scholarly journals COMPASSION-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERISM AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A CASE STUDY OF TZU CHI RECYLING PROGRAM

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S734-S734
Author(s):  
Hsinyi Hsiao ◽  
Chiu-Tien Hsu ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Jinli Wu ◽  
Pao-Sheng Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract To promote environmental sustainability and mitigate climate change that causes numerous families to suffer from natural disasters, a group of older residents’ volunteer to recycle usable materials by setting up recycling stations in their communities and transform recycled bottles into eco-friendly blankets for disaster survivors globally. This study examined long-term effects of the peer-led Tzu Chi Recycling Program (TCRP) on older adults’ compassion, psychological and physiological well-being. Using a quasi-experimental design, 1-year longitudinal data were collected from older adults at recycling stations (intervention group n = 36) and community centers (control group n = 36) in rural areas in Southern Taiwan. Findings from two-way repeated analysis of variance show that TCRP significantly improved older adults’ self-compassion, compassion for others, depression, hostility, happiness, and hypertension. Older adults built resilience through environmental volunteering in the TCRP as an environmental sustainability model for health promotion and social good

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Yi Hsiao ◽  
Chiu-Tien Hsu ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Jinli Wu ◽  
Pao-Sheng Chang ◽  
...  

Natural disasters and aging societies are increasingly prevalent globally. To improve environmental injustice and contribute to social good, the Tzu Chi Recycling Program engages older adult volunteers in recycling usable materials into eco-friendly blankets for disaster survivors. Drawing on life span and ecological systems theories, this study examined the longitudinal effects of this program on older adults’ mental and physical health. Using a quasi-experimental longitudinal design, data were collected from older adults at recycling stations (intervention group, n = 36) and community centers (control group, n = 36) in rural areas in Southern Taiwan. Findings from two-way repeated measures analysis of variance show that the program significantly improved older adults’ self-compassion, compassion for others, depression, hostility, happiness, and hypertension. Older adults built resilience and contributed to environmental sustainability and social good, which suggest a new avenue for social work practitioners and policy-makers to address social and environmental challenges.


Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 415-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yik-Wa Law ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
Carmen C. S. Lai ◽  
Chi Leung Kwok ◽  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014303432110250
Author(s):  
Celeste Simões ◽  
Anabela C. Santos ◽  
Paula Lebre ◽  
João R. Daniel ◽  
Cátia Branquinho ◽  
...  

Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt successfully to and persevere during and after significant challenges. Resilience programmes based on a socioemotional learning approach have been associated with an increase in protextive factors (e.g., prosocial competencies), improvements in physical and mental health, and a decrease in internalised and externalised symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the RESCUR curriculum implemented in Portuguese schools on students’ academic, behavioural, and socioemotional outcomes, based on child and teacher reports. Participants included 1,084 children (53.2% male) aged 3-15 ( M = 7.24, SD = 2.31). A quasi-experimental study compared outcomes for an experimental intervention group (AIG) with a waiting list control group (WG). The results showed the RESCUR programme decreased mental health difficulties while increasing both prosocial behaviours and well-being. In addition, academic performance increased for those in preschool after implementation. Both teachers and children consistently reported positive behavioural changes in resilience-related competencies after implementing RESCUR. Our findings contribute to the recent research on the potential of RESCUR to address key socioemotional competencies and improve relevant protextive factors. Study limitations and future recommendations are addressed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1664-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Cohen ◽  
Anna Zisberg ◽  
Yehudit Chayat ◽  
Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽  
Efrat Gil ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.


Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 244
Author(s):  
Hyuk Joon Kim ◽  
Hye Young Kim ◽  
Youngran Yang ◽  
Eun Ko

Studies have been conducted on the development of healthcare programs for older adults in rural areas, not only in Asia but also in Europe and the United States. However, these reports have been limited by largely non-comprehensive results, lack of demand surveys, or programs with no systematic development. The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated healthcare program for rural older adults and investigate the effects of the program. A nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design was used. Subjects were aged over 65 and lived in the rural community. The integrated healthcare program involved 12 three-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significant differences in both upper extremities strengths (t = 2.74, p = 0.008; t = 2.03, p = 0.047), static balance (z = −2.38, p = 0.017), dynamic balance (t = −4.82, p < 0.001), loneliness (t = −3.02, p = 0.003), and role self-efficacy (t = 2.39, p = 0.020), but no differences for ego integration (t = 1.51, p = 0.137). To improve physical, mental, and social health of the rural older adults, we developed an integrated healthcare program. The program improved physical functions, loneliness, and role self-efficiency of the rural older adults. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals actively apply this program in primary healthcare institutes and elsewhere.


Author(s):  
Camila Costa Ibiapina Reis ◽  
Marcos Antônio Pereira dos Santos ◽  
Camila Feitosa da Costa ◽  
Edna Maria Silva Araújo ◽  
Luiz Roberto Ramos

ABSTRACT Considering that aging leads to losses in postural control and balance, our objective was to analyze the effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls in older adults. A quasi-experimental intervention study included 49 older adults in the Intervention Group (IG) and 34 in the Control Group (CG). A plumbed symmetrograph assessed posture alignment, while a Time Up & Go test determined the fall risk. The IG performed water aerobics twice a week for three months. Posture alignment significantly improved in most body segments assessed for the IG, and worsened in the CG. The low risk of falls in the IG increased by 28% in relation to the CG. We concluded that water aerobics improved posture alignment and reduced fall risk in older adults.


