Browsing by Author "Vilka, Lolita"
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Item Accessibility problems in home environment for seniors in Latvia : Experience from the research project innovAge (WP2)(EDP Sciences, 2018) Tomsone, S.; Saukuma, L.; Liepina, Z.; Zalkalns, J.; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityItem Aerobic capacity for breast cancer survivors 2 to 3 years after breast surgery(EDP Sciences, 2019-01-01) Ceseiko, Rudolfs; Tomsone, Signe; Majevska, Laura; Vetra, Aivars; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Department of Rehabilitation; Rehabilitācijas fakultāteBreast cancer treatment may cause unfavourable side effects that directly or indirectly influence the cardio-respiratory capacity among breast cancer survivors, thus affecting physical functioning and the quality of life. Mounting evidence supports that Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease, and low VO2max is associated with increased mortality from breast cancer. The aim of the study was to measure cardio-respiratory fitness in breast cancer survivors and determine to what extent VO2max levels are lower compared with healthy counterparts from population. The study included 11 women with a history of breast cancer, the average time after breast surgery being 2–3 years. Aerobic capacity was determined by the Cardiopulmonary exercise test. HUNT3 study was used to define aerobic capacity for healthy women in population. Mean Age for participatns 50 ± 4 years (M ± SD). The comparison of the results from Cardiopulmonary exercise test indicated that breast cancer survivors display VO2max values significantly lower 27.1 ml/kg/min (27%) than healthy counterparts from population, i.e., 34.4 ml/kg/min (P = 0.001). Recognizing the increasing number of breast cancer patients worldwide and the physical reconditioning among the survivors, aerobic exercise training is suitable for improving cardio-respiratory health, functionality, and quality of life.Item Changes in muscular strength based on full cervical flexion(EDP Sciences, 2018) Vetra, Janis; Skļarevičs, Vladimirs; Anoufriev, Gregory; Kalnins, Imants; Vetra, Janis, Jr.; Umbrasko, Silvija; Kotovs, Vladislavs; Beilina, Larisa; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityWe present our study of influence full cervical flexion position on the changes in muscle strength of the upper extremities. This position is typical for a person working on mobile phone or iPad. The purpose of the study was determination of the connection between change of the head flexed position and changes in upper extremity muscles strength. The present study involved 80 healthy volunteers and was performed at the Department of Morphology in Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. For measurements we have used the MicroFET2 Hand Held Digital Muscle Tester to determine the strength of the muscles of the hand and arm (M. abductor pollicis longus, M. biceps brachii, M. triceps brachii, M. deltoideus). The results of measurements were then used to analyze the difference in the strength of the muscles innervated by the spinal cord cervical region (C5–C8 nerves) for the same person sitting in the vertical position and sitting with the head flexed maximally. The results of our study support the hypothesis that the changes in the strength of measured muscles are related to the mechanical distension of the spinal cord, which leads to changes in spinal cord’s blood supply. The kyphotic position of the cervical spine during head flexion shows that in the spinal cord segments C5 and C7 are formed mechanical distension. Using our statistical study, we can conclude that there is strong relationship in the strength change in some of the observed muscles between vertical position and full flexion of headItem Comparison of adolescent's values : Riga and Vidzeme region(EDP Sciences, 2019-01) Mihailova, Sandra; Martinsone, K.; Pipcane, Arta; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Socioloģijas un psiholoģijas katedra; Department of Health Psychology and PaedagogyThe determination of individual values is the first step in the process of the personal development. Thus, the main purpose of this research is to investigate the difference between value hierarchies of Riga students and rural students and their subjective opinions about factors affecting them and compare the results with the values of previous generations. It is a pilot study with a comparative cross-sectional design. The study was carried out in several schools of Latvia in 2018: 2 schools of Riga and 2 rural schools of Vidzeme region. Participants were 11th and 12th grade students: 50 from Riga, 50 from rural schools. The research of values was based on the M. Rokeach value ranking test. It is found that the individual hierarchies of values in one group context differ more than hierarchies of adolescent groups of various years and different backgrounds. There are no significant differences related to the terminal and instrumental values between adolescents of Riga and rural areas: love, cheerfulness and education are more important for Riga students, but rural students prefer responsibility, obedience, capability. Some values have not been influenced by time or socio-economic and political situation, but some values have increased or decreased their significance with years.Item Current options and limits of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in social work(EDP Sciences, 2024) Markovič, Daniel; Vilka, Lolita; Krūmiņa, JustīneAt the end of the second decade of the 21st century, it was accepted that robots and technology would replace mainly blue-collar and routine jobs, while professionals in human well-being and creativity would be needed in greater numbers. New tools like AI large language models, which are at the beginning of an exponential trajectory of their development, have changed the way digitization is viewed; people employed in activities such as writing as well as administrative