Experiences of Grandmothers Raising Their Orphaned Adolescent Grandsons

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindiwe Buyisile Mthembu ◽  
Marie Poggenpoel ◽  
Chris P. H. Myburgh

Worldwide, grandparent-headed households have emerged as one of the fastest-growing family constellations responsible for caring for grandchildren as a result of various crises, including increased death of middle-aged people. Little is known about mental health factors influencing grandmothers’ daily well-being when raising orphaned adolescent grandsons (OAGs). The main objective of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of grandmothers raising their OAGs in uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal. In this study, a qualitative research design, which is exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was used. The study was based on the application of a philosophy of constructivism by conducting individual in-depth phenomenological interviews to understand the experience of grandmothers as they narrate it and the meaning they attach to raising their OAGs. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of grandmothers raising OAGs. Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews, and was supplemented by documented observations and field notes. The data was analysed using Tesch’s method of open coding. The themes that emerged were the following: the burden of meeting the basic needs of their OAGs, concern about the future and their health as well as their grandsons’ health, and living everything in God. The results are discussed in the context of existing literature. Many mental health conditions are undiagnosed; the study highlights the need to promote mental health strategies that will be sensitive to the challenges experienced by grandmothers raising OAGs and empower them with skills and the mobilisation of resources.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-110
Author(s):  
Z. Budayova ◽  
L. Ludvigh Cintulova

The research study analyses the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and identifies changes in the life satisfaction of seniors in social services facilities. The research sample consisted of 79 seniors in social services facilities, the sample consisted of ten participants, data collection took place in the period from November 2020 to April 2021, where the method of qualitative research was used in empirical research, through semi-structured interviews to determine the impact of Covid-19 on We collected the data collected by open coding and pointed to those dimensions of the lives of seniors that were most marked by pandemic measures against the spread of Covid-19.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Gehring ◽  
Martin J.B. Taphoorn ◽  
Margriet M. Sitskoorn ◽  
Neil K. Aaronson

Abstract Background Studies in cancer and noncancer populations demonstrate lower than expected correlations between subjective cognitive symptoms and cognitive functioning as determined by standardized neuropsychological tests. This paper systematically examines the association between subjective and objective cognitive functioning in patients with low-grade glioma and the associations of these indicators of cognitive function with clusters of sociodemographic, clinical, and self-reported physical and mental health factors. Methods Multiple regression analyses with the subjective and 2 objective indicators of cognitive functioning as dependent variables and 4 clusters of predictor variables were conducted in 169 patients with predominantly low-grade glioma. Results Correlations between the subjective and the 2 objective cognitive indicators were negligible (0.04) to low (0.24). Objective cognitive deficits were predominantly associated with sociodemographic (older age, lower education, male sex) and clinical (left hemisphere tumor) variables, while lower ratings of subjective cognitive function were more closely related to self-reported mental health symptoms (fatigue, lower mental well-being), physical (motor) dysfunction and female sex. Self-reported communication deficits were associated significantly with both subjective and objective dysfunction. Conclusions We recommend that both subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning, together with a measure of psychological distress, be used for comprehensive neuropsychological assessments of patients with glioma to determine which areas are most affected and which specific intervention strategies are most appropriate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Ria Dutta

 In the late 2019 and early 2020s, a new variant of SaRs-CoV, now known as Corona virus or COVID-19, debuted internationally. Within a short time, the virus spread on such a scale that it resulted in drastic measures, like worldwide lockdown and strict social distancing, to fight against COVID-19. This study aims to explore the effects of COVID-19 and such protective measures on individuals from different population groups, ages, and walks of life. The literature review method was employed for this study where search words such as ‘aged people’, ‘children’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘families’, ‘healthcare workers’, ‘mental health’, ‘psychological’, ‘social’ and ‘students.’ were used. The findings of this study suggest that the psychological, emotional, and social complications of COVID-19 are not easily or quickly visible as the physical ones. After months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health effects are starting to emerge and pose a serious threat to the well-being of those concerned and the broader society. Likewise, these mental health effects will not vanish as easily and are estimated to stay behind long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Anxiety, depression, compulsive-obsessive behaviour, hoarding behaviour, panic, stigmatization, and stress are some of the most common identified themes across different population groups. The need for mental health awareness and intervention strategies is ever so important now. Certain recommendations are also suggested in this paper.


