scholarly journals Aging, Care and Dependency in Multimorbidity: How Relationships Affect Older Bangladeshi Women’s Use of Homecare and Health Services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hamiduzzaman ◽  
Stacy Torres ◽  
Amber Fletcher ◽  
Md. Rezaul Islam ◽  
Jennene Greenhill
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Care Needs

AbstractRelationships are multidimensional, and we know little about how different facets of relationships affect how older patients’ with multimorbidity use homecare and health services. Social gerontology literature emphasizes the importance of care settings, gender inequalities, availability of health services, and affordability. However, the diversity of relationships and associated dependency in elder care remains underassessed. This qualitative study combining a demographic survey with interviews explores the relationship experiences of older women (age 60 years and over) with multimorbidity in homecare and health services utilization. Researchers contacted the Civil Surgeon of Sylhet District in Bangladesh to recruit study participants and conducted 33 interviews [11 staff members and 22 older women with multimorbidity]. Three domains of Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and misrecognition [i.e. intimate, community, and legal relationships] underpin study findings. Data were analysed using critical thematic discourse analysis. Four themes, including seven relationship dimensions, emerged: the nature of caregiving; intimate affairs [marital marginalization and parent-children-in law dynamics]; alienation in peer-relationships and neighbourhood [siblings’ overlooking of women’s rights and needs, neighbourhood challenges such as ageism, and gender inequality in interactions]; and legal connections [ignorance of rights and missed communication]. Marginalization in family relationships, together with poor peer supports and a misrecognition of care needs from service providers, resulted in a lack of quality care for older women with multimorbidity. Understanding the complexities of older women’s relationships may assist in policy making with better attention to their health needs and deepen understanding of how gender inequality intersects with the cultural devaluation of older adults to reduce their well-being. Staff training on relationship building and counselling services for family caregivers and kin are essential to improve the quality of care for these women.

scholarly journals Aging, care and dependency in multimorbidity: how relationships affect elderly women’s homecare and health service use

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-32
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hamiduzzaman ◽  
Stacy Torres ◽  
Amber JoAnn Fletcher ◽  
M Rezaul Islam ◽  
Jennene Greenhill
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
And Gender

Relationships are multidimensional, and we know little about the facets of relationships in the way elderly patients’ with multimorbidity utilise homecare and health services. Gerontology literatures emphasize the importance of place of care, inequalities, availability of health services and affordability. However, the diversity of relationships and associated dependency in elderly care remain underassessed. A qualitative study involving a demographic survey and interviews was conducted to explore relationship experiences of elderly women with multimorbidity in homecare and health services utilization. Civil Surgeon of Sylhet District in Bangladesh was contacted to recruit participants for the study, and this resulted in 33 interviews [11 staff and 22 elderly women with multimorbidity]. Three domains of Axel Honneth’s Theory of Recognition and Misrecognition [i.e. intimate, community and legal relationships] were used to underpin the study findings. Data was analysed using critical thematic discourse method. Four themes were emerged: nature of caregiving involved; intimate affairs [marital marginalization, and parent-children-in law dynamics]; alienation in peer-relationships and neighbourhood [siblings’ overlook, neighbourhood challenges, and gender inequality in interactions]; and legal connections [ignorance of rights, and missed communication]. A marginalization in family relationships, together with poor peer supports and a misrecognition from service providers, resulted in a lack of care for elderly women with multimorbidity. Understanding the complexities of elderly women’s relationships may assist in policy making with better attention to their health and well-being support needs. Staff training on building relationships, and counselling services for family and relatives are essential to improve the quality of care for the women.  

Predictors of users’ preferences for online health services

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-225
Author(s):  
Shahidul Islam ◽  
Md Rakibul Hoque ◽  
Md Abdullah Al Jamil
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Rational Choice Theory ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Service Quality

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explain predictors that discriminate users’ preferences for online health services, focusing on a downtown area in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on rational choice theory (RCT), the authors test a model that links the frequency of online health service usage to access-activators and access-inhibitors. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the discriminant analysis model were used to analyze data from a sample of 215 internet users. Findings Results confirm the significance of responsiveness, user’s attitude, accessibility and perceived ease of use, indicating their discriminating role in the usage of online health services. Research limitations/implications The study demonstrates the relevance of RCT in measuring perceived online health service quality in an emerging context. Future research should consider the influence of electronic health (eHealth) literacy, norms and trustworthiness to increase the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The findings of this study can help enhance the eHealth service quality by encouraging service providers to improve the interactivity and ease of use of their platforms, thus delivering value to both consumers and firms and improving the well-being of the society at large. Originality/value Few existing studies draw attention to access-activators and access-inhibitors to predict users’ preferences for online health services. This study shows the applicability of RCT in preparing the instrumental dimensions of online health service quality.

