and Storytelling Program on Ex-Offenders: A Pilot Study.
Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol
July 2023
Article Synopsis
- - This study explores the effects of a 6-week storytelling and expressive writing program on nine ex-offenders involved in a peer support group, focusing on their psychological recovery and overall well-being.
- - Quantitative data collected before and after the program indicated a significant improvement in psychological recovery, with an effect size of 0.56, alongside qualitative interviews revealing three main themes: feeling safe to express emotions, building connections with peers, and changing thought patterns.
- - The findings suggest that such programs can not only enhance the psychological recovery of ex-offenders but also equip them with skills to move away from crime and effectively support others in similar situations.
Optimal neuromuscular electrical stimulation parameters after spinal cord injury.
J Spinal Cord Med
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- * A study assessed how different combinations of pulse duration and frequency influence force production and fatigue in both impaired and non-impaired muscle.
- * Results showed that higher pulse charge (pulse frequency x pulse duration) increased torque in both groups, while individuals with spinal cord injury experienced more muscle fatigue, suggesting NMES should use longer pulse durations and lower frequencies to optimize results for them.
Article Synopsis
- Classroom lighting, especially bright fluorescent lights, can greatly affect students' emotions and overall learning experience.
- The study used an ABAB research design to compare the impact of standard fluorescent lighting with softer, filtered lighting over a semester.
- Results showed that students reported better emotional responses, fewer headaches, and improved visibility on the whiteboard when filtered lighting was used, suggesting that light filters can enhance classroom environments.
Importance: Low social competence is one of the most complex and resistant challenges faced by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Occupational therapy practitioners have recognized the potential benefits of using the arts, including training in magic tricks, as a therapeutic medium to improve and enhance clients' psychosocial well-being.
Objective: To describe the efficacy of a virtual magic trick training program (MTTP) to enhance social skills and self-esteem in adolescents with ASD.
This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined preliminary effects of an 8-week videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program supplemented with psychoeducation materials on distressed family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) compared to the control group provided with psychoeducation materials only. Nineteen family caregivers of PLWD in the USA were randomly assigned to the ACT group or the control group. Data was collected at pretest, posttest, and 1-month follow-up (F/U).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAssociations between Duration of Homelessness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Study.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
November 2022
Article Synopsis
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately impacts the homeless population in the U.S., highlighting a need for targeted health interventions.
- A study conducted in Birmingham, AL, examined the relationship between the duration and frequency of homelessness and CVD risk factors among 61 homeless individuals.
- Findings indicated that longer periods of homelessness were linked to increased risk factors for CVD, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, but the frequency of homelessness did not significantly relate to these risk factors.
Perspectives of diabetes educators and dental hygienists regarding strategies to improve oral health for people with diabetes.
Rom J Diabetes Nutr Metab Dis
October 2021
Article Synopsis
- * Surveys were distributed to registered dental hygienists and certified diabetes educators in South Carolina, resulting in 1125 valid responses, of which 474 provided detailed feedback.
- * Analysis of the written responses identified three key themes: the importance of education, the need for interprofessional collaboration among medical and dental professionals, and issues related to dental insurance, indicating a complex approach is necessary to improve oral health in this population.
Article Synopsis
- The study examined how psychological inflexibility relates to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
- Researchers used self-reported questionnaires from 92 adults with SCI, analyzing various factors, including demographic data and psychological measures, through multivariable linear regression.
- Results indicated that psychological inflexibility was significantly linked to increased depressive symptoms and stress, while also being associated with anxiety alongside ethnicity/race, highlighting the need for interventions that enhance psychological flexibility to improve mental health outcomes for those with SCI.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the impact of coach-guided videoconferencing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on psychological distress and participant experiences.
- Ten participants underwent eight videoconferencing sessions, with data collected through questionnaires and interviews, showing significant improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, engagement in activities, and self-compassion.
- While quality of life and resilience showed no significant change, participants reported enhanced coping skills and a new perspective on their thoughts and emotions, highlighting the potential of ACT in supporting psychological well-being for individuals with SCI.
Changes in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone levels immediately after urban park visits.
Int J Environ Health Res
February 2023
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the immediate physiological and psychological effects of short visits to urban parks on visitors.
- Sixty participants assessed their subjective well-being (SWB) and provided saliva samples before and after their park visit, while also tracking their physical activity with pedometers.
- Results showed that after the visit, participants had lower cortisol levels and higher SWB scores, with a park visit duration of about 21.8 minutes being significant for reducing stress hormone levels.
Article Synopsis
- Children with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, but therapeutic magic programs have the potential to help improve it.