and clerical work have started to lose their jobs. Will technologies become aids and supplements to services, or can they replace social workers? The paper aims to analyse the current limits of artificial intelligence in social work and summarize digital platforms useful for social work practice. The methods used are the analysis of literature and statistics and an experiment with artificial intelligence. Language model Chat GPT passed the state final examination for the bachelor’s degree in social work in Slovakia. It received a grade of B on the ECTS grading scale.Item Darba dzīves kvalitāte un tās saistība ar subjektīvo nogurumu Latgales reģiona stacionāros strādājošām māsām(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2020-05-20) Deklava, Liāna; Skrodere, Māra; Fokina, Olga; Vilka, Lolita; Millere, Inga; Lubkina, Velta; Kaupužs, Aivars; Znotiņa, Daina; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityQuality of health care, safe working environments, sufficient care staff and adequate remuneration in our rapidly changing world are one of the biggest health care challenges. Quality of working life is a reciprocal process between hospital management and nurses in order to simultaneously improve the staff's holistic well -being, working conditions and the effectiveness of hospital work and care. The impact of internal and external factors in the quality of working life can be directly or indirectly related to subjective fatigue for working nurses.The aim of the study is to find out the connection between the quality of working life of nurses working in Latgale region and subjective fatigue.219 nurses in the Latgale region participated in the study. There were used two research tools: Job quality assessment questionnaire and Individual strength/fatigue questionnaire.In the study descriptive statistical method is used. Using the non-parametric method and the correlation of Spirmen's rank, the relationship between quality of work and subjective fatigue of nurses is determined.The study concluded that there is a link between quality of work life and subjective fatigue (r = -0.375; p<0.001). The result is theoretically and practically applicable in the hospital to improve the quality of work life for nursesItem Digital social work or e-social work? : Towards social work in a digital environment(EDP Sciences, 2024) Markovič, Daniel; Vilka, Lolita; Krūmiņa, JustīneThe goal of this paper is to summarise and remark on contemporary issues of emerging social work in the digital environment, which were accelerated by social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the concepts of e-social work and digital social work. We debate where the boundaries of social work in the digital environment are and whether it constitutes a new, distinct branch of social work. We investigate the process and barriers to enhancing social workers’ digital capabilities (using the Technology Acceptance Model, SAMR theory, and Digital Natives-Digital Immigrants contexts). We analyse the key advantages and disadvantages of social work in the online setting.Item Digitalisation in the provision of social services : Rural counties perspective(EDP Sciences, 2024-03-29) Pāvulēns, Edvarts; Vilka, Lolita; Vilka, L.; Krūmiņa, J.; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityDigitisation affects all sectors of the economy, including social work. For social service providers (broadly speaking), it is both an opportunity and a challenge. The extent to which professionals manage the use of the digital space for social services has an impact on the accessibility and quality of services for end-users. Technology and innovative digital solutions create opportunities to tackle territorial inequalities and improve the quality of life of people living in rural areas. The provision of social services and assistance is an autonomous function of each municipality. Digital literacy is a component of human capital that includes skills in information flow, communication, safety, content creation, and problem solving in a digital environment. The article presents the results of a study on the digital literacy of social service providers working in rural areas of Latvia. The aim of the study is to find out the self-assessment of digital literacy, understanding, and attitudes towards digitalisation of social services among social service providers. The research instrument is based on the “Citizens’ Digital Competence Framework” (Digi Comp 2.1). The results of the study provide a basis for discussion not only on routine skills in the use of technical tools, but also on a deeper understanding of digitisation in the context of the emergence of a modern information society.Item Domestic violence and social services in Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Nigeria : Comparative study(2024-03-29) Ayotunde Jegede, Oluwaseun; Vilka, Lolita; Trapenciere, Ilze; Markovic, Daniel; Zemaitaityte, Irena; Oloruntegbe, Kunle; Vilka , L.; Krūmiņa, J.; Department of Welfare and Social WorkObjectives: with regard to neglect, deprivation, false allegations, exposure to traumatic experiences, and other factors, it is reasonable to claim that domestic violence is a major contributor to child abuse in families. Domestic violence also affects the national economy and the probability of poverty. The legal definition of violence and cultural traditions play a significant role in how it is perceived. This study focuses on exploring domestic violence and social services to respond to domestic violence in families with children and examines multidisciplinary approach to domestic violence in families across Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Nigeria. Materials and Methods: based on purposive sampling, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, and Nigeria who work with families and individuals who have experienced domestic violence. The data were analysed using ATLAS.ti 5.0 to generate themes and finalised by employing qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) with the software fsQCA 4.0. Results: data showed that several conditions impacted the effective intervention and prevention of domestic violence. Four of these conditions were identified as sufficient causal pathways for domestic violence: tradition for tolerance of violence, lack of or fuzzy national definition of domestic violence, cultural traditions, level of support for women’s empowerment, government policies addressing family violence, and multidisciplinary efforts of social intervention professionals. Conclusions. The observed level of violence tolerance provides some explanation for the low rate of self-reported domestic violence and rationale for a greater emphasis on human rights and dignity awareness. The multidisciplinary efforts of social intervention are evident in the services provided in Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, and Nigeria; there are professional referrals to little multidisciplinary collaboration in Nigeria. The example of Nigeria demonstrates that regulations exist to prevent domestic violence, but cultural traditions make it difficult for women to disclose abuse, resulting in many women suffering in silence.Item The dynamics of value system in 1998 and 2015 : Longitudinal research in Latvia(EDP Sciences, 2018) Sokola-Nazarenko, Marina; Martinsone, Kristine; Mihailova, Sandra; Levina, Jelena; Elina, Karsa; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityValues may change during life because a person obtains new life experience and competencies. In the past decade, many Latvian psychologists studied people's values and their connections with different factors like cultural, political, social, economic changes and other factors [1-3 and other]. Since 1994 Latvia has gone through different social-economic changes like crisis, economic growth, assumption to NATO and EU. and acceptation of euro currency. These changes can influence participants' values. The aim was to conduct a comparative longitudinal research in individuals' values in 1998 and 2015, at the beginning of their youth and then in adulthood, in order to answer the following questions: what values were in 1998 and 2015; what differences in values had appeared comparing 1998 and 2015 in same persons. Results showed that the most important values in 1998 and 2015 were "Family", "Love", "Responsibility". "Honesty" and "Cheerfulness". Significant changes appeared in "Health" that became significantly important in 2015 and replaced the importance of "Love". Most achievable values in 1998 and 2015 were "The beauty of nature and art" and "Cognition" but in 2015 also "Active life" which replaced "Self-confidence" that was important in 1998. Significant changes appeared in "Self-confidence", "Wisdom", "Active life", "Freedom", "Interesting job", "Learning" and "Friends" as well, where importance of some values increased and some decreased in 2015.Item Gender as a recruitment criterion in the parliamentary political elite of Latvia (1993-2016)(EDP Sciences, 2018) Metla-Rozentale, Lelde; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityThe globalization process has transformed substantially understanding of the issue of border. Revising borders is also seen in political science - in the area of political elite recruitment. Recruitment criteria and their importance are changing, including the importance of gender. In 1981 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which provides equal rights of genders in the political elite, the so-called "mirror representation". i.e.. in the political elite men and women should be represented proportionally according to their number in society [4]. It should be particularly stressed that the purpose of "mirror representation" is not only to ensure equal rights of genders, but first of all to improve the quality of politics. As soon as Latvia regained its independence in 1990, the complicated process of formation (recovery) of the democratic governance model started. In 1993 the first parliamentary elections were held, and by 2016 elections for eight parliamentary terms had been held [3]. In view of the complex political history of Latvia. it is interesting and important to clarify the role of gender in the Latvian parliamentary political elite recruitment process - what correlations can be observed with regard to the male and female share in the parliament during the period from 1995 till 2016, and the extent to which it complies with the sex ratio breakdown of the society.Item Health literacy as a challenge for health education(EDP Sciences, 2018) Stars, I.; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš University. Scientific literature demonstrates a well-established correlation between education and health literacy; education and health outcomes; health literacy and health outcomes. Health literacy has a mediating role between education and health. Health literacy is known as a complex concept, it has multiple definitions, underlying meanings and conceptual models. Diversity of health literacy can be a challenging motivator for health education. Indepth study of scientific literature was carried out to highlight the link between health literacy and health education and to emphasize health literacy challenges for health education. Five health literacy challenges for health education were identified: (1) health literacy as an outcome related to health education interventions; (2) multilayered health literacy or different levels of health literacy; (3) the concept of health literacy and its comprehensiveness; (4) shift from a passive to more interactive and empowering health education; (5) cultural context of health literacy and health education. Enhanced health literacy definitions and conceptual models require more complex, comprehensive, socially oriented, culture sensitive, participatory health education.Item How will future health policy impact on regional disparities and healthcare in Latvia(EDP Sciences, 