Lucille Eller | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (original) (raw)

Papers by Lucille Eller

Journal of the International AIDS Society, 2012

Background: We evaluated brief combination interventions to simultaneously reduce sexual and inje... more Background: We evaluated brief combination interventions to simultaneously reduce sexual and injection risks among female sex workers who inject drugs (FSW-IDUs) in Tijuana (TJ) and Ciudad Juarez (CJ) Mexico during 2008-2010, when harm reduction was expanding in TJ, but not CJ. Methods: FSW-IDUs ]18 years reporting recently sharing injection equipment and unprotected sex with clients participated in a randomized factorial trial comparing four brief, single-session combinations of active motivational-interviewing and didactic interventions focused on negotiating safer-sex in the context of drug use and safer-injection skills. The injection intervention included a video made by FSW-IDUs. Women underwent quarterly interviews and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and

Annual review of nursing research, 1999

For the past several decades, papers in the nursing literature have advocated the use of cognitiv... more For the past several decades, papers in the nursing literature have advocated the use of cognitive interventions in clinical practice. Increasing consumer use of complementary therapies, a cost-driven health care system, and the need for evidence-based practice all lend urgency to the validation of the efficacy of these interventions. This review focuses specifically on guided imagery intervention studies identified in the nursing, medical and psychological literature published between 1966 and 1998. Included were 46 studies of the use of guided imagery for management of psychological and physiological symptoms. There is preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of guided imagery in the management of stress, anxiety and depression, and for the reduction of blood pressure, pain and the side effects of chemotherapy. Overall, results of this review demonstrated a need for systematic, well-designed studies, which explore several unanswered questions regarding the use of guided imagery. These include the effects of different imagery language, symptoms for which guided imagery is effective, appropriate and sensitive outcome measures, method of delivery of the intervention and optimum dose and duration of the intervention, and individual factors that influence its effectiveness.

The Clinical Journal of Pain, Aug 1, 2018

Context-Acute postoperative pain remains inadequately assessed and managed. A valid instrument th... more Context-Acute postoperative pain remains inadequately assessed and managed. A valid instrument that assesses acute pain in sedated postanesthesia care unit (PACU) patients is needed. Objectives-Two behavioral pain assessment instruments, the nonverbal pain scale revised (NVPS-R) and critical care pain observation tool (CPOT), were used to determine whether these instruments adequately assess acute pain in the PACU. Methods-A crossover study design was used. The study was conducted in the Medical Services Administration at the Puerto Rico Medical Center. Upon PACU arrival, patient sedation levels were evaluated using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale. Acute pain was assessed using the CPOT (scored, 0 to 8) and the NVPS-R (scored, 0 to 10) at time points 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Descriptive statistics and mixed model regression analysis were used to compare pain score assessment between instruments. Results-Clinically significant increases in vital signs and respiratory indicators using the NVPS-R were not seen in patients with significant pain at time 0, 15, and 120 minutes. The CPOT vocalization indicator was more frequent in patients with significant pain. Conclusions-Findings suggest that NVPS-R and CPOT can assess acute pain in sedated PACU patients. In patients with significant pain, the CPOT vocalization indicator was more consistent than physiological and respiratory indicators in detecting acute pain. Thus, our data do not support the exclusive use of vital sign indicators to assess acute pain, suggesting the superiority of the CPOT for the assessment of acute pain in sedated PACU patients. Keywords acute pain assessment; behavioral pain scales; critical care pain observation tool (CPOT); nonverbal pain scale revised (NVPS-R); postanesthesia care unit (PACU)

Nurse Education Today, May 1, 2014

Background-Despite the recognized importance of mentoring, little is known about specific mentori... more Background-Despite the recognized importance of mentoring, little is known about specific mentoring behaviors that result in positive outcomes. Objective-To identify key components of an effective mentoring relationship identified by protégés-mentor dyads in an academic setting. Methods-In this qualitative study, purposive sampling resulted in geographic diversity and representation of a range of academic disciplines. Participants were from 12 universities in three regions of the U.S. (South, n=5; Northeast, n=4; Midwest, n=2) and Puerto Rico (n=1). Academic disciplines included natural sciences (51%), nursing/health sciences (31%) engineering (8%), and technology (1%). Twelve workshops using the Technology of Participation© method were held with 117 mentor-protégé dyads. Consensus was reached regarding the key components of an effective mentoring relationship. Results-Conventional content analysis, in which coding categories were informed by the literature and derived directly from the data, was employed. Eight themes described key components of an effective mentoring relationship: (1) open communication and accessibility; (2) goals and challenges; (3) passion and inspiration; (4) caring personal relationship; (5) mutual respect and trust; (6) exchange of knowledge; (7) independence and collaboration; and (8) role modeling. Described within each theme are specific mentor-protégé behaviors and interactions, identified needs of both protégé and mentor in the relationship, and desirable personal qualities of mentor and protégé. Conclusions-Findings can inform a dialogue between existing nurse mentor-protégé dyads as well as student nurses and faculty members considering a mentoring relationship. Nurse educators can evaluate and modify their mentoring behaviors as needed, thereby strengthening the mentorprotégé relationship to ensure positive outcomes of the learning process

Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2014

Background and Purpose: The National Academy of Sciences stressed the need for a doctorally prepa... more Background and Purpose: The National Academy of Sciences stressed the need for a doctorally prepared workforce and earlier entry into doctoral study in nursing and the behavioral, social, and basic sciences. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) suggests that self-efficacy for career related skills informs career choices. Thus, increasing clinical research self-efficacy early in students’ studies could increase their choice of a research career. To test interventions, a psychometrically sound measure of clinical research self-efficacy is needed. Methods: We examined the psychometrics of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (CRAI-SF) in undergraduate and first-year graduate students (N = 268). This scale is a modification of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory, which measures physician–scientists’ clinical research self-efficacy. Results: Content validity was supported by external review. Factor analysis revealed six factors explaining 75% of scale variance. Internal consistency of subscales and total scale ranged from .84 to .98. Differences in scores by gender (p = .016) and discipline of study (p = .000) supported construct validity. Conclusions: The CRAI-SF is a useful measure of undergraduate and first-year graduate students’ perceived clinical research self-efficacy.

Clinical Nursing Research, Nov 1, 2001

This study investigated the effects of selected variables on quality of life (QOL) in persons liv... more This study investigated the effects of selected variables on quality of life (QOL) in persons living with HIV. Eighty-one HIV-positive adults completed a demographic questionnaire, the Sickness Impact Profile, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and a fatigue visual analog scale. Blood samples were collected for CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ lymphocyte numbers. Based on an expanded psychoneuroimmunology model, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which four blocks of variables predicted variance in quality of life. These included sociodemographics, depression, immune status, and fatigue. Findings revealed that work status, depression, and fatigue predicted 58% of the variance in QOL in persons with HIV. Findings support the need for routine assessment and management of depression and fatigue in persons living with HIV.

International Journal of Nursing Studies, Jun 1, 1999

This study explored the effects of cognitive-behavioral interventions on quality of life in perso... more This study explored the effects of cognitive-behavioral interventions on quality of life in persons with HIV. In a randomized, 3×3 block design, 69 participants were assigned to a guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation or control group. Following brief instruction, subjects practiced their respective intervention over six weeks. Post intervention, perceived health status, but not quality of life, was significantly different

International journal of nursing knowledge, May 31, 2016

The pragmatic utility method of concept analysis was used to explore the usefulness of the concep... more The pragmatic utility method of concept analysis was used to explore the usefulness of the concept self-care self-efficacy. DATA SOURCES: Empirical studies across disciplines published between 1996 and 2015 were used as data. DATA SYNTHESIS: A data matrix was developed. Analytical questions and responses were derived from the data to understand patterns, develop new knowledge and achieve synthesis. CONCLUSION: Usefulness of the concept is contingent on how it is defined and measured. Self-care self-efficacy is associated with performance of self-care activities and positive health outcomes in diverse populations. IMPLICATIONS: Research can guide development of targeted interventions to increase patients' self-care self-efficacy, thus reducing costs, and assisting people to achieve optimal health.

Addictive Behaviors, Oct 1, 2019

Background:Previously published findings from a study of university students living in substance ... more Background:Previously published findings from a study of university students living in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery housing showed an eight-session heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention significantly reduced craving. That study, however, uncovered pronounced inter-participant variability in craving change patterns through the course of HRVB that warranted further exploration. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine how within- and between-person factors may have differentially influenced craving changes.Methods:A longitudinal multilevel modeling approach was used with time at level-1 nested within persons at level-2. Multilevel models of change were estimated to model craving trajectories and predictor relationships over time as a function of age, sex, length of abstinence, daily HRVB practice, anxiety, depression, and stress.Results:A quadratic pattern of craving reductions was found, indicating that craving reductions accelerated over time for some participants. Daily HRVB practice of > 12 min and older age significantly enhanced craving reductions over time. Increases in depressive symptoms attenuated the effects of HRVB on craving. The other predictors were not significantly associated with craving in this study. The true R2 for the final model indicated that 20.5% of the variance in craving was explained by older age, daily HRVB > 12 min, and within-person changes in depression.Conclusions:HRVB shows promise as an accessible, scalable, and cost-effective complementary anti-craving intervention. Healthcare providers may help persons recovering from SUD to better manage substance craving by the routine and strategic use of HRVB practice.

