Benchmarking Trauma in Child Welfare: A Brief Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110383
Author(s):  
Elinam D. Dellor ◽  
Susan Yoon ◽  
Alicia C. Bunger ◽  
Marla Himmeger ◽  
Bridget Freishtler
Keyword(s):  
Child Welfare ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Adults And Children

Trauma exposure is common; however, considerably higher rates are reported in some vulnerable groups including adults and children involved in child welfare systems. In this context, early screening and service linkage may ameliorate its negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of adults and children alike. Using data from two Ohio-based child welfare interventions targeting co-occurring maltreatment and substance use (Ohio START 1 and EPIC2), the purpose of this brief report was to first describe the rate of trauma exposure among participating adults (Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs, N = 402), children 0–5 years (CTAC, N = 271) and youth 6–18 years (CTAC, N = 177), and second to benchmark observed rates against reported rates in other child welfare or similar populations across the United States. Results show that adults were exposed to 4.2 ACEs on average, a 24% increase over previous child welfare estimates. While mean CTAC scores were not significantly different among young children ages 0–5, older children reported on average 5.6 exposures which is 27% higher than previously reported estimates. Our findings highlight the difference in risk profiles between families involved child welfare due primarily to substance misuse and those without substance misuse concerns, or where substance misuse was not the primary cause of entry. We discuss implications for service provision and time-sensitive child welfare requirements.

Psychosocial Consequences of Body Weight and Obesity

2018 ◽  
pp. 274-286
Author(s):  
Deborah Carr ◽  
Vera K. Tsenkova
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Integrative Health ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Adults And Children

The body weight of U.S. adults and children has risen markedly over the past three decades. The physical health consequences of obesity are widely documented, and emerging research from the Midlife in the United States study and other large-scale surveys reveals the harmful impact of obesity on adults’ psychosocial and interpersonal well-being. This chapter synthesizes recent research on the psychosocial implications of body weight, with attention to explanatory mechanisms and subgroup differences in these patterns. A brief statistical portrait of body weight is provided, documenting rates and correlates of obesity, with a focus on race, gender, and socioeconomic status disparities. The consequences of body weight for three main outcomes are described: institutional and everyday discrimination, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the ways that recent integrative health research on the psychosocial consequences of overweight and obesity inform our understanding of population health.

The psychosocial impact on society of the COVID-19 epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-232
Author(s):  
Vasily N. Bolekhan ◽  
Igor M. Ulyukin ◽  
Ekaterina V. Shulyatyeva
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Snake Bites ◽  
Long Time

The issues of psychosocial and other impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiological specificity of the disease are considered in the interests of effective medical, psychological and social interventions to preserve the epidemiological well-being in society during the period of the COVID-19. It is shown that the spread of this disease had a sharply negative impact on the economy, in particular, of our country, since for a long time certain industries that served as sources of budget revenues were paralyzed, and the populations ability to pay sharply decreased, the volume of financial inflows into the service sector decreased, which is reflected in the field of public health. Therefore, within the framework of the anti-crisis COVID-19 measures, one can single out such areas as education, employment, support for vulnerable groups and information support, which are carried out in various countries based on the existing practices, methods and financial capabilities. In addition, the fact that the current outbreak of COVID-19 provokes stigmatization and discriminatory behavior of society towards representatives of certain ethnic groups, as well as towards people suspected of having contact with carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, is of great epidemiological significance. The widespread prevalence of COVID-19 is believed to be not a pandemic, but a syndemia (not just comorbidity, but an integration that identifies biological and social interactions important for prognosis, treatment and health policy), characterized by biological and social interactions between conditions and conditions, interactions that increase a persons susceptibility to harm or worsen their health. Thus, in the case of COVID-19, the fight against non-communicable diseases (hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, snake bites, epilepsy, kidney disease and sickle cell anemia) and socioeconomic inequality will also become a prerequisite for its successful containment.

Variability in Interpreting “Educational Performance” for Children With Speech Sound Disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 938-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Farquharson ◽  
Lisa Boldini
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Educational Performance ◽  
Speech Sound Disorders ◽  
Performance Factors ◽  
State And Local

Purpose Speech sound disorders (SSDs) can have a negative impact on literacy development, social–emotional well-being, and participation across the life span. Despite this, many public schools do not provide appropriate or timely services to this population of children. In large part, this is a result of variation in how state and local agencies interpret “educational performance” as outlined within the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The purpose of this study was to explore which educational performance factors speech-language pathologists (SLPs) consider when determining eligibility for children with SSDs. Method This study surveyed public school SLPs to investigate how educational performance is interpreted for children with SSDs. Data from 575 SLPs across the United States are included. Results Results supported variability in interpretation of educational performance within a nationwide sample of SLPs. Specifically, SLPs appear to consider educational performance as multidimensional. We also found within-state and between-states variability, indicating ambiguity in interpreting federal mandates. Finally, caseload size and number of years of experience were significantly related to which educational performance factors SLPs chose. Conclusion There is significant variability across the United States with respect to factors considered part of educational performance for children with SSD. This variability reflects the general quality and specificity of guidelines and/or special education code published by individual states. Clinical and legislative recommendations are included.