The use of mental health services by adolescent smokers: A nationwide Israeli study

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 269-275
Author(s):  
G. Shoval ◽  
I. Mansbach-Kleinfeld ◽  
I. Farbstein ◽  
R. Kanaaneh ◽  
G. Lubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioral Difficulties ◽  
Treatment Gap ◽  
Adolescent Smokers

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the utilization of mental health services by adolescent smokers, the presence of untreated mental disorders in this young population and the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties. We performed a nationwide survey study of an Israeli representative sample of 906 adolescents and their mothers. Mental disorders were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) Inventory. Emotional and behavioral difficulties were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mental health services use and smoking habits were evaluated by relevant questionnaires. Adolescent smokers were using significantly more mental health services than non-smokers (79% vs. 63%, respectively, P < 0.001), independently of their mental health status or ethnic group. Adolescent smokers also reported more emotional and behavioral difficulties in most areas (P < 0.001), which are consistent with their mothers’ reports, except in the area of peer relationships. The treatment gap for the smoking adolescents was 53% compared to 69% in the non-smokers (P < 0.001). This is the first study characterizing the use of mental health services and the related emotional and behavioral difficulties in a nationally-representative sample of adolescents. The findings of a wide treatment gap and the rates of the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties are highly relevant to the psychiatric assessment and national treatment plans of adolescent smokers.

scholarly journals Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: the case of the Gaza Strip

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam Abu Hamad ◽  
Nicola Jones ◽  
Ingrid Gercama
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Health ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Abstract Background: Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also as an integral part of development, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rapid physical, psychosocial and behavioural changes that take place during adolescence have a strong influence on the rest of a person’s life course, so investments in adolescent health services constitute a unique opportunity to reap lifelong and inter-generational dividends. Yet the evidence base on adolescents’ access to health services, particularly in conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores adolescents’ access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. Methods: The article draws on mixed-methods research in the Gaza Strip in 2016 and 2017 involving 240 adolescents and 65 service providers, combining a QuickTapSurvey,™ key informant interviews, peer-to-peer research and individual in-depth interviews. Results: The findings underscore that gender norms—especially those pertaining to adolescent girls’ sexual purity––shape adolescent health in multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions on their mobility and social interactions, leaving them with limited opportunities for leisure or exercise, socializing with peers or seeking health (including mental health) services. Adolescent boys in Gaza do not face the same restrictions, but given the multiple political, economic and familial stressors, they are at high risk of substance abuse and involvement in peer violence. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care. Study participants cited the main challenges as an absence of preventive adolescent health initiatives and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as drug shortages, high treatment costs, and negative interactions with service providers. Conclusions: The article highlights the importance of (1) designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information; (2) promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents; and (3) improving service provider awareness of adolescents’ specific health needs in all contexts.

scholarly journals Health care funding in New South Wales: from health care needs to hospital outputs

2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don Hindle
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Area Health

This paper summarises the structure of the State's health care system, and then focuses on the main processes of resource allocation: needs-based funding of 17 Area Health Services, and output-based funding of specific service providers. The general model is widely accepted by informed observers to be fundamentally sound. In particular, the resource distribution formula whereby needs-based allocations are made is a largely valid model that has been progressively refined over fifteen years and is probably as good as any in the world. I conclude that the recent decision to require Area Health Services to use a common framework for out-put-based funding was long overdue, and that many of its features represent best practice. However, I argue that more shouldbe done to refine some of the details and that NSW Health might need to give more consideration to ideas that have been tested and evaluated in other health care systems.

A Qualitative Approach to the Mental Health Care Needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Victoria

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Dawson ◽  
Paul Grech ◽  
Brendan Hyland ◽  
Fiona Judd ◽  
John Lloyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Health Care Needs ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

This article reports on the findings of the qualitative stage of a larger project on the mental care needs of people with HIV/AIDS and mental illness (Tender T1176 Department of Human Services, Mental Health Branch, Victoria - Research on the Mental Health Care Needs of People with HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness). The purpose of the larger research was to evaluate the needs and treatment requirements of persons with HIV/AIDS, who also suffer from mental health problems, with a view to developing proposals for improving existing service delivery in Victoria, Australia. The qualitative stage was designed to complement and elucidate data obtained through the quantitative stages of the project. Thirty in-depth open-ended interviews were carried out with service providers including HIV physicians, general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical and managerial staff of Area Mental Health Services, Contact Tracers and forensic mental health services staff, as well as representatives of community groups such as People Living with HIV/AIDS and Positive Women and carers. The interviews explored the perspective of both service providers and users of such services with respect to needs for psychiatric care and service delivery, ease of access or barriers to mental health services, and the perceived strengths and weaknesses in current service provision. This paper presents the main findings and recommendations submitted to the funding body.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Well-Being, Mental Health, and Available Supports in an Arab Enclave: Exploring Outcomes for Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana Seff ◽  
Alli Gillespie ◽  
Cyril Bennouna ◽  
Wafa Hassan ◽  
Mackenzie V. Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
School Context ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Newcomer Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

