Search

The top 100 most cited papers in social work journals in 2000–09 were recently listed in a British Journal of Social Work paper by Hodge, Lacasse and Benson. The citations of these 100 papers in a two-year period (2007–09) were identified and a further manual web-based search was conducted to identify some key features of the citing sources. Descriptive statistics are presented on language of publication and national location of citing authors, as well as type of citing source. Bivariate analysis was conducted of the national location of cited journal by national location of citing first author. This analysis shows a strong tendency towards within-country citation in both the UK and USA, providing some evidence of intellectual chauvinism amongst social work academics and, more specifically, evidence of a Great Atlantic Divide. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Shiftwork leads to myriad negative health and safety outcomes. Lighting countermeasures can benefit shiftworkers via physiological effects of light (e.g. alerting, circadian adjustment), and short-wavelength light is the most potent for eliciting those responses; however, limited work indicates it may not be required for alerting. We developed similar-appearing light boxes (correlated color temperature: 3000–3375 K; photopic illuminance: 260–296 lux), enriched (SW+, melanopic EDI: 294 lux) or attenuated (SW-, melanopic EDI: 103 lux) in short-wavelength energy, and implemented them on a high-security watchfloor. Efficacy and feasibility of these two novel lighting interventions were assessed in personnel working 12-hour night shifts (n  = 47) in this within-participants, crossover study. For each intervention condition, light boxes were arranged across the front of the watchfloor and illuminated the entire shift; blue-blocking glasses were worn post-shift and before sleep; and sleep masks were used while sleeping. Comparisons between baseline and intervention conditions included alertness, sleep, mood, quality of life (QOL), and implementation measures. On-shift alertness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) increased in SW− compared to baseline, while changes in SW+ were more limited. Under SW+, both mood and sleep improved. Psychomotor vigilance task performance did not vary by condition; however, perceived performance and QOL were higher, and reported caffeine consumption and sleep onset latency were lower, under SW−. For both interventions, satisfaction and comfort were high, and fewer symptoms and negative feelings were reported. The addition of spectrally engineered lights to this unique work environment improved sleep, alertness, and mood without compromising visual comfort and satisfaction. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital is gaining prominence in social work discourse given its role in social and economic mobility. Yet measuring social capital pragmatically in terms of policy, practice and research is challenging because it suffers from lack of definitional clarity, leading to measurement disputes. We define social capital as access to knowledge and opportunities through networks to enhance social and/or economic mobility. To facilitate the integration of social capital into social work practice, we present the Resource Generator (RG) adapted for an urban US context to measure specific network-embedded resources. This paper reports the results from exploratory factor analyses measuring the reliability of this tool. Analyses suggested that a three-factor model was robust (χ²(29) = 30.93, p = 0.37; CFI = 0.994; TLI = 0.996; RMSEA = 0.024; AIC = 1917.26; BIC = 1863.71), which is dissimilar to the RG results reported in the UK. These factors--Expert Access, Problem Solving and Personal Support--provide insight as to how social capital resources converge in the USA. These findings also present a potential list of social capital items salient for the US context and highlight the utility of a measure for mezzo and macro social work practice in urban US settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Research on technological access and usage has revealed a digital divide based on several sociodemographic factors, including race/ethnicity, sex, income, and education. While several studies have examined these factors separately, few studies have considered how multiple vulnerable identities may combine to influence access to technology. Using the theory of intersectionality, this study assesses the combined impact of race/ethnicity and sex on access to a working cellphone and a working laptop/computer among U.S. older adults. Research Design and Methods Data were derived from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Chi-square tests were used to test group differences, and four multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the intersection of race/ethnicity and sex, and access to a working cellphone and a working laptop/computer. Results After accounting for other explanatory variables, White female participants, Black male participants, Black female participants, Hispanic male participants, and Hispanic female participants were all less likely to have a working cellphone or a working laptop/computer compared to White male participants. Discussion and Implications The results of this study point to a significant disparity in access to technology based on intersectional identities, with Black and Hispanic female participants having the least access to technology. Interventions aiming to improve access to technology should target these two groups, with a focus on reducing the cost of purchasing technological equipment and the provision of training programs that improve technological skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess use of mammography information systems (MISs) and explore features associated with breast imaging radiologist satisfaction. Methods: A 22-question survey regarding MISs was distributed electronically to the Society of Breast Imaging membership between February 16, 2022 and June 28, 2022. Differences in responses between respondents satisfied and dissatisfied with their MIS were analyzed using Pearson chi-squared test, Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The response rate was 11.4% (228/2007). Most respondents used a commercial MIS (195/228, 85.5%). Most used were Epic (47/228, 21%), MagView (47/228, 21%), and PenRad (37/228, 16%). Only 4.4% (10/228) reported that patient tracking was not integrated with results reporting. The majority (129/226, 57%) reported satisfaction with their MIS. Satisfaction correlated (P < 0.05) with features such as picture archiving and communication system integration, structured reporting, access to physician outcomes metrics, and ability to query data. Less commonly reported features such as non-English language options and recognition of laterality and patient mismatch errors also correlated with satisfaction. Lack of these features correlated with dissatisfaction (P < 0.05). Satisfaction also correlated with adequate training (P < 0.001) and technology support (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, longer time using the current MIS was independently associated with satisfaction. Conclusion: Most respondents used a commercial MIS and were satisfied with their system. Satisfied users reported several helpful MIS features and adequate training and support. The survey results could help MIS companies when designing new products and inform radiologists and administrators when considering a new MIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Changes in emergency department (ED) usage among US Medicare beneficiaries (MB) with fee-for-service claims for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or tuberculosis (TB) (HHST) services have not been assessed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods During 2006–20, we assessed the annual number of MB with each HHST per 1000 persons with ED claims for all conditions, and changes in demographic and geographic distribution of ED claimants for each HHST condition. Results Of all persons who attended an ED for any condition, 10.5 million (27.5%) were MB with ≥1 ED claim in 2006; that number (percentage) increased to 11.0 million (26.7%) in 2019 and decreased to 9.2 million (22.7%) in 2020; < 5 MB per 1000 ED population had HHST ED claims in 2020. The percentage increase in ED claims was higher for MB with STDs than for those with other HHST conditions, including a 10% decrease for MB with TB in 2020. Conclusions Trends in ED usage for HHST conditions were associated with changes in demographic and geographic distribution among MB during 2006–20. Updated ED reimbursement policies and primary care practices among MB might improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HHST conditions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support is effective in improving self-management behaviors and health outcomes among individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Volunteer peer support programs offer a cost-effective resource for diabetes self-management support; however, factors affecting the retention of volunteer peer leaders remain understudied. Herein, we examined factors associated with volunteer retention and satisfaction among 34 predominantly Mexican-origin peer leaders who assisted patients from a Federally Qualified Health Center located on the US/Mexico border with their diabetes management. Peer leaders completed surveys with open- and close-ended questions at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were guided by the Volunteer Process Model. Using nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests, self-efficacy as a peer leader at 6 months was most associated with interest to continue volunteering (P  = 0.01), and satisfaction with support from the program at 12 months was most associated with interest to continue volunteering (P  = 0.01). The qualitative data indicated that the relationship between the peer leaders and their patients was the primary factor for a satisfying volunteer experience. Future research should focus on increasing peer leaders' self-efficacy and satisfaction with program support and examine how organizations can support the development of the patient–peer relationship. Practitioners should consider appealing to volunteer peers' motivations to promote their retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoliberalism, as an ideology and policy model that favors free market logic, operates across multiple levels of social work practice. Although there is growing interest in the topic, there is a lack of knowledge about the nature of this scholarship. