Kavita Vedhara
Biographic Data
| ID | 1559245 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Kavita Vedhara |
| GIVEN NAMES | Kavita |
| FAMILY NAME | Vedhara |
| SIGNATURE | VEDHARA K |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Nottingham |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9940-7534 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 25 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 5 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 25 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1995 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Experiences of living with, managing, and preventing reoccurrence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetes is a major global health concern, with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) presenting a common complication. Interest is growing in people’s lived experiences of DFUs, including their management and prevention. Typically, research has highlighted the disruptive and extended impact of DFUs, and has focused on the role of intrinsic, individual factors (e.g. knowledge, physical capabilities and personal choices) in their development and management.…
The Reduce Intervention
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect approximately one-quarter of people living with diabetes. They are chronic, recur frequently and are associated with significant psychological distress and behavioural challenges. The REDUCE intervention is a person-centred, cognitive behavioural intervention designed to reduce the risk of DFU recurrence and support ulcer healing. Here, we describe the iterative development and optimisation of REDU…
Development of a Motivation Communication Training to Aid Diabetes-Specialist Podiatrists With Adherence Discussions
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) impact a substantial proportion of patients with diabetes, with high recurrence rates, severe complications, and significant financial burden to health care systems. Adherence to treatment advice (e.g., limiting weight-bearing activity) is low with patients reporting dissatisfaction with the way in which advice is communicated. This study aimed to address this problem via the systematic development of a motivation comm…
Psychology Meets Biology in Covid-19
Psychosocial factors are related to immune, viral, and vaccination outcomes. Yet, this knowledge has been poorly represented in public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of biopsychosocial links relevant to COVID-19 outcomes by describing seminal evidence about these associations known prepandemic as well as contemporary research conducted during the pandemic. This focuses on the negative impact of t…
Exploring the Psychological Impacts of Covid-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students
The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( n = …
Stress and Health
The cumulative science linking stress to negative health outcomes is vast. Stress can affect health directly, through autonomic and neuroendocrine responses, but also indirectly, through changes in health behaviors. In this review, we present a brief overview of ( a) why we should be interested in stress in the context of health; ( b) the stress response and allostatic load; ( c) some of the key biological mechanisms through which stress impacts …
Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Self-Isolation on Students and Staff in Higher Education
This qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 self-isolation and social restriction measures on university students, through the perspectives of both students and the staff supporting them. The study comprised 11 focus groups (students) and 26 individual interviews (staff) at a higher education institution in England during a period of national lockdown (January-March 2021). Participants were university students ( n = 52) with self-isola…
Students’ Views towards Sars-Cov-2 Mass Asymptomatic Testing, Social Distancing and Self-Isolation in a University Setting during the Covid-19 Pandemic
We aimed to explore university students' perceptions and experiences of SARS-CoV-2 mass asymptomatic testing, social distancing and self-isolation, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study comprised of four rapid online focus groups conducted at a higher education institution in England, during high alert (tier 2) national COVID-19 restrictions. Participants were purposively sampled university students ( n = 25) representing a range o…
Effects of Brief Mood-Improving Interventions on Immunity
External Validation of the ‘PHYT in Dementia’, a Theoretical Model Promoting Physical Activity in People with Dementia
Physical activity is beneficial for people with dementia. We previously developed a theoretical model to explain behaviour change in physical activity in dementia (PHYT-in-dementia). This study aimed to externally validate the model. Validation occurred through the process evaluation of a programme promoting activity in people with dementia (PrAISED 2). Twenty participants with dementia and their carers were interviewed to investigate their exper…
Do individual versus illness belief schema differ in the prediction of post-stroke recovery
