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Health & Social Care in the Community Mar 2018Loneliness and social isolation are major problems for older adults. Interventions and activities aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness are widely advocated... (Review)
Review
Loneliness and social isolation are major problems for older adults. Interventions and activities aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness are widely advocated as a solution to this growing problem. The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative review to identify the range and scope of interventions that target social isolation and loneliness among older people, to gain insight into why interventions are successful and to determine the effectiveness of those interventions. Six electronic databases were searched from 2003 until January 2016 for literature relating to interventions with a primary or secondary outcome of reducing or preventing social isolation and/or loneliness among older people. Data evaluation followed Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre guidelines and data analysis was conducted using a descriptive thematic method for synthesising data. The review identified 38 studies. A range of interventions were described which relied on differing mechanisms for reducing social isolation and loneliness. The majority of interventions reported some success in reducing social isolation and loneliness, but the quality of evidence was generally weak. Factors which were associated with the most effective interventions included adaptability, a community development approach, and productive engagement. A wide range of interventions have been developed to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. However, the quality of the evidence base is weak and further research is required to provide more robust data on the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to further develop theoretical understandings of how successful interventions mediate social isolation and loneliness.
Topics: Aged; Databases, Factual; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Loneliness; Male; Single Person; Social Behavior; Social Isolation; Social Planning; Social Support
PubMed: 27413007
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12367 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Dec 2020The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses a threat to societies' mental health. This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and identified...
BACKGROUND
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses a threat to societies' mental health. This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and identified the factors contributing to psychological impact in the Philippines.
METHODS
A total of 1879 completed online surveys were gathered from March 28-April 12, 2020. Collected data included socio-demographics, health status, contact history, COVID-19 knowledge and concerns, precautionary measures, information needs, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) ratings.
RESULTS
The IES-R mean score was 19.57 (SD=13.12) while the DASS-21 mean score was 25.94 (SD=20.59). In total, 16.3% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as moderate-to-severe; 16.9% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms; 28.8% had moderate-to-severe anxiety levels; and 13.4% had moderate-to-severe stress levels. Female gender; youth age; single status; students; specific symptoms; recent imposed quarantine; prolonged home-stay; and reports of poor health status, unnecessary worry, concerns for family members, and discrimination were significantly associated with greater psychological impact of the pandemic and higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05). Adequate health information, having grown-up children, perception of good health status and confidence in doctors' abilities were significantly associated with lesser psychological impact of the pandemic and lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05).
LIMITATIONS
An English online survey was used.
CONCLUSION
During the early phase of the pandemic in the Philippines, one-fourth of respondents reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and one-sixth reported moderate-to-severe depression and psychological impact. The factors identified can be used to devise effective psychological support strategies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Anxiety; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Child; Coronavirus Infections; Depression; Female; Health Personnel; Health Status; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Philippines; Pneumonia, Viral; Prevalence; SARS-CoV-2; Sex Factors; Single Person; Stress, Psychological; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 32861839
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.043 -
Neuron Oct 2021Kay M. Tye shares how focusing on personal and team mental and physical health forms the necessary foundation for future success. In an interview with Neuron, she also...
Kay M. Tye shares how focusing on personal and team mental and physical health forms the necessary foundation for future success. In an interview with Neuron, she also discusses the need for better representation in STEM and how global lockdowns have reinvigorated her scientific interests in social homeostasis.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Neurosciences; SARS-CoV-2; Single Parent; Social Isolation; Travel; Videoconferencing; Women, Working; Work-Life Balance
PubMed: 34672978
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.09.029 -
Canadian Journal of Public Health =... Mar 2016MAP (Mères avec pouvoir, or in English, Mothers with Power) is a program that proposes a comprehensive approach to promote the social and vocational integration of low...
OBJECTIVES
MAP (Mères avec pouvoir, or in English, Mothers with Power) is a program that proposes a comprehensive approach to promote the social and vocational integration of low income single mothers with children under six years old. Using the results of a qualitative evaluation of the program’s outcomes and the contextual factors that produced the outcomes, this article aims to identify the aspects of the program that are most promising for practise.
