Alzheimer's Disease and Older Women

The graying of America suggests that dementia will become "the epidemic of the 21st century." First described in 1907, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) accounts for an estimated two-thirds of all dementia. AD currently has no cure, thus causing a major drain on health care and family resources. Compared to men, women are uniquely affected by AD due to their gender-associated increased risk, longer life span, and roles as caregivers within families and institutions. Living successfully with dementia requires medical and behavioral interventions to manage disruptive symptoms, knowledge to optimize environmental conditions, and caregiver support and savvy to avoid burnout. Strategies for maximizing functioning in older women living with AD are provided.     

Reducing midwife burnout at organisational level — Midwives need time,space and a positive work-place culture

BackgroundMaternity care organisations have a responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of their staff. Rates of burnout are high in midwifery compared to other professionals. Therefore, exploring how it can be reduced is imperative.AimTo explore with midwives the contributors to burnout and how best to reduce burnout in a maternity hospital in Ireland.MethodsA Participatory Action Research study involving Co-operative Inquiry meetings (n = 5) with practising midwives (n = 21) between October 2018 and March 2019, in a large, urban teaching maternity hospital in Ireland. The transcribed data were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis.FindingsSeveral recommendations were made for maternity organisations, to reduce or prevent burnout. These include improving workplace culture, increasing support and acknowledgement, offering time and space for debriefing and reflection and regular rotation of staff. Consistent staff shortages are, however, a barrier to adhering to these recommendations.ConclusionThis study is the first of its kind to offer an in-depth exploration with midwives into the main contributors of burnout and what can be done at an organisational level to reduce burnout among midwives. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of working relationships. Additionally, owing to the nature of midwifery practice, time and space need to be created for midwives to debrief and reflect. However, there is an urgent need for healthcare systems to combat staffing shortages in order for these strategies to be successful.     

创建和谐家庭,营造和谐社会

和谐家庭,对个人和社会的健康发展具有重要作用。改革开放以来,由于我国经济结构的转型和中西文化的交流、碰撞和融合,我国的家庭观念、家庭结构、家庭功能等发生了重大变化,家庭问题也日益突出,对家庭的健康发展和社会的和谐产生了重要影响,因而认真对待我国家庭存在的问题,重塑现代人和谐幸福的家庭生活是非常必要的。     

An Exploration of the Burnout Situation on Teachers in Two Schools in Macau

To explore the burnout situation of teachers in two schools in Macau and to investigate any differences made of demographic characteristics. The relation of burnout on social problem solving and holistic health of teachers is also studied. A self reported questionnaire with the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (C-MBI), Chinese Social Problem Solving Inventory (C-SPSI) and the Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being Inventory (BMSWBI) were used. Totally 138 teachers participated in the study. With Hong Kong data as a reference, Macau teachers scored in the average range of burnout in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but scored in the low range of burnout in personal accomplishment. Significance differences were found in some dimensions of burnout in age, marital status, teaching experiences, education background and satisfaction with income. Both C-SPSI and BMSWBI were found to be significantly negative correlated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and positive correlated with personal achievement. The findings identified those with greater degree of burnout, to whom more attention should be paid. The study also contributed to the limited literature on the quality of life of teachers in Macau. Finally, the findings added on the data base for comparison internationally among the Chinese population.     

Factors that may influence midwives work-related stress and burnout

Research questionTo determine the incidence and level of work-related stress and burnout in midwives and contributing and protective demographic factors that may influence those levels.Participants and methodAll registered midwives (152) working in two public hospital maternity units within the same health service district in NSW completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey and a demographic survey including care model, shift work, lifestyle data and exercise level.FindingsThere was a response rate of 36.8% with 56 (56/152) midwives completing the surveys. Almost two thirds (60.7%) of midwives in this sample experienced moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion, a third (30.3%) scoring low personal accomplishment and a third (30.3%) experiencing depersonalization related to burnout. Significant differences were found among groups of midwives according to years in the profession, shifts worked, how many women with multiple psychosocial issues were included in the midwife's workload and the midwife's uptake of physical exercise. Those midwives who had spent longer in the profession and exercised scored low burnout levels.ConclusionThe impact of years in the profession, shifts worked, how many women with multiple psychosocial issues were included in their workload and the midwife's level of exercise significantly affected how these midwives dealt with burnout and provided care for women. As the response rate was low, and the study cannot be generalised to the entire midwifery workforce but provides important insights for further research. Understanding factors related to burnout can benefit health care institutions financially and in terms of human costs, especially in view of consistent international shortages of midwives.     

Changing cultural and social environments: implications for older East Asian women

The world is aging and the trend is towards a global feminization of aging. In the Asia Pacific region, which already contains approximately 50% of the world's population over age 60, the number of older women exceeds that of older men in most countries. This article explores the changes that are occurring in East Asian social and cultural traditions for aging and discusses the implications of those changes for women who aged in that culture. In the traditional culture, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean families are influenced by values of family centrality and collective orientation to life that are mostly rooted in Confucian values and ethics. In those traditions, older women assume and maintain a valued status within the family and community through respected roles and productive contributions. However, various factors, such as migration to urban areas and demographic shifts, have precipitated modernization of these societies and alterations of traditional culture. These cultural shifts are relevant to the United States where, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, 71.0% of Asian and Pacific Islander-Americans over the age 65 are foreign-born. Immigration can prompt an immediate cultural shift and create a fast forward insight into the slower cultural evolution currently occurring in East Asian societies.     

