OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/677812026-04-23T10:15:46Z2026-04-23T10:15:46ZTreating sexual problems in females diagnosed with breast cancer : couple-based interventions vs treatment-as-usualhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/683142021-02-02T06:04:37Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Treating sexual problems in females diagnosed with breast cancer : couple-based interventions vs treatment-as-usual
Abstract: Sexual well-being is an integral part of quality of life (QOL), that is frequently impacted by cancer
treatments. Given the crucial role of partners in sexual problems, couple-based interventions seem
to be first-line therapy in addressing cancer-related sexual problems. The objectives of this review
are to determine whether couple-based interventions are efficacious than treatment-as-usual
(TAU), to identify gaps in research and put forth clinical practice recommendations
The research question reads: Are couple-based interventions more effective than treatmentas-
usual (TAU) in the improvement of sexual problems experienced by females with breast
cancer?’
The PICO elements consisted of; females diagnosed with breast cancer and their intimate partners
as the ‘population’, couple-based interventions take on the ‘intervention’, treatment-as-usual
relates to the ‘comparison’, while the management of sexual problems is the outcome of the study.
The inclusion criteria included female participants diagnosed with an early-stage BC (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ),
and who co-habit with a partner for at least six months. The studies had to be peer-reviewed and
published in English. The exclusion criteria restricted women diagnosed with a metastatic BC.
Moreover, articles published in a language other than English, and not available in full-text were
excluded from the study. The literature search yielded five studies that were critically appraised
using the Oxford appraisal skills programme (CASP, 2014), CONSORT and part 1 of the ‘Step
by Step’ guide.
Findings indicate that brief couple-based interventions prove to be effective in the management
of sexual problems, mainly in improving sexual functioning, self-image and satisfaction.
However, further studies are required to gain a better understanding of couple-based interventions
and determine the best way to integrate such interventions in cancer care plans. This is done to
maximise the effectiveness of treatment, and ultimately enhance the sexual QOL of couples
coping with BC.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING2020-01-01T00:00:00ZManaging social anxiety disorder in adults : virtual reality exposure therapy versus in-vivo exposure therapyhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/683072021-02-02T06:03:57Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Managing social anxiety disorder in adults : virtual reality exposure therapy versus in-vivo exposure therapy
Abstract: An individual who suffers from social anxiety disorder overestimates the intimidation of
public criticism or embarrassment. Such individuals also portray distorted images of how
the public view them. The golden treatment for social anxiety disorder is in-vivo exposure
therapy, however with the advancements of technology, a new innovate version of such
treatment has been developed, namely, virtual reality exposure therapy.
The research question reads: Is virtual reality exposure therapy more effective than invivo
exposure therapy in the management of social anxiety disorder in adults?
The PICO elements consist of: Adults suffering from social anxiety disorder as the
population, virtual reality exposure therapy as the intervention, in-vivo exposure therapy as
the comparison and the outcome is reduction in anxiety and the improvement of social
interaction.
The inclusion criteria consist of peer reviewed studies on adults diagnosed with social
anxiety disorder, published in the last ten years, in the English language, and not restricted
to any geographical region. The exclusion criteria included non-English studies, non-peer
reviewed studies and studies published earlier than 10 years ago.
After retrieving relevant research, the CASP tools were utilised to evaluate and critique
both randomised control trials, meta-analysis and systematic review identified in this
dissertation.
Results report that VRET is as effective as in-vivo exposure therapy in the management of
social anxiety disorder. Although not yet the ‘go to’ treatment mainly due to VRET being
still in its infancy and still requiring development and further research, VRET has so far
reported positive results.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING2020-01-01T00:00:00ZManagement of cravings in adults suffering from substance use disorder : mindfulness based-relapse prevention vs treatment as usualhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/682762021-02-02T05:58:48Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Management of cravings in adults suffering from substance use disorder : mindfulness based-relapse prevention vs treatment as usual
Abstract: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is declared as a chronic relapsing condition (McLellan,
2002). It impairs the capability of individuals from functioning optimally, resulting in a
poor quality of life (Schulte & Hser, 2013). The introduction of Mindfulness Based-
Relapse Prevention (MBRP) enabled such individuals to enhance their coping abilities
thus, managing drug cravings more efficiently (Brewer, Elwafi & Davis, 2014).
The research question reads: For adults with Substance Use Disorder, does the use of
Mindfulness Based-Relapse Prevention reduce cravings when compared to Treatment
as Usual?”
The PICO framework conducted this dissertation and included: Adults suffering from
SUD as the population, Treatment As Usual (TAU) as the intervention, MBRP as the
comparison and reduction of cravings as the outcome.
Inclusion criteria incorporated studies published in the English language within the last
10 years. Studies had to be peer-reviewed, available in full-text online, included alcohol
and substance use while restricted solely to MBRP as a form of mindfulness therapy.
Exclusion criteria limited studies to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analysis while studies focusing on 1 individual substance were
excluded too.
HyDi platform and Google Scholar search engine were used for the literature search, 5
relevant articles were fetched. The Oxford Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP,
2018) tools were used to critique the identified study design that of RCTs. Results
related to the effectiveness of MBRP practice, offered a substantial degree of treatment
viability and efficacy through the reduction of cravings based on specific components
related to MBRP which varied from a research article to another. Main conclusions include MBRP displaying consistency in reducing cravings among
adults suffering from SUD more effectively than TAU. Several recommandations for
clinical practice, education and policy developers were addressed. The conduction of
further studies on national and international levels was among the most vital
recommendations.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING2020-01-01T00:00:00ZImproving remission outcome in adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa : multi-family therapy versus single-family based treatmenthttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/682742021-02-02T05:58:06Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Improving remission outcome in adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa : multi-family therapy versus single-family based treatment
Abstract: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious and potentially fatal eating disorder which, most often,
emerges during adolescence, and is prevalent among females. The psychological, physical,
and behavioural symptoms have a rippling effect, and strike at the core of the family unit.
Oftentimes, parents express difficulty in managing this illness; however, the family should
not be blamed, but should instead be considered a useful resource to help in the recovery.
Therefore, the treatment modalities which are being investigated in this work include multifamily
therapy (MFT-AN) and single-family therapy (SFT-AN). Both therapeutic
interventions are adaptations derived from the Maudsley Model, and both therapies view
parental involvement as a prerequisite for a successful outcome.
The research question reads: Is Multi-Family Therapy as effective as Single-Family
Based therapy in the remission of adolescents suffering from Anorexia Nervosa?
The PICO elements guiding this study include: Adolescents suffering from anorexia
nervosa as the population, multi-family therapy as the intervention, single family therapy as
the comparison therapy, and improved remission as the outcome.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to guide the literature search, along with
multiple restricting filters, such as, age, year of publication, and diagnosis, based on DSMIV
or DSM-V, thus generating 7 relevant articles addressing the PICO question. The
Oxford Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP, 2014) was used during the critical appraisal in
order to guide the evaluation. Results indicate that both therapies have parallel favourable effects on different aspects of
the remission outcomes of adolescents suffering from AN. Evidence on this subject is still
emerging; however, it is evident that more studies comparing both therapies are needed,
having a longer follow-up period and a larger sample size.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING2020-01-01T00:00:00Z