METHOD
To assess the program outcomes, the study used two monitoring tools and an information sheet on each participant. An in-depth analysis of the connections between the program’s outcomes and the contextual factors that produced them was conducted using 15 case studies, a case being defined as the integration path of each participant during their involvement in the program. For each case, four data sources were used; in addition to the monitoring tools, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and the case workers at two points in time.
RESULTS
Data showed positive outcomes for this program. After three years, a majority of the participants returned to school, completed high school, started collegial studies, or found employment. These outcomes resulted from a set of factors, including structure provided in the living environment, support from an intervention team working in proximity with the participants, and individualized links with community programs and services.
CONCLUSION
The results support the relevance of an integrated and comprehensive approach to the social and vocational integration of low income single mothers.
ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.17269/CJPH.106.4845 and is accessible for authorized users.
Topics: Adult; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mothers; Poverty; Power, Psychological; Program Evaluation; Qualitative Research; Single Parent; Social Participation; Work; Young Adult
PubMed: 26978699
DOI: 10.17269/cjph.106.4845 -
Journal of Aging and Health Jan 2022To investigate whether the association between non-spousal support and mortality risk differs by marital status.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the association between non-spousal support and mortality risk differs by marital status.
METHODS
Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 2460), we estimate a series of logistic regression models to assess how non-spousal support moderates the relationship between marital status and mortality across a 5-year period.
RESULTS
Never married respondents who had minimal perceived access to non-spousal support had a greater probability of death compared to married respondents with similar levels of non-spousal support. The disparity in mortality risk between these two groups disappeared when non-spousal support was high.
DISCUSSION
Although family and friends play an important role in mortality risk in later life, these findings suggest that never married older adults exhibit a heightened dependence on support from non-spousal sources. Future research and policies should explore ways in which never married older adults can be integrated into a supportive social environment.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Humans; Marital Status; Marriage; Single Person; Social Support
PubMed: 34114491
DOI: 10.1177/08982643211025381 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2020Lebanon hosts over one million refugees displaced from Syria as a result of the armed conflict-of whom, approximately 15% are adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years of...
Lebanon hosts over one million refugees displaced from Syria as a result of the armed conflict-of whom, approximately 15% are adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years of age. Many female adolescent migrants report a decrease in quality of life and an increase in family tensions. This study sought to investigate the emotional well-being of adolescent Syrian girls in Lebanon. We hypothesized that married girls may experience additional hardships and thus greater feelings of dissatisfaction in daily life, given their young marriage and responsibilities at home. This study was part of a large mixed-methods study on the experiences of Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon (n = 1422). Using line-by-line coding and thematic analysis, 188 first-person narratives from Syrian girls were analysed. Our results highlight poor emotional well-being among married and unmarried girls, with sadness, fear and anger commonly mentioned. Some participants expressed feelings of hope, happiness, gratefulness and empowerment. Unmarried girls (n = 111) were more likely to associate their shared stories with negative feelings such as sadness (47% vs. 22%), disappointment (30% vs. 19%), and frustration (32% vs. 22%) than were married girls (n = 77). Four themes emerged as important determinants: access to education, perceived safety, peer support, and longing for life back in Syria. Continued efforts to improve emotional well-being for married and unmarried refugee girls are needed in Lebanon, in particular those that address the nuances for these groups.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Emotions; Female; Humans; Lebanon; Marriage; Mental Health; Quality of Life; Refugees; Single Person; Syria
PubMed: 32599758
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124543 -
PloS One 2022Uganda has a high maternal mortality rate combined with poor use of health facilities at childbirth among youth. Improved use of maternal health services by the youth...
BACKGROUND
Uganda has a high maternal mortality rate combined with poor use of health facilities at childbirth among youth. Improved use of maternal health services by the youth would help reduce maternal deaths in the country. Predictors of use of health facilities at childbirth among unmarried compared to married youth aged 15-24 years in Uganda between 2006 and 2016 are examined.
METHODOLOGY
Binary logistic regression was conducted on the pooled data of the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys among youth who had given birth within five years before each survey. This analysis was among a sample of 764 unmarried, compared to 5,176 married youth aged 15-24 years.
