Health Status,Living Arrangements,and Service Use at 100: Findings From the Oporto Centenarian Study

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and service use of centenarians living in the community and centenarians residing in an elder care facility/nursing home and examines their main differences. Participants were 140 centenarians from the population-based Oporto Centenarian Study (M_age = 101.2; SD = 1.6). Main findings revealed that the majority of the centenarians lived at home with their family members (57.9%). Increased health care needs, living alone, and family caregiving constraints were the most common reasons for entering a nursing home. Community-dwelling centenarians were cared for mostly by their children and were less dependent and in better cognitive health than those who resided in a nursing home. Differences were found in the pattern of health service use according to the centenarians’ residence, ability to pay medical expenses, and dependency level. Findings highlight the need for an accurate assessment of caregiving support systems, particularly family intergenerational duties, and of the factors constraining the access and use of health and social services. Policy makers may be guided by the insights gained from this research and work toward improvement of support options and removal of barriers to service access.     

Seventy-Five Years Old and Still Going Strong: Stability and Change in Sexual Interest and Sexual Enjoyment in Elderly Men and Women Across Europe

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to test a conceptual model of retrospectively assessed change in sexual interest and sexual enjoyment in the past 10 years among coupled older adults in Norway, Denmark, Belgium and Portugal. To which degree do structural influences, personal characteristics, and interpersonal factors predict the dynamics of sexual interest and enjoyment in partnered persons? Methods: Data were collected as a cross-sectional postal survey, with national probability-based samples of the population aged 60-75 years recruited by phone registers in Norway (676 men and 594 women), Denmark (530 men and 515 women), Belgium ( 318 men and 672 women), and Portugal (236 men and 273 women). Results: Across countries, personal characteristics—primarily general health status—were the most important predictors of change in sexual interest and sexual enjoyment in men. Change in sexual interest and enjoyment among women (except for Portuguese women) was best predicted by interpersonal factors. Conclusions: Good health, an active sex life throughout the lifespan, direction of relationship, and feeling emotionally close to partner during sex are important factors in maintaining sexual interest and enjoyment among partnered older adults in Europe.     

Older Adults' Perceptions of Well-Being after Intergenerational Experiences with Youth

Abstract

Drawing upon Ryff's (1995) positive dimensions of well-being in older adulthood, thisstudy investigated older adults' perceptions of well-being following participation in anintergenerational program. Specifically, we examined the relationship between age, years of volunteer service, and sense of well-being among older adults (n= 46; 55 to 100 years of age) participating in intergenerational programs at 10 sites in Midwestern, agriculturally based communities. Using a mixedmethods design, results revealed that olderadults perceive a heightened sense of well-being from intergenerational interactions wit youth. Older adults reported successful aging included staying active, not worrying aboutone's problems, feeling young, and keeping up with the children and community. Adults aged 74-85 experienced significantly greater satisfaction and enjoyment than their older counterparts, particularly in anticipating working with youth and positive self-perception. No relationship emerged between years of involvement in the program and well-being. Implications for research and program development are discussed.     

Cultural,individual, and familial risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms in Pacific youth living in New Zealand

ABSTRACT

This article examines cultural, individual, and familial risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms in Pacific youth living in New Zealand. At ages 11 (n = 950) and 14 (n = 931), Pacific youth participated in multidisciplinary interviews that included the Children’s Depression Inventory. Across time points, factors significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms were involvement in bullying and gang activities. Positive parenting was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms, and Tongan youth were significantly less likely to report depressive symptoms than Samoan youth. Time-varying factors were gender, problem behaviour syndromes, and maternal education. Gaining more knowledge about modifiable risk and protective factors that contribute to depression in Pacific youth is an important tool to support new approaches that promote adaptive psychological adjustment during adolescence.     

