Evaluation of Community-Based Support Services for Families of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

1989 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. S. Singer ◽  
Larry K. Irvin ◽  
Blair Irvine ◽  
Nancy Hawkins ◽  
Elizabeth Cooley
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Respite Care ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Training Support

This article presents an evaluation of a multi-element parent and family support intervention for parents of school-aged persons with severe disabilities. Using an experimental design, we compared two randomly assigned groups of parents: one group received a modest level of support consisting of respite care and case management, and the second group received an intensive intervention that consisted of stress management and parenting skills training, support groups, and additional community-based respite care. Separate MANCOVA analyses were conducted for mothers and fathers. Mothers showed significant improvement on measures of depression and anxiety. Further analysis of the data revealed that a significantly greater number of intensive support group members also achieved clinically significant improvement on measures of anxiety and depression. Fathers participated in smaller numbers than mothers. A power analysis revealed large treatment effects for fathers as well as mothers although, due to the small sample size, the results for fathers were significant at p = 0.07. Analyses of 1-year follow-up data revealed that treatment gains maintained for mothers. We discuss the results and limitations of this study in light of current efforts to create family support services nationwide.

Financial support services for beekeepers: a case study of development interventions in Fiji's Northern Division

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordanna Hinton ◽  
Cooper Schouten ◽  
Kerrie Stimpson ◽  
David Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Pacific

PurposeThis paper analyses financial support services (loans and grants) from the perspective of beekeepers in Fiji's Northern Division.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method, case study approach was used with key informant interviews, focus groups, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.FindingsFinancial support was found to be an appropriate intervention. While beekeepers have access to loans, matching grants or small business grants to assist the establishment and growth of their activities, the appropriateness of these services varies based on the experience and skill of beekeepers. Capacity building was an important shortcoming in all financial services. It is recommended beekeeping clients undertake outcome-based, practical and/or mentorship-styled training to ensure beekeepers have the appropriate skills to maintain a viable enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited by a small sample size. Further research is needed to understand long-term impacts of financial support services and the availability and appropriateness of these within and between regions.Social implicationsRecommendations are provided to encourage effective financial support for beekeepers to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their activities. This can impact beekeepers' livelihoods by increasing household income and income security.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of financial interventions to support beekeeping enterprises. This is the first study to compare financial support services from the perspective of beekeepers in the Pacific region.

scholarly journals Effort-Reward Imbalance and Work Productivity Among Hotel Housekeeping Employees: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Anne S. Rosemberg ◽  
Yang Li
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effort Reward Imbalance ◽  
Reward Imbalance ◽  
The Relationship

This study explored the relationship between effort-reward imbalance (ERI) at work and work productivity among hotel housekeepers. A community-based approach was used to recruit 23 hotel housekeepers who completed the ERI and Work Performance Questionnaires. Work productivity was determined by combining self-report absenteeism and presenteeism. More than 40% of the participants reported high ERI (ERI >1). Also, 59.1% reported low work productivity. Interestingly, despite the individualized high reports of ERI and low work productivity, correlation analysis showed that high ERI was correlated with high presenteeism and work productivity as a whole. This is the first study to explore work productivity among this worker group. Despite the small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study, this study points to the need for organization-based interventions to not only improve employee health but also their work productivity.

Feasibility, Acceptance, and Initial Evaluation of a Telephone-Based Program Designed to Increase Socialization in Older Veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. 089198872094424
Author(s):  
Christine Juang ◽  
J. W. Terri Huh ◽  
Sowmya Iyer ◽  
Sherry A. Beaudreau ◽  
Christine E. Gould
Keyword(s):  
Program Implementation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Structured Program ◽  
Future Program