2019) Bikava, Ieva; Kreituse, Ilga; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš University; Politikas zinātnes katedraLatvia is a country with high level of regional disparities and as researches have approved – income, education, and environment significantly affect the status of people's health. The reforms in healthcare have been carried out under the flags of accessibility, efficiency, effectiveness, and quality since 1991. Some groups support the idea that the state should take over almost all services, the others claim that more responsibilities should be transferred to the private sector, and dispute on service provider network and financing system. In accordance with the coalition theory and legislation of Latvia, the initiators and designers of the structural reforms are politicians, elected by the citizens. In theory, every politician represents the political party with its ideology and vision that is expressed in the Programme of the party. Due to Parliament elections in 2018, to understand which way the country will go, and how the chosen strategy will impact on the regional disparities, analysis of the middle-term development strategy was made. Research results showed that political parties in Latvia are not based on the ideology and the strategical development vision of the State, so the development and changes made in legislation are mainly ad-hoc decisions or the result of lobbying activities of influential groups. Due to the lack of middle term vision as the gap between long-term development strategy and short-term decisions, unfortunately, the prognosis of future health politics leads to the conclusion that regional disparities and the problem with Health care accessibility in next decades will only rise. Key words: health policy / regional disparities / political party ideologyItem Impact of different physical activities on executive functioning(EDP Sciences, 2018) Sneidere, K.; Harlamova, J.; Arnis, V.; Ulmane, Z.; Mintale, I.; Kupcs, K.; Stepens, A.; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityItem Influence of high physical load endurance exercises on the anthropometric parameters and health status of military personnel(EDP Sciences, 2018) Plavina, Liana; Vellere, Natalija; Umbrasko, Silvija; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityMilitary personnel are in high-risk group for health disorders, musculoskeletal pathology and psychological overload. We provide evaluation of the anthropometric parameters and health status of military personnel, Cadets, who have participated in ten days duration Combat training course. Combat training course is associated with life-style change – social, environmental, climate and geographical conditions, biorhythms, nutrition etc., with an increase in physical and psych emotional loads. It is characterized with transition from daily routine of military study process in National Defence academy to military exercise in external environment. Cadets faced to feeding limitation, sleeping deprivation intensive and continuous training, strict discipline etc. We provided analysis of anthropometric parameters before, and in time of Combat training course, summarized data of health statement and health problems that were fixed in the medical cards. The proper body mass supports good health capacity and we provided assessment of it. Physical fitness and body composition have adverse effect on military performance. Body composition undergoes changes during higher physical load performance. Military personnel have high risk to health, concerning impact of external and internal factors. According the review of medical cards of cadets group, we indicated main problems, which are fixed after the Combat training course.Item Interest group impact on E-health implementation in Latvia(2018) Bikava, I.; Kreituse, I.; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityDemocratic state governance should provide the society with mechanisms to impact policy development and implementation. Society members are presented by interest groups that can use internal and external ways to have impact on the government and reform implementation processes. This article represents research that was made on E-health implementation in Latvia – identifying main obstacles and reasons of delayed implementation, and analyses active interest groups and their impact on the implementation process. The research results showed that the main reason of delayed implementation was poor governance from the responsible authority and lack of interest group involvement in the reform development and implementation process.Item Legal consequences and problems of the servitudes of right of way established by administrative acts in Latvia(2018) Dinsberga, J.; Bite, K.; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityThe right to own a property is guaranteed by the Article 105 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia that in the same time stipulates that the said rights may be restricted only in accordance with law. This legitimate property right restriction is determined in Article 928 of the Civil Law: the ownership may be restricted both by private intent and by law. One of the restrictions of ownership rights is the servitude of right of way which is established by law, a contract, a court judgement, or a will. During the land reform, the State Forest Service, land commissions, and municipalities had the legal basis to establish the servitude of right of way also by an administrative act, taking a corresponding decision. However, many decisions were insufficient and legally incorrect. As a result, today the servitudes of right of way established by the administrative acts during the period of the land reform do not fulfil their purpose and cause a number of legal and practical problems both to owners of immovable property and to state institutions. In order to explore these problems, referring to the Article 7 of the Paragraph 105 of the protocol resolution No.56 of the Cabinet