Eight out of 1ten people in charge of caring for a relative suffer from anxiety and stress, regardless of their socio-demographic variables. Families, and particularly daughters, assume the "informal care" of dependent elderly people in most of the cases. This follows an investigation carried out by Ruth M ?? Calero P?©rez and directed by professor Jos?© M?? Roa Venegas at the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Granada.
The work in the UGR shows that in some cases this care in the family creates inappropriate behaviour in the relationship, and that the negative effects on the physical, psychological and social caregiver are highly related to the previous life history between caregiver and care recipient, social isolation felt by the caregiver, and the feeling of loneliness in the relationship with the care recipient.
To carry out this work, the researchers applied a questionnaire to a population of 203 subjects whose only requirement was to be the informal caregiver of a dependent elderly person.
Family and institutional support
Results reveal that both positive and negative cognitive variables (thoughts and assessments) used by the caregiver have a decisive influence on how caregiver and care receiver relate to each other. These variables include family support and institutional support, and modulate the relationship between caregiver and care receiver.
In addition, cultural variables such as parenting patterns and styles of education received, have clear implications in the way of being and acting of informal carers, which will impact on the work of caring.
Researchers from the UGR intend to monitor all these variables as a first step towards government intervention in order to improve the quality of life of this group, and consider that this action "should use a psychoeducational approach and, somehow, ensure a better quality of life for dependent elderly people's carers.
The fact is that the relationship between informal caregiver and care recipient, the authors note, "it is not an innocuous relationship, but it is full of effects, sometimes harmful, for the caregiver's physical and psychological health. Effects of stress, anxiety, etc., are known to affect the informal caregiver. But we believe these variables are insufficient to explain the variability that occurs in the conduct of the caretaker in his relationship with the care receiver. Therefore, it seemed interesting to us to introduce variables of a cognitive and (rather less studied) socio-cultural nature, in order to clarify that variability as far as possible."
These research results were published in the journal Geriatrik and Multidisciplinary Journal of Gerontology.
Reference: Ruth M ?? Calero Perez. Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Granada.
Source: Ruth Calero Perez
University of Granada
четверг, 29 декабря 2011 г.
четверг, 22 декабря 2011 г.
New York City Department Of Education Recommends 'Research-Based' Sex Education Curriculum For City High Schools
The New York City Department of Education on Thursday announced it would recommend a "research-based" sex education curriculum called Reducing the Risk at all high schools in the city, the AP/Long Island Newsday reports.
The program encourages students to delay sexual activity but provides information about contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. The curriculum is being used at several school districts nationwide, including Chicago Public Schools. New York City high schools previously used a variety of sex education curricula, Lori Rose Benson, director of fitness and health education for the city's public schools, said (AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/18).
New York state last month rejected about $3.5 million in funding from the federal Title V abstinence education program. According to state health commissioner Richard Daines, $2.6 million that the state provided for the same abstinence program will be spent on other sex education programs.
Title V distributes money based on a formula favoring states with more low-income children. To receive Title V funds, states must adhere to certain requirements, including barring teachers from discussing contraception and requiring them to say that sex within marriage is "the expected standard of sexual activity." Many state governors have said the grants place too many restrictions on the curricula (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/21). Benson said the Reducing the Risk program "talks clearly about abstinence being the No. 1 choice" (AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/18).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
The program encourages students to delay sexual activity but provides information about contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. The curriculum is being used at several school districts nationwide, including Chicago Public Schools. New York City high schools previously used a variety of sex education curricula, Lori Rose Benson, director of fitness and health education for the city's public schools, said (AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/18).
New York state last month rejected about $3.5 million in funding from the federal Title V abstinence education program. According to state health commissioner Richard Daines, $2.6 million that the state provided for the same abstinence program will be spent on other sex education programs.
Title V distributes money based on a formula favoring states with more low-income children. To receive Title V funds, states must adhere to certain requirements, including barring teachers from discussing contraception and requiring them to say that sex within marriage is "the expected standard of sexual activity." Many state governors have said the grants place too many restrictions on the curricula (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/21). Benson said the Reducing the Risk program "talks clearly about abstinence being the No. 1 choice" (AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/18).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
четверг, 15 декабря 2011 г.
The IUD Is The Most Popular Long-acting Contraceptive Amongst Europeans
A European study has defined the profile for the usage of long-acting contraceptive methods. The work, presented with the National Congress of Gynaecology award, shows, amongst other things, that 10% of women use these methods, the majority over 30 years old.
"Long-acting contraceptives (the IUD, contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant) are still not widely used", Sergio Haimovich, researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and author of the study published in the European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, explains to SINC.
After the male condom, the pill is the most popular contraceptive method amongst European women, while intrauterine contraception (copper IUD or hormone-releasing IUS) is most popular as a long-term solution. Of the more than 11,000 women surveyed in 14 European countries, longer-lasting methods were used by 1,088 women, 10% of the sample.