Loneliness is a public health issue, particularly for older Veterans. To increase older Veterans’ access for socialization opportunities, a community-based telephone-delivered activity program was developed, in which Veterans can call in and engage in social activities through telephone. This paper illustrates the feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary outcomes of this program using a mixed-methods design. Thirty-two Veterans enrolled in the program, with 14 attendees who called in to the program at least once. Attendees were more likely to be depressed than those who did not call in at baseline. Program was acceptable with high client satisfaction. Perceived benefits included a structured program with interesting topics to spend time on and the opportunity to socialize, exchange ideas, and connect with other Veterans. Individual challenges (e.g., hearing difficulty) and program-level challenges (e.g., complicated procedures) were reported during qualitative interviews. Among attendees, a significant decrease in loneliness from baseline to 3-months was found but should be interpreted with caution based on the small sample size. While positive findings emerged regarding feasibility, acceptance, preliminary benefits of this program, further refinement is needed to improve future program implementation.

scholarly journals UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORTS AND SOCIAL NETWORK FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ MENTAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S135-S135
Author(s):  
Carmen Morano ◽  
daejun park ◽  
Andrea Savage
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Network Analyses

Abstract This paper explores the associations of depressive symptoms with social supports and social networks among dementia caregivers. It has been well documented that dementia caregivers are at greater risk of experiencing negative mental health and poorer physical health than non-caregivers. This paper describes a collaborative process between two universities and a community-based provider in designing a Social Network Analyses to examine the network structures used by dementia caregivers participating in a community-based support program. The relationship between the caregiver support networks and depressive symptoms, were analyzed using multivariate regression models. Given the small sample size and missing data multiple imputation was applied to the data. The findings suggest the effects of a variety of supports in the caregiver network on mental health and depressive symptoms. Among the findings it was found that the presence of financial support (B= - 0.58; p = .01) and frequency of contacts (B = -0.58; p = .01) support resulted in a decrease in depressive symptoms and better mental health than for caregivers without similar supports in their networks. This paper will conclude with a discussion of potential uses of social network analysis to better understand how the structure of caregivers’ network can address the concrete physical, emotional and financial needs of dementia caregivers.

Insights Into the Support Services for Students With Vision Impairment

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poulomee Datta ◽  
Carolyn Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Adolescent Students

There is a general need for research in Australia on whether the support services provided in schools prove useful for students with disabilities (Datta, 2015; O’Rourke & Houghton, 2006), especially students with vision impairment. This qualitative study aimed to provide insights into the influence of the support services delivered in South Australian schools for students with vision impairments’ problem-solving skills, and their family, social, and academic lives. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 students with vision impairment (8 adolescents and 6 adults), 5 parents, and 4 teachers. Participating students’ age ranged between 15 and 18 years for the adolescent students and between 19 and 25 years for the adult students. Adolescent students were enrolled in mainstream and specialist secondary schools, and adult students were enrolled in vocational courses at TAFE Institutes. The data reflected a range of viewpoints from which to examine the problem under investigation. The interview responses from the 3 groups of participants revealed that the support services positively influenced students’ problem-solving skills, their social behaviour, and their academic learning. Although most students with vision impairment felt that the support services had no influence on their family relationships, their parents and teachers considered it had helped in the students’ family lives. The interviews were particularly useful in evaluating the support services that students with vision impairment received. These findings have implications for teachers, special educators, policymakers, and a range of professionals in the education and special education sector in highlighting modifications and improvements in the support services for these students. This study has provided a limited basis for generalising to any wider population beyond the participants themselves due to the study's small sample size and diversity of educational settings.