Nursing Clinics of North America, Sep 1, 2006

Although depressive symptoms are common in people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWHA), their reported p... more Although depressive symptoms are common in people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWHA), their reported prevalence varies greatly across HIV-positive populations, ranging from 21% to 97%. Comparing these rates is complicated by the varied conceptualization of depression as a major depressive disorder (clinical depression) or depressive symptoms, and by the use of multiple methods of measurement. Knowledge of predictors of depressive symptoms can assist health care providers in the identification of those who are most at risk. Appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and referral are critical because depressive symptoms have been associated with poorer disease outcomes. Additionally, self-management strategies can be used to supplement more traditional treatment methods. This article describes the prevalence, predictors, effects, measurement, and self-management of depressive symptoms in adults who are living with HIV/AIDS. Epidemiology of depressive symptoms in HIV/AIDS Women in the general population are at greater risk for depressive symptoms than are men, and this also seems to be true in women who are living with HIV disease. Some studies reported that 77% of HIV-positive urbandwelling women (N ¼ 765), 75% of minority, low-income women, and 84% of homeless or drug-recovering women who had HIV disease had chronic or intermittent depressive symptoms [1-3]. Similarly, depressive symptoms were reported in 73% of urban women (N ¼ 1,668) in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), which was conducted in six major cities across the United States [4]. Some researchers examined depressive symptoms in women by ethnicity and geographic region. Sixty-six percent of urban Hispanic women (N ¼ 142) and 61% of urban indigent African American and Latina women (N ¼ 258) had significant depressive

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Nov 1, 2018

Background: The limited success of conventional anticraving interventions encourages research int... more Background: The limited success of conventional anticraving interventions encourages research into new treatment strategies. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB), which is based on slowed breathing, was shown to improve symptom severity in various disorders. HRVB, and certain rates of controlled breathing (CB), may offer therapeutic potential as a complementary drug-free treatment option to help control substance craving. Methods: This review evaluated current evidence on the effectiveness of HRVB and CB training as a complementary anticraving intervention, based on guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Studies that assessed a cardiorespiratory feedback or CB intervention with substance craving as an outcome were selected. Effect sizes were calculated for each study. The Scale for Assessing Scientific Quality of Investigations in Complementary and Alternative Medicine was used to evaluate the quality of each study reviewed. Results: A total of eight articles remained for final review, including controlled studies with or without randomization, as well as noncontrolled trials. Most studies showed positive results with a variety of methodological quality levels and effect size. Current HRVB studies rated moderately on methodological rigor and showed inconsistent magnitudes of calculated effect size (0.074-0.727) across populations. The largest effect size was found in a nonclinical college population of high food cravers utilizing the most intensive HRVB training time of 240 min. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this review, there is beginning evidence that HRVB and CB training can be of significant therapeutic potential. Larger clinical trials are needed with methodological improvements such as longer treatment duration, adequate control conditions, measures of adherence and compliance, longitudinal examination of craving changes, and more comprehensive methods of craving measurement.

Nursing Outlook, Jul 1, 2003

Psycho-oncology, Dec 4, 2018

Objectives: Associations between the varying levels of emotional intelligence in newly hired onco... more Objectives: Associations between the varying levels of emotional intelligence in newly hired oncology nurses and their responses to stress and coping were examined. The secondary aim was to analyze whether emotional intelligence could moderate their choice of problem-focused or emotion-focused coping strategies. Methods: Newly hired nurses (n = 114) were recruited from a national cancer institute. Data were collected through surveys using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Nursing Stress Scale and the Emotional Quotient Inventory between the eighth and twelfth weeks post-hire date. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted on all variables. Regression models determined whether emotional intelligence moderated the choice of coping strategies. Results: Emotional intelligence had a mean value of M = 105.24, SD = 13.02 and occupational stress scores were M = 65.57, SD =15.68. Significant negative correlations were found for occupational stress and problem-focused coping (r = −.189, p = .022), emotional intelligence and emotion-focused coping (r = − .340, p = .000) and emotional intelligence and occupational stress (r = − .428, p < 0 .001). Positive correlations were noted between occupational stress and emotionfocused coping (r = .189, p = .022) and emotional intelligence and problem-focused coping (r =. 340, p = .000). Emotional intelligence did not predict the choice of coping strategies. Conclusions: Though emotional intelligence did not moderate coping strategies in newly hired nurses, using problem focused coping to address occupational stress during the initial employment period may be a protective factor for coping with stress in the oncology workplace.