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a synthesis and summary of the extent, variety, and characteristics of the peer-reviewed literature on the effects of neoliberalism on social work practice in the United States. A total of 132 articles were examined according to the requirements of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (or PRISMA-ScR). Findings suggest that research interest on neoliberalism and social services across disciplines has increased over the last four decades. Social work scholars and journals published at similar rates as non–social work scholars with notable exceptions of policy design and service users. However, there is a lack of research across the literature on the effects of neoliberalism on the supervisor level and the effects of neoliberalism on diverse populations and on key social work services, such as substance use treatment, health services, schools, corrections, and mental health services. Further research is needed in these areas to advance our understanding of the impact of neoliberalism on social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aimed to assess the risk factors and predictors of violence among patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in a single institution. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who were admitted with a history of violence between 2012 and 2016. Results A total of 9855 trauma patients were admitted, of whom 746 (7.6%) had a history of violence prior to the index admission. Patients who had history of violence were younger and more likely to be males, Black, Hispanic and covered by low-income primary payer in comparison to non-assault trauma patients (P  < 0.001 for all). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that covariate-adjusted predictors of violence were being Black, male having low-income primary payer, Asian, drug user, alcohol intoxicated and smoker. Conclusions Violence is a major problem among young age subjects with certain demographic, social and ethnic characteristics. Trauma centers should establish violence injury prevention programs for youth and diverse communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and increased all-cause mortality risk in patients with cancer. Existing screening tools for OSA do not account for the interaction of cancer-related features that may increase OSA risk. Study Design and Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with cancer at a single tertiary cancer institution who underwent a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) to evaluate for OSA. Unsupervised machine learning (ML) was used to reduce the dimensions and extract significant features associated with OSA. ML classifiers were applied to principal components and model hyperparameters were optimized using k-fold cross-validation. Training models for OSA were subsequently tested and compared with the STOP-Bang questionnaire on a prospective unseen test set of patients who underwent an HSAT. Results From a training dataset of 249 patients, kernel principal component analysis (PCA) extracted eight components through dimension reduction to explain the maximum variance with OSA at 98%. Predictors of OSA were smoking, asthma, chronic kidney disease, STOP-Bang score, race, diabetes, radiation to head/neck/thorax (RT-HNT), type of cancer, and cancer metastases. Of the ML models, PCA + RF had the highest sensitivity (96.8%), specificity (92.3%), negative predictive value (92%), F1 score (0.93), and ROC-AUC score (0.88). The PCA + RF screening algorithm also performed better than the STOP-Bang questionnaire alone when tested on a prospective unseen test set. Conclusions The PCA + RF ML model had the highest accuracy in screening for OSA in patients with cancer. History of RT-HNT, cancer metastases, and type of cancer were identified as cancer-related risk factors for OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study investigates whether the year of arrival to the United States (U.S.) and birthplace relate to postmigration cognitive difficulties among foreign- and U.S.-born Arab Americans in later life. Methods We analyzed 19 years (2000–2019) of data from the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Samples (weighted N = 393,501; ages ≥ 50 years). Cognitive difficulty was based on self-reported data, and weighted means, percentages, adjusted prevalence estimates, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. Results Controlling only for demographics, foreign-born Arabs reported higher odds of cognitive difficulty compared to U.S.-born Arabs across all arrival cohorts (p <.001). After accounting for economic and integration factors, those who arrived between 1991 and 2000 had higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.00, 1.19, p <.01), while those who arrived after 2001 had lower odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97, p <.001) of cognitive difficulty. Lacking English proficiency (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.82, 1.98, p <.001) was related to higher odds, whereas not being a U.S. citizen was significantly associated with lower odds (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.94, p <.001) of cognitive difficulty. Yet, results varied by birthplace. Migrants born in Iraq consistently reported the highest odds of cognitive difficulty across all arrival cohorts. Discussion Migration history and birthplace may be important factors explaining cognitive disparities among the diverse group of Arab migrants and Arab Americans. Future research examining mechanisms underlying these associations and the impact of migration on cognitive health is needed to address cognitive disparities in migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, news and social media outlets have played a major role in dissemination of information. This analysis aimed to study the association between trust in social and traditional media and experiences of mental distress among a representative sample of US adults. Data for this study came from National Pandemic Pulse, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey that sampled participants on the Dynata platform. Participants included 6435 adults surveyed between 15–23 December 2020. Ordinal logistic regression analyses examined the associations of trust in (i) social media, (ii) print media, (iii) broadcast TV and (iv) cable TV, for COVID-19-related information with self-reported mental distress (4-item Patient Health Questionnaire), controlling for sociodemographics and census region. Compared with those who distrusted social media, those who trusted social media had 2.09 times (95% CI = 1.84–2.37) greater adjusted odds of being in a more severe category of mental distress. In contrast, compared with those who distrusted print media, those who trusted print media had 0.80 times (95% CI = 0.69–0.93) lower adjusted odds of being in a more severe category of mental distress. No significant associations were found between mental distress and trust in broadcast or cable TV for accessing news about COVID-19. Trust in different news outlets may be associated with mental distress during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should explore mechanisms behind these associations, including adherence to best practices for crisis reporting among different media sources and exposure of individuals to misinformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with earlier natural menopause; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, particularly the extent to which this relationship is mediated by sex hormones. We analyzed data (1999–2017) on 1,120 premenopausal women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Causal mediation analysis was applied to quantify the degree to which follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels could mediate the associations between PFAS and incident natural menopause. Participants with higher PFAS concentrations had shorter times to natural menopause, with a relative survival of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69, 0.96) for linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.00) for sum of branched-chain perfluorooctane sulfonate (Sm-PFOS), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.93) for