Search results for ‘Publisher:"taylor and francis"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 751
Social work and the Roma community: elements to improve current practices
- Authors:
- VALERO Diana, et al
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 24(6), 2021, pp.978-989.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Although the Roma community is the largest ethnic minority in Europe, it continues to experience inequality and exclusion in all social areas. In social work, the literature identifies limitations in providing effective responses to the problems faced by this community. The identification and analysis of practices that have demonstrated a positive impact in overcoming the inequalities of the Roma community become crucial for improving the design and implementation of interventions in social work. This article identifies and analyses three practices related to social work that contribute to the improvement of the Roma community situation and discusses the elements that characterise each practice: the need to implement evidence-based actions, the role of solidarity and respect, and the recognition of the Roma identity. The results show that these three elements contribute to the impact of interventions in improving the lives of Roma people, thus generating useful recommendations to guide the interventions of social work professionals working with this community. (Edited publisher abstract)
Three-year effects of neighborhood social network intervention on mental and physical health of older adults
- Authors:
- HARADA Kazuhiro, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 25(12), 2021, pp.2235-2245.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Although neighborhood is considered to be a crucial source of social network to promote health among older adults, current findings are mostly derived from observational study designs. This study examined whether participations in event-based community programs could increase neighborhood social network and whether such increase could lead to desirable changes in mental and physical health among older adults. Method: This study employed quasi-experimental design. A baseline questionnaire survey was sent to residents of Tsurukabuto community aged 60 years or more (n = 1769); 1,068 responded. Community events were implemented approximately once a month for three years. Then, a three-year follow-up survey questionnaire was sent to the respondents of the baseline survey. The total number of respondents in the latter survey was 662; of the total, 173 participated in the intervention. Strong and weak ties with neighbours, mental well-being (Ikigai-9), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) were measured in the surveys. Results: The path analysis revealed that intervention participation was significantly associated with changes in strong ties (standardized path coefficient = 0.12) and changes in strong ties were associated with those in Ikigai-9 scores (standardized path coefficient = 0.15). The total and indirect effects of intervention participation on Ikigai-9 scores were significant. Significant intervention effects were not observed for HRQOL and IADL scores. Conclusion: This study found that participation in our event-based intervention could indirectly and positively influence older adults’ mental well-being through their strong ties with their neighbours. (Edited publisher abstract)
What matters while assessing quality of social services? Stakeholders’ perspective in Czechia
- Authors:
- SISKA Jan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 24(5), 2021, pp.864-883.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Quality of public services including social services is an issue frequently discussed by policy makers, service providers, and by those who represent service users. The aim of this study was to explore how stakeholders perceive quality of social services, with a particular focus on (1) what did participants rate as important; (2) what is the relative importance of each domain and how does that differ across stakeholder groups and (3) does importance vary by participant characteristics. A specially designed questionnaire was completed by 217 service providers, by 249 public administration representatives and 205 service users of residential care and in-home support. The subjective quality of life of service users was rated as the most important indicator of service quality by all three stakeholder groups. Particularly important were items that related to the nature of the relationships and interactions between staff and service users. There were some differences between stakeholder groups and also by respondent characteristics – public administration respondents, older service users and providers of residential care were more likely to rate health care as more important than other respondents. Implications for how quality is measured are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
The experience of living after ECT: a qualitative meta-synthesis
- Authors:
- WELLS K., HANCOCK N., HONEY A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 30(4), 2021, pp.526-540.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controversial treatment. Research has predominantly focused on clinician assessment of short-term efficacy and, occasionally, on participant experiences of the treatment itself. While service user accounts of the long-term impacts of ECT are reported, they are dispersed throughout the literature and typically tangential to studies' main foci. Aim: The aim of this study was to synthesise service-user accounts, within peer-reviewed literature, of long-term impacts of ECT in their daily lives. Methods: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted. A systematic literature search identified qualitative articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Results sections of eligible papers were analysed thematically. Results: From 16 eligible papers, the review identified 11 long-term impacts, four social influences and five strategies that people employed to navigate these long-term impacts. Conclusion: Limited research has examined long-term experiences of ECT from service-user perspectives. These lived experience perspectives are required to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and assist future service delivery to align with needs of people living with long-term ECT impacts. (Edited publisher abstract)
The prevalence and predictors of loneliness in caregivers of people with dementia: findings from the IDEAL programme
- Authors:
- VICTOR Christina R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 25(7), 2021, pp.1232-1238.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: To establish the prevalence of loneliness among family caregivers of people with dementia and to identify potential risk factors for loneliness. Methods: Using data from the baseline wave of the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort study, we examined loneliness in 1283 family caregivers of people with mild-to-moderate dementia living in Great Britain. Multinomial regression was used to examine the relative influence of a series of risk factors for caregiver loneliness. Results: Almost half, 43.7%, of caregivers reported moderate loneliness and 17.7% reported severe loneliness. Greater social isolation and increased caregiving stress were linked with both moderate and severe loneliness. Better quality of relationship with the person with dementia along with increased levels of well-being and life satisfaction were associated with a lower relative risk of reporting both moderate and severe loneliness. Discussion: This study examines the prevalence and predictors of loneliness in a large sample of family caregivers of people with dementia. Notably over two-thirds of caregivers in our sample reported feeling lonely. Interventions aimed at reducing caregiving stress and supporting meaningful relationships may go some way towards helping to reduce loneliness. (Edited publisher abstract)
