Caregiver knowledge and self-confidence of stress dosing of hydrocortisone in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare disorder characterized by cortisol deficiency, with/without aldosterone deficiency, and androgen excess. The purposes of this descriptive, exploratory study were to assess caregiver knowledge of CAH, adrenal crisis, and stress dosing of hydrocortisone during times of acute illness and to assess caregivers' self-efficacy in managing adrenal crisis and stress dosing of children with CAH. A survey was distributed that collected information about child and family demographics and about caregiver knowledge of the disorder and stress dosing instruction history and evaluated their self-efficacy.

Unhealthy substance-use behaviors as symptom-related self-care in persons with HIV/AIDS.

Unhealthy substance-use behaviors, including a heavy alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and cigarette smoking, are engaged in by many HIV-positive individuals, often as a way to manage their disease-related symptoms. This study, based on data from a larger randomized controlled trial of an HIV/AIDS symptom management manual, examines the prevalence and characteristics of unhealthy behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS symptoms. The mean age of the sample (n = 775) was 42.

A pilot study on the influence of an individualized and experiential training on cancer caregiver's self-efficacy in home care and symptom management.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if an individualized and experiential training can promote family caregiver's confidence (self-efficacy) in home care and symptom management. The study was conducted in a hematology/oncology unit in a southeastern regional medical center. Twenty informal cancer caregivers participated in the study.

Poor functional status as a risk factor for surgical site infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective: To identify risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Design: Prospective case-control study.

Setting: One tertiary and 6 community-based institutions in the southeastern United States.