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Albin, Björn
Publications (10 of 28) Show all publications
Ge, L., Albin, B., Hadziabdic, E., Hjelm, K. & Rask, M. (2016). Beliefs about health and illness and health-realted behavior among urban women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the south east of China. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 27(6), 593-602
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Beliefs about health and illness and health-realted behavior among urban women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the south east of China
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2016 (English)In: Journal of Transcultural Nursing, ISSN 1043-6596, E-ISSN 1552-7832, Vol. 27, no 6, p. 593-602Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose: The incidence of gestational diabetes among Chinese women is 4.3%. No study has previously been conducted about beliefs and health-related behavior among urban Chinese women with this disease. This article aims to explore beliefs about health and illness and health-related behavior among women in this group in a Chinese sociocultural context.

Design: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted and semistructured individual interviews (n = 15) were processed by content analysis.

Results: Beliefs about health and illness among these women were foremost attributed to the individual, social, and natural worlds. They feared the negative influence of gestational diabetes, but some of them believed in “letting nature take its course” and “living in the present.” Their care-seeking behavior varied between the professional, popular, and folk sectors. They sought a balance between following professionals’ advice and avoiding practical difficulties.

Conclusion: The beliefs and health-related behavior among them were influenced by Chinese culture, which can sometimes but not always reduce the effect of the disease.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2016
Keywords
Diabetes, Gestational, Beliefs, Behavior, Chinese, Culture
National Category
Nursing
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Nursing
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-45819 (URN)10.1177/1043659615594677 (DOI)000385719800008 ()26187924 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84991246297 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2015-08-21 Created: 2015-08-21 Last updated: 2020-06-05Bibliographically approved
Atwine, F., Hultsjö, S., Albin, B. & Hjelm, K. (2015). Health-care seeking behaviour and the use of traditional medicine among persons with type 2 diabetes in south-western Uganda: a study of focus group interviews. Pan African Medical Journal, 20, 1-13, Article ID 76.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Health-care seeking behaviour and the use of traditional medicine among persons with type 2 diabetes in south-western Uganda: a study of focus group interviews
2015 (English)In: Pan African Medical Journal, E-ISSN 1937-8688, Vol. 20, p. 1-13, article id 76Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Health-care seeking behaviour is important as it determines acceptance of health care and outcomes of chronic conditions but it has been investigated to a limited extent among persons with diabetes in developing countries. The aim of the study was to explore health-care seeking behaviour among persons with type 2 diabetes to understand reasons for using therapies offered by traditional healers.

Methods: Descriptive study using focus-group interviews. Three purposive focus-groups were conducted in 2011 of 10 women and 7 men aged 39–72 years in Uganda. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and qualitatively analysed according to a method described for focus-groups.

Results: Reasons for seeking help from traditional healers were symptoms related to diabetes such as polydipsia, fatigue and decreased sensitivity in lower limbs. Failure of effect from western medicine was also reported. Treatment was described to be unknown extracts, of locally made products taken as herbs or food, and participants had sought help from different health facilities with the help of relatives and friends.

Conclusion: The pattern of seeking care was inconsistent, with a switch between different health care providers under the influence of the popular and folk sectors. Despite beliefs in using different healthcare providers seeking complementary and alternative medicine, participants still experienced many physical health problems related to diabetes complications. Health professionals need to be aware of the risk of switches between different health care providers, and develop strategies to initiate health promotion interventions to include in the care actors of significance to the patient from the popular, folk and professional sectors, to maintain continuity of effective diabetes care. © Katarina Hjelm et al.

