Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 0360-7283 - ISSN (Online) 1545-6854 Published by Oxford University Press[392 journals]
Authors:Clark G; Rouse S, Spangler H, et al. Pages: 7 - 14 Abstract: Mental health conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated in older veterans, as with all older adults. Social workers bring an important perspective to the interdisciplinary team for the care of older veterans with mental health conditions. In this study authors assessed 50 older veterans referred for mental health treatment (mean age = 74.52 years, SD = 6.48) with standardized measures of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive impairment. At initial assessment, 24 percent had moderate depression, 30 percent had PTSD, and 62 percent (n = 31) had (mostly mild) cognitive impairment based on cut scores. These conditions were often comorbid with each other and with social (60 percent), retirement (26 percent), bereavement (32 percent), and financial (36 percent) stressors. Depression improved after three months of treatment [t(30) = 2.12, p = .04], but those with comorbid PTSD or social stressors had more depressive symptoms at follow-up [R2 = .36, F(4, 26) = 3.57, p = .02]. Interdisciplinary care is essential to address the multiple comorbidities and practical complexities of geriatric mental health care. Social workers play a valuable role on the interprofessional team in addressing these complexities. PubDate: Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx046 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)
Authors:Tonsing K Ow R. Pages: 15 - 21 Abstract: Significant advancements in treatment modalities over the past few decades have significantly improved the survival rates of many types of childhood cancer, directing attention to the psychosocial consequences of successful treatment and subsequent survival. This study assesses quality of life (QoL) among survivors of childhood cancer. Data were collected by means of a survey questionnaire. Participants were assured of confidentiality and of the voluntary nature of participation. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 24 years (mean age = 17.2); 62 percent were male; 45.6 percent were in secondary grades (middle school or high school). Results showed that among the QoL domains, spiritual subscale ranked highest, and physical domain showed the lowest mean score. Self-esteem emerged as an important predictor for social domain of QoL. Cancer-specific worry emerged as a significant predictor for overall QoL. The findings suggest that survivors rated high on positive life changes and sense of purpose, which are associated with positive QoL. However, this was tempered by worries and uncertainty. This study provides seminal information on the psychosocial needs of childhood cancer survivors in an Asian context that can be used by health care professionals and providers to further promote support and health care following treatment. PubDate: Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx047 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)
Authors:Carrellas A; Day A, Cadet T. Pages: 22 - 29 Abstract: Children who have aged out of the foster care system face considerable barriers in accessing oral health care. Although this population of foster care alumni may have Medicaid insurance while they are in care to cover dental care, 39 percent of youths who have aged out of foster care do not have dental insurance. This mixed methods study examines factors that contribute to the oral health care disparities of children who have transitioned from foster care. Multivariate analysis revealed that foster care alumni without dental insurance are 93.5 percent less likely to have their dental needs met than those with dental insurance. Themes from the qualitative data indicated a lack of oral health care, quality-of-life issues, and lack of support to access ongoing dental care. Most state Medicaid programs do not provide comprehensive dental care for adults past the age of 20, contributing to oral health disparities among this population. The addition of oral health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 for foster care alumni would greatly enhance their quality of life. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the role of social workers in promoting oral health care for foster care youths. PubDate: Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx044 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)
Authors:Li Y; Solomon P, Zhang A, et al. Pages: 30 - 40 Abstract: Chinese parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience significant psychological distress due to the child’s illness and hospitalization. Unfortunately, there are few psychosocial interventions for parental distress in China. This pilot study aimed to examine the efficacy of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in a Chinese hospital for parental distress using a randomized controlled trial design. The participants included 40 Chinese parents of a currently hospitalized child diagnosed with CHD who were assessed to have psychological distress. Parents were randomized into either the intervention (n = 25) or the hospital medical social work treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 28) group. The Chinese Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and Chinese version of Herth Hope Index were administered before and after the interventions. Results of the intent-to-treat analysis indicated a significant decrease in parental distress and increase in parents’ levels of hope in the intervention group compared with the TAU group. This study supported SFBT administered in a hospital setting as a promising intervention for reducing distress among Chinese parents with children diagnosed with CHD. PubDate: Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx045 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)
Authors:Rine C. Pages: 41 - 50 Abstract: The purpose of this article is to assess current and future trends in hospice and palliative care with the objective of informing culturally appropriate best practice for social work. Concern for the intersectionality of racial, ethnic, social, and other differences in end-of-life (EOL) care is imperative given the ever growing range of diversity characteristics among the increasing aging populations in the United States. A review of literature from the current decade that is pertinent to the profession contributes to the ability of social work to consider evidence and build agreement germane to EOL practice settings. Administrative reports, government data, academic literature, professional standards, and assessment tools contribute to the profession’s ability to work toward cultural competence and develop practice strategies for EOL care. The varied roles held by social workers across health care arenas provide a unique opportunity to promote cultural competence and advance best practice on all levels of work. PubDate: Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx048 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)
Authors:Ashworth D. Pages: 51 - 58 Abstract: This article discusses bionic vision through the author’s experiences as Australia’s first research participant in an early prototype bionic eye trial. During her two-year participation, she drew on various theoretical perspectives, including critical and community development approaches that not only influence her professional social work perspective, but extend to her personal worldview. In a rapidly emerging biotechnological age, this article contributes a holistic perspective, bringing into focus theory and practice; issues of human experience, human rights, and oppressive relationships; tensions between agency and structure (particularly relating to disability from a social model of disability and the medical model); and practical applications of artificial vision. Beyond its practical applications, illuminated is the relevance of community development values and principles such as a sense of connectedness, participation, and empowerment, which are understood in terms of an antioppressive perspective. The article concludes by recognizing the potential benefit of bionic vision for vision-impaired and blind people in their everyday lives. PubDate: Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlx043 Issue No:Vol. 43, No. 1 (2017)