Browsing by Person "Goulbourne, Alison"

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An evaluation of a community youth befriending programme for young people with cystic fibrosis and their carers in Lothian
(QMU, 2007-07) MacDonald, Kath; Goulbourne, Alison
Introduction and background Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the UK's most common genetically inherited life limiting condition, which currently affects around 700 people in Scotland (CF Trust 2002). The condition is caused by a gene defect and affects primarily the lungs and digestive system. Children with CF become aware that they are different from their peers, they can be small and thin as puberty usually comes late, there is often a chronic cough and lung function is substantially reduced causing restricted energy levels. Issues relating to cross infection make peer support problematic for this group. In addition, treatments and self care behaviours are substantial, time consuming and add to social isolation due to regular hospitalisation, and absences from school. Consequently this group often need practical and emotional support that would not normally be required in this age group, (Hodson et al 1993). Rationale for the study The Butterfly Trust was set up in 2002 to support sufferers and families with CF. In November 2004 the Trust was awarded funding to establish a befriending programme for children with CF in Lothian (aged 8-18) with the intention of mentoring and supporting, relieving stress and boredom, improving self confidence, and enhancing general well being. The existing programme was developed in partnership with the CF community nurses at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC). Aims and Methods The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of The Butterfly Trust's befriending programme (Cool Friends) on: Young people's self esteem, empowerment and independence Issues such as boredom and social isolation when young people are at home and in hospital. Its function for raising issues of personal importance for young people and their carers. Support for carers; e.g. time out, networking Its potential for influencing concordance with treatment regimens.
Perceptions and experiences about chlamydia in young women in Scotland: Knowledge, condon use and access to health services: a pilot qualitative study
(British Psychological Society, 2006) Chouliara, Zo; Karatzias, A.; Goulbourne, Alison; Smart, H.
Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted infection that, despite being largely asymptomatic, can have serious effects on women's health, including inflammatory pelvic disease and even infertility. Despite recent increase in the rate of Chlamydia infection especially in young women, research in this area in the UK and Scotland in particular is rather limited. As a result our understanding of the views of this high-risk group regarding Chlamydia and measures to protect from infection (e.g. condom use) is very limited.. This on-going pilot study will focus on the views and experiences of young women in Scotland regarding Chlamydia. Twelve semi-structured individual interviews will be conducted with female university students, addressing knowledge about Chlamydia, views about use of condoms as protection against a Chlamydia infection and about access to sexual health services. It is envisaged that the findings will provide important information on this important health issue in a high-risk population group. It is anticipated that such issues will be examined in depth in the main study and that findings of the present research will inform future research and policy in this area.
The carer's role in planning care for persons with dementia.
(2002) Dewar, Belinda; Goulbourne, Alison; Irvine, Lindesay; Riddell, Helen
Views and experiences of young women about: knowledge, condom use and access to health.
(British Psychological Society, 2009) Chouliara, Zoë; Karatzias, A.; Goulbourne, Alison; Smart, H.
The study aimed to elicit perceptions of and awareness about chlamydia, views and experiences of condom use as protection against a chlamydia infection and of access to sexual health services. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured individual interviews. The sample consisted of 12 young females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. Transcripts were analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) to identify recurrent themes and their interlinks. Six themes were identified: Facts versus risk misjudgement; social stigma and taboos; assertiveness versus fear of conflict; respect versus patronising; accessibility and discreteness; and targeting young people. An awareness of the shame, embarrassment and social stigma associated with sexual health and specifically chlamydia testing and diagnosis were central in participants' accounts. Participants also emphasised the need for effective sex education, especially for young women. It is envisaged that findings have the potential to inform health education, policy and clinical practice regarding sexually transmitted infections and chlamydia in particular.