Author(s):  
Dr. Surendran Pillay ◽  
Dr. Rajendra Rajaram ◽  
Kajal Ramnanun

Corporate rescue in South Africa has been bedevilled by many challenges. The new South African Companies Act 71 of 2008 (hereafter referred to as “the Act”), which came into effect in May 2011 contains a new chapter titled “Business rescue and Compromise with Creditors”. Post commencement finance (PCF) is finance or credit approved for a company in business rescue, which is regulated by section 135 of the South African Companies Act. The Act provides for companies to secure PCF as turnaround investment to secure its financial well-being. However, it is difficult for a distressed business to access PCF as it is challenging to operate on a cash basis when they face the likelihood of insolvency or forced sale of their assets to remain sustainable. This was evident during the recent global financial crises when obstacles to accessing PCF were identified as the chief deterrent for businesses that require rescue or reorganization (Pretorius and Du Preez, 2013). A review was performed to assess what the impact was, of a distress company obtaining PCF in KZN. Empirical research includes a qualitative research design engaged to explore the impact of PCF on the success of business rescue efforts for distressed companies in KZN. Insights and understandings were drawn from the participation of business rescue practitioners in Kwa Zulu Natal. This included addressing the challenges of obtaining PCF and what finance is available. The findings from the literature review confirm that the barriers to obtaining PCF are the most limiting factors in rescuing businesses in distress in KZN and the challenges include the time frame within the business rescue plan and that financial institutions are not prepared to support a business rescue without collateral.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 2035-2046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Mohammadi ◽  
Mahnaz Rakhshan ◽  
Zahra Molazem ◽  
Najaf Zareh ◽  
Mark Gillespie

Introduction: Maintaining dignity is one of patients is one of the main ethical responsibilities of caregivers. However, in many cases, the dignity of patients, especially autistic teenagers is not maintained. The extent to which dignity needs are met for this group within the Iranian care system is difficult to determine as dignity is an abstract concept, and there are few related research studies reported. Objectives: The objective of this study is to find out caregivers perspectives on dignity in teenagers with autistic spectrum disorder. Research design: This study uses a qualitative research design. The data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and field notes developed during the interviews. In order to analyze the data, qualitative conventional content analysis was used. Participants and research context: In all, 16 professional caregivers for autistic teenagers working in public hospitals were recruited based on a targeted sampling method to reach data saturation from February 2016 to July 2017. Findings: The findings of this study were presented in three main themes, “privacy,” “respecting individual identity,” and “comprehensive support,” and 11 categories. Ethical consideration: This study’s protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of medical universities located in Southeast of Iran and the required ethical principles were followed throughout. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the findings of this study from the perspective of caregivers, autistic teenagers need to be cared for and educated in a respectful environment where their privacy is maintained, their individual identities are respected, and they receive comprehensive familial, social, and financial support. These conditions would maintain the dignity of such teenagers and would result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Therefore, it is suggested that a cultural, professional and institutional background in which all components of the autistic teenager’s dignity are protected and emphasized be provided.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ah Yusuf ◽  
Joel Rey U. Acob ◽  
Roro Dian Tristiana ◽  
Intan Faizatun Nafisa ◽  
Verantika Setya Putri ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Caregivers provide support for mental disorders in the form of care such as assistance in daily life activities, but during a pandemic it is a challenge in itself. Objective: To explore the caregiver's experience in caring for clients with mental disorders in remote areas during a pandemic. Methods: Using a phenomenological qualitative research design with 25 participants. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with data collection techniques using in-depth interviews and field notes then analyzed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis). Results: This study found 6 themes, namely: Caregiver Workload and Tension, Threats to Caregivers' Physical and Psychological Well-Being, The Need for a Continuing Family Role, Holistic Care, Coping Strategy, Communication is getting harder.Conclusion: our research provides unique findings about the experience of treating mental disorders needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers of mental disorders struggle with parenting difficulties during the pandemic, which poses a threat to their well-being and potential harm to the mental disorder survivor-caregiver relationship.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-134
Author(s):  
Zinatsadat Mirpour ◽  
◽  
Mohammadali Rahmani ◽  
Shohreh Ghorbanshiroodi ◽  
◽  
...  

