Barriers to Help Seeking among Victims of Elder Abuse: A Scoping Review and Implications for Public Health Policy in Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jessica K. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Canadian Context ◽  
Effective Assessment

Abstract Elder abuse is a serious public health concern requiring immediate intervention; however, the under-reporting of elder abuse by victims to formal and informal networks remains a major obstacle. This scoping review aims to identify barriers to help seeking that older adults experiencing abuse confront. The goal is to inform public policies and practices in the Canadian context and identify research gaps in the extant literature. Seven scholarly databases were searched from which 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were extracted for analysis. The findings from this scoping review revealed three levels at which barriers exist: individual focused, abuser/family focused, and community/culture focused barriers. The results suggest that there are several complex obstacles that older adults face when contemplating disclosure of abuse. Future research into help seeking in the Canadian context should more readily incorporate the voices of elder abuse victim-survivors to develop effective assessment strategies and responsive service provisions.

scholarly journals Identifying Environmental Determinants Relevant to Health and Wellbeing in Remote Australian Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review of Grey Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4167
Author(s):  
Amal Chakraborty ◽  
Mark Daniel ◽  
Natasha J. Howard ◽  
Alwin Chong ◽  
Nicola Slavin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Environmental Determinants ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

The high prevalence of preventable infectious and chronic diseases in Australian Indigenous populations is a major public health concern. Existing research has rarely examined the role of built and socio-political environmental factors relating to remote Indigenous health and wellbeing. This research identified built and socio-political environmental indicators from publicly available grey literature documents locally-relevant to remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Existing planning documents with evidence of community input were used to reduce the response burden on Indigenous communities. A scoping review of community-focused planning documents resulted in the identification of 1120 built and 2215 socio-political environmental indicators. Indicators were systematically classified using an Indigenous indicator classification system (IICS). Applying the IICS yielded indicators prominently featuring the “community infrastructure” domain within the built environment, and the “community capacity” domain within the socio-political environment. This research demonstrates the utility of utilizing existing planning documents and a culturally appropriate systematic classification system to consolidate environmental determinants that influence health and disease occurrence. The findings also support understanding of which features of community-level built and socio-political environments amenable to public health and social policy actions might be targeted to help reduce the prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases in Indigenous communities.

The Socialization of Unpaid Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752110050
Author(s):  
Kirstie McAllum ◽  
Mary Louisa Simpson ◽  
Christine Unson ◽  
Stephanie Fox ◽  
Kelley Kilpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Family Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Role Negotiation ◽  
Role Learning ◽  
Socialization Agents

As unpaid family caregiving of older adults becomes increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how family caregivers are socialized and how they understand the caregiving role. This PRISMA-ScR-based scoping review examines the published literature between 1995–2019 on the socialization of potential and current unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Of 4,599 publications identified, 47 were included. Three perspectives of socialization were identified: (1) role acculturation; (2) role negotiation and identification; and (3) specialized role learning. The findings show how socialization involves different contexts (e.g., cultures), imperatives for action (e.g., circumstances), socialization agents (e.g., family), processes (e.g., modeling), and internal (e.g., normalization) and external (e.g., identification) consequences for caregivers. Future research could fruitfully explore how caregivers manage key turning points within the socialization process, disengage from the caregiving role, and negotiate the socialization and individualization processes within diverse cultural and funding contexts.

Insomnias

2012 ◽  
pp. 933-938
Author(s):  
Colin A. Espie ◽  
Delwyn J. Bartlett
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sleep Disruption ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Evidence Based

Most people's experiences of poor sleep are memorable, because sleeplessness and its daytime consequences are unpleasant. There are those, however, for whom insomnia is the norm. Persistent and severe sleep disturbance affects at least one in 10 adults and one in five older adults, thus representing a considerable public health concern. Sleep disruption is central to a number of medical and psychiatric disorders, and insomnia is usually treated by general practitioners. Therefore differential diagnosis is important, and respiratory physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists need to be involved. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize current understanding of the insomnias, their appraisal, and treatment. Particular emphasis will be placed upon evidence-based practical management.

scholarly journals Physical activity and health in Chinese children and adolescents: expert consensus statement (2020)

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (22) ◽  
pp. 1321-1331
Author(s):  
Peijie Chen ◽  
Dengfeng Wang ◽  
Hongbing Shen ◽  
Lijuan Yu ◽  
Qian Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Chinese Children And Adolescents