linear-chain perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.97) for perfluorononanoate (PFNA), comparing the highest tertile of PFAS concentrations with the lowest. The proportion of the effect mediated through FSH was 8.5% (95% CI: −11.7, 24.0) for n-PFOS, 13.2% (95% CI: 0.0, 24.5) for Sm-PFOS, 26.9% (95% CI: 15.6, 38.4) for n-PFOA, and 21.7% (6.8, 37.0) for PFNA. No significant mediation by estradiol was observed. The effect of PFAS on natural menopause may be partially explained by variations in FSH concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) permeated social work practice before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition to ICT-based formal services (e.g. e-counselling), social workers used ICTs informally as an adjunct to face-to-face practice. Building on our previous research, our cross-sectional online survey examined social workers' informal use of ICTs in four countries: Canada, the USA, Israel and the UK. The survey was administered through Qualtrics software among social workers across Canada (n  = 2,609), the USA (n  = 1,225), Israel (n  = 386) and the UK (n  = 134), and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. The findings substantiate the ubiquitous use of informal ICTs in social work practice, as an adjunct to face-to-face treatment, across the four countries. Given the current, unprecedented context of COVID-19, we discuss the meaning of our findings related to access, ethical considerations (e.g. professional boundaries) and supervision in the context of restricted face-to-face practice. We discuss the implications for social work practice, education and research, and conclude that in the COVID-19 context, there is an even greater need for research, clinical discussion, supervision and policy on informal ICT use in social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and anxiety toward COVID-19 among Chinese college students studying in China and abroad. Method A structured questionnaire, comprised of demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), was used to collect data for 566 domestic students and 126 students studying abroad. Results Domestic students were better than students abroad in knowledge of epidemiology and manifestations. Domestic students showed a significant higher enthusiasm for voluntary services than students abroad, including medical science popularization, community services, traffic dispersion, logistics transportation and being volunteers for vaccine trials. The scores (Mean ± SD) of S-AI and T-AI among students abroad were 59.48 ± 8.63 and 54.10 ± 7.20, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of domestic students (39.46 ± 8.16 and 39.25 ± 7.72). Conclusions Our study showed a better understanding of knowledge, more positive attitudes and less anxiety toward COVID-19 among domestic students, compared with students studying abroad. In light of this information, more attention and appropriate psychological and social intervention should be paid to college students with anxiety, especially those studying abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Food bank users suffer high food insecurity. Food insecurity increases risk for chronic health conditions. However, chronic pain and its relation to food insecurity among food bank users is unknown. Knowledge about populations with chronic pain is important to direct appropriate public health nutritional strategies. Methods Participants completed a survey including sleep, pain, depressive symptoms and food insecurity measures. Descriptive statistics characterized the burden of chronic pain among the sample, and a series of chi-square and t-tests assessed for demographic differences between food bank users who reported pain compared to those who did not. Logistic regression tested for variables predicting food insecurity. Results Within the sample (N  = 207), 53% reported a chronic pain diagnosis. Adults with pain were more likely to receive food stamps and to have a mental health condition than those without pain. Regression analyses revealed that depressive symptoms and chronic pain significantly predicted food insecurity when controlling for age and gender. Conclusions Exploring the link between depression, pain and nutritional resources may enhance understanding of causal relationships driving food insecurity. Public health officials should address nutritional needs of adults including those with chronic pain who use food bank services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The mental health impact of the pandemic after the initial lockdowns has not been well studied in the USA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and systematic national assessment of the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the adult US population. Methods A multi-item, valid and reliable questionnaire was deployed online via mTurk and social media sites to recruit adult US participants in the general population across the USA. A total of 1978 individuals participated in the study, where the majority were: females (51%), whites (74%), non-Hispanic (81%), married (56%), employed full time (68%) and with a bachelor's degree or higher (78%). Results The prevalence of depression (39%), anxiety (42%) and psychological distress (39%) were computed from the PHQ-4 scale. In multiple regression analyses, depression, anxiety and psychological distress burden (assessed by PHQ-4 scale) was predicted significantly based on race, ethnicity, age, having children at home, employment as a healthcare worker, annual household income and area of residence. Males were more likely to have depression, and females were more likely to have anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety, interdisciplinary and multisectoral approaches are recommended in the USA along with population-based interventions on mental health improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between characteristics of home activities and coaching practices with the adherence of parents of children with motor delays to home activities provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists in early intervention. Methods An online survey study was developed and distributed to physical therapists and occupational therapists across the United States. A survey flier was posted online in parent support groups, physical and occupational therapy groups, newsletters, and organizations supporting parents of children with disabilities. Results A total of 720 respondents participated in the survey, and 446 participants from 49 states met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Parents indicated that physical therapists and occupational therapists applied the 5 coaching practices (joint planning, observation, practice, reflection, and feedback). However, parents (63%) reported more time was needed on coaching. Parents stated that therapists' modeling the activities was the most helpful teaching technique that enhanced their adherence to home activities. Coaching practices, appropriateness of the home activities to daily routines and home environment, provision of home activities enjoyed by the child, and parent self-efficacy were all significantly associated with adherence to home activities. Conclusions Parents' adherence to home activities is affected not only by the type of coaching used by the therapists but also by the characteristics of the home activities provided for young children with delayed motor development. Impact The results of this study provide additional evidence supporting individualization of home activities to promote parents' continuous provision of learning opportunities to promote their children's development. There was also support of the therapists' use of the 5 coaching practices in early intervention to support the parent's application of home activities when the therapists are not present. Lay Summary This study explored the use of home activities from the parents' perspective and provided valuable recommendations to therapists to improve parents' adherence to the recommended home activities in early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether type of physician practice settings was associated with cultural competency training for newly hired physicians. We used data from the 2016 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Supplement on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services for Office-based Physician Survey. The survey contains a sample of 397 office-based physician responses completed during the period from August to December 2016 (weighted n  = 293306). The outcome variable was whether cultural competency training was required for newly hired physicians. The primary predictor variable was type of physician practice settings. We used logistic regression to analyze the association between physician practice settings and cultural competency training for newly hired physicians adjusting for covariates. About 71% physicians belonged to solo or group practice settings. Among these, only 10.4% required cultural competency training for newly hired physicians. Among other practice settings, 34.8% required the training. Results from logistic regression showed that newly hired physicians in solo or group practices (adjusted odds ratio: 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.44) were less likely to have cultural competency training compared to those in other settings. Practice settings are