RESULTS
Overall, unmarried youth were more likely to have a childbirth within the health facilities (79.3%) compared to married youth (67.6%). Higher odds of use of health facilities at childbirth were observed among youth with at least secondary education (OR = 2.915, 95%CI = 1.747-4.865 for unmarried vs OR = 1.633, 95%CI = 1.348-1.979 for married) and frequent antenatal care of at least four visits (OR = 1.758, 95%CI = 1.153-2.681 for unmarried vs OR = 1.792, 95%CI = 1.573-2.042 for married). Results further showed that youth with parity two or more, those that resided in rural areas and those who were engaged in agriculture had reduced odds of the use of health facilities at childbirth. In addition, among married youth, the odds of using health facilities at childbirth were higher among those with at least middle wealth index, and those with frequent access to the newspapers (OR = 1.699, 95%CI = 1.162-2.486), radio (OR = 1.290, 95%CI = 1.091-1.525) and television (OR = 1.568, 95%CI = 1.149-2.138) compared to those with no access to each of the media, yet these were not significant among unmarried youth.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Frequent use of antenatal care and higher education attainment were associated with increased chances of use of health facilities while higher parity, rural residence and being employed in the agriculture sector were negatively associated with use of health facilities at childbirth among both unmarried and married youth. To enhance use of health facilities among youth, there is a need to encourage frequent antenatal care use, especially for higher parity births and for rural residents, and design policies that will improve access to mass media, youth's education level and their economic status.
Topics: Adolescent; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Health Facilities; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Parturition; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Single Person; Uganda
PubMed: 35390079
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266657 -
PloS One 2022Both urban planners and urban scholars have been keenly interested in identifying the characteristics associated with neighborhood satisfaction. One robust but...
Both urban planners and urban scholars have been keenly interested in identifying the characteristics associated with neighborhood satisfaction. One robust but surprising pattern is that the presence or number of children in a household has no effect on neighborhood satisfaction. To clarify this pattern, we measured the neighborhood satisfaction of a representative sample of 1,000 Michigan adults, whom we divided into six distinct reproductive statuses: co-parents, single-parents, empty nesters, not-yet-parents, childless individuals, and childfree individuals. We found that a simple parent vs. non-parent dichotomy hides significant heterogeneity among these groups. Specifically, we found that single parents and childfree individuals experience significantly less neighborhood satisfaction than other groups. We conclude by reflecting on the methodological and practical implications of differences in neighborhood satisfaction when more nuanced reproductive statuses are considered.
Topics: Adult; Child; Family Characteristics; Humans; Parents; Personal Satisfaction; Residence Characteristics; Single Parent
PubMed: 36070243
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273082 -
Fertility and Sterility Jul 2022This study aimed to discuss fertility concerns unique to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus and single-parent-to-be populations and review special... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to discuss fertility concerns unique to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus and single-parent-to-be populations and review special considerations regarding the evaluation and treatment of these patients relevant to the practicing reproductive medicine provider. The use of assisted reproductive technology has rapidly increased over the past 50 years. Given these trends, providers can expect a greater diversity of patients making use of these technologies. Both the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus community and single parents-to-be represent understudied and important populations who often require the use of assisted reproductive technology to build their families. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine advocates for equitable treatment of patients regardless of sexual orientation and partner status, and health care providers working in the fertility field should be comfortable and confident in assessing the needs of and providing care to these populations.
Topics: Female; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Male; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Single Parent; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 35610093
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.012 -
Demography Aug 2013To assess and explain the United States' gender wealth gap, we use the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine wealth accumulated by a single cohort over 50 years by...
To assess and explain the United States' gender wealth gap, we use the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine wealth accumulated by a single cohort over 50 years by gender, by marital status, and limited to the respondents who are their family's best financial reporters. We find large gender wealth gaps between currently married men and women, and between never-married men and women. The never-married accumulate less wealth than the currently married, and there is a marital disruption cost to wealth accumulation. The status-attainment model shows the most power in explaining gender wealth gaps between these groups explaining about one-third to one-half of the gap, followed by the human-capital explanation. In other words, a lifetime of lower earnings for women translates into greatly reduced wealth accumulation. After controlling for the full model, we find that a gender wealth gap remains between married men and women that we speculate may be related to gender differences in investment strategies and selection effects.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Income; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Marital Status; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Single Person; Socioeconomic Factors; Wisconsin
PubMed: 23264038
DOI: 10.1007/s13524-012-0182-0