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The Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale-8 (ASES-8) is one of the most commonly used scales to measure patient-reported arthritis-specific self-efficacy. However, evidence about the validity and reliability of ASES-8 in an Arabic-speaking arthritis population is lacking. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and assess aspects of validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the ASES-8. The ASES-8 was translated into the Arabic language using the back-translation method, and administered to 67 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Construct validation methods used exploratory factor analysis and correlating the ASES-8 scores with disease-related variables expected to be related to the arthritis self-efficacy construct. An internal consistency test was conducted. Floor and ceiling effects were considered present if more than 15% of patients achieved high (=10) and low (=1) scores on the Arabic ASES-8 for both the scale and item scores. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a one-factor solution (factor loadings: 0.54–0.81). ASES-8 scores were correlated with all measures assessed (r = −0.24 to −0.57 and r = 0.06–0.66), demonstrating construct validity. Internal consistency was acceptable for measures of Cronbach's alpha (0.86–0.88). The scale did not exhibit ceiling or floor effects. The Arabic version of ASES-8 is valid and reliable for evaluating self-efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES-8) questionnaire was translated and adapted for use in Arabic language. This questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating self-efficacy among Arabic individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. This will support greater use of this tool worldwide in clinical and research practices that include Arabic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Patients with cancer experience a lot of emotional, mental, social, and spiritual crises. However, not much has been done to meet these needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of spiritual group therapy on hope and the mental and spiritual health of patients with colorectal cancer. Design and methods:This quasi-experimental study was carried out in 2013 in Kerman, Iran, on 80 colorectal cancer patients, who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. After the pre-test of both groups, eight sessions of 1.5 h were held once a week for spiritual group therapy, and finally both groups underwent the post-test. To collect data, Snyder’s hope scale, the Paloutzian–Ellison 20-item spiritual health questionnaire, and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire were used. The data were analysed using the SPSS statistical software version 16. Results:Comparing the mean scores of hope, mental health, and spiritual health before and after the intervention showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the test group. In the control group, no significant difference was found before and after the study. This indicates the benefits of the spiritual group therapy in cancer patients. Conclusion:The study results show that spiritual group therapy has a significant positive impact on the mental and spiritual health of patients with colorectal cancer, and that it also gives them hope. Thus, the use of spiritual therapy is suggested as a good way to improve the spiritual and mental health and hope in patients with colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy have increased risk of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia. In this study, we determined whether individual nutritional counseling reduced dyslipidemia, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, among HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia not currently taking lipid-lowering medication. We conducted a randomized 24-week trial among HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia who were on antiretroviral therapy and were eligible to initiate therapeutic lifestyle changes according to the Thai National Cholesterol Education Program. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group that received individual counseling with a nutritionist for seven sessions (baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24) and a control group that received standard verbal diet information at baseline and nutritional counseling only at week 24. A 24-h recall technique was used to assess dietary intake for both groups at baseline and week 24. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride) was measured at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy. An intention-to-treat and linear mixed model were used. Seventy-two patients were randomly assigned, and 62 (86%) participants completed their lipid profile test. After 12 weeks of follow-up, there were significant reductions in the intervention group for total cholesterol (−14.4 ± 4.6 mg/dL,P = .002), LDL cholesterol (−13.7 ± 4.1 mg/dL,P = .001), and triglyceride (−30.4 ± 13.8 mg/dL,P = .03). A significant reduction in LDL cholesterol was also observed in the control group (−7.7 ± 3.8 mg/dL,P = .04), but there were no significant differences in change of mean lipid levels between the groups at 12 weeks of follow-up. After 24 weeks, participants assigned to the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater decreases in serum total cholesterol (−19.0 ± 4.6 vs. 0.2 ± 4.3 mg/dL,P = .003) and LDL cholesterol (−21.5 ± 4.1 vs. −6.8 ± 3.8 mg/dL,P = .009). There were no significant changes in HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in either group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]