Health and Relationship Quality Later in Life: A Comparison of Living Apart Together (LAT), First Marriages, Remarriages, and Cohabitation

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 1754-1774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa C. Lewin

This study compares happiness in the relationship, support, and strain in LAT (living apart together, i.e., noncohabiting) relationships with first marriages, remarriages, and cohabitation among older adults in the United States. The study also asks whether partner’s health affects relationship quality differently in different relationship types. This study draws on the first wave of the National Social Life Health & Aging Project 2005-2006, ( n = 1992). Partner’s physical and mental health are good predictors of relationship quality and their effects do not differ by relationship type. Men are more likely to be very happy in their relationship and to receive high support than women, but they also report more strain. LAT relationships are less likely to be very happy and to have high support than marriage and remarriage, but they also have lower strain. Different interpretations of “strain” are discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-39
Author(s):  
S. Megan Berthold ◽  
Peter Polatin ◽  
Richard Mollica ◽  
Craig Higson-Smith ◽  
Federick J. Streets ◽  
...  

Introduction: Torture is an assault on the physical and mental health of an individual, impacting the lives of survivors and their families.The survivor’s interpersonal relationships, social life, and vocational functioning may be affected, and spiritual and other existential questions may intrude. Cultural and historical context will shape the meaning of torture experiences and the aftermath. To effectively treat torture survivors, providers must understand and address these factors. The Complex Care Model (CCM) aims to transform daily care for those with chronic illnesses and improve health outcomes through effective team care. Methods: We conduct a literature review of the CCM and present an adapted Complex Care Approach (CCA) that draws on the Harvard Program in RefugeeTrauma’s five-domain model covering the Trauma Story, Bio-medical, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual domains.We apply the CCA to the case of “Joshua,” a former tortured child soldier, and discuss the diagnosis and treatment across the five domains of care. Findings: The CCA is described as an ef- fective approach for working with torture survivors. We articulate how a CCA can be adapted to the unique historical and cultural contexts experienced by torture survivors and how its five domains serve to integrate the approach to diagnosis and treatment. The benefits of communication and coordination of care among treatment providers is emphasized. Discussion / Conclusions: Torture survivors’ needs are well suited to the application of a CCA delivered by a team of providers who effectively communicate and integrate care holistically across all domains of the survivor’s life.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A76-A77
Author(s):  
Z Mousavi ◽  
M Tran ◽  
K R Kuhlman

Abstract Introduction Social relationships impact health through different mechanisms. Sleep problems are prevalent among adults in the USA, negatively impacting all-cause mortality, and increasing the risk for chronic diseases such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This study aimed to assess whether the quality of an individual’s relationship with their significant other including support and strain, subjective relationship quality, joint decision making, marital risk, and conflict are associated with clinical, subjective, and objective measures of sleep. Methods Participants were selected from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study if they had complete data on subjective sleep quality from the MIDUS II biomarker project and shared a bed with their partner (n=751, 49.5% female, Mage=53.4, SDage=11.2, range= 34–83). Subjective sleep quality was measured using the PSQI. A subset of these participants (n=246, 50.8% female) also completed 7-days of daily diary and actigraphy. Results Sleep disturbances were pervasive; 44.1% (n=331) of participants reported clinically meaningful sleep disturbances (PSQI>=5). Among the smaller sample of participants with 7-day sleep data, sleep disturbances were even more prevalent (60.9%). There were significant bivariate associations between higher support and lower strain with better subjectively and objectively sleep outcomes. Better subjective relationship quality was also associated with better subjectively measured sleep outcomes. Higher marital risk and more disagreement with partner were associated with poorer sleep. When accounting for all marital relationship factors, participants with higher support and lower strain given to partner had a better long-term sleep quality, b= 1.93, SE= .54, p<.001. Relationship quality was also associated with better daily sleep quality and daily reports of feeling rested, b = -.12, SE= .05, p=.023, and b= .11, SE = .048, p=.023, respectively. These relationships remained significant after accounting for age, current employment status, recent major health events, average daily caffeine, alcohol, exercise, and napping. Conclusion These findings support the importance of considering social determinants of sleep, suggesting that relationships with significant others may impact health through sleep quality. This highlights the importance of sleep as a transdiagnostic physiological mechanism that could be enhanced through improvements to relationships with significant others. Support N/A