Impact of COVID-19 related social support service closures on people with dementia and unpaid carers: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- GIEBEL Clarissa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 25(7), 2021, pp.1281-1288.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Accessing social care and social support services is key to support the well-being of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. COVID-19 has caused sudden closures or radical modifications of these services, and is resulting in prolonged self-isolation. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of COVID-19 related social care and support service changes and closures on the lives of PLWD and unpaid carers. Method: PLWD and unpaid carers were interviewed via telephone in April 2020. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Demographic characteristics including household Index of Multiple Deprivation score and weekly hours of social support service usage before and since the COVID-19 outbreak were also collected. Paired samples t-tests was used to compare the mean of weekly hours of social support service usage before and since the outbreak. Results: 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted with unpaid carers (n = 42) and PLWD (n = 8). There was a significant reduction in social support service usage since the outbreak. Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) Loss of control; (2) Uncertainty; (3) Adapting and having to adapt to the new normal. Carers and PLWD were greatly affected by the sudden removal of social support services, and concerned about when services would re-open. Carers were worried about whether the person they cared for would still be able to re-join social support services. Conclusions: PLWD and carers need to receive specific practical and psychological support during the pandemic to support their well-being, which is severely affected by public health restrictions. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health, quality of life, wellbeing, loneliness and use of social media in a time of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-country comparative study
- Authors:
- GEIRDAL Amy Ostertun, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 30(2), 2021, pp.148-155.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak raised questions about how people experience their mental health, quality of life (QoL), wellbeing and loneliness in the context of social distancing, and the use of social media during this time. Aims: To examine the experience of mental health, QoL, wellbeing and loneliness and use of social media among people living in Norway, USA, UK and Australia. Methods: A cross-country comparative survey of people living in Norway, USA, UK and Australia. Relevant statistical analyses were used to examine differences between the countries and to explore associations between demographic, mental health and psychosocial variables and use of social media. Results: There were 3810 respondents from four countries, of which 50 − 74% showed a high level of emotional distress. The Norwegian population reported significantly better mental health, QoL and wellbeing and lower levels of loneliness compared to the other countries. High-frequent use of social media after the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with poorer mental- and psychosocial health. Conclusions: The results suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak took a toll on people’s experience of mental health, QoL, wellbeing and experienced loneliness, and high-frequent use of social media was associated with these factors. (Edited publisher abstract)
Linking service quality attributes to meaning-in-life outcomes for residents who have transitioned to an assisted living community
- Authors:
- MEJIA Cynthia, SEVERT Denver
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 64(2), 2021, pp.151-174.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The growing number of persons aged 65 and older, combined with their greater reliance on care outside the family unit, has contributed to the rapid growth of older people residing in assisted living (AL) communities. Given the increased attention paid to service standards in older adults’ housing models, this qualitative study was conducted in AL to generate residents’ perspectives on service and meaning-in-life outcomes. Utilizing the attributes of service quality through a transition theory lens, the data revealed empathy and responsiveness as most essential to the perceptions of service and meaning-in-life among residents. Theoretical results from this study suggest that linking current service theory to meaning-in-life outcomes would be of benefit to AL service standards research. Practical application of the research outcomes revealed how appropriate personalized attention provided in a timely manner to residents is critical to their well-being, and to their successful transition to AL. (Edited publisher abstract)
Natural supports: the impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities’ quality of life and service expenditures
- Author:
- FRIEDMAN Carli
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Family Social Work, 24(2), 2021, pp.118-135.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Natural supports are informal (unpaid) relationships that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their natural environments and communities. A wide range of people can serve as natural supports for people with IDD, such as family (both biological and chosen), friends, neighbors, community members, etc. Natural supports can positively impact people’s relationships, and community integration. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between natural supports for people with IDD, quality of life, and service expenditures. To do so, we analyzed secondary Personal Outcome Measures® quality of life data and service expenditure data (n = 251) using linear regression models. Our findings suggest people with IDD with natural supports have a better quality of life than people without natural supports. In addition, LTSS service expenditures were $20,000 lower on average for people with IDD with natural supports compared to people without natural supports, regardless of their demographics. As such, we believe natural supports have the potential to improve people with IDD’s lives, build their relationships, and help them integrate into their communities. However, there is danger in utilizing natural supports in lieu of formal services solely for cost-cutting, particularly in a service system that is already underfunded. (Edited publisher abstract)
Care burden and quality of life in family caregivers of palliative care patients
- Authors:
- CENGIZ Zeliha, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 17(1), 2021, pp.50-63.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia
This research was conducted for the purpose of examining the care burden and quality of life in family caregivers of palliative care patients. The research design was a descriptive correlational study conducted with the caregivers of 163 patients residing in palliative care units. Data were collected via a demographic survey, The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL). The results showed that there was a negative correlation between ZBI and WHOQOL scores. Further, there was a significant negative correlation between many subdimensions of the ZBI (general quality of life, general perception of health, being satisfied with daily life skills, home conditions, energy and self-satisfaction) and the WHOQOL. Quality of life thus appeared to be reduced in family members with a high level of care burden and that the quality of life of caregivers depends on the individual characteristics of the caregiver. Social workers, nurses and physicians should regularly assess the burden and quality of life of caregivers. (Edited publisher abstract)