Correlates of African American female adolescent offenders 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “Ecstasy”) use and sexually transmitted infection morbidity

Abstract

The current study was designed to determine the extent to which self-reported ecstasy use in a population of juvenile adolescent detainees in a southern state is associated with high-risk health behaviors pertaining to sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptomology and past history of STI occurrence. Participants were 764 African American females extracted from an overall sample of 2,260 juvenile offenders housed at selected Youth Development Campuses in the state of Georgia. Significance tests were conducted using univariate logistic regressions to examine the independent associations of participant’s self-reported ecstasy use and dichotomized HIV risk behavior correlates and history of having a prior STI before the most recent incarceration Participants who reported ecstasy use prior to incarceration were 1.7 (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.78–3.64) and 1.8 times (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.24–2.81) more likely respectively to indicate having had genital warts or chlamydia, and were more than 1.5 times (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 0.83–5.44) and two times more likely to report having had gonorrhea or herpes, accordingly. Prevention programs for adolescent offender populations should develop interventions that target adolescents’ substance use behavior as a function of STI risk taking as well as being culturally competent to deal specifically with these problem behaviors.     

Family-of-origin and service-member resilience

ABSTRACT

Military research on family resilience has not examined the contribution of family-of-origin to resilience of service-members. In this study, researchers investigated the extent to which predeployed service-members’ perception of resilience was related to characteristics of family-of-origin. The sample consisted of 344 U.S. Army soldiers within 6 months of deployment to Afghanistan, contacted through their units and invited to participate. Soldiers completed a survey of perceived resilience, family-of-origin and immediate family variables, and social support. Data were also collected on age, income, ethnicity, number of deployments, and relationship status. Regression analyses were conducted to explain variation in service-member resilience scores. Sample demographics were compared with the active duty soldier population and correlations among the key family-of-origin and social support variables were reported. Family-of-origin satisfaction was moderately related to service-member resilience for the full sample (β = .176, p = .001) and married sample (β = .260, p = .000). It was weakly related in the unmarried sample (β = .147, p = .226). Family social support explained the most variation in resilience across all samples. Study limitations and guidelines and resources for social work practice, education, and research to strengthen family-of-origin and service-member resilience are provided.     

Development,Implementation, and Evaluation of a Comprehensive Course on Suicide in a Master’s of Social Work Program

ABSTRACT

Most master of social work (MSW) programs provide minimal education or training on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention despite that the majority of social workers encounter suicidal clients during their professional careers. This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a course on suicide in an MSW program. Changes in student suicide-related knowledge, confidence, and preparedness were evaluated using a pre/post design. We found statistically significant increases in knowledge (t [df = 21] = 4.79; p < .001), confidence (t [df = 17] = 8.55; p < .001), and preparedness (t [df = 20] = 7.28; p < .001) from pretest to posttest. Knowledge, confidence, and preparedness were significantly positively correlated, indicating that confidence and preparedness did not increase without a corresponding increase in knowledge. Given the prevalence of suicide and the frequency with which social workers serve populations affected by suicide, it is critical that MSW programs provide effective training on understanding suicide.     

Measuring warmth and competence at inter-group,interpersonal and individual levels / Medición de la cordialidad y la competencia en los niveles intergrupal,interindividual e individual

Abstract

Warmth and competence are universal dimensions of social perception that articulate the perception of other individuals and social groups. However, there are no scales that have systematically been used in psychosocial research. The purpose of this study is to construct two scales, one on warmth and another on competence, which could be used at the inter-group, interpersonal and individual levels. To accomplish this, we performed two studies. In Study I (N = 578 students and N = 540 general population), we tested the scales at the intergroup level (immigrant groups and Spaniards), the interpersonal level (people close to the participants) and the individual level (the participants themselves). In Study 2 (N = 184 students), the two scales were tested at an interpersonal level by evaluating 16 public figures. The results of both studies show that both the warmth scale (kind, pleasant, friendly, warm) and the competence scale (competent, effective, skilled, intelligent) achieved a high degree of reliability when reflecting the perception of groups, individuals and oneself.     