China is experiencing significant public health challenges related to social and demographic transitions and lifestyle transformations following unprecedented economic reforms four decades ago. Of particular public health concern is the fourfold increase in overweight and obesity rates in the nation’s youth population, coupled with the low prevalence of adolescents meeting recommended levels of physical activity. Improving the overall health of China’s more than 170 million children and adolescents has become a national priority. However, advancing nationwide health initiatives and physical activity promotion in this population has been hampered by the lack of a population-specific and culturally relevant consensus on recommendations for achieving these ends. To address this deficiency and inform policies to achieve Healthy China 2030 goals, a panel of Chinese experts, complemented by international professionals, developed this consensus statement. The consensus was achieved through an iterative process that began with a literature search from electronic databases; in-depth reviews, conducted by a steering committee, of the resulting articles; and panel group evaluations and discussions in the form of email correspondence, conference calls and written communications. Ultimately, the panel agreed on 10 major themes with strong scientific evidence that, in children and adolescents aged 6–17, participating in moderate to vigorous physical activities led to multiple positive health outcomes. Our consensus statement also (1) highlights major challenges in promoting physical activity, (2) identifies future research that addresses current knowledge gaps, and (3) provides recommendations for teachers, education experts, parents and policymakers for promoting physical activity among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents. This consensus statement aligns with international efforts to develop global physical activity guidelines to promote physical activity and health and prevent lifestyle-related diseases in children and adolescents. More importantly, it provides a foundation for developing culturally appropriate and effective physical activity interventions, health promotion strategies and policy initiatives to improve the health of Chinese children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Nonimmersive Brain Gaming for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. e764-e781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Sood ◽  
Sandra L Kletzel ◽  
Shilpa Krishnan ◽  
Hannes Devos ◽  
Ahmed Negm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background Technological advances have allowed a variety of computerized cognitive training tools to be engineered in ways that are fun and entertaining yet challenging at a level that can maintain motivation and engagement. This revolution has created an opportunity for gerontological scientists to evaluate brain gaming approaches to improve cognitive and everyday function. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a critical overview of the existing literature on nonimmersive, electronic brain gaming interventions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Research Design and Methods Systematic search was conducted using 7 electronic databases from inception through July 2017. A comprehensive 2-level eligibility process was used to identify studies for inclusion based on PRISMA guidelines. Results Seventeen studies met eligibility criteria. Majority of the studies were randomized controlled trials (n = 13) and incorporated an active control (n = 9). Intervention doses ranged from 4 to 24 weeks in duration with an average of 8.4 (±5.1 standard deviation [SD]) weeks. Session durations ranged from 30 to 100 min with an average of 54 (±25 SD) minutes. Nearly half of studies included a follow-up, ranging from 3 months to 5 years (n = 8). For most studies, brain gaming improved at least one cognitive outcome (n = 12); only one study reported improvement in activities of daily living. Discussion and Implications This scoping review conveys the breadth of an emerging research field, which will help guide future research to develop standards and recommendations for brain gaming interventions which are currently lacking.

scholarly journals Australian R U OK?Day campaign: improving helping beliefs, intentions and behaviours

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Ross ◽  
Bridget Bassilios
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Helping Behaviours

Abstract Background Suicide is a major public health concern and has been recognised as a public health priority. R U OK?Day aims to prevent suicide by encouraging and empowering Australians to reach out to friends and family who might be experiencing personal difficulties. This study aims to update the evaluation of the public awareness campaign ‘R U OK?Day’ that was conducted using 2014 data. Methods Data from 2013 participants were collected via an online survey following the R U OK?Day campaign implemented in 2017. Outcome measures included campaign awareness and participation, past 12-month help-seeking, helping beliefs, helping intentions and helping behaviours. Data were analysed using z-tests, Chi square and regression analyses in SPSS. Results Both campaign awareness and participation have increased since 2014, from 66% and 19% to 78% and 32%. Campaign exposure was associated with stronger beliefs in the importance and the ease of asking “Are you okay?”, and increased the likelihood of intentions to use recommended helping actions by two to three times compared to those not exposed to the campaign. Participants who were exposed to the R U OK?Day campaign were up to six times more likely to reach out to someone who might be experiencing personal difficulties compared to those not exposed to the campaign. Interestingly, those who had sought help from a mental health professional in the past 12 months were more likely to be aware of, and participate in, the campaign, suggesting people experiencing mental health issues recognise the value of seeking—and giving—social support. Conclusions The R U OK?Day campaign continues to be relevant and effective in spreading key messages about the importance of reaching out to others and empowering members of the community to have conversations about life problems. The campaign’s impact is increasing over time through increased campaign awareness and participation, and improving helping beliefs, intentions and behaviours. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the campaign’s impact is vital and may inform potential changes needed to further enhance its impact.

