Research from the general population indicates an important role for self-esteem in mental health, but limited research in this area exists in the cystic fibrosis (CF) literature. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of self-esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mental health symptoms in adults with CF. Seventy-four participants, recruited online, completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure 34 (CORE-OM), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R). Comparably high levels of self-esteem were found, but HRQoL was lower than previous research. Thirty percent of participants scored within the clinical range for mental health difficulty. Hierarchical regression, controlling for gender, explored the value of four CFQ-R subscales (physical, social, emotional and role functioning) and self-esteem in predicting CORE-OM total score. Gender accounted for 8.2% of the variance in mental health scores while the five independent variables accounted for a further 73.0% of variance. Of the five variables, CFQ-R emotional functioning and self-esteem were significant predictors of mental health symptoms. Results are discussed in relation to clinical implications and potential uses for internet technologies to promote socialisation.

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Following the implementation of key actions resulting from Valuing People (DoH, 2001), people with learning disabilities resident in hospital will be relocated into the community.This paper examines psychological, social and quality of life indicators applied to a group of 50 service users, 36 of whom are soon to be relocated into community housing.The methodology employs a range of psychometric measures in order to describe intellectual and social functioning, mental health, levels of challenging behaviour and quality of life and choice opportunities.The aim was to compile a profile of the individuals as a group in order to inform service planning and provision. Results illustrate that the group contains a range of individuals with complex and enduring needs. A discussion of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for these individuals and the services that support them is presented.The study presents an opportunity to re-apply this methodology in future years in order to evaluate whether community living has brought tangible benefits to the group.

Background: Post-stroke emotional needs were highlighted as going unmet in a recent report by the Stroke Association. Aim: To determine local service provision of emotional support. Method: Questionnaires were distributed to 200 stroke patients and their carers. The survey aimed to gather information on emotional needs post-stroke and the service people had received. Results: A total of 88 sets of questionnaires were returned by post. Some 47% of patients and 35% of carers/relatives felt that their emotional needs had been met by the stroke team. Chi-squared analysis of the data revealed differences in the information, advice and support received by those who felt their emotional needs were met and those with unmet needs. Conclusions: Suggestions to improve the service are made, including more frequent use of standardised measures of emotional difficulties, providing more information about emotional impacts of stroke at an appropriate time in recovery and consistently providing service users with the opportunity to discuss emotional difficulties and support needs.

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