- This study evaluated a virtual magic camp for kids with ADHD, where participants attended sessions for four weeks, ultimately showing a significant increase in self-esteem from pre-camp to post-camp assessments.
- The findings suggest that virtual magic camps can positively impact self-esteem in children with ADHD, and future research should explore the broader psychosocial effects of such interventions.
The Facilitators and Barriers Faced When Transitioning Back into the Community Following a Prison Sentence.
Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol
August 2022
Article Synopsis
- This qualitative study investigated how ex-offenders reintegrate into their communities after serving prison time, gathering insights from fourteen individuals through in-depth interviews.
- The research identified key themes that influence successful reintegration, categorized as facilitators (like committing to a future and maintaining a routine) and barriers (such as job access issues and social stigma).
- Findings indicate that existing reintegration programs require enhancements to better support ex-offenders in overcoming challenges and achieving successful reintegration.
Article Synopsis
- Employee wellness programs (EWPs) are designed to help employees improve health-related behaviors to prevent and manage diseases.
- A study examined the prevalence of EWPs in 3,039 accredited U.S. college and university campuses, finding that 36% offered such programs, with higher rates in public 4-year institutions.
- Despite some variety in wellness activities, the overall rates of EWPs fall short of the national goal of 75% set by Healthy People 2010.
Objectives: This study examined the effects of a guided online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on distressed family caregivers of persons living with dementia and explored the experiences of these caregivers in the ACT intervention.
Methods: Seven family caregivers experiencing psychological distress individually participated in 10 ACT videoconference sessions guided by a trained coach. Quantitative data, such as psychological distress, burden, and ACT processes, were collected at pretest and posttest and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Previous studies have examined the quantitative results of using an organized approach of teaching and learning magic tricks-a therapeutic magic camp-but set aside the qualitative aspect. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the interpretation of the lived experience of children with hemiparesis after they have participated in a therapeutic magic camp. Six children, aged between 11 and 14 years old, with hemiparesis who completed the magic camp program 3 months prior were invited to participate in an in-person individual semistructured interview.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study seeks to examine the effect of the characteristics of park users, park characteristics, and the neighborhood environment on park visits and the resultant perceived health status of residents living in Alabama, US. One hundred and eighty-nine participants, representing residents from 49 counties in Alabama, were recruited via a random-digit dial method to complete a telephone survey related to park visits. Data collection spanned 11 months.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRacial Differences in Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Morbidities Among Homeless Men.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities
April 2022
Introduction: Homelessness is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic morbidities. However, few studies have been performed to evaluate the racial differences on these morbidities commonly seen in the homeless.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to examine the racial differences in the prevalence of cardiometabolic morbidities among the homeless men served at a local health care screening clinic.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to improve exercise adherence among sedentary adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) by using a home-based Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ exergame program, targeting physical fitness and respiratory function.
- A pretest-posttest design will assess the immediate and long-term effects of this program over 12 and 24 weeks, with participants exercising three times a week, monitored monthly during the first 12 weeks.
- The research will be the first to explore the effectiveness of low-cost exergames on pulmonary-related function and airway ion transport in adults with CF, potentially advancing disease management strategies.
Occupational Therapists' Rehabilitation Orientation Toward People Who Are Incarcerated.
J Correct Health Care
July 2020
Article Synopsis
- A survey of 172 occupational therapists in Alabama gauged their attitudes toward rehabilitating incarcerated individuals using the Rehabilitation Orientation Scale (ROS).
- Results showed that these therapists had positive attitudes similar to those on prison rehabilitation teams.
- Those open to working in prisons were twice as likely to support rehabilitation efforts; however, personal and professional backgrounds did not significantly influence their attitudes, suggesting a need to recruit more occupational therapists for correctional roles.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Health Psychol
January 2021
Article Synopsis
- - The article explores the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on family caregivers, filling a gap in systematic reviews on this topic.
- - A meta-analysis of 24 studies revealed that ACT has moderate effects on depressive symptoms and quality of life, and small effects on anxiety and stress.
- - The authors suggest further research is needed to assess ACT's effects across different outcomes for various groups of family caregivers.
Article Synopsis
- The study explores the connection between handwriting difficulties and tic disorders (TD) in children, highlighting a lack of previous systematic research on this topic.
- Researchers assessed 34 children with TD using the Test of Handwriting Skills-Revised (THS-R) to compare their performance to normative data.
- Results showed that children with TD had significantly lower handwriting scores, with many exhibiting slower writing speeds and more errors in case usage compared to their peers.