Keywords
Complementary alternative medicine, Diabetes mellitus, Health-care seeking behaviour, Nursing, Traditional healers, Uganda
National Category
Nursing
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Nursing
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-54883 (URN)10.11604/pamj.2015.20.76.5497 (DOI)000376482100001 ()26090034 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84925353285 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2016-08-10 Created: 2016-07-22 Last updated: 2023-07-07Bibliographically approved
Hadziabdic, E., Albin, B. & Hjelm, K. (2014). Arabic-speaking migrants’ attitudes, opinions, preferences and past experiences concerning the use of interpreters in healthcare: a postal cross-sectional survey. BMC Research Notes, 7, Article ID 71.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Arabic-speaking migrants’ attitudes, opinions, preferences and past experiences concerning the use of interpreters in healthcare: a postal cross-sectional survey
2014 (English)In: BMC Research Notes, E-ISSN 1756-0500, Vol. 7, article id 71Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background

Good communication is an important prerequisite for equal treatment in a healthcare encounter. One way to overcome language barriers when patients and healthcare staff do not share the same language is to use a professional interpreter. Few previous studies have been found investigating the use of interpreters, and just one previous study from the perspective of European migrants, which showed that they perceived interpreters as a communication aid and a guide in the healthcare system as regards information and practical matters. No previous study has gathered quantitative information to focus on non-European migrants’ attitudes to the use of interpreters in healthcare encounters. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate Arabic-speaking individuals’ attitudes, opinions, preferences and past experiences concerning the use of interpreters in healthcare in order to: (i) understand how persons’ expectations and concerns regarding interpreters may vary, both within and across cultural/linguistic populations; (ii) understand the consequences of diverse opinions/expectations for planning responsive services; and (iii) confirm findings from previous qualitative studies.

Method

A postal cross-sectional study using a structured self-administered 51-item questionnaire was used to describe and document aspects of Arabic-speaking individuals’ attitudes to the use of interpreters in healthcare. The sample of 53 Arabic-speaking migrants was recruited from three different places. Participants were mostly born in Iraq and had a high level of education and were almost equally divided between genders. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

The main findings were that most of the participants perceived the interpreter’s role as being a communication aid and a practical aid, interpreting literally and objectively. Trust in the professional interpreter was related to qualification as an interpreter and personal contact with face-to-face interaction. The qualities of the desired professional interpreter were: a good knowledge of languages and medical terminology, translation ability, and sharing the same origin, dialect and gender as the patient.

Conclusion

This study confirmed previous qualitative findings from European migrant groups with a different cultural and linguistic background. The study supports the importance of planning a good interpretation situation in accordance with individuals’ desire, irrespective of the migrant’s linguistic and cultural background, and using interpreters who interpret literally and objectively, who are highly trained with language skills in medical terminology, and with a professional attitude to promote communication, thus increasing cost-effective, high-quality individualized healthcare.

Keywords
Arabic-speaking migrants, Communication, Cross-sectional survey, Healthcare encounter, Structured self-administered questionnaire, Use of interpreters
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-32177 (URN)10.1186/1756-0500-7-71 (DOI)2-s2.0-84893840816 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2014-02-07 Created: 2014-02-07 Last updated: 2024-01-17Bibliographically approved
Albin, B., Hjelm, K. & Elmståhl, S. (2014). Comparison of Stroke mortality in Finnish-born migrants living in Sweden 1970-1999 and in Swedish-born individuals. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 16(1), 18-23
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Comparison of Stroke mortality in Finnish-born migrants living in Sweden 1970-1999 and in Swedish-born individuals
2014 (English)In: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, ISSN 1557-1912, E-ISSN 1557-1920, Vol. 16, no 1, p. 18-23Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

