Alcohol problems among male disability pensioners.

The study covers two materials from Malm?: 1. All 235 men who were granted temporary or permanent disability pension for the first time in 1964. 2. A group of 235 men randomly chosen from the 893 men who were granted temporary or permanent disability pension for the first time in 1974. In both materials, the number of convictions for drunkenness during the period 1932-74 was about 4.5 times as high as for Swedish men of the same age. One pensioner in three had been convicted. During the period 1939-74, one pensioner in ten in each material had been subjected to compulsory treatment by Temperance Boards.     

Alcohol problems and sense of coherence among older adults.

The relation between alcohol problems and sense of coherence (SOC), a salutogenic model developed by Antonovsky, was assessed on a sample of 952 older members of a health maintenance organization. Data on alcohol problems (5-item index) and SOC (9-item scale) were obtained from mailed questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses indicated that SOC was a significant negative predictor of alcohol problems while controlling for alcohol consumption level, frequency of drunkenness and demographic characteristics. In addition, SOC scores were significantly higher for a subsample of lighter drinkers who reported no alcohol problems in the last year and had not been drunk in the last year (n = 419) as compared to heavier drinkers who reported at least one alcohol problem in the last year, and reported being drunk at least once in the last year (n = 107). These findings emphasize the importance of assessing factors which contribute to healthier behaviors as opposed to focusing exclusively on predictors of pathogenic outcomes.     

宁夏城市不同人群心理及社会支持现况调查

目的了解宁夏回族自治区城市不同人群的心理及社会支持状况。方法对宁夏回族自治区银川市、石嘴山市、吴忠市和固原市采用多阶段分层抽样方法,抽取体力劳动者、公务员、企事业管理人员、教师、医生和科研人员6类不同人群,采用状态焦虑量表(S-AI)、自评抑郁量表(SDS)和社会支持评定量表(SSRS)进行问卷调查。结果收回有效问卷4 026份,不同性别人群状态焦虑和抑郁状态得分比较,差异均有统计学意义(t=2.841、2.012,P<0.05);不同年龄人群状态焦虑、抑郁状态和社会支持得分比较,差异均有统计学意义(F=16.350、8.120、17.271,P<0.05);体力劳动者、公务员、企事业管理人员、教师、医生和科研人员6类不同人群的状态焦虑、抑郁状态和社会支持得分比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);90.2%(3 631/4 026)的人群处于无抑郁状态, 9.7%(390/4 026)的人群处于轻度抑郁状态;调查对象的状态焦虑、自评抑郁得分均与社会支持得分呈负相关(r=-0.134、-0.120,P=0.000) 。结论良好的社会支持有助于改善不同人群的心理健康状况。     

Beyond recidivism: changes in health and social service involvement following exposure to drug treatment court

Background

The majority of Drug Treatment Court (DTC) research has examined the impact of DTCs on criminal recidivism. Comparatively little research has addressed the association between DTC participation and engagement with community-based health and social services. The present study investigated changes in participant involvement with outpatient healthcare and income assistance within a DTC cohort. We hypothesized that involvement with community-based (outpatient) health and social services would increase post-DTC participation, and that service levels would be higher among program graduates and offenders with histories of co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.

Methods

Participants were 631 offenders at the DTC in Vancouver, Canada (DTCV). Administrative data representing hospital, outpatient medical care, and income assistance were examined one-year pre/post program to assess differences over time. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate the association between changes in service use and program involvement. We also examined the relationship between level of service use and offender characteristics.

Results

Members of the cohort were disproportionately Aboriginal (33 %), had been sentenced 2.7 times in the 2 years preceding their index offence, and 50 % had been diagnosed with a non substance-related mental disorder in the five years preceding the index offence. The mean number of outpatient services post DTCV was 51, and the mean amount of social assistance paid was $5,897. Outpatient service use increased following exposure to DTCV (Adjusted Rate Ratio (ARR)?=?1.45) and was significantly higher among women (ARR?=?1.47), program graduation (ARR?=?1.23), and those previously diagnosed with concurrent substance use and mental disorders (ARR?=?4.92). Overall, hospital admissions did not increase post-program, although rates were significantly higher among women (ARR?=?1.76) and those with concurrent disorders (ARR?=?2.71). Income assistance increased significantly post program (ARR?=?1.16), and was significantly higher among women (ARR?=?1.03), and those diagnosed with substance use disorders (ARR?=?1.42) and concurrent disorders (ARR?=?1.72).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the DTCV was a catalyst for increased participant engagement with community health and social supports, and that rates of service use were consistently higher among women and individuals with concurrent disorders. Research is needed to investigate the potential link between health and social support and reductions in recidivism associated with DTCs.

     

Job stress, ill health and job satisfaction among health service employees.

The study examined the effects of occupational stressors, perceived locus of control, Type A behaviour pattern and use of coping strategies on well-being and job satisfaction of 1,176 health service employees. Several stressors were identified as having a negative impact on health and job satisfaction although these differed between the various occupational groups included in the study. The interactionist model of stress used in the study, and the diagnostic tool used (the Occupational Stress Indicator) proved to be useful in suggesting means of intervening to reduce ill health and increase job satisfaction among health service employees.     

Alcohol and drug use, abuse, and dependence among welfare recipients.

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents national estimates of heavy drinking, drug use, and alcohol and drug abuse and/or dependence among recipients of selected welfare programs. METHODS: Data from the 1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentages of welfare recipients using, abusing, or dependent on alcohol or drugs were relatively small and consistent with the general US population and those not receiving welfare benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Although a minority of welfare recipients have alcohol or drug problems, substance abuse prevention and treatment services are needed among high-risk subgroups.     