The State of Our Art

Abstract

In the second part of this two-part paper, the author examines intergenerational program research and evaluation based on a framework derived from a collaborative UNESCO (2000)-sponsored review of the intergenerational program field. In Part One, which appeared in the previous issue, conceptual foundations for intergenerational programming were considered, taking into account theories that focus on individuals and groups within interactive contexts, those that focus primarily on individual development, and conceptually based program evaluations. In Part Two, effects of intergenerational program participation are described, with emphasis on program activities and various program contexts. Challenges and questions emerging from the literature are presented, identifying the need for a greater use of theory in research, more cross-cultural research, expanded outcomes, and solutions to some of the methodological challenges in intergenerational program research and evaluation.     

Perceptions of Abusive Parenting Behaviors: A Preliminary Exploration Into the Underrecognition of Mother–Daughter Sexual Abuse

ABSTRACT

The current study examined the influence of the sex of the parent and the sex of the child on perceptions of sexually abusive behaviors. Vignettes illustrating different forms of sexual abuse were rated by 124 participants, with the different parent–child pairs (mother–daughter, mother–son, father–daughter, father–son) substituted into the vignettes being the only difference between groups. Two-way between subjects ANOVAs revealed that sexually abusive behaviors by mothers were perceived as less damaging to child victims (F (1, 120 = 7.56, p < .01) than the same sexually abusive behaviors committed by fathers. In addition, sexually abusive behaviors by mothers toward daughters were perceived as the least abusive (F (1, 120 = 16.30, p < .001) and the least criminal (F (1, 120 = 4.44, p < .05) as compared to the other three groups. Results suggest that perceptions of sexual abuse may be influenced by perceptions of sex and gender.     

Psychological profile of adolescent cyberbullying aggressors / Perfil psicosocial de adolescentes agresores de cyberbullying

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse adolescent cyberbullying aggressors’ psychosocial profiles, taking into account the psychosocial adjustment indicators of life satisfaction, non-conforming reputation, antisocial behaviours at school and antisocial behaviours in the community. The sample was made up of 877 Spanish students (48.6% boys and 51.4% girls) aged 11 to 17 (M = 13.8, SD = 1.4). Three groups of adolescents were distinguished: severe cyberbullies, occasional cyberbullies and non-aggressor adolescents. Analysis of covariance results indicated differences between the two cyberbullying groups and non-aggressor adolescents. The severe cyberbullies, followed by occasional cyberbullies, showed the least adaptive psychosocial profiles, while non-aggressor adolescents obtained the most adaptive profiles. We also discuss the practical implications of these results.     

Evaluating the Impact of Intergenerational Activities on Elders' Engagement and Expressiveness Levels in Two Settings

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of intergenerational activities on elders' engagement and expressiveness levels in two settings. Study 1 was conducted with 22 well elders at a senior center and approximately 15 children from a nearby grade school. Data were collected using a momentary time sampling procedure, and inter-observer reliability averaged 88% (ranging from 78% to 97%). Elders were significantly more engaged (t(85) = 4.60, p > .001) and expressive (t(85) = 5.55, p > .001) in the treatment condition than the control condition. Study 2 was conducted with 25 older adults diagnosed with dementia, living in a special care unit. Twenty-eight second-graders were in the experimental group and 32 second-graders were in the comparison group. A momentary time sampling procedure was used to observe engagement, expressiveness, and inappropriate behavior levels. Inter-observer agreement averaged 94% (ranged from 85% to 100%). Elders were significantly more engaged in the structured activities with children than the structured activities without children, and significantly more engaged in structured activities without children than the no-activity condition, F(l) = 60.1; p > .01. Elders were also significantly more expressive in structured activities with children than the structured activities without children, and significantly more expressive in the structured activities without children than the no-activity condition, F(1) =26.5; p = 01. Further, there was no significant increase in inappropriate behaviors between any condition, F(1) =.322; p = .57. The analysis of variance regarding children's attitudes towards the elderly showed no significant differences whether they did or did not participate in the intergen-erational activities (F3.5, p < .05), with both groups maintaining positive attitudes of elders. These results reflect the importance of offering intergenerational activities to well and institutionalized elders as well as to children.     

