Mental health in the Dutch population and in general practice: 1987-2001.

Background: In the last 15 years, both the demand for and supply of specialised mental health care increased considerably in the Netherlands. Increased demand may reflect a change in psychological morbidity, but may also be a consequence of increased supply. Specialised health care in the Netherlands is accessible only through referral by a GP, and so it is important to consider the role of primary care in the diagnosis of mental health problems.

Does a population survey provide reliable influenza vaccine uptake rates among high-risk groups? A case-study of The Netherlands.

All European countries have recommendations for influenza vaccination among the elderly and chronically ill. However, only a few countries are able to provide data on influenza uptake among these groups. The aim of our study is to investigate whether a population survey is an effective method of obtaining vaccination uptake rates in the different risk groups and to find out what reasons people give as to why they have accepted or refused influenza vaccination and whether this varies among the risk groups.

Home care for terminally ill Turks and Moroccans and their families in the Netherlands: carers' experiences and factors influencing ease of access and use of services.

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of relatives of elderly terminally ill Turks and Moroccans regarding Dutch professional home care and the barriers to the use this care. Nine Turkish and ten Moroccan family members, who recently looked after dying members of their families, were interviewed using a semi-structured topic list. The data was analyzed using the method described by Glaser and Strauss.

Social position of adolescents with chronic digestive disorders.

Objective: To investigate the consequences of having a chronic digestive disorder on the social position of adolescents.

Methods: Five diagnostic groups, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic liver diseases, congenital digestive disorders, coeliac disease and food allergy (total n = 758, ages 12-25 years), were each compared with a population-based control group in a multicentre study using a cross-sectional design. Social position was assessed by a mailed questionnaire measuring 24 aspects, categorized as education, leisure activities, friendship, labour participation, financial situation, partnership and sexuality.

Effects of the implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument on gaps between perceived needs and nursing care supply for nursing home residents in the Netherlands.

This study evaluated the effects of the implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) on gaps perceived between residents' needs and nursing care received in Dutch nursing homes. In a controlled group design residents were interviewed before and after the implementation. Most gaps were perceived in the psycho-social area rather than physical or needs with aids and facilities.

Coping, pain, and disability in osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study.

Objective: To establish the role of coping styles as prospective determinants of pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip.

Methods: Data from 71 patients with OA of the hip and 119 patients with OA of the knee were used. Using regression analysis, relationships were established between the use of active and passive coping styles and the level of pain and disability 36 weeks later.