Gender differences in the individual characteristics and life contexts of late-middle-aged and older problem drinkers

This study focuses on gender differences in the individual characteristics and life contexts of late-life problem drinkers. Late-middle-aged women with drinking problems (n = 183) consumed less alcohol, had fewer drinking problems, and reported more recent onset of drinking problems than did their male counterparts (n = 476). They also used more psychoactive medications, were more depressed, and were less likely to seek alcohol treatment. Consistent with a gender role perspective on alcohol abuse, problem-drinking women had more family-related and fewer financial stressors than did problem-drinking men. Contrary to expectation, however, problem-drinking women reported more support from children, extended family members, and friends than did problem-drinking men. Moreover, women who continued to have drinking problems over a 1-year interval reported some unexpected short-term benefits at follow-up, including reduced spouse stressors. Women who had remitted at follow-up experienced less spouse support, and more family-related stressors and depression than did remitted men. They also lost support from extended family members over the 1-year interval. The results suggest a need for screening and treatment efforts tailored more closely to the life circumstances of women with late-life drinking problems.     

An evaluation of two primary care Interventions for alcohol abuse among Mexican-American patients

Aims. This study examined the effects of two primary care interventions (a physician intervention and a clinic-based psychoeducational group) on drinking patterns, psychosocial problems and blood test results (MCV, GGT, SGOT and SGPT). Design. Subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: physician intervention, psychoeducation, both interventions, or no intervention. Follow-up data were collected at 12 and 18 months. Setting. Subjects were recruited from a family practice outpatient clinic managed by a public hospital. Participants. Included 175 Mexican-American female and male primary care patients who screened positive for alcohol abuse or dependence. These patients were not seeking help for alcohol problems. Interventions. Included a brief physician intervention and a 6-week patient psychoeducational group. Measurements. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule assessed subjects for alcohol abuse; the Addiction Severity Index measured alcohol-related problems, including psychosocial issues. Findings. All four treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement over time, with few differences between intervention and control groups. Conclusions. Assessment can be confounded with brief interventions; future investigators should use non-assessed control groups.     

The roles of the first‐line nurse manager: perceptions from four perspectives

Aim To study the perception of the first‐line nurse managers (FLNMs), registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and head of departments (HDs) on the FLNM's current and desired roles. Background In the process of decentralization, the role of FLNM has changed from having overall responsibility for patients to having responsibility for the management of the ward. Method Interviews with five FLNMs, five RNs, five ANs, and one HD were used. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed text. Results When describing the current roles, the FLNMs, RNs and ANs focused on the coordination of activities that contributed to a well‐functioning service and care of patients as well as on the recruitment of, support to and development of the personnel. The HD focused on the FLNM's responsibilities towards the personnel, especially regarding empowerment and staff well‐being. When describing desired roles, the FLNMs, RNs and ANs emphasized service on the ward while the HD underlined the development of services and co‐operation with other nurse managers. Conclusion The perception of the current and desired roles of the FLNM varied among the groups. The FLNMs, RNs and ANs reported a similar understanding which in turn differed from that of the HD who described fewer roles and focused on other areas.