This longitudinal observational study examined how individual versus illness belief schema compare as predictors of post-stroke recovery. A total of 42 stroke survivors (mean age = 66.9 years/range = 29–96 years; 68% male) were involved. The primary outcome, Health-Related Quality of Life was measured using EQ-5D-5L, mood using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and disability using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Stroke Illness…
Evaluating a stroke-specific version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, using the Think-Aloud method
The main purpose was to evaluate, using the Think-Aloud method, a version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for stroke survivors. Six stroke survivors (mean age = 58.8 years, range = 31-78 years, standard deviation = 18.9 years) took part in Think-Aloud interviews, analysed according to established guidelines. Overall, 179 problems emerged. The most noteworthy was missing or insufficient Think-Aloud data generated, where participant…
Determinants of motivation to quit in smokers screened for the early detection of lung cancer
We observed complex and individualised motivations about smoking following lung cancer screening. To be most effective, smoking cessation support in this context should explore understanding of screening test results and may need to be highly tailored to individual emotional responses to screening
Stress, Illness Perceptions, Behaviors, and Healing in Venous Leg Ulcers
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of stress, illness perceptions, and behaviors on healing of venous leg ulcers. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 63 individuals for 24 weeks investigated possible psychosocial predictors of healing. There were two indices of healing: rate of change in ulcer area and number of weeks to heal. Psychological variables were assessed at baseline using self-report measures (Percei…
The effects of perceived stress on biological parameters in healthcare professionals
We synthesised evidence on biological correlates of psychological stress in hospital-based healthcare professionals, and examined whether there was evidence of consistent biological changes. Electronic databases were searched for empirical studies; 16 articles (0.6%) met the inclusion criteria. Evidence of a relationship between indices of psychological stress and biological parameters was limited and inconsistent. There was some evidence of a co…
Psychoneuroimmunology
‘What ever I do it’s a lost cause.’ The emotional and behavioural experiences of individuals who are ulcer free living with the threat of developing further diabetic foot ulcers
Objective Individuals who have had one diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are at high risk for developing further DFUs. This study was designed to examine the emotional and behavioural consequences of living with this heightened risk of re‐ulceration. Participants and setting Fifteen women and men living in south‐west England were interviewed at home or at the university by an academic psychologist. Design Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbat…
Effects of Massage on Antibody Responses After Hepatitis B Vaccination
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether participation in a 4-week massage intervention is associated with reduced distress and enhanced antibody responses after hepatitis B vaccine in students embarking on academic examinations. METHODS: Seventy medical student volunteers (36 women, 34 men) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. Baseline assessments were made of distress, health behaviors, and prevaccination ant…
Effects of Emotional Disclosure on Psychological and Physiological Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
The effects of an exploratory, home-based emotional disclosure intervention on psychological and physiological outcomes were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were randomly assigned to a disclosure group ( n = 19) in which they wrote/talked about traumatic personal experiences, or to a control group ( n = 15) in which they wrote/talked about the events of a particular day. Participants undertook these tasks for periods of 2…
Correlates and Predictors of Self-reported Psychological and Physical Morbidity in Chronic Caregiver Stress
An investigation was conducted to explore: (1) whether psychological and physical morbidity share similar psychosocial determinants; (2) the long-term stability of these determinants; and (3) the role of neuroticism in predicting psychological and physical morbidity. Fifty spousal caregivers of dementia patients were recruited into a 12-month study. Participants were followed up at six-monthly interva ls during which they completed scales measuri…
The Role of Stressors and Psychosocial Variables in the Stress Process
OBJECTIVE: An investigation was conducted 1) to examine the relative importance of stressor types (ie, daily hassles, caregiving-specific stressors, and life events) on the stress response, 2) to assess the stability of relationships between psychosocial variables and stress over a 6-month period, and 3) to explore how the nature and magnitude of the contributions made by stressors and psychosocial factors to the stress process varied according t…
Nature and consequences of stressful life events in homosexual HIV-positive men