Transurethral resection of the prostate achieves favorable outcomes in stroke patients with symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia

Objectives: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of stroke patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and compare the clinical outcomes between patients with stroke and those without stroke receiving this procedure.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data collected during the period of 1997–2012 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 6625 patients who had persistent lower urinary tract symptoms and underwent TURP for BPH. They were categorized into a stroke (n?=?577) and nonstroke (n?=?6048) group. Patient characteristics, postoperative clinical outcomes, medication records, and medical expenses were compared.

Results: Compared with the stroke group patients, those in the nonstroke group were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and more favorable postoperative clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, TURP achieved favorable outcomes in stroke patients with symptomatic BPH. In the stroke group, the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) decreased from 34.7% during 1 year preoperatively to 29.8% during 1 year postoperatively (p?=?.05). The rate of urinary retention (UR) also decreased from 55.5% during 1 year preoperatively to 22.5% during 1 year postoperatively (p?=?.05). TURP reduced the overall medical expenses of patients with stroke. Annual patient medical expense during 1 year preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, 2 years postoperatively, and 3 years postoperatively was NT$659,000, NT$646,000, NT$560,000, and NT$599,000, respectively.

Conclusions: In patients with stroke, TURP reduces the risks of UTI and UR and annual total medical expense.     

Validation of the Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire in low-income,African American women

ABSTRACT

This study applied a previously developed Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire to low-income, African American women. The 33-question survey was administered to 95 African American women between 4- and 8-weeks postpartum. The survey was readministered 2 weeks later. All women were of low socioeconomic status based on their qualification for public insurance. The questionnaire addresses subscales of partner, parent, in-law, and other friend/relative support. Responses were used to evaluate internal reliability of each subscale, test–retest correlation, and factor loading. Results were compared between women with and without a positive postpartum depression screen. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each subscale ranged from .90 to .96. Test-retest correlation coefficients ranged from .72 to .87. Exploratory factor analysis with orthogonal varimax rotation was consistent with previously studied samples. Those women with positive postpartum depression screens had significantly lower social support scores (M = 122, SD = 36) than women with negative postpartum depression screens (M = 149, SD = 38), t(79) = ?2.62, p = .01. The Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire is a useful assessment in low-income, African American mothers.     

Effects of testosterone replacement therapy on hypogonadal men with osteopenia or osteoporosis: a subanalysis of a prospective randomized controlled study in Japan (EARTH study)

Objective: We investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Methods: From our previous EARTH study population, 74 patients with a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis and hypogonadism were included in this study, as the TRT (n?=?35) and control (n?=?34) groups. The TRT group was administered 250?mg of testosterone enanthate injection every 4 weeks for 12 months. The BMD, waist circumference, body mass index, body fat percentage, and muscle volume were measured at baseline and at 12 months. Blood biochemical data, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and adiponectin values were also evaluated.

Results: At the 12-month visit, BMD significantly increased in both groups. However, comparisons on changes of parameter values from baseline to the 12-month visit between the TRT and control groups were significantly different in BMD (5.0?±?5.0 vs. 3.0?±?3.2; p?=?.0434) and in adiponectin value (?0.90?±?3.33 vs. 0.10?±?2.04; p?=?.0192). There were no significant changes in other parameters.

Conclusions: TRT for 12 months could improve BMD with a decrease in adiponectin levels among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.     

Intergenerational continuity in parenting: a review and theoretical integration

Abstract

Objective: This review evaluates literature on how parenting behaviors are passed from one generation to the next in families by providing a new definitional framework to organize existing work, utilizing this framework to review literature on intergenerational continuity in parenting behaviors, and proposing a new developmental framework for understanding the etiology of intergenerational continuity in parenting behaviors.

Design: The present review examines 31 studies of intergenerational continuity in parenting, summarizes the findings offered by these studies, and integrates this existing literature in a theoretical framework for considering the etiology of intergenerational continuity in parenting behaviors.

