19 research outputs found
Social Support and Self-Rated Health of African American Women Informal Caregivers: Urban and Rural Differences
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Examining pathways of the caregiver burden - health relationship in family caregivers of elderly veterans: the importance of caregiver self-efficacy and social support
No full textElectronic Thesis or DissertationThe current study examines the constructs of caregiver burden, self-efficacy, perceived social support, and well-being (physical health and depression) in caregivers of veterans to obtain a better understanding of their interrelationships among this unique population of family caregivers. Much of the literature on family caregivers identifies relationships between burden and both physical and mental health. For informal, untrained, family caregivers, perceived capability in caring for a loved one can strongly affect health outcomes. Additionally, as family caregivers have unique added stressors and vulnerabilities, perceived social support is an important component that impacts the burden-wellbeing relationship. Although there is a substantial amount of research on these important constructs of caregiving (burden, self-efficacy, social support), few studies have examined how these three constructs specifically work together to influence caregiver physical and mental health. Analyses confirmed three hypotheses: burden significantly predicts depression, self-efficacy mediates the relationship between burden and depression, and this mediating effect is solely driven by self-soothing self-efficacy, as compared to instrumental and relational self-efficacy. Analyses for the moderated mediation model disconfirm both hypotheses that perceived social support moderates associations of burden and self-efficacy, and burden on depression
The role of mood in the self-care activities of individuals with type 2 diabetes
No full textElectronic Thesis or DissertationControlling type 2 diabetes mellitus requires the individual to perform specific self-care behaviors. The current study investigated the impact of anxiety and depression on these behaviors. In addition, the study investigated the role of sociodemographic variables, sleep and pain in the performance of specific self-care behaviors. Using data collected from primary care clinics providing integrated care to individuals with type 2 diabetics, the Chi-Square Test of Independence was conducted to investigate relationships. This was followed by a series of logistic regressions to identify variables that could predict changes in self-care. Depression and anxiety was measured by scores on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Levels of self-care were measured by information collected from patients completing the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. Findings from this study suggest that self-care behaviors can be influenced by numerous factors: anxiety, age, ethnicity, gender, marital status, and sleep difficulty. Both a correlation and predictive relationship between anxiety and general diet scores were found, but anxiety did not have a statistically significant impact on any other individual self-care behavior. The current study makes a meaningful contribution to the literature by examining the influence of anxiety, depression, sociodemographic factors, sleep and pain on improvements in self-care behaviors
Social Support and Self-Rated Health of African American Women Informal Caregivers: Urban and Rural Differences
No full textEating as a Cultural Expression of Caring among Afro-Caribbean and African American Women: Understanding the Cultural Dimensions of Obesity
No full textBACKGROUND: Previous studies focused on obesity and weight management have ignored the cultural uniqueness of Afro-Caribbean individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural context for notions of good health and health practices, and perception of obesity and weight management, among African American and Caribbean American women. METHODS: Four focus groups of Afro-Caribbean and African American women (age 40 and older) were conducted between May and July of 2007 to explore cultural factors related to physical activity, healthy eating and weight management. RESULTS: Cultural variation was observed among Afro-Caribbean and African American woman in terms of indigenous traditions of food and food preparation, and perceptions of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: In the development of community-based interventions to counter trends towards obesity among people of African descent, it may be important not to assume that 'one size fits all' cultures.http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/hpu.0.015
Grandparent caregivers: factors contributing to their experience of life satisfaction
No full textElectronic Thesis or DissertationGlobally, the number of grandparents providing primary, custodial, or co-parenting for biological and legal grandchildren has grown progressively. Often time examination of grandparent caregiving occurs through the lens of burden and deleterious familial, psychological, and medical outcomes. The present cross-sectional research study is a preliminarily exploration of factors that promote grandparent experience of positive life satisfaction. Bivariate research findings supported an association between grandparent caregivers’ experience of positive life satisfaction and reported resources (rs(94) = .51; p =.000), choice to parent (rs(94) = .26; p =.006), and spirituality (rs(94) = .214; p =.019. Because life satisfaction scores were reversed, the outcome indicated higher life satisfaction is associated with higher reported resources, choice to parent, spirituality, and parental stress. Social support (r(94) = .093; p =.375) and parental stress (r(94) = .181; p =.081) did not demonstrate significant relationships. Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) found reported resources (β = .45) and choice to parent (β = .21) were the strongest predictors of grandparent caregivers’ positive life satisfaction (F(2, 91) = 26.54, p < .001). However, MRA with caregiver satisfaction interaction terms did not contribute significantly to the model (F(2, 91) = 26.54, p < .001). Study findings evidenced grandparent caregivers experienced positive life satisfaction when they engage in spiritual practices; perceive reduced stress, choice in parenting, adequate personal, social, and familial resources to meet life demands. Implications for social work practice, policy, and research are offered that build on grandparent caregivers’ adaptability, capabilities, and strengths rather than deficits
Strategies for Research Recruitment and Retention of Older Adults of Racial and Ethnic Minorities
No full textThe numbers of Hispanic and African American older adults in the United States are expected to increase by 86% and more than 31%, respectively. African American and Hispanic American individuals are more likely than Caucasian individuals to have chronic health conditions, and researchers have argued that these health disparities may contribute to their higher rates of dementia-related illnesses. The current article explores strategies to improve participation in cognitive aging research by older adults, particularly minority older adults. The cultural aspects of cognitive aging are examined, especially the role of stigma and stereotype threat. The perceptions of cognitive aging of African American and Hispanic older adults are also described. Specific strategies are presented that have been successfully implemented to improve recruitment and retention in research targeting minority older adults. Strategies that yielded retention of minority older adults included advertising and marketing a randomized clinical trial, media relations, intervention tailoring, and adaptation of psychometric instruments