Nursing Research, Mar 1, 2006

Background: No research was found that compared quality of life (QOL) outcomes of prostate cancer... more Background: No research was found that compared quality of life (QOL) outcomes of prostate cancer patients receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapies with prostate cancer patients receiving radical prostatectomy. b Objectives: To (a) describe differences in QOL before and after three types of treatment for prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy + seed implantation (permanent brachytherapy), or intensitymodulated radiation therapy + high dose rate radiotherapy (temporary brachytherapy); and (b) investigate demographic, physical, and psychosocial variables that impact QOL of men with prostate cancer. b Methods: Data were collected on three occasions: baseline (prior to treatment), 1 month, and 3 months after beginning treatment. Measures included biographic data, physiological, and psychological measures. Analysis of variance and hierarchical regression were used to examine patterns, describe differences, and identify predictors of QOL in the three treatment groups. QOL was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that included physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being and prostate cancer concerns. b Results: Groups differed significantly in bowel and urinary symptom scores and prostate cancer concerns at baseline, and in urinary and depressive symptoms at 3 months. There were no significant group differences at 1 month. b Discussion: Significant differences were found in QOL as measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer TreatmentVProstate after treatment with radical prostatectomy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy + seed implantation, or intensity-modulated radiation therapy + high dose rate radiotherapy. Findings may provide healthcare providers with knowledge about treatment sequelae for prostate cancer, enable healthcare providers to educate patients about QOL outcomes of treatment for prostate cancer, and enable patients to make more informed treatment decisions. b Key Words: prostate carcinoma & quality of life & radical prostatectomy & radiotherapy

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Jun 1, 2004

Journal of Advanced Nursing 46(6), 624-632 Spiritual perspectives, needs and nursing intervention... more Journal of Advanced Nursing 46(6), 624-632 Spiritual perspectives, needs and nursing interventions of Christian African-Americans Background. Although the amount of literature on spiritual needs and care has increased, in practice there has been little change in how nurses assess spiritual need. This suggests that not all spiritual needs of patients are being addressed. Based on the assumption that spiritual needs vary by culture, this study focused on one subgroup, namely Christian African-Americans. Aims. The aim of this paper is to report a study examining spiritual perspectives, spiritual needs and desired nursing interventions during hospitalization identified by Christian African-Americans. Methods. A descriptive correlational design was employed. A convenience sample (n ¼ 44) was recruited from three African-American churches. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and one-way ANOVA ANOVAs used to examine spiritual perspectives and spiritual values. Content analysis was used to analyse and summarize qualitative data. Instruments included the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) and two open-ended questions. Results. The mean age of participants was 56 years (range 19-84). The majority was female (86%); 71% of respondents strongly agreed that they had spiritual needs to be met during hospitalization. Mean score for the SPS was 5AE7 (SD SD ¼ 0AE36). Respondents used a total of 103 phrases to describe spiritual needs, based on three dimensions of connectedness: connectedness to God (50 phrases), connectedness to others (37 phrases) and connectedness to self (16 phrases). Desired nursing interventions included: participating in spiritual activities (n ¼ 41); demonstrating caring qualities (n ¼ 27); providing comforting measures (n ¼ 13); providing reassurance (n ¼ 9); recognizing the spiritual caregiver role (n ¼ 7); and incorporating diversity in care (n ¼ 3). Conclusions. The findings provide information for nurses to facilitate development of culturally appropriate spiritual nursing interventions.

Background: According to National STD surveillance reports from the Centers for Disease Control a... more Background: According to National STD surveillance reports from the Centers for Disease Control and the Alabama Department of Public Health, rates of Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are highest among African American girls aged 15 to 24, which suggests their increased vulnerability for contracting HIV. Therefore, it is imperative to gain an understanding of AA girls' perceptions about sexual risk-taking behaviors and potential consequences prior to age 15.

... Guided imagery: A nursing intervention for symptoms related to infection with human immunodef... more ... Guided imagery: A nursing intervention for symptoms related to infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Eller, Lucille Sanzero. Display Full Text | Download Full Text 8.38 MB PDF file. Degree Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Nursing, 1994. ...

The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), Jan 21, 2018

The limited success of conventional anticraving interventions encourages research into new treatm... more The limited success of conventional anticraving interventions encourages research into new treatment strategies. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB), which is based on slowed breathing, was shown to improve symptom severity in various disorders. HRVB, and certain rates of controlled breathing (CB), may offer therapeutic potential as a complementary drug-free treatment option to help control substance craving. This review evaluated current evidence on the effectiveness of HRVB and CB training as a complementary anticraving intervention, based on guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Studies that assessed a cardiorespiratory feedback or CB intervention with substance craving as an outcome were selected. Effect sizes were calculated for each study. The Scale for Assessing Scientific Quality of Investigations in Complementary and Alternative Medicine was used to evaluate the quality of each study reviewed. A total of eight...