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raed Alharbi

Abstract Purpose: Angina is well known as chest pain caused by insufficient flow of oxygen-rich blood to the cardiac muscle. Although there are several studies showing an association between depression and angina, none of these studies investigated the influence of depression on the physical and mental health of adult patients with angina, which is the overall goal of this study.Methods: This study used a publicly open data source from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2017, in the United States. The BRFSS questionnaire relating to health, behaviors, and social life was administered to the United States residents through a telephone interview. There were 450,013 participants in this survey. Different statistical methods, including descriptive, inferential, and predictive methods, were conducted through the Statistical Analysis System (version 9.4) to accomplish the goal of this study. Results: Of the 450,013 participants in the BRFSS 2017, 25,389 were adult patients diagnosed with angina. Of these, 22,875 have depression. This study showed that depression had a statistically significant influence on physical and mental health in adult patients with angina.Conclusion: Depression has a significant influence on physical and mental health of adult patients with angina. Depression increased the physical health problems by 61.95% and mental health problems by 33.15% in adult patients with angina.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raed Abdullah Alharbi

Abstract Purpose: Angina is well known as chest pain caused by insufficient flow of oxygen-rich blood to the cardiac muscle. Although there are several studies showing an association between depression and angina, none of these studies investigated the influence of depression on the physical and mental health of adult patients with angina, which is the overall goal of this study.Methods: This study used a publicly open data source from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2017, in the United States. The BRFSS questionnaire relating to health, behaviors, and social life was administered to the United States residents through a telephone interview. There were 450,013 participants in this survey. Different statistical methods, including descriptive, inferential, and predictive methods, were conducted through the Statistical Analysis System (version 9.4) to accomplish the goal of this study. Results: Of the 450,013 participants in the BRFSS 2017, 25,389 were adult patients diagnosed with angina. Of these, 22,875 have depression. This study showed that depression had a statistically significant influence on physical and mental health in adult patients with angina.Conclusion: Depression has a significant influence on physical and mental health of adult patients with angina. Depression increased the physical health problems by 61.95% and mental health problems by 33.15% in adult patients with angina.


Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart ◽  
Julie Cerel ◽  
Myfanwy Maple

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.


Author(s):  
Timothy Matovina

Most histories of Catholicism in the United States focus on the experience of Euro-American Catholics, whose views on social issues have dominated public debates. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Latino Catholic experience in America from the sixteenth century to today, and offers the most in-depth examination to date of the important ways the U.S. Catholic Church, its evolving Latino majority, and American culture are mutually transforming one another. This book highlights the vital contributions of Latinos to American religious and social life, demonstrating in particular how their engagement with the U.S. cultural milieu is the most significant factor behind their ecclesial and societal impact.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Vladislav Pavlovich Zhitny ◽  
Noama Iftekhar ◽  
Peter Caravella ◽  
Jake Patrick Young ◽  
Barry Zide ◽  
...  

Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure met with high rates of patient satisfaction and improved self-image. While many patients are lured abroad due to discounted prices for such highly requested procedures, unfortunately, there are also associated complications. A 47-year-old woman presented due to abdominal scar dehiscence due to skin necrosis secondary to a discounted abdominoplasty in Mexico. The patient had been turned away by several local surgical centers for treatment of the necrosis. The patient underwent incision, drainage, and two debridements before her abdominal wound was eventually closed. Patient recovered well postoperatively with improved aesthetic result. With the rise of social media advertisements, more patients elect to receive plastic surgery abroad. Unfortunately, many of these practices are not accurately vetted and this can complicate the postoperative care especially upon return to the United States.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Shekhar ◽  
Abu Baker Sheikh ◽  
Shubhra Upadhyay ◽  
Mriganka Singh ◽  
Saket Kottewar ◽  
...  

