Myra S Hunter

Publications (78) View all

• Article: The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ): The development, standardization and application of a measure of mid-aged women's emotional and physical health

  Myra Hunter
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  ABSTRACT: The development and standardization of the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) is described. The questionnaire is reliable and has reasonable concurrent validity. It is sensitive to detecting change; this has been evaluated in both hormone replacement therapy studies and studies of non medical treatments. The WHQ is currently being used in a wide range of studies in Europe and North America. It is available in several European languages. Current applications include the evaluation of a health education intervention, evaluation of prospective hormone replacement therapy trials and a psychometric and cultural comparison of responses to the WHQ in several European countries.
  Quality of Life Research 04/2012; 9:733-738. · 2.30 Impact Factor
• Article: Cardiac syndrome X: a reassuring diagnosis?

  Myra S Hunter
  Menopause (New York, N.Y.) 11/2008; 16(1):13-4. · 3.08 Impact Factor
• Article: An audit of pregnant women with severe mental illness referred during the first 2 years of a new perinatal mental health service.

  Lucinda Green, Sandra Elliott, Lubna Anwar, Elizabeth Best, Manu Tero, Anindita Sarkar, Mary Ross-Davie, Andrew Hodgkiss, Myra Hunter, Anne Boocock
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  ABSTRACT: The importance of identifying pregnant women at high risk of postpartum psychotic illness has been highlighted by recent enquiries and guidelines. It has been recommended that these women are referred to perinatal mental health services, and that individualised care plans are made prior to delivery. This audit describes a cohort of 45 women, referred to a new perinatal mental health service, with a history of psychotic illness or at risk of developing a postpartum psychotic episode. It describes the characteristics of this group, and the outcomes in terms of relapse and whether their children remained in their care. Thirty-nine women (87%) were seen for assessment. Sixty-seven per cent were under the care of a community mental health team. Twenty-one (53.8%) were well at the time of referral. Planned pregnancies were uncommon (15%). All women seen antenatally had care plans written to address the high risk of postpartum relapse. Ten (26%) women had psychiatric admissions during pregnancy. Fifteen (38%) relapsed or had admissions during the first postpartum year. At 1 year postpartum, 74% women had care of their children; 18% children had been adopted or were in foster care; and the outcome was unknown for 8%.
  Archives of Women s Mental Health 07/2008; 11(2):149-58. · 2.06 Impact Factor
• Chapter: Psychological Aspects of Fertility, Reproduction and Menopause

  Anne Walker, Myra Hunter
  02/2008: pages 253 - 267; , ISBN: 9780470760109
• Article: How do women experience myocardial infarction? A qualitative exploration of illness perceptions, adjustment and coping.

  Joanna White, Myra Hunter, Sue Holttum
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  ABSTRACT: While UK Department of Health policy recognizes the importance of secondary prevention and rehabilitation following a cardiac event, there still appears a dearth of research addressing women's needs. This study aimed to explore adjustment in terms of women's perception of their cardiac event, impact on relationships and coping strategies employed. Five women suffering first time MI were interviewed, using a semi-structured format and were telephoned 2 months later. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Perceptions included: Making Sense of the Event, Cognitive and Emotional Responses and Self-beliefs. Relationships issues were: Others' Reactions and Change in Relationships and Roles. Cognitive and Behavioural strategies and Support from others (including cardiac rehabilitation) formed coping strategies. For most participants, the event was unexpected evoking uncertainty and later, emotions extending beyond the more widely accepted depression and anxiety. Women tended to minimize severity of symptoms and impact of event (perhaps as a way of coping and protecting others), displaying a strong sense of optimism and hope that life would soon return to "normal". However, it appeared this was difficult to maintain and the experience seemed to challenge relationships and roles. The findings suggest recommendations for further research with possible implications for clinical practice.
  Psychology Health and Medicine 06/2007; 12(3):278-88. · 1.18 Impact Factor