A great deal of research has been conducted into the stressful experiences that befall HIV-infected individuals. In this review we have focused on the work that has been conducted with HIV-positive homosexual males and have examined issues concerning the measurement, nature and consequences of stressful life events. It is apparent that, in consort with most other life events research, the measurement of events in this patient group is affected by…
Disease Progression in HIV-Positive Women With Moderate to Severe Immunosuppression
Thirty-seven HIV-positive women were recruited in a 2-year prospective investigation into the role of depression in HIV disease progression. All participants had CD4+ cell counts of 200 or less at baseline and at least 3 CD4+ cell counts during follow-up. Participants were evaluated semiannually for CD4+ lymphocyte counts, B2Microglobulin (B2M), hemoglobin data, and new AIDS-defining illnesses. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scal…
The role of disclosure in coping with HIV infection
A qualitative investigation was conducted to explore the role of disclosure in HIV infection. Forty homosexual and bisexual men completed a short demographic questionnaire and participated in a one-to-one, semi-structured interview. The interview was designed to address a variety of personal, interpersonal and organizational issues related to their HIV status and participants were invited to talk about their personal experiences from immediately …
The measurement and significance of stressful life events in a cohort of homosexual HIV positive men
Psychosocial HIV research has contributed greatly to our understanding of the psychosocial impact of the infection. However, assessments of stressful life events in homosexual HIV positive men have been made in the absence of a measurement tool specific to this patient group. This paper presents details of the construction and preliminary validation of such a measure. The inventory, based on the Gay Affect and Life Events Scale (Rosser & Ross, 19…
Effects of Emotional Disclosure on Psychological and Physiological Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
The effects of an exploratory, home-based emotional disclosure intervention on psychological and physiological outcomes were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were randomly assigned to a disclosure group ( n = 19) in which they wrote/talked about traumatic personal experiences, or to a control group ( n = 15) in which they wrote/talked about the events of a particular day. Participants undertook these tasks for periods of 2…
Do individual versus illness belief schema differ in the prediction of post-stroke recovery
This longitudinal observational study examined how individual versus illness belief schema compare as predictors of post-stroke recovery. A total of 42 stroke survivors (mean age = 66.9 years/range = 29–96 years; 68% male) were involved. The primary outcome, Health-Related Quality of Life was measured using EQ-5D-5L, mood using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and disability using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Stroke Illness…
Evaluating a stroke-specific version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, using the Think-Aloud method
The main purpose was to evaluate, using the Think-Aloud method, a version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for stroke survivors. Six stroke survivors (mean age = 58.8 years, range = 31-78 years, standard deviation = 18.9 years) took part in Think-Aloud interviews, analysed according to established guidelines. Overall, 179 problems emerged. The most noteworthy was missing or insufficient Think-Aloud data generated, where participant…
The measurement and significance of stressful life events in a cohort of homosexual HIV positive men
Psychosocial HIV research has contributed greatly to our understanding of the psychosocial impact of the infection. However, assessments of stressful life events in homosexual HIV positive men have been made in the absence of a measurement tool specific to this patient group. This paper presents details of the construction and preliminary validation of such a measure. The inventory, based on the Gay Affect and Life Events Scale (Rosser & Ross, 19…
The role of disclosure in coping with HIV infection
A qualitative investigation was conducted to explore the role of disclosure in HIV infection. Forty homosexual and bisexual men completed a short demographic questionnaire and participated in a one-to-one, semi-structured interview. The interview was designed to address a variety of personal, interpersonal and organizational issues related to their HIV status and participants were invited to talk about their personal experiences from immediately …
Nature and consequences of stressful life events in homosexual HIV-positive men
A great deal of research has been conducted into the stressful experiences that befall HIV-infected individuals. In this review we have focused on the work that has been conducted with HIV-positive homosexual males and have examined issues concerning the measurement, nature and consequences of stressful life events. It is apparent that, in consort with most other life events research, the measurement of events in this patient group is affected by…
Disease Progression in HIV-Positive Women With Moderate to Severe Immunosuppression
