Suicide in Later Life in Japan: Urban and Rural Differences

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Watanabe ◽  
Kazuo Hasegawa ◽  
Yoko Yoshinaga
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family System ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Gunshot Wounds ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Significant Public Health

It is estimated that in the year 2020, approximately 25% of the Japanese population will be over 65 years of age. Moreover, suicide is a significant public health problem in Japan, where more than 6,000 elders take their lives each year. The authors compare late-life suicide in urban Kawasaki with suicide among the elderly in rural Higashikubiki over a 12-year period, from 1979 through 1990. The suicide rates in Kawasaki were lower than for Japanese elders as a whole, whereas those in rural Higashikubiki were extraordinarily high. The most frequent method used in both areas was hanging, and none of the victims died of gunshot wounds. In Higashikubiki, almost two thirds of victims lived in a three-generation family and none lived alone. The change of the family system from the traditional extended family to the nuclear family is accelerating, especially in rural areas. The authors suggest that the greatly elevated suicide rates among the elderly in Higashikubiki, and in rural regions of Japan more generally, result from these rapidly occurring changes in traditional social structure.

Challenges of contemporary social work in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-18
Author(s):  
Samuel A. Owusu
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family System ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Positive Aspect ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
Social Work Interventions ◽  
General Society

Social work is practiced all over the world with the primary aim of helping individuals and improving the welfare of the general society. Ghana is a multi-ethnic society with a multitude of different cultural practices that may affect social work interventions (implementation by practitioners and clients’ response). The main goal of this paper is to show how indigenous cultural practices in Ghana shape the way of supporting children, older people, people living with physical disabilities and mental health disorders, and the socially excluded. This paper relies on available literature and the first-hand account of the author. The extended family system where parenting, kinship, and identity includes the nuclear family as well as grand-parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws is prominent in Ghana, especially in rural areas. The positive aspect of this system as shown in this paper shows the merits in a collectivist approach to social welfare. However, some aspects of local cultural practices are shown to limit how vulnerable people have access to needed help. The article indicates the need to prepare social workers in such a way that their practice is adjusted to respond to local cultural practices in order to ensure more people have access to help and reduce the potential of rejection by people in local communities. It also contributes to the discussion on the merits of indigenization of social work.

scholarly journals Trends, Coverage and Influencing Determinants of Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly: A Population-Based National Survey in Spain (2006–2017)

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Silvia Portero de la Cruz ◽  
Jesús Cebrino
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Public Health

Influenza is a significant public health problem and the elderly are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. The vaccination coverage of the elderly is below the Spanish target of 65% for each influenza season. The aims of this study were to report the coverage of influenza vaccination in Spain among the population aged ≥65 years and high-risk groups for suffering chronic diseases, to analyze the time trends from 2006 to 2017 and to identify the factors which affect vaccination coverage. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted including 20,753 non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥65 years who had participated in the Spanish National Health Surveys in 2006, 2011/2012, and 2017. Sociodemographic, health-related variables, and influenza vaccination data were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination coverage was 60%. By chronic condition, older people with high cholesterol levels and cancer had the lowest vaccination coverage (62.41% and 60.73%, respectively). This coverage declined from 2006 to 2017 in both groups. Higher influenza vaccination was associated with males, Spanish nationality, normal social support perceived, polypharmacy, worse perceived health, participation in other preventive measures, and increasing age and the number of chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis cases in the rural areas of Pernambuco, Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Santos Barbosa ◽  
Karina Conceição Araújo ◽  
Onicio Batista Leal Neto ◽  
Constança Simões Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Kernel Estimator ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Density Maps ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections and schistosomiasis remain high in the rural areas of Zona da Mata, Pernambuco (ZMP), Brazil, where these parasites still represent a significant public health problem. The present study aimed to spatially assess the occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP. METHODS: The ZMP has a population of 1,132,544 inhabitants, formed by 43 municipalities. An ecological study was conducted, using secondary data relating to positive human cases and parasite loads of schistosomiasis and positive human cases of geohelminthiasis that were worked up in Excel 2007. We used the coordinates of the municipal headquarters to represent the cities which served as the unit of analysis of this study. The Kernel estimator was used to spatially analyze the data and identify distribution patterns and case densities, with analysis done in ArcGIS software. RESULTS: Spatial analysis from the Kernel intensity estimator made it possible to construct density maps showing that the northern ZMP was the region with the greatest number of children infected with parasites and the populations most intensely infected by Schistosoma mansoni. In relation to geohelminths, there was higher spatial distribution of cases of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in the southern ZMP, and greater occurrence of hookworms in the northern/central ZMP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several surveys and studies showing occurrences of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in the ZMP, no preventive measures that are known to have been effective in decreasing these health hazards have yet been implemented in the endemic area.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life and some associated factors among the elderly living in three communes of Ha Nam province, 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Tran Quynh Anh ◽  
Pham Thi Thu Trang ◽  
Do Vu Minh Ha
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Caring for an aging population is an emerging public health problem, and the quality of life (QoL) among the elderly is a significant concern. Our study aimed to describe the health - related quality of life (HRQoL) and factors associated with good HRQoL among the elderly in three communes of Hanam province in Vietnam. A cross - sectional design was used with a sample size of 479 participants aged 60 and above. HRQoL was measured using the SF - 36. Comparison of characteristics between those with high HRQoL and those with low HRQoL was done using Pearson chi - square tests. Results were reported using descriptive statistics and odds ratios with 95% CI (Confidence Interval). Many of the elderly had moderate HRQoL (41.3%), and elderly men were more likely to have higher QoL in terms of physical health and psychological health than elderly women. Our findings also indicated that some factors including older age, low educational level, those not living with their spouse, poor financial condition, having more than two health problems and possessing unhealthy drinking behaviors were significantly positive associated with HRQoL. Findings suggest interventions are needed to improve the quality of life among the elderly in rural areas of Vietnam.

