This study describes patterns of caregiving experiences in partners of patients with cancer (N=148) over a 6-month period. Caregiving experiences were assessed by means of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale (CRA), which consists of four negative dimensions and one positive subscale: Disrupted Schedule, Financial Problems, Lack of Family Support, Loss of Physical Strength, and Self-Esteem. Subgroup analyses were performed according to gender, age, and socioeconomic status (SES). Type, size, and direction of changes in caregiving experiences over time were analyzed both at a group level and at an individual level. Patterns of caregiver experiences appeared to vary between the subgroups; women, younger caregivers, and caregivers with a higher SES experienced caregiving more negatively or less positively. The findings illustrate the value of studying inter- and intraindividual patterns across different subgroups, and stress that caregiver experiences should be regarded as a multidimensional concept that includes both negative and positive experiences of caregiving.

The four lifestyle behaviours differed in the degree of variation over a 4-year period. Only a small group (11%) changed two or more lifestyle behaviours. This implies that lifestyle behaviour is not a unified concept and should not be treated in that way in public health campaigns.

Background: Although knowledge concerning the impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life has increased in recent years, relatively few studies have assessed the effect of a change in clinical severity on psychosocial state. Objective: Assessment of the effect of a change in clinical acne severity on psychosocial state. Methods: This was investigated by means of questionnaires and clinical assessements by acne patients and dermatologists. Fifty females with mild to moderate facial acne were seen before and after a 9-month treatment with oral contraceptives. Results: The results showed a great variability in psychosocial impairment between individuals. After 9 months, a significant reduction in clinical severity was seen overall which did not relate to the significant improvements in self-esteem, stability of self-esteem and acceptance of appearance. Conclusion: Perceived psychosocial impairment is individually based, is greater in women who subjectively overrate their acne and does not relate to clinical improvement.