Thirty-seven HIV-positive women were recruited in a 2-year prospective investigation into the role of depression in HIV disease progression. All participants had CD4+ cell counts of 200 or less at baseline and at least 3 CD4+ cell counts during follow-up. Participants were evaluated semiannually for CD4+ lymphocyte counts, B2Microglobulin (B2M), hemoglobin data, and new AIDS-defining illnesses. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scal…
The Role of Stressors and Psychosocial Variables in the Stress Process
OBJECTIVE: An investigation was conducted 1) to examine the relative importance of stressor types (ie, daily hassles, caregiving-specific stressors, and life events) on the stress response, 2) to assess the stability of relationships between psychosocial variables and stress over a 6-month period, and 3) to explore how the nature and magnitude of the contributions made by stressors and psychosocial factors to the stress process varied according t…
Correlates and Predictors of Self-reported Psychological and Physical Morbidity in Chronic Caregiver Stress
An investigation was conducted to explore: (1) whether psychological and physical morbidity share similar psychosocial determinants; (2) the long-term stability of these determinants; and (3) the role of neuroticism in predicting psychological and physical morbidity. Fifty spousal caregivers of dementia patients were recruited into a 12-month study. Participants were followed up at six-monthly interva ls during which they completed scales measuri…
Effects of Emotional Disclosure on Psychological and Physiological Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
The effects of an exploratory, home-based emotional disclosure intervention on psychological and physiological outcomes were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were randomly assigned to a disclosure group ( n = 19) in which they wrote/talked about traumatic personal experiences, or to a control group ( n = 15) in which they wrote/talked about the events of a particular day. Participants undertook these tasks for periods of 2…
Effects of Massage on Antibody Responses After Hepatitis B Vaccination
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether participation in a 4-week massage intervention is associated with reduced distress and enhanced antibody responses after hepatitis B vaccine in students embarking on academic examinations. METHODS: Seventy medical student volunteers (36 women, 34 men) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. Baseline assessments were made of distress, health behaviors, and prevaccination ant…
‘What ever I do it’s a lost cause.’ The emotional and behavioural experiences of individuals who are ulcer free living with the threat of developing further diabetic foot ulcers
Objective Individuals who have had one diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are at high risk for developing further DFUs. This study was designed to examine the emotional and behavioural consequences of living with this heightened risk of re‐ulceration. Participants and setting Fifteen women and men living in south‐west England were interviewed at home or at the university by an academic psychologist. Design Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbat…
Psychoneuroimmunology
The effects of perceived stress on biological parameters in healthcare professionals
We synthesised evidence on biological correlates of psychological stress in hospital-based healthcare professionals, and examined whether there was evidence of consistent biological changes. Electronic databases were searched for empirical studies; 16 articles (0.6%) met the inclusion criteria. Evidence of a relationship between indices of psychological stress and biological parameters was limited and inconsistent. There was some evidence of a co…
Stress, Illness Perceptions, Behaviors, and Healing in Venous Leg Ulcers
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of stress, illness perceptions, and behaviors on healing of venous leg ulcers. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 63 individuals for 24 weeks investigated possible psychosocial predictors of healing. There were two indices of healing: rate of change in ulcer area and number of weeks to heal. Psychological variables were assessed at baseline using self-report measures (Percei…
Determinants of motivation to quit in smokers screened for the early detection of lung cancer
We observed complex and individualised motivations about smoking following lung cancer screening. To be most effective, smoking cessation support in this context should explore understanding of screening test results and may need to be highly tailored to individual emotional responses to screening
Effects of Brief Mood-Improving Interventions on Immunity
External Validation of the ‘PHYT in Dementia’, a Theoretical Model Promoting Physical Activity in People with Dementia
Physical activity is beneficial for people with dementia. We previously developed a theoretical model to explain behaviour change in physical activity in dementia (PHYT-in-dementia). This study aimed to externally validate the model. Validation occurred through the process evaluation of a programme promoting activity in people with dementia (PrAISED 2). Twenty participants with dementia and their carers were interviewed to investigate their exper…