北京市老年人养老家庭支持力度研究

目前北京市大多数老人选择了家庭养老,因此家庭支持力对这些老年人显得尤为重要。本文利用2005年北京老龄协会调查数据,从经济支持、生活照料支持和精神慰藉支持三个方面分析研究了北京老年人养老家庭支持力及老年人对这方面的评价。     

Changes in the family status of elderly women in Korea

As a result of sharp declines in fertility and mortality, the aging of the Korean population has proceeded rapidly and is likely to continue in full force for some time. In societies such as Korea, where families traditionally have been the only efficient source of support for the elderly, an aging population poses a threat because families have fewer descendants available to care for increasing numbers of surviving elderly persons. The exact magnitude of the reduction in the supply of kin depends on details of the demographic trends and cannot be evaluated a priori. In this paper we use family-status life tables to assess the effects of changes in demographic processes on the family status of elderly women and to project trends in elderly women's family status.     

A participatory action research study exploring midwives’ understandings of the concept of burnout in Ireland

IntroductionIn depth exploration of the burnout phenomenon among midwives is sparse. The concept has been extensively studied, but predominantly reports rates and evaluates interventions to reduce burnout. A definition has yet to be offered in the literature from a midwifery perspective.AimsTo explore midwives’ understandings of burnout, professionally and personally, in the context of contemporary maternity care in Ireland.MethodsThis was a Two-phase Participatory Action Research study. Five co-operative inquiry meetings were held with practising midwives (n = 21) over a six-month period between October 2018 and March 2019, in a large, urban teaching maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland.FindingsWe found that multiple factors contributed to midwives’ perceptions and understandings of the concept of burnout. Midwives defined burnout as persistent stress and exhaustion, with an associated reduction of their individual coping abilities, motivation, empathy and/or efficacy, is unique to the individual and is primarily, in the midwifery context, caused and inextricably linked to excessive workload.ConclusionBurnout is a complex concept with many entities and its significance and impact within the midwifery profession highlights the importance of its exploration and understanding. This study is the first of its kind to explore, with midwives, the concept of burnout. The elements of stress and exhaustion in the definition mirror existing definitions in the literature.     

Changes in Young Children’s Family Structures and Child Care Arrangements

Family structure change can disrupt the settings of children’s daily lives. Most scholarship focuses on disruption in the home environment. Moving beyond the home, this study explores the association between changes in family structure and changes in several dimensions of early child care. With longitudinal data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (n = 1,298), first-difference models reveal that family structure transitions are associated with changes in the type and quantity of early care as well as the number of care arrangements used, especially during the latter part of infancy. Given prior evidence linking these child care dimensions to behavioral and cognitive outcomes, these results suggest a policy-relevant mechanism by which family change may create inequalities among children.     

中国传统家庭养老的演进:文化伦理观念的转变结果

中国家庭养老功能的变化从现象上看是由于家庭构成的变化导致了养老功能的变化,而本质原因是文化伦理观念转变导致的家庭养老的协调费用变化。针对这种变化,从历史发展和中西比较两个角度进行文化伦理分析。部分养老职能虽然已从家庭组织中分离出来,但家庭作为养老职能的最主要承担者的作用并未降低,在某些方面还有所加强。家庭养老有着很高的财政贡献度、传统伦理支持度和社会和谐贡献度。     

Gender differences in caregiving: a case in Chinese Canadian caregivers

This study examines the gender differences in Chinese- Canadian family caregivers providing care to elderly Chinese care receivers. A random sample of 339 Chinese-Canadian caregivers for elderly care receivers completed a telephone survey. Most of the Chinese family caregivers were females. No major gender differences were reported in the amount and types of caregiving tasks. The level of caregiving burden and predictors were generally similar for both gender groups. Contrary to common belief that sons and daughters-in-law are the key family caregivers in the Chinese culture, the daughters played a more important role in family caregiving. In addition to providing support and services to Chinese female caregivers, strategies to enhance Chinese males' involvement in family caregiving are needed and discussed in the paper.     

Role Strain Among Female Employees Caring for Frail Parents

This study of 114 employed female caregivers of frail parenls investigated predictors of role strain. Findings revealed that respondents with thi heaviest caregiving responsibaities, the most demanding jobs, the least supportive work environments, and the most work interferences were the most conflicted about their ability to perform well in both their work and parent care roles. The parent's impairment level had the greatest affect on work and family role conflict. Fudermore, these parent care duties spilled over into the work life. The female respondents' most frequently requested workplace changes were for counseling for themselves and long term care insurance for their parents. Implications of study findings are discussed.     