scholarly journals Steps Towards Comprehensive Heat Communication in the Frame of a Heat Health Warning System in Slovenia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5829
Author(s):  
Tjaša Pogačar ◽  
Zala Žnidaršič ◽  
Lučka Kajfež Bogataj ◽  
Zalika Črepinšek
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Health Warning ◽  
Health Measures

Occupational heat stress has an important negative impact on the well-being, health and productivity of workers and should; therefore, be recognized as a public health issue in Europe. There is no comprehensive heat health warning system in Slovenia combining public health measures with meteorological forecasts. The aim of this research was to provide insight into the development of such a system in Slovenia, turning the communication from the current meteoalarm into a broader system that has more information for different social groups. To achieve this goal, the following steps were used: Analysis of summer temperatures and issued meteoalarms, a survey of the general knowledge about heat among the public, organization and management of two stakeholder symposia, and a final survey on workers’ opinions on heat stress and measures, supplemented by interviews with employers. Summer average daily temperature distributions in Slovenia changed during the investigated period (1961–2019) and the mean values increased over time by 2–3 °C. Additionally, the number of days with fulfilled yellow (potentially dangerous) and especially orange (dangerous) meteoalarm conditions increased significantly after 1990. The survey of the general public about heat stress and warnings showed that efforts to raise awareness of heat issues need to be intensified and that public health measures should effectively target vulnerable groups. Stakeholder symposia and further surveys have shown that awareness and understanding of the negative effects of heat stress on health and productivity are still quite low, so effective ways of disseminating information to different sectors while striking the best balance between efficiency, feasibility and economic cost have to be found.

scholarly journals Hispanic Older Adult Health & Longevity in the United States: Current Patterns & Concerns for the Future

Daedalus ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Hummer ◽  
Mark D. Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Legal Status ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Hispanic Population ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Future

The Hispanic population aged sixty-five and over – the most socioeconomically disadvantaged subset of America's elderly – is projected to quintuple between 2012 and 2050. While current longevity patterns for Hispanics relative to whites are favorable, old-age functioning and disability patterns for Hispanics are unfavorable and have serious implications for caregivers; families; and local, state, and federal governments. Troubling signs for the future Hispanic population (which are shared to varying degrees with other vulnerable groups) include the unresolved legal status of unauthorized immigrants, continued low levels of insurance coverage even after health care reform, some unfavorable trends in health behaviors, and continued disadvantages in educational attainment and income relative to whites. We urge policy-makers to deal with these potentially problematic health and well-being issues. Not doing so could have detrimental consequences for the future of the Hispanic population as well as other at-risk groups and, by extension, the U.S. elderly population as a whole.

scholarly journals The Value of Social Pedagogical Volunteerism in the Midst of the Greek Economic Crisis: The Example of Voluntary Caring for Patients in the Hospitals (EDANI)

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Kontogiannis
Keyword(s):  
Family Environment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Orthodox Church ◽  
Greek Life ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
The Media ◽  
Education Support ◽  
Of Greece

Caring for common affairs and unconditional service are connected with Greek life and culture and closely related to religious duty and piousness. In the difficult days of the economical crisis and recession, offers for organized volunteering have culminated. The Voluntary Caring for Patients (EDANI), is both an organized ecclesiastical activity which wonderfully reclaims scientific knowledge and a model of education, support, supervision and distribution of volunteers. Along with the crisis, the effort has been more thoroughly organized and based on self-devotion, love for the other, social and spiritual sensitivity, EDANI manages to maintain a stable number of volunteers and to multiply its offer to nursing institutions in quality and quantity. It has well-trained and supportive volunteers taking care of patients (adults and children) who have no family environment to support them. In fact, EDANI is conducting social pedagogical work. Its strong social pedagogical character is demonstrated through: a) its sensitivity and interest in vulnerable groups of people, which is transformed into actual and systematic action; b) the pursuit to enable people to have a better quality of life, which we consider a duty; c) the development of volunteering action, which begins with the intention of an unconditional service and continues with meeting the needs of people who go through a bad situation; d) seeking personal strengthening and involvement of the patients and the volunteers; and e) finally, the vision of well-being for all people. The media, the volunteers themselves as well as the structure of the Orthodox Church of Greece have played an important role in bringing out this social pedagogical character of EDANI and have contributed to its success. During this period of crisis the Orthodox Church of Greece is promoting the spiritual character of the voluntary offer, organizing the distribution of material, time and money in order to sufficiently support people in need in our country, and has engaged in important religious and social pedagogical work for many years now.

