Impact of a multicomponent support services program on informal caregivers of adults aging with disabilities

A multicomponent support services program was implemented for veterans aging with disabilities and their informal caregivers (n = 42 dyads). Caregiver outcomes (satisfaction, physical and mental health status, burden, and benefits) were evaluated before and after program use. Caregivers reported significant improvements in mental health post-program. Caregivers who provided care to individuals with impaired physical health experienced meaningful improvements in burden after the support services were rendered. Supporting caregiver health status through such programs is vital to preserve noninstitutional long-term care for persons aging with disabilities, particularly when care is provided over many years to an individual with physical impairments.     

Generalised partial linear single-index mixed models for repeated measures data

In this paper, we propose generalised partial linear single-index mixed models for analysing repeated measures data. A penalised quasi-likelihood approach using P-spline is used to estimate the nonparametric function, linear parameters, and single-index coefficients. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are developed when the dimension of spline basis grows with increasing sample size. Simulation examples and two applications: the study of health effects of air pollution in North Carolina, and treatment effect of naltrexone on health costs for alcohol-dependent individuals, illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.     

Factors That Influence Willingness to Help the Homeless

Homelessness is an ongoing challenge for many families and individuals. Many struggle to meet their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Unfortunately, we know very little about the people who directly help homeless people meet these needs. The present study examines the relationships between empathy, religion, household income, political orientation, gender, race, and people's expressed willingness to assist the homeless. Results demonstrate a strong and consistent link between empathy and willingness to help. Moderately consistent associations are found for religion and race. Limitations, suggestions for further research, and for practical application are discussed.