associated with cultural competency training. Cultural competency training across all practice settings may contribute toward improving patient–physician communication, reducing health disparities, and increasing patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reported in this article assessed prevalence and demographic correlates of sex trafficking in a purposive sample of 270 young people experiencing homelessness in three U.S. cities (Philadelphia; Phoenix; and Washington, DC) and at five host agencies. Participants were 57% male, 38% female, 4% transgender, and 1% other. The average age of participants was 20.7 years (SD = 2.0 years). The majority of the participants were African American (56%), followed by white (14%) and multiracial (14%). The Human Trafficking Interview and Assessment Measure detected that nearly one in five young people were victims of sex trafficking, either due to force, fraud, or coercion (FFC); age; or both. Those who were sex trafficked were more likely than those who were not sex trafficked to be female, sexual minorities, or Latino and to have either dropped out of high school or obtained a GED. Differences between being trafficked due to FFC and being trafficked due to age were also investigated. Findings support the need for development of targeted prevention and intervention efforts for young people experiencing homelessness that address sex trafficking victimization and related risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between eight dimensions of spirituality (and religion) and people with four different types of disability status: hearing, vision, physical mobility, and emotional or mental disabilities. The overarching aim was to identify specific spiritual–religious profiles within each disability population relative to the general population. To conduct this cross-sectional examination, the authors used nationally representative data from the General Social Survey in the United States. The results reveal unique spiritual and religious profiles across the four types of disability status examined, although people with emotional or mental disabilities may have the most distinct profile. Compared with their counterparts among the general public, people with hearing, physical, and emotional disabilities were more likely to report praying several times a day; people with all four types of disability were more likely to report having a turning point when they became less committed to religion. Understanding which spiritual and religious dimensions are disproportionately more likely to exist among a given population with a particular disability helps practitioners provide more effective services to members of that group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media are considered useful tools for academic purposes. Our exploratory study offers insight into the use of Twitter by social work faculty in the USA. Employing an online survey, this study investigates Twitter usage among a sample of social work faculty (n = 274) from the top-fifty-ranked MSW programmes in the USA. Slightly more than half of the participants had Twitter accounts, the majority of whom use Twitter as part of their academic work. The most common motivations for using Twitter include promoting one's research, raising awareness about an area of research and engaging in networking with peers. This study contributes to the literature by describing the prevalence and patterns of Twitter usage among social work academics and lays a foundation for future research, investigating its effectiveness in increasing awareness and promoting changes related to social justice issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use is considered less acceptable for women than men in the Mexican culture. However, recent studies of Mexican-American (MA) women show that prevalence and rates of alcohol use are escalating, particularly in those with high acculturation to Western standards. Building on recent studies that demonstrated that drinking-related identities (self-schemas) are important predictors of alcohol use in college populations, this secondary data analysis investigated the association between acculturation, MA cultural values, and acculturative stress, drinking-related self-schemas and heavy drinking over time in college-enrolled MA women. Data were drawn from a 12-month longitudinal study of self-schemas and health-risk behaviors in 477 college-enrolled MA women. Drinking-related self-schemas, acculturation, MA cultural values and acculturative stress were measured at baseline, and heavy drinking was measured at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Thirty-six percent of women had a non-drinker self-schema but only 3% had a drinker self-schema. Higher spirituality was protective against heavy drinking, and this effect can be partially explained by presence of a non-drinker self-schema. Interventions that emphasize the personal relevance of being a non-drinker and support the importance of spirituality may help to prevent heavy drinking in MA college women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal depression is associated with negative outcomes in children, with less known about physical health outcomes. Poor child physical health is a robust predictor of negative outcomes across the life course. Thus, authors examined the association between maternal depression and child physical well-being, accounting for multiple risk and protective factors. Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,965) were used to examine the association between three indicators of child physical well-being (overall health status, overweight, and asthma) and maternal depression at the nine-year follow-up, controlling for child-, maternal-, and family-level risk and protective factors. Unadjusted regression analyses revealed that maternal depression was associated with increased rates of poor overall health, overweight, and asthma. When adjusting for parenting stress and competence, maternal depression was no longer a significant risk factor for overall poor health; when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, it was no longer a risk factor for asthma. After adjusting for multiple factors, maternal depression remained a significant risk factor for childhood overweight. Findings highlight the importance of reducing perceived parenting stress and increasing competence for depressed mothers and suggest that more research is needed to examine pathways through which maternal depression may lead to childhood overweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Much has been written about the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young (13-24) sexual minority men (SMM). Evidence for concern is substantial for emerging adult (18-24 years) SMM. Data documenting the burden and associated risk factors of HIV among adolescent SMM (<18 years) remain limited. Methods. Adolescent SMM aged 13-18 years were recruited in 3 cities (Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia) for interview and HIV testing. We used χ² tests for percentages of binary variables and 1-way analysis of variance for means of continuous variables to assess differences by race/ethnicity in behaviors. We calculated estimated annual HIV incidence density (number of HIV infections per 100 person-years [PY] at risk). We computed Fisher's exact tests to determine differences in HIV prevalence by selected characteristics. Results. Of 415 sexually active adolescent SMM with a valid HIV test result, 25 (6%) had a positive test. Estimated annual HIV incidence density was 3.4/100 PY; incidence density was highest for blacks, followed by Hispanics, then whites (4.1, 3.2, and 1.1/100 PY, respectively). Factors associated with higher HIV prevalence included black race; ≥4 male partners, condomless anal sex, and exchange sex in the past 12 months; and a recent partner who was older, black, HIV-infected, or had ever been in jail or prison (P < .05). Conclusions. HIV-related risk behaviors, prevalence, and estimated incidence density for adolescent SMM were high, especially for minority SMM. Our findings suggest that initiating intervention efforts early may be helpful in combating these trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: The National Institutes of Health calls for research that explores what it means to age optimally with HIV/AIDS as half of the U.S. people with HIV are aged 50 or older. This study applied the stress process model to examine the association between HIV stigma and psychological well-being and mediating resources (i.e., spirituality and complementary and integrative health [CIH]) approaches) in older adults with HIV. Design and Methods: Using data from the Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) study, structural equation modeling was used to estimate these relationships within a latent variable model. Namely, a direct negative association between HIV stigma and psychological well-being was hypothesized that would be mediated by spirituality and/or CIH use. Results: The analyses showed that the model fits the data well [χ2 (137, N = 914) = 561.44, p = .000; comparative fit index = .964; root mean square error of approximation = .058, 95% confidence interval = .053 to .063]. All observed variables significantly loaded on their latent factor, and all paths were significant. Results indicated that spirituality and CIH use significantly mediated the negative association between