Rural and Urban Suicide in South Korea

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. C. Ben Park ◽  
David Lester
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Rural And Urban

Suicide rates in 2005 in South Korea were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Those in rural areas more often used pesticides and chemicals as a method for suicide, and there was a greater proportion of men and the elderly, both groups at higher risk for suicide in South Korea. These three factors may account for the high rural suicide rate in South Korea.

scholarly journals Loneliness and social integration as mediators between physical pain and suicidal ideation among elderly men

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mira Lutzman ◽  
Eliane Sommerfeld ◽  
Sarah Ben-David
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical Pain ◽  
Elderly Men ◽  
Pain Subscale

Abstract Objectives: Suicide in the elderly is a complex and significant public health problem. The purpose of our study was to examine the role of loneliness and social integration as potential mediators in the relationship between physical pain and suicidal ideation in the elderly. Design: Descriptive, bivariate correlations, and moderated mediation analyses were performed. Setting: Personal meetings were held with participants in their homes. Participants: A total of 198 elderly men aged 65 and over. Measurements: Self-report measures: Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Physical pain subscale, Multidimensional Social Integration in Later Life Scale, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Results: Our findings showed that the association between physical pain and suicidal ideation was mediated by loneliness and social integration. Further analyses revealed that this mediation model was significant among single, but not married, men. Conclusions: Physical pain and social factors are both important in understanding suicidality in late life. Elderly single men who experience physical pain may be lonelier and less socially integrated, and these factors may contribute to higher risk of suicidal ideation.

scholarly journals Status of the Elderly and Emergence of Old Age Homes in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Sunita Menezes ◽  
Tissy Mariam Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Family System ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Care Home ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Meaningful Existence ◽  
Old Age Homes

There has been a rapid ageing of the earth's population and in a few decades, Asia could become the oldest region in the world. In India, due to the reorganization of the family system, the traditional joint family system is on the decline. Due to the emergence of the nuclear family and the high cost of living, family members who previously cared for the elderly need to find employment outside the home. A rapid increase in nuclear families and an exceptional increase in the number of ‘older adults’ in the country have compelled them to live in old age homes. Literature has accentuated the difficulties and apprehensions experienced by older adults during the ageing process and the need for old age homes in order to create an environment that fosters a meaningful existence for them in their twilight years. India's old age homes are trying to uphold the needs, desires and values of older adults. There is a lack of studies that attempt to give older adults a chance to communicate their experiences in a care home. Older adults are an invaluable resource for younger generations and change is needed in society's attitude towards ageing. This review can help psychologists, social workers and caregivers gain insight into the needs of older adults in terms of mental wellbeing, economic and social security and elder abuse and create awareness among the people.   Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 5, Issue-1: 1-4

scholarly journals Knee Osteoarthritis in Rural Elderly of Cuttack district: Findings from the AHSETS study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trilochan Bhoi ◽  
Jaya singh Kshatri ◽  
Shakti Ranjan Barik ◽  
Subrata Kumar Palo ◽  
Sanghamitra Pati
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Open Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Rural Elderly ◽  
Family Type ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Osteoarthritis Knee

