Health & Social Work最新文献

More than 8.1 million Americans with disabilities qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Individuals with disabilities were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, which may have altered individual and household behavior. Research on the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with disabilities and their families remains limited. Authors analyzed 2020 National Health Interview Survey data. Logistic regression models were applied, controlling for the effects of age, race, sex, income, education, employment, and health status. Households with SSI/SSDI beneficiaries with disabilities were associated with significantly greater odds of delaying or forgoing medical care and receiving needed personal and household care at home due to COVID-19 compared with households without beneficiaries. The health and well-being of households with individuals with disabilities may require more robust and inclusive social work initiatives that aim to reduce adverse pandemic impacts.

Internalized weight bias (i.e., the application of negative weight-based stereotypes to one's self-evaluation) is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. The 10-item version of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M) is one of the most commonly used measures to assess internalized weight bias. However, studies examining the psychometric properties of the WBIS-M are limited in racially minoritized U.S.-based populations. The current study sought to examine the factor structure of the 10-item version of the WBIS-M in a sample of first-generation Asian immigrants, as both native and foreign-born Asian populations have consistently demonstrated higher rates of weight-related concerns relative to other racially minoritized groups. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure, and a multiple indicator multiple cause modeling approach was used to assess associations between internalized weight bias and sociodemographic predictors. Results confirm the unidimensionality of the WBIS-M and provide preliminary support for a nine-item version. Identifying as a woman (p = .027) and perceiving oneself as overweight (p < .001) were significantly associated with greater internalized weight bias. When working with Asian and Asian American clients, mental health service providers should be aware of potential weight-related concerns and may consider using the WBIS-M to assess for internalized weight bias.

The development of an empathetic approach when working with parents and families is fundamental to both social work and children's nursing; however, opportunities to develop this are limited. RealCare Baby infant simulator dolls were used with the aim of enabling students to gain an empathetic insight into parenting. A qualitative, evaluation study involving semistructured interviews with 10 social work and 11 children's nursing students was undertaken to evaluate experiences and views of infant simulator dolls, in relation to professional learning. Using reflexive thematic analysis of interview data, six key themes were identified: (1) positive experiences, (2) challenges, (3) impact on self, (4) empathy toward parents, (5) realism and (6) learning by reflection. All themes were evident from the participants' accounts in the context of the parenting experience. In addition to the overall positive impact on students, practical and technical challenges were also identified. However, despite these difficulties, participants valued the learning experience gained from caring for a doll and many articulated how an empathetic understanding of the parenting role was enhanced. This will potentially enable social work and children's nursing students to support parents more sensitively and empathetically.

Children entering foster care have complex health needs that can persist across the lifespan. Efforts to improve access to primary care services exist; however, few have been tested. This study evaluated the Missoula Foster Child Health Program, a tri-agency, community-based collaboration in Montana, to determine its impact on health outcomes for youth in care. Demographic, health outcome, and child welfare data were collected from 485 children (50 percent male, 50 percent female, aged 0-18). At program admission, children had unmet service needs, lacking a primary care provider (30 percent), a dental provider (58 percent), and required vaccinations (33 percent). Three-quarters of children had at least one health condition, and one-third had a behavioral health concern. Overall, children in the program had significant decreases in physical and behavioral health problems from admission to discharge. Older children and those with fewer placements were more likely to have positive health changes. Data are promising, representing positive health outcomes of a community-based model for children in care.

The number of Americans living with chronic health conditions has steadily increased. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and cost the healthcare system an estimated $4.1 trillion dollars a year. The role of social workers in assisting patients in the management of their chronic diseases is vital. The behavioral health changes often required of chronic care management (CCM) patients require support and intervention by professionals to help the patient improve self-management of their chronic health conditions. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that helps people change by paying attention to the language patients use as they discuss their change goals and behaviors. Applying the principles and strategies of MI within the stages of change model (transtheoretical model of change) can help social workers better understand and assist patients receiving CCM. This article outlines specific strategies the social worker can use to address motivation at different stages of change.

This article seeks to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. As part of a mixed-methods study of 69 women who have or currently live with breast cancer, 27 participants opted into a Phase II semistructured interview to further discuss their experiences of emotional coping during the treatment process, beliefs about therapy, and the impact of COVID-19 on their emotional experience during treatment. Thematic narrative analysis was used to identify common themes. Participants shared about the unique stressors and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during their treatment and how it complicated the already emotional experience of coping with cancer. Five identified themes include (1) logistical impact of COVID-19 and its effects on accessing medical care, (2) concerns related to accessing emotional support, (3) emotional reactions to battling breast cancer while living through a global pandemic, (4) ways in which loss was experienced, and (5) benefits to technology-based psychoeducation and social supports that were identified during the pandemic. COVID-19 had a significant impact on those currently in treatment for breast cancer including increasing fear, decreasing social support, and increased logistical challenges. Changes to psychotherapeutic treatment protocols to include technologically enhanced psychological support during treatment and digitally based psychoeducation curriculum are warranted.