scholarly journals Occupational Stress and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers Serving Socially Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Nelly Salgado de Snyder ◽  
Alice P. Villatoro ◽  
Marisol D. McDaniel ◽  
Ana Sofia Ocegueda ◽  
Deliana Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Work Place

The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational and personal stressors, mental health indicators, perceived discrimination and help-seeking behaviors among healthcare workers and providers (HCWPs) serving socially vulnerable groups such as immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, homeless individuals, people living in poverty, and other disadvantaged populations in the United States (U.S.) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional descriptive approach, we gathered information between July and September 2020, from a sample of 407 affiliates of two national organizations of clinic-based HCWPs who worked at federally funded and community safety-net clinics. Informed consent was obtained from all participants who completed a self-administered online survey available in English and Spanish. Our results indicated that the HCWPs serving vulnerable groups in the midst of the pandemic experienced high levels of occupational and personal stressors as well as anxiety and depressive symptomology. Major occupational stressors were excessive workload, long working-hours, and institutional barriers to refer and follow-up on their clients' access to needed social services. High-rated personal stressors included sleep disorders, lack of and child-care, partner's loosing job, and other family related situations. Our findings suggest that HCWPs working with vulnerable populations need specialized interventions that bolster their mental health and well-being as the pandemic continues to unfold. We recommend implementing initiatives that encourage HCWPs' to be actively involved in clinic decisions regarding employee safety and protection as well as in management decisions to improve work place infrastructure and capacity to respond to the social needs of their clients. Lessons learned from the pandemic are useful tools in designing protocols for addressing the mental-health needs of HCWPs in health-care organizations that attend to socially underprivileged populations.

Narrative and Other Pragmatic Language Abilities of Children With a History of Maltreatment

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Christel Ciolino ◽  
Yvette D. Hyter ◽  
Michelle Suarez ◽  
Jan Bedrosian
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Evaluation ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Complex Trauma ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pragmatic Language ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
History Of ◽  
Narrative Language

Introduction In any given year, about 3.5 million children in the United States are suspected of having experienced maltreatment resulting in complex trauma involving the exposure to traumatic events and the long-term effects of this exposure on the child's psychological, emotional, social, linguistic, and communicative development. Method In this study, we analyzed retrospective data on the pragmatic language and social communication skills exhibited by children between the ages of 5 and 15 years with a documented history of maltreatment. Researchers analyzed the children's performance on the Hyter Pragmatic Protocol–Revised and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fifth Edition Screening Test to determine their syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic abilities. Analyses were also conducted to determine if children with different genders, ages, and numbers of exposures demonstrated differences in performance. Results Results showed that many children with trauma exposure demonstrated specific deficits in both narrative and expository language skills. High percentages of children exhibited difficulty using narrative cohesion, narrative coherence, expository content, expository structure, and expository coherence on the Hyter Pragmatic Protocol–Revised. The number of maltreatment exposures did not significantly impact performance on narrative measures. Female participants tended to perform better on pragmatic language tests. Younger children performed better than older children on narrative cohesion and produced a landscape of action in their narratives. Most children received passing scores on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fifth Edition Screening Test, and there were no significant differences in pass rates among age, gender, and number of exposures. Conclusions Clinical implications for assessment are discussed. Implications include the need for clinicians to test pragmatic language, especially the narrative language of children exposed to complex trauma. Because older children with trauma exposure demonstrated lower scores on certain tests of narrative language, there is a need for periodic reassessment of these pragmatic skills as children age.

Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 1167-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Francis ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Taj. W. Makki ◽  
R. V. Rikard ◽  
Shelia R. Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Information and communication technology (ICT) use can mitigate the negative impact of various age-related threats, such as isolation and loneliness, by facilitating connection with social ties and access to social support. Although research regarding various uses and benefits of ICTs among older adults has increased, there is limited research regarding the impact of technical difficulties on older adults’ well-being. Our study explores technical difficulties encountered, how older adults cope with ICT failure, and the various forms of social support that may result as a consequence of accessing technical support. We use data from nine semistructured focus groups conducted with older adults in the Midwest region of the United States. Results show that older adults may adapt new strategies for coping with the technical difficulties that arise from regular ICT use. Furthermore, as older adults incorporate ICTs into their daily lives and seek assistance from social ties and experts, they may also be indirectly combating the threat of isolation and loneliness.

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