Background In India, it is predicted that the elderly population will be increased from 8% in 2015 to 19% in 2050. Geriatric population contributes around 9% of total Odisha population and 86.3% of them residing in rural areas. Estimating the prevalence of osteoarthritis knee and determining its risk factors would help in developing better preventive and control strategies.Methods A cross-sectional study among 725 rural elderly was carried out in the Tigiria block of Cuttack district, Odisha, India. Previous medical history of arthritis diagnosed by medical professional was taken as positive for osteoarthritis knee (OA Knee). Data were recorded using android tablets installed with open data kit software and statistical analysis such as chi-square test and binary logistic regression was done using SPSS v.23. Results the prevalence of OA knee was 56.7% where both the sexes were similarly affected. Major portion of the OA knee participants were illiterates and doesn’t working currently also more among poor socio-economic group. Factors like extended family type, poor socio-economic status, both underweight as well as overweight, and diabetes mellitus had shown significant association with OA knee.Conclusion Osteoarthritis of knee joint affects majority of the rural elderly and impacts their ability to perform daily activities. With increased age of living, this is becoming a major public health issue. The findings from the present study would help policymakers and program implementers in developing appropriate strategies for prevention, early case identification and prompt management to improve the quality of life among elderly.

scholarly journals Epidemiological profile of patients served due to official accidents in the north of Brazil, Amazon Region, in the period from 2009 to 2019

2020 ◽  
pp. 47-59
Author(s):  
Larissa Queiroz Costa Carneiro ◽  
Isabela Menezes Barbosa ◽  
Igor de Souza Cardoso ◽  
Cláudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos Dias ◽  
Euzébio de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The North ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Epidemiological Profile

Ophidian accidents are a significant public health problem worldwide, due to both their frequency and morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, during the years 2009 to 2019 there were 313,139 registered cases, of which 151,565 occurred in the North Region, making explicit the importance of studying this disease in that Region. The objective of the present study is to determine the epidemiological profile of the affected patients (age and sex), the accident itself (UF, month, year, time to attend) and the snake gender of the accidents that occurred in the Northern region of Brazil. Secondary data were obtained through access to the Information Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS), at the electronic address www.datasus.gov.br, in the SIH / SUS Hospital Information System. It was found that the accidents occurred mainly in rural areas, with men, in socioeconomically active age, caused by snakes of the Bothrops genus. Several cases could be classified as accidents at work, these could be avoided or minimized with appropriate personal protective equipment and guidelines.

scholarly journals DETERMINANTS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER 5 YEARS CHILDREN

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Hira Ejaz ◽  
Nirmal Walicha ◽  
Saba Rizwan ◽  
Sadaf Javeria ◽  
Sana Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Family Structure ◽  
Family System ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Severe Malnutrition ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries. The objectives of the study were to determine the determinants of nutritional status of under 5 years children in our population. Materials & Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was conducted by the Department of Public Health, Islamabad, Federal College, Islamabad, from November 2016 to March 2017. Sample size was 200 selected by convenient sampling. Demographic variables were sex, age-groups, socio-economics status, family structure. Research variable was nutritional status. The data collection was done in urban slums of Islamabad on a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software. Results: Out of 200 children, 117(58.5%) were boys and 83(41.5 %) were girls. One hundred (50%) children were of 6 to 24 months and 100(50%) were of 25 to 59 months of age. Eighty three (41.5%) were rich and 117(58.5%) were poor. One hundred and fifty eight (79%) children were from joint family system and 42(21%) were living in nuclear family system were children. One hundred and fifty one (75.50%) were normal, 39(19.50%) were mild and 10(5%) were having severe malnutrition. Conclusion: Except age all the other factors including sex, socio-economics status and family structure were associated with nutritional status of under 5 year children.

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