HIV stigma and psychological well-being. Implications: Findings highlight the importance of spiritual and CIH interventions for older adults with HIV/AIDS. Practice recommendations are provided at the micro- and mesolevel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study evaluated the successful aging model by assessing the impact of two forms of productive engagement--working and volunteering--as potential interventions in the process of disablement.Method: The Health and Retirement Study was used to (a) estimate two-stage selection equations of (i) currently working part time and full time and (ii) currently volunteering less than 100 hours and volunteering 100 hours or more per year (net of chronic health problems) and (b) assess whether, net of selection, working, and volunteering moderate the association between chronic conditions and subsequent functional limitations. Results: Chronic conditions were associated with elevated levels of subsequent functional limitations, whereas both working and volunteering were associated with lower levels of subsequent functional limitations. Moreover, workers and volunteers of less than 100 hours per year experienced a reduction in the association of chronic conditions on subsequent functional limitations. Discussion: This research highlights the role of productive engagement as a key element in successful aging. Not only do work and volunteering have direct associations with health outcomes themselves, but they also act as potential interventions in the process of disablement by attenuating the way in which chronic conditions are translated into subsequent functional limitations. This suggests that (a) future research should apply successful aging models to health processes as well as health outcomes and (b) policy makers should support social institutions that foster late-life productive engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: This study was designed to identify social network types among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen-der (LGBT) older adults and examine the relationship between social network type and mental health. Design and Methods: We analyzed the 2014 survey data of LGBT adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,450) from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. Latent profile analyses were conducted to identify clusters of social network ties based on 11 indicators. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the association between social network types and mental health. Results: We found five social network types. Ordered from greatest to least access to family, friend, and other non-family network ties, they were diverse, diverse/no children, immediate family-focused, friend-centered/restricted, and fully restricted. The friend-centered/restricted (33%) and diverse/no children network types (31%) were the most prevalent. Among individuals with the friend-centered/restricted type, access to social networks was limited to friends, and across both types children were not present. The least prevalent type was the fully restricted network type (6%). Social network type was significantly associated with mental health, after controlling for background characteristics and total social network size; those with the fully restricted type showed the poorest mental health. Implications: Unique social network types (diverse/no children and friend-centered/restricted) emerge among LGBT older adults. Moreover, individuals with fully restricted social networks are at particular risk due to heightened health needs and limited social resources. This study highlights the importance of understanding heterogeneous social relations and developing tailored interventions to promote social connectedness and mental health in LGBT older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: Life events are associated with the health and well-being of older adults. Using the Health Equity Promotion Model, this article explores historical and environmental context as it frames life experiences and adaptation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Design and Methods: This was the largest study to date of LGBT older adults to identify life events related to identity development, work, and kin relationships and their associations with health and quality of life (QOL). Using latent profile analysis (LPA), clusters of life events were identified and associations between life event clusters were tested. Results: On average, LGBT older adults first disclosed their identities in their 20s; many experienced job-related discrimination. More had been in opposite-sex marriage than in same-sex marriage. Four clusters emerged: "Retired Survivors" were the oldest and one of the most prevalent groups; "Midlife Bloomers" first disclosed their LGBT identities in mid-40s, on average; "Beleaguered At-Risk" had high rates of job-related discrimination and few social resources; and "Visibly Resourced" had a high degree of identity visibility and were socially and economically advantaged. Clusters differed significantly in mental and physical health and QOL, with the Visibly Resourced faring best and Beleaguered At-Risk faring worst on most indicators; Retired Survivors and Midlife Bloomers showed similar health and QOL. Implications: Historical and environmental contexts frame normative and non-normative life events. Future research will benefit from the use of longitudinal data and an assessment of timing and sequencing of key life events in the lives of LGBT older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults comprise a diverse and growing health disparate population. In the present study, using the Health Equity Promotion Model, we investigated pathways by which LGBT older adults experience resilience, risk, and marginalization and their relationship to attaining positive health outcomes. Design and Methods: Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS) is the first longitudinal research project designed to examine the health, aging, and well-being of LGBT adults aged 50 and older. Using data from 2014 (N = 2,415), we tested a structural equation model linking lifetime marginalization, identity affirmation and management, social and psychological resources, and health behaviors to positive health outcomes. Results: Identity affirmation positively predicted social resources and mental health, and social resources positively predicted mental health. Marginalization was associated with fewer social resources for LGBT older adults with an open identity management style, lower identity affirmation for LGBT older adults who strategically concealed their sexual identity, and poorer mental health. Mental health was associated with better health behaviors, which in turn predicted positive physical health outcomes. Implications: Although a health disparate population, good health among LGBT older adults appears to be attained via multiple resilience and risk pathways. Providers must remain aware of the historical contexts in which LGBT older adults lived and the strengths they developed in order to understand their health and to develop tailored and targeted prevention and intervention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As school social workers partner with, or work within, after-school physical activity-based positive youth development (PA-PYD) programs, questions remain regarding how to maximize the impact of these programs on youth outcomes. This mixed-methods study sought to (a) qualitatively explore whether program leaders' perceptions of youth benefits from participation in Girls on the Run (GOTR), a PA-PYD program, align with one particular positive youth development framework, as this has implications for how leaders implement these programs, and (b) quantitatively examine how implementation fidelity and perceived program leader autonomy-support influenced changes in participants' self-esteem across a season. Data were collected through focus groups, site visits, and pre/post surveys. Thirteen leaders and 330 participants from 30 GOTR sites within one GOTR council participated. Qualitative data were deductively analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed using two-level random intercept linear multilevel models. Leaders' perceptions of GOTR benefits aligned with the five Cs framework. Participants' perceptions of their leader's autonomy-support was a significant predictor of self-esteem (β = .1293, p < .0001). Implementation fidelity was not a significant predictor (β = -0.003, p = .1023). Findings are discussed in relation to how school social workers can maximize the impact of PA-PYD programs on positive youth development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in U.S. fireworks laws have allowed younger children to purchase fireworks. In addition, the changes have allowed individuals to purchase more powerful fireworks. The purpose of this study is to examine the epidemiology of pediatric firework-related burn injuries among a nationally representative sample of the United States for the years 2006 to 2012. We examined inpatient admissions for pediatric firework-related burn patients from 2006 to 2012 using the nationwide inpatient sample and examined emergency department admissions using the nationwide emergency department sample. Both data sources are part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Trajectories over time were evaluated. A total of 3193 injuries represented an estimated 90,257 firework-related injuries treated in the United States from 2006 to 2012. A majority of injuries were managed in the emergency department (n = 2008, 62.9%). The incidence generally increased over time; increasing from 4.28 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 5.12 per 100,000 population in 2012, P = .019. However, the proportion of injuries requiring inpatient admission (28.9% in 2006 to 50.0% in 2012, P < .001) and mean length of stay in the hospital (3.12 days in 2006 to 7.35 days in 2012, P < .001) significantly increased over time, while the mean age decreased over time (12.1-year-old in 2006 to 11.4-year-old in 2012, P = .006). The relaxing of U.S. fireworks laws may have had a modest effect on incidence of related injuries and the age of purchaser. However, it has had a dramatic effect on the severity of the related injuries, resulting in more inpatient admissions and longer length of stay in the hospital. Preventative methods should be taken to reduce the rate and severity of firework-related injuries among U.S. youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study examined the relationship between the 4 quadrants of the job strain model and incident diabetes in U.S. working adults 50 years and older. Methods: This study used longitudinal data from the 2006-2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 1,396). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine whether job strain significantly predicted diabetes incidence. Results: Participants in high strain and passive jobs had significantly higher risk of diabetes relative to those in low strain jobs. In the univariate survival curves, significantly higher risk of diabetes was observed in men working in passive jobs. After adjustment for relevant covariates, participants in high strain (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.75) and passive (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.01-2.73) jobs had a significantly increased risk of diabetes. Among adults 65 years and older, high strain and passive jobs were associated with an approximately fourfold increased risk of incident diabetes. Discussion: High strain and passive occupations which represent low control over work are associated with increased risk of diabetes incidence among older workers. More research is required to better understand how psychosocial work factors impact health in aging workers. Further, research should continue to explore gender differences in effects of job strain on diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recognition of student loan forgiveness programs (SLFPs) as a recruitment tool and job retention mechanism, little is known about their perceived effects on turnover prevention or potential to ease turnover pressure and prevent activation of turnover intention. This article describes the results of a recent survey by the National Association of Social Workers (Massachusetts chapter) on SLFPs. Specifically, the article examines the role of turnover intention and sociodemographic factors on the perception of whether student loan forgiveness (SLF) could prevent social workers from leaving their jobs. Results from bivariate and multivariate analyses using convenience sample (N = 569) suggest that amount of student loan debt, worrying about student loan debt, and turnover intention were significantly associated with perceiving SLF as likely to prevent turnover. Similarly, student loan variables differed by demographic characteristics. MSW graduates were more likely than BSW graduates to have inquired about SLFP, owe more student loan debt, and indicate propensity to participate in SLFP. However, BSW graduates were more likely than MSW graduates to worry about student loan debt. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of findings for policy, practice, higher education, and future research, including relevance to advocacy and legislative efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of subjective well-being or well ness is an important aim of both policy and practice. Yet, little research has examined wellness among Muslims, despite the growth in the Muslim population and the discrimination they can encounter in the West. To address this gap in the literature, a model of wellness was developed and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) with a sample of Muslims living in the USA (N = 265). The results indicate that discrimination effects wellness indirectly, through increased levels of depression. Spirituality does not mediate the relationship between discrimination and well ness. Rather, it exhibits a direct, independent effect on both depression and well-ness. The findings underscore the importance of addressing discrimination directed towards Muslims as a way to enhance wellness. The results also imply that spirituality can play a critical role in promoting wellness among Muslims, both directly and indirectly by reducing the level of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals may be more motivated to adopt health practices if they consider the benefits of these behaviors for their close relationships. The goal of this study was to examine couple concordance with sun protection and use the interdependence and communal coping theory to evaluate the role of relationship factors in sun protection. One hundred and eighty-four married couples aged 50 years and older completed measures of objective skin cancer risk, perceived risk, sun protection benefits, relationshipcentered motivations for sun protection, discussions about sun protection, and sun protection. A mediational model was evaluated. Results indicated a high level of couple concordance. Partners who adopted a relationship-centered motivation for sun protection were more likely to discuss sun protection with one another, and partners who discussed sun protection together were more likely to engage in sun protection. One partner's attitude about personal risk and sun protection benefits was associated with the other partner's sun protection. Wives had higher relationship-centered motivation and discussed sun protection more with their husbands Behavioral interventions may benefit from encouraging couples to discuss sun protection and encouraging married individuals to consider the benefits of sun protection for their relationship and for their spouse's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: Loneliness is a key health risk for older adults. Utilizing the loneliness model, we examine the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults, taking into consideration potential correlates including social resources and personal constraints. Design and Methods: We use data from a national survey of LGB adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,444). Types of living arrangement include living with a partner or spouse, living alone, and living with someone other than a partner or spouse. Results: Compared with LGB older adults living with a partner or spouse, both those living alone and living with others reported higher degrees of loneliness, even after controlling for other correlates. The results of a multivariate regression analysis reveal that social support, social network size, and internalized stigma partially account for the relationship between living arrangement and loneliness. Implications: Living arrangement was found to be an independent correlate of loneliness among LGB older adults. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce loneliness for those living alone and those living with someone other than a partner or spouse in part by enhancing social resources and reducing risks of internalized stigma. Eliminating discriminatory policies against same-sex partnerships and partnered living arrangements is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the role of housing conditions in sleep-related infant injury death, a leading cause of infant mortality in the USA. The use of an unsafe sleep surface is a major risk factor for sleep-related infant injury. This exploratory study examined contextual circumstances, specifically those related to the physical environment, which may contribute to caregivers' decisions to place an infant on an unsafe sleep surface. It employed a retrospective review of 255 sleep-related infant injury death cases in a large urban area from 2004 to 2010 where an infant was found sleeping on an unsafe sleep surface, including 122 cases where a crib or bassinet was identified in the home. Quantitative findings indicated no differences in demographic or risk characteristics between infants with cribs or bassinets and those without them. Qualitative findings suggested the lack of crib or bassinet use may be related to environmental factors influenced by poverty, specifically crowded living space, room temperature and vermin infestation. This study suggests that infants may be at risk of sleep-related injury deaths even when a crib or bassinet is present in the home and supports the consideration of housing conditions in health promotion efforts to reduce infant mortality. Understanding environmental factors that may contribute to infants sleeping on an unsafe surface can help maternal child health and public health professionals develop more appropriate interventions that address deleterious living conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Subjective life expectancy (SLE) has been suggested as a predictor of mortality and mortality-related behaviors. Although critical for culturally diverse societies, these findings do not consider cross-cultural methodological comparability. Culture-specific reporting heterogeneity is a well-known phenomenon introducing biases, and research on this issue with SLE is not established. Method. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we examined reporting heterogeneity in SLE focusing on item nonresponse, focal points, and reports over time for five ethnic-cultural groups: non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic other races, English-interviewed Hispanics, and Spanish-interviewed Hispanics. Results. On item nonresponse, Spanish-interviewed Hispanics said, "I don't know," to SLE significantly more than any other groups. Nearly half of the respondents chose 0, 50, or 100, making them focal points. However, the focal points differed: 50 for Whites, 100 for Blacks, and 0 for Spanish-interviewed Hispanics. The relationship of SLE measured at two time points was higher for Whites than minorities. Moreover, those who said "I don't know" to SLE showed higher subsequent mortality than those who gave an answer. SLE was not a significant mortality predictor for Hispanics. Discussion. Overall, SLE is not free from culture-specific reporting heterogeneity. This warrants further research about its culture-relevant measurement mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To address research gaps regarding women Veterans' alcohol consumption and mortality risk as compared to non-Veterans, the current study evaluated whether alcohol consumption amounts differed between women Veterans and non-Veterans, whether Veterans and non-Veterans within alcohol consumption groups differed on all-cause mortality, and whether Veteran status modified the association between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Design and Methods: Six alcohol consumption groups were created using baseline data from the Women's Health Initiative Program (N = 145,521): lifelong abstainers, former drinkers, less than 1 drink/week (infrequent drinkers), 1-7 drinks/week (moderate drinkers), 8-14 drinks/week (moderately heavy drinkers), and 15 or more drinks/week (heavy drinkers). The proportions of Veteran and non-Veteran women within each alcohol consumption category were compared. Mortality rates within each alcohol consumption category were compared by Veteran status. Cox proportional hazard models, including a multiplicative interaction term for Veteran status, were fit to estimate adjusted mortality hazard (rate) ratios for each alcohol consumption category relative to a reference group of either lifelong abstainers or moderate drinkers. Results: Women Veterans were less likely to be lifelong abstainers than non-Veterans. Women Veterans who were former or moderate drinkers had higher age-adjusted mortality rates than did non-Veterans within these alcohol consumption categories. In the fully adjusted multivariate models, Veteran status did not modify the association between alcohol consumption category and mortality with either lifelong abstainers or moderate drinkers as referents. Implications: The results suggest that healthcare providers may counsel Veteran and non-Veteran women in similar ways regarding safe and less safe levels of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: We tested a life-span model of combat exposure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in later life, examining the direct and indirect effects of prewar, warzone, and postwar factors. Design and Methods: The sample included 947 male World War II and Korean War veterans from the VA Normative Aging Study (Mage = 65, SD = 7). They completed mail surveys on childhood family environment, military service and postwar experience, stressful life events, and PTSD symptoms (response rates > 80%). Results: We constructed an initial path model testing cumulative advantage and disadvantage pathways. Although all hypothesized relationships were significant, the model was not a good fit to the data. Subsequent models showed that all three life-span periods had both direct and indirect effects on PTSD symptoms and that there were interesting cross-links between the two sets of pathways. Implications: The life-span perspective provides a useful heuristic to model various developmental effects on later-life outcomes. A supportive childhood family environment can have lifelong protective effects, whereas a conflictual one can set up lifelong patterns of pessimistic appraisals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The attainment of walking is a focus of physical therapy intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and may affect their independence in mobility and participation in daily activities. However, knowledge of determinants of independent walking to guide physical therapists' decision making is lacking. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify child factors (postural control, reciprocal lower limb movement, functional strength, and motivation) and family factors (family support to child and support to family) that predict independent walking 1 year later in young children with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II and III. Design. A secondary data analysis of an observational cohort study was performed. Methods. Participants were 80 children with CP, 2 through 6 years of age. Child factors were measured 1 year prior to the walking outcome. Parent-reported items representing family factors were collected 7 months after study onset. The predictive model was analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression. Results. A measure of functional strength and dynamic postural control in a sit-to-stand activity was the only significant predictor of taking ≥3 steps independently. The positive likelihood ratio for predicting a "walker " was 3.26, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.74. The model correctly identified a walker or "nonwalker " 75% of the time. Limitations. Prediction of walking ability was limited by the lack of specificity of child and family characteristics not prospectively selected and measurement of postural control, reciprocal lower limb movement, and functional strength 1 year prior to the walking outcome. Conclusions. The ability to transfer from sitting to standing and from standing to sitting predicted independent walking in young children with CP. Prospective longitudinal studies are recommended to determine indicators of readiness for independent walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health literacy is essential to navigate the U.S. health care system and to promote mutual understanding and shared decision making between patients and health care professionals. Latino immigrants have lower levels of health literacy than other ethnic and racial groups in the United States, but little is known about the impact of health literacy on their quality of care (QoC). To address this gap in the literature, the author examined data from a nationally representative sample of 2,996 immigrants from the 2007 Pew Hispanic Center and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Hispanic Healthcare Survey. Data were analyzed using weighted logistic regression and controlled for immigrants' sociodemographic characteristics and barriers to health care. Results revealed that immigrants with higher levels of health literacy reported better QoC and that inadequate health literacy influenced immigrants' QoC beyond education and income, English proficiency, health insurance coverage, and having a regular place of care. Screening for health literacy could increase the attention given to Latino immigrants'understanding of health information in the context of health care and contribute to the development of interventions that improve the QoC and the health outcomes of one of the most vulnerable segments of the U.S. population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reported in this article used Fragile Families data to test a mediational model of the influences of nonresident black fathers' involvement with 492 low-income single mothers and their three-year-old children (time 3) on the mothers' psychological well-being and parenting adequacy and the children's socioemotional development at age 5 (time 5) as they prepared to enter elementary school. The findings generally replicated earlier research with a smaller sample. The results showed that nonresident biological fathers are important in the lives of young black children. The availability of social and instrumental support from fathers was associated with better psychological and parenting outcomes for mothers, which in turn predicted fewer child behavior problems at time 3. Fewer behavior problems at time 3 were associated with fewer such problems at time 5. The results provide significant support for interventions in programs aimed at reducing the adverse consequences of single parenting for young children in economically challenged black families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little research has been conducted with Muslims despite the growing size of this population in the United States. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the relation--ship between discrimination and two consequential health outcomes--depression and substance use--in tandem with the protective effects of spirituality on these two outcomes. Drawing from stress and coping theory, a theoretically based model was developed and tested using structural equation modeling with a diverse community sample of Muslims (N = 265). The results indicate that discrimination predicts depression, but not substance use. Spirituality does not function as a mediator but rather exhibits a direct, independent effect on both depression and substance use. The findings underscore the importance of addressing discrimination directed toward Muslims. The results also imply that spirituality may play a critical role in helping Muslims ameliorate depression and substance use in direct practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. In recent years, there has been increased attention to pain management after surgery in the hospital setting along with financial enticement from the US government. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current efficacy of postoperative pain management. Methods. In a prospective study, patients in an academic private nonprofit medical center were asked the same questions about their postoperative pain as in a previously published 2003 survey. Questionnaires on 1) pain intensity on a verbal categorical scale and 2) patient satisfaction with pain medication were completed in the patient's room before hospital discharge, and followed-up by telephone interviews at 1 and 2 weeks later. Numerical Pain Scale (NRS) pain scores were obtained at the same time points. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) results for pain management were obtained at bedside interview along with standard mailed HCAHPS survey obtained by Press Ganey. Results. Based on 441 surgical inpatients (Orthopedic, General, Neurosurgery, Gynecological) 12% of patients had "Severe-to-Extreme" pain and 54% had "Moderate-to-Extreme" pain at discharge. During the first 2 weeks after discharge, 13% of patients had "Severe-to-Extreme" pain and 46% had "Moderateto- Extreme" pain. Pain scores at discharge and after discharge were negatively correlated with patient satisfaction with pain medication (P< 0.0001), indicating that increased pain intensity was associated with decreased patient satisfaction. For the HCAHPS question "how often was your pain well controlled?," 66% answered "Always" in the Press Ganey report versus 51% at bedside (P< 0.0001). Conclusions. The incidence of severe-to-extreme pain in patients before and after discharge following inpatient surgery is 12-13%, and this is a reduction from 10 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine the effect of changes in parent-child coresidence on caregiving decisions of non-resident siblings over a 5-year period while controlling for characteristics of the elderly parent and adult children in the family network. Method. We use difference-in-difference models applied to Health and Retirement Study-Assets and Health Dynamics of the Elderly data to test the hypothesis that the formation of a joint household between a parent and one of her children raises the bargaining power of non-resident siblings, who then reduce their care to the parent. Similarly, the dissolution of a parent-child household is expected to increase the bargaining power of the child who no longer coresides with the parent relative to her siblings. Results. We find that children whose parent and sibling begin coresiding during the study period are less likely to provide care and provide fewer hours of care than children whose parents never coresided with a child. Adult children whose parent cease coresiding with a sibling, on the other hand, have a higher likelihood of providing care and provide significantly more hours of care relative to children whose parents either coresided with a sibling in both time periods or never coresided with a child. Discussion. Meeting the needs of the growing elderly population while maintaining them in the community is a particular focus of long-term care policy. To the extent that shared living is an important component of such care, the observed sensitivity of nonresident children's caregiving efforts has implications for the well-being of both disabled parents and their coresiding adult children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospice music therapy is delivered in both homes and nursing homes (NH). No studies to date have explored differences in music therapy delivery between home and NH hospice patients.Objective: To compare music therapy referral reasons and delivery for hospice patients living in NH versus home.Methods: A retrospective, electronic medical record review was conducted from a large U.S. hospice of patients receiving music therapy between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010.Results: Among the 4,804 patients, 2,930 lived in an NH and 1,847 patients lived at home. Compared to home, NH hospice patients were more likely to be female, older, unmarried, and Caucasian. For home hospice patients, the top referral reasons were patient/family emotional and spiritual support, quality of life, and isolation. The most frequent referral reasons for NH hospice patients were isolation, quality of life, and patient/family emotional and spiritual support. Differences in music therapy delivery depended mainly on patients' primary diagnosis and location of care.Conclusions: Results suggest differences in referral reasons and delivery based on an interaction between location of care and patient characteristics. Delivery differences are likely a result of individualized assessment and care plans developed by the music therapist and other interdisciplinary team members to address the unique needs of the patient. Thus, it is important to have professionally trained music therapists assess and provide tailored music-based interventions for patients with different referral reasons and personal characteristics. This study also supports staffing decisions based on patient need rather than average daily census. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study: The study examined participant's experience and individual characteristics during a 7-week computer activity program for persons with dementia. Design and Methods: The descriptive study with mixed methods design collected 612 observational logs of computer sessions from 27 study participants, including individual interviews before and after the program. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlational coefficients, t-test, and chi-square. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results: Each participant averaged 23 sessions and 591 min for 7 weeks. Computer activities included slide shows with music, games, internet use, and emailing. On average, they had a high score of intensity in engagement per session. Women attended significantly more sessions than men. Higher education level was associated with a higher number of different activities used per session and more time spent on online games. Older participants felt more tired. Feeling tired was significantly correlated with a higher number of weeks with only one session attendance per week. More anticholinergic medications taken by participants were significantly associated with a higher percentage of sessions with disengagement. The findings were significant at p < .05. Qualitative content analysis indicated tailoring computer activities appropriate to individual's needs and functioning is critical. All participants needed technical assistance. Implications: A framework for tailoring computer activities may provide guidance on developing and maintaining treatment fidelity of tailored computer activity interventions among persons with dementia. Practice guidelines and education protocols may assist caregivers and service providers to integrate computer activities into homes and aging services settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: Older Americans contemplating retirement today face a very different economic environment than prior cohorts did. This article examines whether the retirement patterns of older Americans have changed as a result. Design and Methods: Using data from 10 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we examine the prevalence of bridge jobs, phased retirement, and labor market reentry among 3 recent cohorts of older Americans, from 1992 through 2010. Determinants of retirement transitions are examined using bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic and multinomial logistic regression models. Results: We find that traditional one-time, permanent exits from the labor force continue to be the exception rather than the rule and that the retirement patterns of the Early Boomers, those on the cusp of retirement during the recent Great Recession, appear to be diverging from those of earlier cohorts. The Early Boomer women, in particular, were more likely than those in previous cohorts, the HRS Core and the HRS War Babies, to move to a bridge job prior to exiting the labor force completely and both Early Boomer men and women were more likely to leave their career jobs involuntarily, with layoffs being a key factor. Implications: The "do-it-yourself" approach to retirement planning--with individuals managing a large portion of their retirement finances--is now common among older Americans. This change in the retirement environment, combined with a significant and persistent cyclical downturn, may have long-lasting effects and suggests that the concept of retirement in the United States will continue to evolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]