社会文化变迁对婚姻家庭的影响及趋势

婚姻家庭既是人类文化的积淀,是社会文化的载体,也是传递社会文化的重要组成部分。在人类发展的历史长河中,婚姻家庭与社会文化变迁密切相关,社会文化变迁以各种方式影响着婚姻家庭的建立、形成与发展。以社会文化变迁为视角,通过对社会文化变迁与婚姻家庭的建立、形成与发展之间的互动关系的历史考察,从婚姻家庭形式、婚姻家庭制度、婚姻家庭观念、婚姻家庭习俗、婚姻家庭关系等方面探讨人类社会文化变迁与婚姻家庭变化发展之间的内在关系,揭示人类社会不同历史阶段社会文化变迁及其特点对人类社会婚姻家庭建立、形成与发展的影响,探索社会文化变迁与婚姻家庭变化规律,探寻在当代社会文化交汇、冲突、融合加快趋势下,社会文化变迁与婚姻家庭变化的趋势。     

Gender Differences in Caregiving: A Case in Chinese Canadian Caregivers

ABSTRACT

This study examines the gender differences in Chinese-Canadian family caregivers providing care to elderly Chinese care receivers. A random sample of 339 Chinese-Canadian caregivers for elderly care receivers completed a telephone survey. Most of the Chinese family care-givers were females. No major gender differences were reported in the amount and types of caregiving tasks. The level of caregiving burden and predictors were generally similar for both gender groups. Contrary to common belief that sons and daughters-in-law are the key family caregivers in the Chinese culture, the daughters played a more important role in family caregiving. In addition to providing support and services to Chinese female caregivers, strategies to enhance Chinese males' involvement in family caregiving are needed and discussed in the paper.     

The BLOSSoM study: Burnout after perinatal LOSS in Midwifery. Results of a nation-wide investigation in Italy

BackgroundRespectful care of bereaved parents after stillbirth plays a pivotal role in enabling the grieving process and reducing the traumatic impact of this life-changing event. Unfortunately, professionals and midwives, in particular, are often emotionally unprepared and frequently left alone when dealing with these stressful events.AimThe BLOSSoM (Burnout after perinatal LOSS in Midwifery) study aims to address the levels of professional burnout in Italian midwives and evaluate the psychological impact of bereavement care on professionals.MethodsWeb-based cross-sectional study, including socio-demographic questionnaire, survey on the knowledge of guidelines for stillbirth management and two psychometric tests: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R).FindingsOf 445 female midwives, mean age 35.1 (SD 9.9), working years 11.2 (SD 10.2), 149 (33.4%) reported specific training on stillbirth and 420 (94.6%) highlighted the need for further training and support. Medium to high levels of burnout (Emotional Exhaustion) were present in 65 midwives (15.9%) with a high prevalence of Reduced Personal Accomplishment (292, 64.2%). ‘Communicating the diagnosis of death’ was considered the hardest task, followed by ‘assisting the meeting with the baby’; 109 midwives (24.5%) reported high IES-R scores (>30), suggesting symptoms of PTSD related to stillbirth events; a good level of knowledge of guidelines favoured Personal Accomplishment (OR 0.3 [0.1 – 0.6]). The number of stillbirths assisted by midwives was not associated with burnout levels.ConclusionMidwives are particularly at risk of developing professional burnout, as early as after five years of work, with a significant association with the psychological impact exerted by stressful events (stillbirth).     

农村独生子女家庭养老保障的弱势地位与对策研究——来自山东农村的调查

利用来自山东省农村的调查数据,比较农村独生子女户父母和非独生子女户父母养老需求满足程度的差异。研究发现,相对于农村非独生子女户,农村独生子女户在家庭经济状况、子女经济供养、日常照料等方面存在明显弱势。应进一步完善农村计划生育家庭养老保障制度,注意处理"普惠"与"优抚"的关系,积极探索独生子女户老人集中供养制度,整合农村集体资源,弥补家庭养老能力不足,用足现有生育政策减少未来独生子女家庭数量规模。     

The life course of Canadian women: An historical and demographic analysis

The life course of Canadian women over the last 100–150 years is examined, using data extracted from census and vital statistics publications. Cohort analysis and synthetic cohort analysis are employed as means to focus upon changes in the occurrence and timing of age-related life course transitions related to the family. Three substantive themes emerge: the increased predictability, standardization, and compression in age-related family life course transitions. Major changes and continuities are outlined, as well as implications related to the atypical life course experience of the cohorts of women who produced the “baby boom,” and to the emergence of temporally-related mechanisms of social control.     

家庭养老需求与家庭养老功能弱化的张力及其弥合

人口老龄化是当前中国社会所面临的重要挑战之一。一方面,老年人的特征和人性本能共同决定了人们对家庭养老需求十分强烈;另一方面,家庭结构变迁和人们生活方式的变化导致家庭养老功能逐步弱化。两者之间的张力造就了当前中国社会所特有的家庭养老困境。如何弥合二者之间的张力需要建构家庭和社会联动性的居家养老模式,应发挥各方优势,整合资源,破解家庭养老困境。