Sexually transmitted infections in the older woman

Dependent upon sexual behaviour peri- and postmenopausal women are increasingly at risk of sexually transmitted infections, although the overall rates remain low when compared with younger people. Symptoms are often non-specific or absent and may be misinterpreted as being due to the menopause. In addition, both the women and their clinicians may not be aware of their infection risk, thus leading to a delayed or missed diagnosis. Risk assessment and referral for screening of infections should be carried out wherever appropriate.     

The Use of Video Modeling,Prompting, and Feedback to Increase Credit Card Promotion in a Retail Setting

We evaluated the use of video modeling, role play, prompting, and feedback to increase credit card promotion by sales associates in a retail setting. We first used the Performance Diagnostic Checklist (Austin, 2000 Austin, J. 2000. “Performance analysis and performance diagnostics”. In Handbook of applied behavior analysis, Edited by: Austin, J. and Carr, J. E. 321–349. Reno, NV: Context Press.  [Google Scholar]) to identify the variables contributing to the poor performance of two sales associates. Based on the results, we developed an intervention package that included a video model, instructional prompt cards, role play, and feedback. During baseline, target employees asked a mean of 26% of customers to enroll in the credit card program. Following intervention, target employees asked a mean of 84% of customers to enroll in the credit card program. Furthermore, employees rated the intervention as enjoyable, as effective, and as a system that they would continue to use. The results illustrate the effectiveness of video modeling, prompting, and feedback in increasing credit card promotions and delivering critical information about the card to daily customers.     

Human mobility and environmental change: a survey of perceptions and policy direction

Population and Environment - Research concerning human mobility in the context of environmental change is primarily focused on analyses of the nexus itself. We have taken a less-travelled route,...     

“Allah will decide my life and death”: Religion and spirituality among populations at risk for HIV in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

We examined the influence of religion and spirituality on HIV risk contexts through in-depth interviews with men who have sex with men (n = 10) and female commercial sex workers (n = 10) in Malaysia. Using a grounded theory approach, five themes emerged from the interviews: (a) religion encourages caring for health, (b) health is influenced by a higher power, (c) prayer is a conduit to health assistance, (d) stigma is compounded by religion but it does not limit one’s spirituality, and (e) religion is not but should be incorporated into HIV campaigns. Incorporation of spirituality in service provision and addressing stigma is warranted.     

Assessing Variations in Developmental Outcomes Among Teenage Offspring of Teen Mothers: Maternal Life Course Correlates

This study investigated potential heterogeneity in development among offspring (age 17) of teen mothers and maternal life course as correlates of variation. Using latent class analysis, subgroups of developmental outcomes were identified. Maternal standing in two life course realms (i.e., socioeconomic and domestic) was considered as a potential explanation for heterogeneity in offspring's development. Offspring reported on measures assessing their psychological, academic, and behavioral development. Teen mothers reported on measures of life course realms. Three subgroups of developmental outcomes were identified: on track (52%), at risk (37%), and troubled (11%). Findings suggest that economic hardship and number of pregnancies among teen mothers distinguish developmental patterns among teenage offspring, whereas teen mothers' educational attainment and marital status do not.     

Coping strategies used by LGB older adults in facing and anticipating health challenges: A narrative analysis

ABSTRACT

Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults face notable health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a need for understanding how LGB adults cope with health challenges in late life. The current study analyzes narratives from nine LGB adults age 65 and older living in an urban area in the Southeast United States. Participants spoke of coping strategies related to health promotion behaviors, shifting perspectives of health and body, trusting in spirituality for comfort, and accepting the end of life. We discuss implications for social services professionals who work with older LGB adults and for future research.     

Making connections: Severe mental illness and closeness with other people

Much has been written about social lives of people with severe mental illness (SMI). Before social lives can flourish, however, people with SMI must first get close to other people. We studied this closeness by holding three hour-long focus groups at Fountain House, a community mental health agency in New York City. We found that closeness between two people with SMI is challenging because someone with depression, for example, may have trouble understanding someone with a different disorder (e.g., schizophrenia). Romantically, closeness is also challenging—SMI is hard to explain to partners. In the workplace, closeness is difficult because SMI can alienate co-workers. It could push them away. In mental health programs, we found that closeness has more of a chance to develop (1) during evening and weekend activities; (2) when activities are planned often enough to prevent isolation; and (3) when staff reach out to people before extended absence causes distance.