Background: Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine will play a major role in combating the pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the first group to receive vaccination, so it is important to consider their attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination acceptance. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to assess the attitude of HCWs toward COVID-19 vaccination. Data were collected between 7 October and 9 November 2020. We received 4080 responses out of which 3479 were complete responses and were included in the final analysis. Results: 36% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available while 56% were not sure or would wait to review more data. Only 8% of HCWs do not plan to get vaccine. Vaccine acceptance increased with increasing age, education, and income level. A smaller percentage of female (31%), Black (19%), Lantinx (30%), and rural (26%) HCWs were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available than the overall study population. Direct medical care providers had higher vaccine acceptance (49%). Safety (69%), effectiveness (69%), and speed of development/approval (74%) were noted as the most common concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination in our survey.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S706-S706
Author(s):  
Tanaz Petigara ◽  
Ya-Ting Chen ◽  
Zhiwen Liu ◽  
Michelle Goveia ◽  
David Johnson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The US vaccination schedule includes DTaP, IPV, Hib and HepB doses in the first 6 months of life. A previous analysis found variability in the timing of HepB doses in infants receiving DTaP-IPV/Hib. We explored factors associated with co-administration of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB on the same day. Methods This was a retrospective study using the MarketScan® commercial claims and encounters database. Infants born from 1 July 2010 - 30 June 2016, continuously enrolled in an insurance plan for ≥ 13 months and receiving ≥ 3 DTaP-IPV/Hib doses were included. Infants were assessed for HepB claims relative to the first and third DTaP-IPV/Hib doses. Because a HepB birth dose was assumed, the first HepB claim from 29 - 169 days following birth was counted as Dose 2, and the second claim from 170 days - 12 months as Dose 3. Associations between demographic, provider, and insurance characteristics, receipt of other pediatric vaccines, and co-administration of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results Among 165,553 infants who received a first DTaP-IPV/Hib dose, 60.7% received HepB Dose 2 on the same day. Among 162,217 infants who received a third DTaP-IPV/Hib dose, 45.1% received HepB Dose 3 on the same day. Infants in the Northeast were less likely (OR=0.38, 95%CI=0.36-0.39), while those in the West were more likely (OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.36-1.46) than infants in the South to receive the first dose of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB Dose 2 on the same day. Infants vaccinated by pediatricians (OR=0.54, 95%CI=0.53-0.55) were less likely to receive the first dose of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB Dose 2 on the same day compared to infants vaccinated by family physicians. Infants who received PCV on the same day as the first dose of DTaP-IPV/Hib were more likely to receive HepB Dose 2 (OR=6.96, 95%CI=6.30-7.70) that day. These factors were also associated with co-administration of the third dose of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB Dose 3. Conclusion Differences in co-administration of DTaP-IPV/Hib and HepB were associated with region of residence, provider type and co-administration of PCV. The reasons underlying these differences merit exploration. A hexavalent vaccine containing DTaP, IPV, Hib, and HepB could improve timeliness of HepB vaccination, while reducing the number of injections during infancy. Disclosures Tanaz Petigara, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Ya-Ting Chen, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Zhiwen Liu, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc., (Employee) Michelle Goveia, MD, Merck & Co., Inc (Employee, Shareholder) David Johnson, MD, MPH, Sanofi Pasteur (Employee, Shareholder) Gary S. Marshall, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Merck (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Pfizer (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi Pasteur (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Honorarium for conference lecture)Seqirus (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)


2021 ◽  
pp. 026377582110302
Author(s):  
Asha Best ◽  
Margaret M Ramírez

In this piece, we take up haunting as a spatial method to consider what geography can learn from ghosts. Following Avery Gordon’s theorizations of haunting as a sociological method, a consideration of the spectral offers a means of reckoning with the shadows of social life that are not always readily apparent. Drawing upon art installations in Brooklyn, NY, White Shoes (2012–2016), and Oakland, CA, House/Full of BlackWomen (2015–present), we find that in both installations, Black women artists perform hauntings, threading geographies of race, sex, and speculation across past and present. We observe how these installations operate through spectacle, embodiment, and temporal disjuncture, illuminating how Black life and labor have been central to the construction of property and urban space in the United States. In what follows, we explore the following questions: what does haunting reveal about the relationship between property, personhood, and the urban in a time of racial banishment? And the second, how might we think of haunting as a mode of refusing displacement, banishment, and archival erasure as a way of imagining “livable” urban futures in which Black life is neither static nor obsolete?


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