Results: Results indicate that parental warmth, hostility, and behavioral control each demonstrate intergenerational continuity, and that internalizing and externalizing behavior serve as potential mediators of intergenerational continuity across all three types of parenting behaviors.

Conclusions: Parenting behaviors falling in the warmth, hostility, and behavioral control domains each demonstrate modest continuity across generations. Internalizing and externalizing behaviors developed by children in response to parenting in their family of origin may persist and cause similar patterns of parenting when these children grow up and start their own families. Partner psychopathology and parenting styles may moderate these externalizing and internalizing pathways to intergenerational continuity in parenting.     

The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse and neglect in Iran.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO by the end of 2017. The prevalence was calculated based on the percentage or the amount reported in the studies. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I² statistic, and the data were combined using random effects model. The results were reported as the pooled estimates and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017070744).

Results: A total of 16 studies involving 6,461 participants aged 60 years and over were included. The pooled prevalence for overall elder abuse was 45.7% (95% CI: 27.3–64.1, p < .001).

Discussion: The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect is substantial in the Iranian population aged 60 years and over. More research is needed to investigate the actual prevalence of elder abuse at the national level.     

An approach of the moral disengagement through the moral content judgment

ABSTRACT

The goal of the present study was the best understanding of the development of mechanisms of moral disengagement. Participants were 281 athletes (males, n = 133, and females, n = 148) all involved in competitive sport (teams and individuals). Their ages ranged from 13 to 23 years (M = 15.01, SD = 2.29), while their experience ranged from 1 to15 years (M = 5.42, SD = 3.13). The participants filled out two questionnaires: the Moral Disengagement in Sport Scale (MDSS) and the Moral Content Judgment in Sport Questionnaire (MCJSQ). Results revealed significant differences in gender and a negative correlation between the three mechanisms of moral disengagement (advantageous comparison, non-responsibility, and attribution of blame) with age. Findings also revealed that the mechanisms of moral disengagement relationship with elements of moral content judgment was positive with egoistic utilitarianism/consequences and negative with fairness.     

College Health as a Partner in the Care of Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective: This study reviews an initiative to educate providers on pediatric cancer survivor care and to establish a cancer survivor registry in a college health center. Participants: Participants were University of Georgia (UGA) college health providers. Methods: Providers attended lectures on survivor care and were encouraged to register on Cancer SurvivorLink. Changes in provider familiarity and practice were measured using baseline and follow-up surveys. A survivor registry was created using health entrance forms and medical records abstraction. Results: Twenty-four providers registered on SurvivorLink, and 16 completed both surveys. Familiarity with survivor care (p = .003) and a survivor health care plan (p = .016) increased. Likelihood to deliver survivor care increased (p = .01). UGA follows 95 survivors; 71 diagnosed at < 21 years. Among survivors diagnosed at < 21 years, 91% reported their diagnosis on entrance forms. Conclusions: Through education and optimization of health informatics, college health centers can identify and provide survivor care to this medically vulnerable population.     

Some Epidemiological Characteristics of Perpetrators and Victims of Incest in Contemporary Ghana: Analysis of Media Reports

ABSTRACT

In Ghana, incest is considered sinful, taboo, and illegal. However, recent media reports show that incest has become a daily reality in Ghana. This study is a situational analysis of the pattern of incest in Ghana as reported in the media from January 2008 through July 2015. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 48 incest news reports in Ghana. The findings showed that father–daughter incest was most frequent across the study period. Forty-seven females aged 3 to 25 years and a male aged 3 years were identified as victims. Generally, the incest lasted between 1 day and 13 years before disclosure. Perpetrators employed psychological and/or physical methods to coerce their victims. Marital difficulties, diabolical control, and seduction by victim featured prominently as alleged motives behind the abuse. The study observes that the recent increase in father–daughter incest warrants an immediate shift of research attention onto men’s mental health in Ghana.