2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Liisa Elo ◽  
Jenni Ervasti ◽  
Eeva Kuosma ◽  
Pauliina Mattila-Holappa

Purpose – Leadership behaviours are shown to contribute to subordinate well-being. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a 7.5-day personal growth-orientated leadership intervention among line supervisors on subordinate well-being at work in a public sector construction organization. Design/methodology/approach – A quasi-experimental design was applied to investigate the effects on the subordinates’ perceptions of the psychosocial work environment, leadership, and well-being. The intervention group comprised the subordinates (n=49) of the leadership intervention units and the control group comprised the subordinates (n=96) of the non-participating units. Data were collected with pre- and post-measurement surveys and analysed with repeated measures ANCOVA. Findings – The intervention improved the flow of information after adjusting for the subordinates’ level of participation in the organizational stress management programme and background variables. The subordinates’ perception of leadership or of their own well-being did not improve compared to the control group. Research limitations/implications – More detailed and proximal outcome indicators are needed. Several measurements and a process evaluation of the implementation are recommended. Practical implications – Line supervisors need to be informed about the goals and methods of a personal growth intervention in order to encourage them to meet their strengths and limitations. The improvement of blue-collar subordinate well-being through leadership development might benefit from more practical training approaches. Originality/value – The personal growth approach to line supervisors’ development is rare. The effect of the development on subordinate well-being has not been investigated.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Paola Arocha Zuluaga ◽  
Paula Andrea Castro Prieto ◽  
Nancy Haydeé Millán Echeverría ◽  
Ana María Cárdenas ◽  
Zulma Yanira Fonseca Centeno ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Preconception education is one of the challenges in maternal and child health in Latin America, in countries such as Colombia. That is why the objective of the following research was to develop a pilot educational intervention aimed at pregnant and breastfeeding women, and their support network, to strengthen practices, skills and knowledge, for informed decision-making and the strengthening of self-care behaviors of women and childcare, beyond childbirth preparation in the municipality of Soraca, located in Boyacá, Colombia in 2017. Methods Quasi-experimental study with an intervention group (municipality of Soraca) and a control group (municipalities of Oicata and Sotaquira) which linked a process and impact evaluation to assess prioritized indicators in terms of maternal and child health and nutrition, before, during and after an educational intervention. Results The main results found that women considered the methodologies used in the educational sessions to be appropriate and relevant and recognized the importance of the call and home visit postpartum nurse. The strategy increased the involvement of the support network in training processes. In turn, the proportion of children who were breastfed was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (88% vs. 60% p = 0.037). The proportion of children who received a bottle was higher in the control group compared to the intervention group (57.1% vs. 16% p = 0.006). Conclusion Strategies such as the one developed in Soraca allow for improved health outcomes for the mother and child and their support network. The strategy 123 in Soraca was a clear example of how a prenatal educational intervention generates positive outcomes for mothers, infants, and their support networks in the areas of food and nutrition, emotional well-being, and physical health.


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miho Matsui

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding end-of-life discussion directed at older Japanese adults and their attitude to and acceptance of this intervention. A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 121 older adults, aged 65 years and over, consented to participate. Data from 55 intervention and 57 control participants were used for the analysis. The intervention consisted of an education program comprising a video, a lecture using a handout, and discussion among participants. The control group received only the handout. Both groups were followed up after one month. The intervention group’s attitude became more favorable towards advance directives, especially living wills (P = 0.024). In addition, their expression of preference for life-sustaining treatment by means of artificial nutrition was less at follow up, demonstrating that these older adults had become more autonomous (P = 0.008). There was greater acceptance of the intervention as a whole by the intervention group compared with the control group (P = 0.011). Although few participants overall completed living wills, at follow up twice as many in the intervention group had discussed end-of-life matters with family members and/or their physician.


Author(s):  
Chikako Honda ◽  
Takashi Naruse ◽  
Hayato Yamana ◽  
Noriko Yamamoto-Mitani

It is important to educate caregivers in order to prevent infant injuries. However, there have been few studies on the effects of education on pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of injury prevention group education on this group. Study participants were recruited from a group of pregnant mothers attending an antenatal class in Tokyo. Participants were assigned to either the intervention or control group based on the month in which they attended the existing antenatal class. Both groups received a leaflet on injury prevention, but only the intervention group received an additional short one-shot lecture. The implementation of each of the nine safety practices was assessed during home visits after childbirth. Of the 131 study participants (56 in the control group and 75 in the intervention group), 106 (80.9%) received home visits after birth. Mothers in the intervention group implemented three practices significantly more than those in the control group: Keep soft objects away from the baby’s head (38.3% vs. 13.0%), Do not place your baby on a high surface (74.6% vs. 52.2%), and Use the baby carrier correctly (93.3% vs. 76.1%). In the future, we plan to follow up the participants to evaluate the program’s long-term effects, and to continue to improve the program.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document