A limited number of studies have been found on stroke mortality in migrants showing higher mortality for some groups. Influence of time of residence has been studied by one research group. An earlier study showed a significantly higher number of deaths in Diseases of the circulatory system in Finnish migrants compared with native Swedes. To test the hypothesis of a higher mortality in and a decrease in mortality over time in stroke among Finnish migrants in Sweden. The study was based on National Population data, the study population included 321,407 Swedish and 307,174 foreign born persons living in Sweden 1987-1999. Mean age was lower at time for death for Finnish migrants than native Swedes, men 5.1 years difference and women 2.3 years. The difference decreased over time. The risk of death by stroke was higher for migrants with short time of residence than with long time (<= 10 years, OR 1.61-1.36 vs >= 11 year, OR 1.18). Migrants with short time of residence died 9.8-5.3 years earlier than native Swedes. The hypothesis was confirmed and an indication of adjustment to life in the new country was found. International studies show similar results for other migrant groups but further studies are needed to verify if the same pattern can be found in other migrants groups in Sweden and to generalise the findings.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2014
Keywords
Stroke; Mortality; Sweden; Migrants; Finnish-born
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-23379 (URN)10.1007/s10903-013-9780-1 (DOI)000332651900003 ()23324988 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84895030102 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2013-01-09 Created: 2013-01-09 Last updated: 2017-12-06Bibliographically approved
Hadziabdic, E., Albin, B., Heikkilä, K. & Hjelm, K. (2014). Family members’ experiences of the use of interpreters in healthcare. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 15(2), 156-169
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Family members’ experiences of the use of interpreters in healthcare
2014 (English)In: Primary Health Care Research and Development, ISSN 1463-4236, E-ISSN 1477-1128, Vol. 15, no 2, p. 156-169Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Aim The aim was to explore adults’ experiences of their family members’ use of interpreters in health-care encounters.

Background Language barriers are a major hindrance for migrants to receive appropriate healthcare. In a foreign country, family members often need support in care of migrant patients. No previous studies focusing on adult family members’ experiences of the use of interpreters in healthcare have been found.

Method A purposive sample of 10 adult family members with experiences of the use of interpreters in health-care encounters. Data were collected between May and September 2009 by focus-group interviews and analysed with qualitative analysis according to a method described for focus groups.

Findings Three categories emerged from the analysis: (1) Experiences of the use of professional interpreters, (2) Experiences of being used as an interpreter and (3) Experiences of what needs to be improved when using interpreters. The main findings showed no agreement in family members’ experiences; interpretation should be individually and situationally adapted. However, when family members acted as interpreters, their role was to give both practical and emotional support, and this led to both positive and negative emotions. Use of simple language, better collaboration in the health-care organization and developing the interpreters’ professional attitude could improve the use of professional interpreters. The type of interpreter, mode of interpretation and patient's preferences should be considered in the interpretation situation. In order to achieve high-quality healthcare, health-care professionals need to organize a good interpretation situation case-by-case, choose the appropriate interpreters with the patient in focus and cooperate with members of the patient's social network.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Cambridge University Press, 2014
Keywords
communication barriers, family members, interpreters
National Category
Nursing
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-16226 (URN)10.1017/S1463423612000680 (DOI)000209619500005 ()23402584 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84893819780 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2011-12-18 Created: 2011-12-18 Last updated: 2022-02-25Bibliographically approved
Lindqvist, G., Heikkilä, K., Albin, B. & Hjelm, K. (2013). Conceptions of daily life in men living with a woman suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 14(02), 140-150
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Conceptions of daily life in men living with a woman suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2013 (English)In: Primary Health Care Research and Development, ISSN 1463-4236, E-ISSN 1477-1128, Vol. 14, no 02, p. 140-150Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Aim To describe conceptions of daily life in men living with a woman suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in different stages of the disease. BACKGROUND: A chronic disease like COPD affects not only the person living with the illness, but also the spouse. Significant tasks and demands are placed on husbands. COPD has for a long time been considered more a man's disease than a woman's disease, but according to new evidence COPD is a vast problem in women, which requires support from their spouses. The literature review did not reveal any previous studies concerning conceptions of daily life in men living with women suffering from COPD in different stages. METHODS: A phenomenographic study was conducted. Data were collected from October 2008 to October 2009 through semi-structured interviews with 19 men living with a woman suffering from COPD. Findings Two main descriptive categories were found: (1) unchanged life situation where no support was needed; (2) changed life situation related to severity of COPD, where support was needed. The categories were described from the perspective 'ME and my spouse'. Even in their caregiving situation, the men continued with their own life and activities and did not put themselves in second place. No support was needed from healthcare or municipality when the women had mild COPD, but this changed when the COPD progressed. The men felt that daily life was burdened, restricted and the partner relationship was affected, even if the disease had not reached the final stage. The COPD forced them gradually into a caregiving role, and their daily life changed. They become more of a caregiver than a spouse. The men experienced lack of knowledge and support, and they felt that health professionals and municipality did not care about them.