MSM人群艾滋病相关社会环境、性伴网络、健康需求的定性分析

目的 了解浦东新区男男性行为人群(MSM,Man who has sex with man)艾滋病相关的社会环境、性伴网络、健康行为及健康需求情况,为针对该人群制定更加有效的干预措施提供依据。方法 于2014年12月通过VCT(HIV Voluntary Counseling & Testing)、NGO组织(Non-Governmental Organizations)、网络同志聊天群等途径随机招募访谈对象,根据自行设计的半结构式访谈提纲开展访谈,样本量根据“信息饱和”原则确定,共访谈MSM对象30名。结果 访谈结果提示上海地区MSM人群在男性人口中的的比例较高且流动性较大,网络媒体和手机软件是该人群寻找性伴的主要方式;一般情况下安全套使用率较高,但在年龄偏大、教育程度低以及固定性伴的MSM人群中安全套使用率较低;目前社会对男同存在不认同和歧视等现象,MSM人群对艾滋病防治工作的主要建议包括加强多部门合作、宣传教育、干预检测、队伍建设、传染源管理、药物研发、权益保护、社会保障及公益活动等。结论 应加强MSM人群的宣传教育和行为干预,提高安全性行为意识,通过正面的宣传和引导营造更加包容的社会环境,开展综合措施预防艾滋病的传播。     

Prevention in oral health problems: social behavioral aspects.

The potential of prevention in oral health is perhaps greater than in any other health area. A real possibility exists that by applying the combined measures now at hand, the two main dental diseases—dental caries and periodontal disease—can be prevented. Major preventive techniques include tooth sealants, fluorides, plaque removal, and diet modification. If these measures are to fulfill their potential they must be appropriately delivered and accepted by target populations. The present paper reviews issues and data on social-behavioral aspects as they apply to potential preventive approaches.The current status of school-based experimental programs for preventive services and dental health education is discussed. Self-applied procedures, such as supervised fluoride mouth rinsings, are receiving much consideration because of effectiveness and cost/benefit advantages. School dental health education projects utilize teachers and behavior modification techniques for teaching the effective performance of oral hygiene procedures to children. Such innovative approaches have provided short-term changes in behavior and oral status, but long-range behavioral effects are uncertain. Adequate data are lacking as to the extent, nature, and effectiveness of preventive practices of dentists. The most important factor in the success of dental prevention is the population's compliance with preventive regimens which currently require conscientiously applied home routines and changes in eating habits. Thus the importance of developing and applying knowledge on social-behavioral aspects of preventive approaches should be recognized.     

Exploring possible relations among social sciences, social work, and health interventions.

Health interventions are subject to the influences and constraints associated with the traditional relations and distinctions between academic disciplines and professions. The unique ethical and political-policy aspects of professional behavior are discussed, especially within the context of professionals' use of selected and specific academic discipline questions and derived subject material. Particular emphasis is given to the critical concepts of "risk" and the "community" in addition to "need" and the "individual."     

Occupational health problems among nurses

Nurses are an integral component of the health care delivery system. In discharging their duties, nurses encounter a variety of occupational health problems which may be categorized into biological hazards, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and psychosocial hazards. A review of some examples of each of these four types of hazards is presented in this article. Particular attention has been devoted to hepatitis B, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, tuberculosis, cytotoxic drugs, anesthetic agents, needlestick injury, back pain, and stress.     

Educational needs of hospice social workers: spiritual assessment and interventions with diverse populations

Based on a national survey, this study analyzes the roles and educational needs of hospice social workers regarding assessment and intervention in spirituality, religion, and diversity of their patients. Sixty-two social workers responded to the survey. Results suggest that spiritual care is shared among hospice team members and that most social workers feel comfortable in addressing these issues. However, role conflict and role ambiguity also exist. Respondents to the survey often felt ill-prepared to deal with some complex faith-based conflicts related to diversity. They saw themselves in need of assessment models and end-of-life decision-making interventions regarding assisted suicide and euthanasia. This study provides recommendations for social work practice, education, and research.     

Population predictors of community health and social service use in Northern Ireland.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of elderly populations associated with variations in their use of community health and personal social services and to test the hypotheses that the variations are related to: (a) the age structure of an elderly population; (b) the population's socioeconomic composition, including the level of deprivation; and (c) household or living arrangements. DESIGN: A common file of 1991 population census and 1994 NHS community trust operational variables was constructed for 67 postcode sectors, with the independent variables describing the age-sex groups to be studied. Clear criteria for the exclusion of "empty" sectors were developed. Relationships using bivariate and multivariate correlation and stepwise multiple regression were explored. SETTING: Eastern Health and Social Services Board area, Northern Ireland (Belfast and hinterland). PARTICIPANTS: Population of statutory pensionable age; in aggregate, younger and older age bands. MAIN RESULTS: The age structure or mean age of the elderly population had only a weak association with the community health and social service client rate, but there were strong associations with socio-economic variables, particularly the percentage of those living alone who were without a car and the percentage of pensioner households that included an adult of below pensionable age. Parsimonious multiple regression models accounted for between 46% and 80% of the variation in the NHS community trust client rate. Greater explanations were achieved for the young elderly population than for those aged 75+ years and, when the population was divided between young and old age bands, for men than for women. CONCLUSIONS: Community health and social services for elderly people in eastern Northern Ireland were focused on those with a low income and those who were not co-resident with adults of working age. When local elderly populations are compared, per capita morbidity and dependency are often higher where the mean age is low, and vice versa, because of the inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and survival in old age. Capitation scales for resource allocation with positive age weighting will be of little use if no account is taken of the relative prevalence of need in the youngest or base age group.