Introduction: Few studies have assessed the impact of displacement, resettlement, and discrimination on well-being outcomes for adolescent refugees resettled within the U.S. Conducted in three charter schools in the intergenerational Arab enclave of the Detroit Metropolitan Area, this mixed-methods study assessed the mental health and psychosocial support for both U.S.- and foreign-born adolescents from the Middle East and North Africa region.Methods: A quantitative survey was used to collect data on 176 students. Key outcomes included hope, prosocial behaviors, resilience, depressive, anxiety, externalizing symptoms, stressful life events, perceived social support, and sense of school belonging. Differences in outcomes between U.S.- and foreign-born students were compared using T-tests. Regression analysis explored whether outcomes were gendered and correlated with years in the U.S. for foreign-born students. Qualitative data collection included key informant interviews with school staff and community service providers, student focus group discussions, and caregiver interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method.Results: No statistically significant differences between the foreign-born and U.S.-born groups were observed. However, analysis revealed that resilience decreased for male students with time spent in the U.S. Qualitative themes illuminated these results; shared cultural heritage allowed newcomer students to access relevant language and psychosocial support, while inter- and intra-group peer relationships strengthened students' dual language skills and identity formation. However, shifting gender expectations and role hierarchies for newcomer students revealed boys' increased stressors in the family domain and girls' better accessed support in the school context.Conclusion: The existence of an immigrant paradox in this enclave setting was not supported. Instead, findings highlight the reciprocal value of peer-based mentorships and friendships between U.S.- and foreign-born students with similar cultural backgrounds, the importance of social and emotional curricula and cultural competency training within schools, and the gendered effects of acculturation.

scholarly journals Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam Abu Hamad ◽  
Nicola Jones ◽  
Ingrid Gercama
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Gaza Strip

Abstract Background Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also as an integral part of development, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 3 – to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rapid physical and psychosocial changes that take place during adolescence have a strong influence on the rest of a person’s life course, so investments in adolescent health services constitute a unique opportunity to reap inter-generational dividends. Yet the evidence base on adolescents’ access to health services, particularly in conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores adolescents’ access to health services in the Gaza Strip, and their experiences and perceptions of those services. Methods The article draws on mixed methods research in the Gaza Strip conducted in 2016 and 2017 as part of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence research programme. Data were collected from 240 male and female adolescents combining in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a tablet-based survey. This study also draws on a participatory action pilot project engaging 12 boys and 23 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years old. Results The findings underscore that gender norms—especially those pertaining to adolescent girls’ sexual purity––shape adolescent health in multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions on their mobility, leaving them with limited opportunities for leisure or exercise, socializing with peers or seeking health services and information. Adolescent boys in Gaza do not face the same restrictions, but given the multiple political, economic and familial stressors, they are at high risk of substance abuse including smoking and involvement in peer violence. Moreover, our findings suggest that a range of socioeconomic, cultural and structural barriers prevent adolescents in Gaza from accessing quality and appropriate health care. Study participants cited the main challenges being an absence of preventive adolescent health initiatives and limited information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as drug shortages, high treatment costs, and inappropriate interactions with service providers. Conclusions The article highlights the importance of designing and implementing conflict-sensitive and age- and gender-appropriate adolescent services and information and promoting preventive services targeted at adolescents.

Traditional Anishinabe Healing in a Clinical Setting: The Development of an Aboriginal Interdisciplinary Approach to Community-based Aboriginal Mental Health Care

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Marion A. Maar ◽  
Marjory Shawande
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
The Impact

Traditional medicine has been practiced by Aboriginal people for thousands of years at the community level. It is still practiced today outside of the mainstream health system by many Aboriginal people. However, providing this type of care in a clinical, health centre setting and in co-operation with western treatment methods is new, and requires a merging of traditional Aboriginal and western medical world views in order to develop protocols for service delivery that ensure the integrity of both systems. The groundwork required to ensure the safety of clients, providers, and organizations within the new integrated system is still largely undocumented. To address this gap, we studied factors that support the successful integration of traditional Aboriginal healing and western mental health care approaches, and document the experiences of clients and providers. To accomplish this we contextualize 10 years of experience of traditional healing services development with in-depth interviews and focus groups with 17 community service providers and 23 clients. We found that the development of traditional healing protocols, inter-professional education for providers and community members and a focus on client access to traditional Anishinabe health services provide the basis for the integration of western and traditional healing practices in the model under study. Our findings show integrated care resulted in positive experiences for clients and providers. We conclude that traditional healing approaches can be successfully integrated with clinical mental health services. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of client experiences with this integrated  approach and the impact on wholistic health and well-being.

Mental Health Research

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun M. Eack
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Mental Health And Illness ◽  
Health And Illness ◽  
Psychosocial Approaches

Mental health research is the study of the causes and correlates of mental health and illness, approaches to improve mental well-being, and the delivery of effective mental health services to those in need. Social workers have been leading researchers in each of these areas of inquiry, and this article provides an overview of the broad field of mental health research, with particular emphasis on the contributions of social work. A biopsychosocial review of research on the correlates of mental health and illness is provided, followed by a synthesis of studies examining pharmacological and psychosocial approaches to improving mental health. Research on mental health services is then presented, with a focus on studies seeking to improve access to quality care and reduce service disparities. Key directions for future mental health research include identifying specific causal predictors of mental illness, improving existing treatments, and disseminating advances to the community.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document