Keywords
COPD, everyday life, male spouses, nursing, phenomenography
National Category
Nursing
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-23123 (URN)10.1017/S1463423612000394 (DOI)000209618900005 ()23026500 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84883161471 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2012-12-20 Created: 2012-12-20 Last updated: 2023-12-18Bibliographically approved
Lindqvist, G., Albin, B., Heikkilä, K. & Hjelm, K. (2013). Conceptions of daily life in women living with a man suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 14(01), 40-51
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Conceptions of daily life in women living with a man suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2013 (English)In: Primary Health Care Research and Development, ISSN 1463-4236, E-ISSN 1477-1128, Vol. 14, no 01, p. 40-51Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Aim To describe conceptions of daily life in women living with a man suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in different stages.

Background The spouse is often the primary caregiver to someone with COPD, and thus also affected by the consequences of the disease. No previous studies have been found focusing on conceptions of daily life in women living with a man suffering from COPD in different stages.

Methods A phenomenographic study was conducted. Data were collected in 2008–2009 through semi-structured interviews with 21 women living with men suffering from COPD in different stages.

Findings Four main descriptive categories were found: unchanged life situation where no support was needed; socially restricted life and changed roles; changes in health; and changes in the couple's relationship where support was needed. The categories are described in relation to the woman herself, in relation to the man, and in relation to others. No support was needed from society or health care when the men had mild COPD and the women experienced no change in their daily life. As the disease progressed, the women's responsibilities increased and their role changed from being a spouse to being an informal carer. Social contacts became limited, and they began to feel isolated. The women prioritized their spouse's health and well-being and compromised their own health. They experienced lack of support from health professionals and from the municipality.

Keywords
COPD, everday life, female spouses, nursing, phenomenography
National Category
Nursing Sociology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-23122 (URN)10.1017/S146342361200031X (DOI)000209618700005 ()22785223 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84879778419 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2013-01-07 Created: 2012-12-20 Last updated: 2023-12-18Bibliographically approved
Albin, B., Qin, J. & Hong, Z. (2013). Mental Health in the left-behind Children in the Fujian Province of China. Journal of Public Mental Health, 12(1), 21-31
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Mental Health in the left-behind Children in the Fujian Province of China
2013 (English)In: Journal of Public Mental Health, ISSN 1746-5729, Vol. 12, no 1, p. 21-31Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose - An increasing number of people are migrating within the borders of China. Some migrants have to leave their children behind, and 58,000,000 children are estimated to be living as left-behind children. Earlier studies have found severe mental problems in left-behind children, but different factors could influence their mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health of these left-behind children and to determine possible influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach - Data for this study were collected in one province of the P R of China with a validated instrument, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to investigate behavior in 13- to 15-year old children.

Findings - No significant difference was found in total difficulty score and in any subscale score of SDQ when we compared left-behind children with children who were not left behind. A significant difference in emotional difficulty subscale score was found between girls who were left behind and girls who were not. Some socio-economic factors such as poor family economy and living with relatives, friends or grandparents, were identified as risk factors.

Originality/value - When strategies for support of the mental health in left-behind children are developed, they will need to be individualized according to the gender, social and economic situation and focused on emotional and conduct problems.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2013
Keywords
Migration, mental health, left-behind Children, China
National Category
Applied Psychology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-22024 (URN)10.1108/17465721311304212 (DOI)000212929700004 ()2-s2.0-84874812978 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2012-10-12 Created: 2012-10-12 Last updated: 2022-10-17Bibliographically approved
Ge, L., Zhang, S., Chen, J., Xuemei, Y., Xiaoyun, Z., Liqun, Y. & Albin, B. (2013). The Investigation and Analysis on Chinese Medicine Constitution Types of Pregnant Metaphase Women in Fuzhou. Chinese General Practice, 16(6A), 1920-1922
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Investigation and Analysis on Chinese Medicine Constitution Types of Pregnant Metaphase Women in Fuzhou
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2013 (Chinese)In: Chinese General Practice, ISSN 1007-9572, Vol. 16, no 6A, p. 1920-1922Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