Introduction: Choosing an emotional partner is an important occasion that profoundly affects various aspects of life; however, many relationships fail, and people face a vicious cycle of unhealthy and harmful relationships. Objective: This study aimed to explain the concept of re-experiencing harmful relationships. Materials and Methods: This research is a qualitative study done with the Grounded Theory (GT) approach done using the purposive sampling method until data saturation. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, observations, and field notes. In this study, 8 victims of harmful relationships and 8 psychologists were interviewed. Each interview lasted 25 to 55 minutes and was digitally recorded. Data analysis was performed along with data collection by Strauss and Corbin’s constant comparative analysis. Using Lincoln and Guba criteria, the accuracy and strength of this research were confirmed. Results: The open coding results indicated that 47 concepts could effectively frame the pattern of re-experiencing unhealthy relationships. In the axial coding stage, the concepts were classified into 8 general categories. Finally, in the selective coding stage, the phenomenon of “harmful relationships” was extracted as a significant category. The central coding paradigm consisted of 8 key features: perceived violence, psychological symptoms, unhealthy relationship strategies, dark personality traits, emotion regulation problems, retention factors, family harms, self-breaking behaviors. Each includes subclasses with specific characteristics. Conclusion: The results showed that harmful relationships are complex, dynamic, continuous, and intervened with the contextual conditions, retention factors, causal conditions, and intervening conditions. So it is necessary to develop and present psychological programs and interventions based on these problems.


2001 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
Kevin Morgan

As a correlate of psychological well-being, insomnia continues to be regarded as a critical indicator of both mental health and quality of life, appearing as a prominent diagnostic feature in both DSM-IV1 and ICD-102 (particularly in relation to depression and anxiety states), and included in many of the most commonly used health outcome measures, including the Nottingham Health Profile and the SF-364. The symptom of disturbed sleep is also included in most of the available schedules for assessing the mental health of elderly people, including the GMS, CAMDEX, and the CARE. Whether specified as a diagnostic criterion or included in a diagnostic algorithm, the assumption is made that certain patterns of sleep disturbance are associated with, and consequently predict, certain types of mental illness. The evidence would suggest, however, that the strength of the association, and hence the validity of this assumption, may diminish across the human lifespan.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leepile Alfred Sehularo ◽  
Kelebogile Rebecca Setona ◽  
Isaac Mokgaola

This article reports on a study that sought to explore and describe the challenges faced by mental health nurse specialists in North West (NW), South Africa, using a qualitative research design. The study population comprised all mental health nurse specialists working in public mental health care institutions in NW. A non-probability expert sampling method was used to identify mental health nurse specialists for voluntary participation. The sample size was determined when data saturation was reached after interviewing seven mental health nurse specialists working in the province. Data analysis was done independently by both the researcher and the co-coder. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability were observed to ensure trustworthiness. Three themes emerged from the study, namely: (1) challenges affecting mental health nurse specialists directly; (2) challenges directly influenced by the government; as well as (3) suggestions to support mental health nurse specialists. Recommendations were derived and proffered to support mental health nurse specialists in NW.


10.2196/12958 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e12958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Watfern ◽  
Chloe Heck ◽  
Chris Rule ◽  
Peter Baldwin ◽  
Katherine M Boydell

Background Electronic mental health (e-mental health) programs for people with an intellectual disability are currently underexplored but may provide a way of mitigating some of the barriers that this population faces in accessing appropriate mental health services. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of Healthy Mind, an e-mental health program for adults with an intellectual disability developed by the Black Dog Institute, focusing on the design and implementation of the website. Methods A qualitative research design was used, which involved semistructured interviews and focus groups with people with an intellectual disability, support workers, and allied health professionals. People with an intellectual disability were also observed while using the website. A thematic analysis was used to interrogate the interview transcripts and observational field notes. Results Participants found the content of the website informative and appreciated the many ways that the website had been made accessible to users. Participants voiced some differing requirements regarding the way information should be presented and accessed on the website. Acknowledging different types of support needs was identified as an important issue for website dissemination. Conclusions The Healthy Mind website promises to provide an excellent tool for people with ID and their supporters. This research has pragmatic implications for the future development and implementation of the program, while contributing to knowledge in the broader fields of e-mental health and inclusive design for people with an intellectual disability.


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