scholarly journals Men’s health literacy: a review and recommendations

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1037-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L Oliffe ◽  
Emma Rossnagel ◽  
Mary T Kelly ◽  
Joan L Bottorff ◽  
Cherisse Seaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Colon Cancers ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

Abstract Although men’s health promotion efforts have attracted programmatic and evaluative research, conspicuously absent are gendered insights to men’s health literacy. The current scoping review article shares the findings drawn from 12 published articles addressing men’s health literacy in a range of health and illness contexts. Evident was consensus that approaches tailored to men’s everyday language and delivered in familiar community-based spaces were central to advancing men’s health literacy, and, by extension, the effectiveness of men’s health promotion programs. However, most men’s health literacy studies focussed on medical knowledge of disease contexts including prostate and colon cancers, while diversity was evident regards conceptual frameworks and/or methods and measures for evaluating men’s health literacy. Despite evidence that low levels of health literacy fuel stigma and men’s reticence for health help-seeking, and that tailoring programs to health literacy levels is requisite to effective men’s health promotion efforts, the field of men’s health literacy remains underdeveloped. Based on the scoping review findings, recommendations for future research include integrating men’s health literacy research as a needs analysis to more effectively design and evaluate targeted men’s health promotion programs.

scholarly journals MEASURING SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN OLDER POPULATIONS: A SCOPING REVIEW AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S265-S265
Author(s):  
Gemma F Spiers ◽  
Barbara Hanratty ◽  
Fiona E Matthews ◽  
E Moffatt ◽  
A Kingston
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Area Deprivation ◽  
Older Populations

Abstract Socioeconomic status (SES) is often measured using indicators that are less relevant to older populations. Building on earlier debates about these issues, an up-to-date, critical review of contemporary evidence and approaches is needed. A key question is how these challenges might vary between countries and different socio-cultural contexts. An international systematic scoping review was undertaken to a) identify which measures of SES have been used in studies of older adults’ health, healthcare utilization and social care utilization, and b) critically appraise the application and validity of these measures in older populations. Systematic searches were conducted in five databases (Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and Health Management Information Consortium) in May 2018. Studies were eligible if they reported data about the relationship between a measure of SES and self-rated health, healthcare use or social care use for people aged 60+ years, and were published after 2000 in a high-income country (as defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Sixty-two studies across seventeen countries were included. Measures used included: education (n=41), income (n=37), subjective SES (n=8), occupational or employment (n=10), area deprivation (n=10), combined wealth (n=7), home ownership (n=13), and housing conditions (n=2). A minority (n=7) used a range of proxy variables. The challenges of applying these measures to older populations will be considered. Attention is given to how these challenges may differ by country, whilst considering the added complexities of age, gender and socio-cultural context. Implications for future research on older adults’ health inequalities are discussed.

scholarly journals MP34: Elder abuse in the emergency department: a systematic scoping review

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S54-S55
Author(s):  
E. Mercier ◽  
A. Nadeau ◽  
A. Brousseau ◽  
M. Emond ◽  
J. Lowthian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Care Providers

Introduction: This systematic scoping review aims to synthetize the available evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, screening tools, prevention strategies, interventions and knowledge of health care providers regarding elder abuse in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using three databases (Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library). Grey literature was scrutinized. Studies were considered eligible when they were observational studies or randomized control trials reporting on elder abuse in the prehospital and/or ED setting. Data extraction was performed independently by two researchers and a qualitative approach was used to synthetize the findings. Results: A total of 443 citations were retrieved from which 58 studies published between 1988 and 2018 were finally included. Prevalence of elder abuse following an ED visit varied between 0.01% and 0.03%. Reporting of elder abuse to proper law authorities by ED physicians varied between 2% to 50% of suspected cases. The most common reported type of elder abuse detected was neglect followed by physical abuse. Female gender was the most consistent factor associated with elder abuse. Cognitive impairment, behavioral problems and psychiatric disorder of the patient or the caregiver were also associated with physical abuse and neglect as well as more frequent ED consultations. Several screening tools have been proposed, but ED-based validation is lacking. Literature on prehospital- or ED-initiated prevention and interventions was scarce without any controlled trial. Health care providers were poorly trained to detect and care for older adults who are suspected of being a victim of elder abuse. Conclusion: Elder abuse in the ED is an understudied topic. It remains underrecognized and underreported with ED prevalence rates lower than those in community-dwelling older adults. Health care providers reported lacking appropriate training and knowledge with regards to elder abuse. Dedicated ED studies are required.

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