Teaching a Module on HIV and AIDS for Social Work Students—Strategies,Content and Outcome

This paper outlines the author's experience of teaching a module on HIV and AIDS to social work students over several years at Brunel University. She argues that the relevance of the subject matter for social work students has not changed since the module was first introduced 18 years ago. Similar to their previous counterparts, current students still experience a range of emotions, feelings, fears and uncertainties about their competence and skills in responding to the issues presented by individuals infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The paper describes the aims, curriculum, teaching strategies, assignment and evaluation of the module. Additionally, the paper discusses the learning environment in which the module is taught, and the strategies used to enable students to confront fears, prejudices, improve their knowledge base and gain skills for working with service users infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. In concluding, the paper emphasises the continued implications and observed benefits of this subject for social work students.     

Untreatable families? Suggestions from literature

The purpose of this paper is to highlight insights from literature, which suggest that some families are unable to respond to intervention and treatment. Discussion of this aspect of family functioning is notably missing from the discourse on family preservation. There will be an outline offered of the factors that may be contributing to this reality, one consequence being that children wait indefinite periods of time for lasting arrangements to be formulated for their future. Suggestion will be offered as to how concurrent planing approaches may help to achieve timely decision-making and lasting outcomes for children.     

User and Carer Experiences of International Social Care Workers in England: Listening to their Accounts of Choice and Control

Abstract

This paper develops a typology of people using social care services’ preferences for care workers and satisfaction with social care services from a large multimethod study that explored international recruitment to the English social care sector (home and health care, including residential homes). We developed this typology with two questions in mind: (a) what led to satisfaction of care and (b) what led to preference and satisfaction with workers? Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with 35 people who were using social care services and carers (2007–2009) and these data were used to develop the typology. Using the theoretical concept of homophily, we explored contentions that people might prefer to receive care and support from individuals resembling themselves. We observed that preferences for care workers and satisfaction with social care services may be linked, but highlighted that the concept of meeting a preference is personal to the individual. The implications of users’ preferences for certain care workers at a time where policy is promoting greater consumer-led care or self-directed support are discussed.     

Predictors of stress and depressive mood in Portuguese middle-aged women

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study investigates the predictors of psychological symptoms—stress and depressive mood—in a sample of middle-aged women. A community sample of 1,003 women filled in the questionnaires and instruments, which included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Life Events Survey; sociodemographic, health, and menopause-related and lifestyle information was also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to build the model that had stress and depressive mood as dependent variables. Health status (both physical and psychological), recent life events, income and menopausal phase were significantly associated with the frequency of stress and depressive symptoms. Additionally, educational level and parity were also significant predictors of depressive mood. This study emphasizes that psychological symptoms occurrence in midlife depends not only on personal variables (such as health and menopausal status) but also on contextual ones (including recent stressful events) that can be a strong influence on how middle-aged women feel.     

Life values,family support and psychosocial adaptation among older people in Taiwan: an institutional and community comparison

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial adaptation among elderly persons in institutional and community settings, and to explore factors influencing their adaptation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 165 residents of four institutions (two assisted-living facilities and two nursing homes) and 209 community-dwelling elders served by a primary care centre, all located in middle Taiwan. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: community-dwelling elderly had significantly higher adaptation scores than those in institutional settings. Factors related to adaptation differed between institutional and community settings, with more variables influencing adaptation in the community than in the institution. Physical functional status was the major influence on adaptation of the elderly in institutions. Dietary support from family was negatively associated with adaptation in this group. Influencing factors for community-dwelling elders were more complicated, including perceived family emotional and economic support, personal life values and physical functional status. Implications: greater support from government, including economic resources and assistance in community care are needed to achieve the policy goal of ‘aging in place’. Further investigation of the influence of family interaction on elders' adaptation is needed.     

Partner support during the prenatal testing period after assisted conception

Background

Pregnancy after infertility is a challenging experience. The first-trimester screening test may add stress. Partner support reduces psychological distress in pregnant women after spontaneous conception. No data are available for women who conceive via assisted reproductive technology.