Patient barriers to participation in clinical trials at a community cancer center.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 17-17
Author(s):  
Praveen Ramakrishnan Geethakumari ◽  
Joann R. Ackler ◽  
Mahasweta Gooptu ◽  
Leonard E Braitman ◽  
William J. Tester
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Drug Side Effects ◽  
Barriers To Participation

17 Background: Clinical trials are fundamental to innovative oncology. Participation rates in trials have declined nationally to < 5%. Barriers to participation exist at patient, physician, and protocol levels. This study seeks to identify barriers to enrollment in clinical trials at a community cancer center serving a diverse patient population. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, including 160 eligible patients offered enrollment in 27 clinical trials from July 2010-December 2012. A standardized questionnaire was delivered by mail or in person. Patients who enrolled (acceptors) and decliners were compared using Fisher’s exact test for nominal variables and t test for normally distributed continuous variables. Results: Fifty-seven patients (36%) (males: 10, females: 47) returned the questionnaire. Thirty-three (58%) were enrolled in a clinical trial. Mean age of acceptors was 57 compared to 64 for decliners (p=0.007). Stage IV disease patients were more likely to enroll (Spearman rho= 0.33, p=0.01). Among patients with family support, 66% accepted participation compared to 40% of those without [p=0.05]. Twenty-eight of 33 (85%) who felt trust in their doctor affected their decision enrolled. Of those “comfortable with randomization,” 86% enrolled compared to 29% who were not [p<0.001]. 74% patients would participate in a trial if maximal information could be gathered before making a final decision. Acceptors stated altruism, contribution to research, trust in doctor and hope for cure while decliners mentioned uncertainty in research, drug side effects, mistrust in pharmaceutical industry and depression as most important reasons for their decision. Conclusions: Our results confirm barriers among diverse patients treated at a community cancer center. Study limitations include small sample size and predominance of female gender. Factors influencing enrollment identified include age, family support, patient’s insight into conduct of randomized trials, perceived drug side effects and the doctor-patient relationship. Success lies in bridging knowledge and communication gaps, careful protocol design, and establishing trusting relationships.

Bereavement Support Groups: Timing of Participation and Reasons for Joining

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliff Picton ◽  
Brian K. Cooper ◽  
Diana Close ◽  
Jean Tobin
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bereavement Support ◽  
Target Individual

This exploratory study investigated the experiences of a small group of people who had participated in professionally led bereavement support groups, with particular emphasis on perceptions of the appropriate timing for initial involvement with a group and the reasons for joining. The results support the need for timely group-based bereavement support. The proposition that bereavement support in the early weeks of bereavement is too early was voiced by some participants but strongly negated by others who found early support of major value to their well-being. Taking account of the small sample size, qualitative data suggest that the reasons for joining are similar regardless of the length of time since the death, although there is evidence that the need for emotional support is felt most acutely by those without adequate family support and who join within the first three months after the death. Findings suggest that group interventions are helpful to target individual circumstances, needs, and reactions throughout the process of mourning and offer direction for future research.

scholarly journals SUPPORT AND EDUCATION NEED FULFILLMENT IN INFORMAL DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S286-S286
Author(s):  
Nicholas James ◽  
Daniel Paulson
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Distance Perception ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Respite Care ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Financial Counseling

Abstract Caregivers vary widely in their need for and utilization of support services, and there are many reasons for this (e.g., time or financial cost, distance, perception of need). This study explored the disparity between services that are desired and those that are utilized, and examined the hypothesis that unmet needs are a determinant of caregiver burden. An online sample of informal caregivers (N=151) responded to a questionnaire containing a list of common caregiver support services: sharing duties, professional transportation, respite care, non-profit community organizations, financial counseling, caregiver education programs, support groups. Participants were presented with a list of support services and information and asked to indicate A) which they desired and B) which they had received while providing care. Respite care and financial counseling were identified as support that caregivers were unable to obtain, while caregiving education and family/friend support were most commonly fulfilled. A linear regression model controlling for demographic variables was constructed. Unfulfilled support needs accounted for 40.6% of variance in caregiver burden, however the final model included only total ratio of unfulfilled services, transportation services, stress management skills, professional treatment for the caregiver, and behavioral management skills. Results highlight the unique contribution of certain support services in burden reduction. These findings imply a need to improve accessibility to caregiver support, especially those which require payment (e.g., transportation aids and mental healthcare). Further implications and actionable changes related to caregiver support services are discussed.

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