of Ministers from 29 October 2013, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Agriculture issued the Conceptual Report “On the Problems Occurring in Relation with the Servitudes of Right of Way Established during the Land Reform and Their Possible Solutions” (hereinafter – the Conceptual Report). In general there are 2 possible solutions, but for the second solution there are five courses of action, one of which – in cases when there is a road on private property that is needed for public use it is to be determined as an encumbrance of the immovable property “Public road”. The aim of the research is by analysis of the problems of the servitudes of right of way, established by the administrative acts during the period of the land reform, to evaluate whether the solutions offered in the Conceptual Report are practically applicable and will give the desired result, as well as to offer the author’s vision for solution of the existing problems. The author has used the scientific research approaches – descriptive, analytical, inductive and deductive, logical-constructive, formal-dogmatic, graphical and interpretation of legal norms – grammatical, systemic, and teleological.Item Limbs joint position sense in patients with chronic non-specific back pain(EDP Sciences, 2018) Pahomova, Natalija; Smite, Daina; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityTo analyze limbs joint positions’ sense and its relationship with pain intensity and duration in patients with chronic non-specific back pain. Methods: Study design: cross-sectional study. For assessment of patients, the following elements were used: general data collection protocol; evaluation of pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale; assessment of limb kinesthesia: determination of reposition precision of a 90-degree flexion angle in shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints. Subjects. The study included 100 patients (88 women, 12 men) with chronic nonspecific back pain, who met the selection criteria for the study. The average age of patients was 45.9 ± 11.6 years, and it ranged from 19 to 64 years. Results: All participants of the study were found to have diminished upper and lower limbs kinesthesia. The study results showed plausible (p < 0.05) relation between limbs kinesthesia and pain intensity and duration, and these correlations were significantly determined by pain localization. Conclusion: Limb kinesthesia is plausibly related to the manifestation of pain in patients with chronic non-specific back pain.Item Malnutrīcija gados veco cilvēku vidū un tās saistība ar trauksmi un depresiju(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2020-05-20) Deklava, Liāna; Vilka, Lolita; Millere, Inga; Fokina, Olga; Lubkina, Velta; Kaupužs, Aivars; Znotiņa, Daina; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityElderly research suggests inappropriate food intake as a one of the health issue. Malnutrition may have an undesirable effect on the health of the body. Elderly people are most at risk because they are often the result of loss of appetite, difficulties with daily shopping, meal preparation, somatic disorders and mental disorders such as depression. The purpose of the study was to investigate malnutrition among the elderly who are staying in social care institutions and to assess its association with anxiety and depression. The data from the study were obtained using the Universal Malnutrition Screening, Geriatric Alert Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale as tools. Overall, 102 respondents from two social care institutions participated in the study. The majority were women 64.7% (35.3% were male). Respondents ranged in age from 65 to 91 years. There were 27.44% of participants with malnutrition risk and45.10%withsigns of anxiety. Depression symptoms were detected 60.78% of respondents. Within the research sample, a statistically significant relationship between malnutrition and depression was found (r = 0.302, p< 0.01).Prevention of malnutrition and theearly detection of depression among seniors will contribute to the improvement of the quality of their life and quality of health careItem Multi-criteria decision analysis as a tool for evaluation of unmet needs in health care(EDP Sciences, 2018) Araja, Diana; Berķis, Uldis; Vilka, Lolita; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goals appointthat all Member States have agreed to try to achieve Universal HealthCoverage by 2030. This includes financial risk protection, access to qualityessential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality andaffordable essential medicines for all. The World Health Organisation hasdefined the Universal Health Coverage as a priority, which means that allpeople can use the preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative healthcare services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while alsoensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financialhardship. The classic approach of the unmet medical needs is definedas the total self-reported unmet needs for medical care for the followingthree reasons: financial barriers, waiting times, too far to travel. Accordingto the Eurostat data, overall range of unmet medical needs in Latvia isthe highest of the European Union countries, however, the accessibilityof health services depends on a multitude of factors that relate to thehealth system and also to the patients themselves. Therefore the Multi-criteria decision analysis approach could be acceptable for assessment ofthe unmet medical needs. The data on unmet medical needs for Latviashould be additionally evaluated, taking into account the “therapeutic need”,which refers to the need for a better treatment than the treatment currentlyreimbursed, from the perspective of the patient. Apart from therapeutic need,the concept of societal need should be investigated, which refers to theneed for a better treatment than the currently available treatment for societalreasons.