AbstractObjective To investigate and analyze the Chinese medicine constitution types of pregnant metaphase women in Fuzhou of China. Methods Cross-sectional study and stratified sampling were used. A scale, <Classification and Determination of Constitution in TCM>, was as a tool for investigation. 1000 scale copies were handed out. 989 scale copies were got after excluding the scale copies with logic error. Constitution types were described by constituent ratio. Results In Fuzhou, the Chinese medicine constitution types of pregnant metaphase women were as following: Yang-deficiency type was 28.5%, damp-heat type was 25.5%, Yin-deficiency type was 25.2%, Qi-depression type and Qi-deficiency type were 23.1% respectively, gentleness type was 20.2%, stasis type was 19.1%, phlegm type was 10.9%, and special intrinsic type was 7.0%. The front three constitution types in different age groups: 20 years old~group: Qi-deficiency type was 29.4%, gentleness type was 24.8%, Yin-deficiency type and yang-deficiency type were 24.2% respectively; 25 years old~group:

Yang-deficiency type was 27.6%, Yin-deficiency type and damp-heat type were 23.3% respectively; 30 years old~group: damp-heat type was 34.4%, Yang-deficiency type was 33.9%, Yin-deficiency type was 30.8%. The distribution of constitution types in different education background groups was similar as that of total constitution types of pregnant metaphase women. Conclusions The constitution type’s characteristics of pregnant metaphase women in Fuzhou were inclined to deficiency, heat and damp, and Qi-depression. Guided by the theory of “Preventive Treatment of Disease”, the staff working on antepartum care may provide targeted care according to different body constitution types of pregnant women.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Beijing: , 2013
Keywords
Pregnant women; Pregnant mataphase; Constitution types of Chinese medicine; Investigation
National Category
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Cell and Molecular Biology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-23381 (URN)
Available from: 2013-01-09 Created: 2013-01-09 Last updated: 2018-01-11Bibliographically approved
Albin, B., Hjelm, K., Ekberg, J. & Elmståhl, S. (2012). County Differences in Mortality among Foreign-Born Compared to Native Swedes 1970-1999. Nursing Research and Practice, 2012, Article ID 136581
Open this publication in new window or tab >>County Differences in Mortality among Foreign-Born Compared to Native Swedes 1970-1999
2012 (English)In: Nursing Research and Practice, ISSN 2090-1429, E-ISSN 2090-1437, Vol. 2012, p. Article ID 136581-Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background. Regional variations in mortality and morbidity have been shown in Europe and USA. Longitudinal studies have found increased mortality, dissimilarities in mortality pattern, and differences in utilization of healthcare between foreign- and native-born Swedes. No study has been found comparing mortality among foreign-born and native-born Swedes in relation to catchment areas/counties. Methods. The aim was to describe and compare mortality among foreign-born persons and native Swedes during 1970–1999 in 24 counties in Sweden. Data from the Statistics Sweden and the National Board of Health and Welfare was used, and the database consisted of 723,948 persons, 361,974 foreign-born living in Sweden in 1970 and aged 16 years and above and 361,974 matched Swedish controls. Results. Latest county of residence independently explained higher mortality among foreign-born persons in all but four counties; OR varied from 1.01 to 1.29. Counties with a more rural structure showed the highest differences between foreign-born persons and native controls. Foreign-born persons had a lower mean age (1.0–4.3 years) at time of death. Conclusion. County of residence influences mortality; higher mortality is indicated among migrants than native Swedes in counties with a more rural structure. Further studies are needed to explore possible explanations. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2012
Keywords
Migration, mortality, Sweden, Counties
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Research subject
Health and Caring Sciences, Caring Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-21163 (URN)10.1155/2012/136581 (DOI)000214695200005 ()23029609 (PubMedID)
Note

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 

Available from: 2012-08-13 Created: 2012-08-13 Last updated: 2022-10-17Bibliographically approved
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