Do individual versus illness belief schema differ in the prediction of post-stroke recovery
This longitudinal observational study examined how individual versus illness belief schema compare as predictors of post-stroke recovery. A total of 42 stroke survivors (mean age = 66.9 years/range = 29–96 years; 68% male) were involved. The primary outcome, Health-Related Quality of Life was measured using EQ-5D-5L, mood using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and disability using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Stroke Illness…
Evaluating a stroke-specific version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, using the Think-Aloud method
The main purpose was to evaluate, using the Think-Aloud method, a version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for stroke survivors. Six stroke survivors (mean age = 58.8 years, range = 31-78 years, standard deviation = 18.9 years) took part in Think-Aloud interviews, analysed according to established guidelines. Overall, 179 problems emerged. The most noteworthy was missing or insufficient Think-Aloud data generated, where participant…
Stress and Health
The cumulative science linking stress to negative health outcomes is vast. Stress can affect health directly, through autonomic and neuroendocrine responses, but also indirectly, through changes in health behaviors. In this review, we present a brief overview of ( a) why we should be interested in stress in the context of health; ( b) the stress response and allostatic load; ( c) some of the key biological mechanisms through which stress impacts …
Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Self-Isolation on Students and Staff in Higher Education
This qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 self-isolation and social restriction measures on university students, through the perspectives of both students and the staff supporting them. The study comprised 11 focus groups (students) and 26 individual interviews (staff) at a higher education institution in England during a period of national lockdown (January-March 2021). Participants were university students ( n = 52) with self-isola…
Students’ Views towards Sars-Cov-2 Mass Asymptomatic Testing, Social Distancing and Self-Isolation in a University Setting during the Covid-19 Pandemic
We aimed to explore university students' perceptions and experiences of SARS-CoV-2 mass asymptomatic testing, social distancing and self-isolation, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study comprised of four rapid online focus groups conducted at a higher education institution in England, during high alert (tier 2) national COVID-19 restrictions. Participants were purposively sampled university students ( n = 25) representing a range o…
Exploring the Psychological Impacts of Covid-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students
The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( n = …
Psychology Meets Biology in Covid-19
Psychosocial factors are related to immune, viral, and vaccination outcomes. Yet, this knowledge has been poorly represented in public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of biopsychosocial links relevant to COVID-19 outcomes by describing seminal evidence about these associations known prepandemic as well as contemporary research conducted during the pandemic. This focuses on the negative impact of t…
Development of a Motivation Communication Training to Aid Diabetes-Specialist Podiatrists With Adherence Discussions
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) impact a substantial proportion of patients with diabetes, with high recurrence rates, severe complications, and significant financial burden to health care systems. Adherence to treatment advice (e.g., limiting weight-bearing activity) is low with patients reporting dissatisfaction with the way in which advice is communicated. This study aimed to address this problem via the systematic development of a motivation comm…
The Reduce Intervention
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect approximately one-quarter of people living with diabetes. They are chronic, recur frequently and are associated with significant psychological distress and behavioural challenges. The REDUCE intervention is a person-centred, cognitive behavioural intervention designed to reduce the risk of DFU recurrence and support ulcer healing. Here, we describe the iterative development and optimisation of REDU…
Experiences of living with, managing, and preventing reoccurrence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetes is a major global health concern, with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) presenting a common complication. Interest is growing in people’s lived experiences of DFUs, including their management and prevention. Typically, research has highlighted the disruptive and extended impact of DFUs, and has focused on the role of intrinsic, individual factors (e.g. knowledge, physical capabilities and personal choices) in their development and management.…
Medicine (19 works) · Psychology (18 works) · Psychiatry (14 works) · Internal Medicine (8 works) · Qualitative research (8 works) · Anxiety (7 works) · Clinical Psychology (7 works) · Clinical Psychology (6 works) · Disease (6 works) · Psychosocial (5 works)