The Spanish research, part of a broader study on the general contraceptive profile of European women, evaluates the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives. According to Haimovich, "those using them are women over the age of 30 who do not want more children and who are looking for a long-term solution". Younger girls use different methods, according to the expert.
The reasons why certain contraceptive methods are chosen, and how, are unknown. But why is there a scientific interest in the user profile? "The answers to these questions can help us to formulate contraceptive advice that is better adapted to the needs of the users", explains Haimovich.
The condom triumphs in Spain
The data consider the specific needs of each country. Spain is one of the European countries where the condom is used most, by all ages. However, according to the study hormonal methods, such as the pill or the ring, are increasingly being used.
The results of this research, awarded best work at the National Congress of Gynaecology on 25 September this year, "help to explain what users want and enable a more appropriate contraceptive check to be created", affirms Haimovich. "That is why we must always adapt our discourse to the demands of the users, and work such as this makes us aware of these requirements", the scientist points out.
Source: Plataforma SINC
"Long-acting contraceptives (the IUD, contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant) are still not widely used", Sergio Haimovich, researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and author of the study published in the European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, explains to SINC.
After the male condom, the pill is the most popular contraceptive method amongst European women, while intrauterine contraception (copper IUD or hormone-releasing IUS) is most popular as a long-term solution. Of the more than 11,000 women surveyed in 14 European countries, longer-lasting methods were used by 1,088 women, 10% of the sample.
The Spanish research, part of a broader study on the general contraceptive profile of European women, evaluates the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives. According to Haimovich, "those using them are women over the age of 30 who do not want more children and who are looking for a long-term solution". Younger girls use different methods, according to the expert.
The reasons why certain contraceptive methods are chosen, and how, are unknown. But why is there a scientific interest in the user profile? "The answers to these questions can help us to formulate contraceptive advice that is better adapted to the needs of the users", explains Haimovich.
The condom triumphs in Spain
The data consider the specific needs of each country. Spain is one of the European countries where the condom is used most, by all ages. However, according to the study hormonal methods, such as the pill or the ring, are increasingly being used.
The results of this research, awarded best work at the National Congress of Gynaecology on 25 September this year, "help to explain what users want and enable a more appropriate contraceptive check to be created", affirms Haimovich. "That is why we must always adapt our discourse to the demands of the users, and work such as this makes us aware of these requirements", the scientist points out.
Source: Plataforma SINC
четверг, 8 декабря 2011 г.
Florida, Georgia, Idaho Legislatures Act On Reproductive Health Bills
Newspapers recently reported on several reproductive health-related bills under debate in state legislatures. Summaries appear below.
~ Florida: A Florida House committee approved a bill (H.B. 983) on Wednesday that would require a woman seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound unless she signs a waiver, the AP/Miami Herald reports. The bill includes an exemption for survivors of rape, incest and domestic violence if they provide a copy of a police or medical report. Republicans pushed for a similar bill last year, but it died after a "dramatic tie vote in the state Senate," according to the AP/Herald. Supporters of this year's bill say that they are confident it will pass because many of last year's opponents are no longer in office. The committee approved the bill on a party-line vote, with Republican supporters saying they want to provide women additional information when deciding to have an abortion. Democrats said the need for an ultrasound should be determined by a physician. Many clinics in the state already have ultrasound equipment because Florida law requires ultrasounds for women seeking second- or third-trimester abortions, although about 30 do not have ultrasound equipment, the AP/Herald reports (AP/Miami Herald, 3/18).
~ Georgia: The Georgia House passed a resolution (H.R. 334) on Wednesday urging Congress to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act by a vote of 92-55, the Florida Times-Union reports. The Georgia resolution claims that FOCA -- which has not been introduced in the current congressional session -- would overturn more than 550 federal and state laws on abortion. State Rep. Jerry Keen (R), who sponsored the resolution, said other states have proposed similar measures, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. State Rep. Bobby Franklin (R) was the only representative who spoke against the bill, saying it would embarrass Georgia to ask Congress to oppose an issue that he believes states should have the authority to decide (Florida Times-Union, 3/19).
~ Idaho: House committee approved a bill (H.B. 216) to give pharmacists the ability to refuse to dispense birth control and other medications, the AP/Forbes reports. The exemptions apply to pharmacists who have "moral, ethical or religious objections" to dispensing certain medications. Idaho law already allows hospitals and doctors authority to refuse to fill prescriptions. The bill now moves to the full House, "where it stands a good chance" to pass, according to the AP/Forbes. Idaho Pharmacy Board Director Mark Johnston reported to the committee that pharmacists already can deny providing medications because no state law requires that they fill a prescription. He said the pharmacy board remains neutral on the bill because it views the measure as a debate between abortion-rights supporters and opponents. State Rep. Erik Simpson (R), who supports the bill, said it would protect pharmacists from losing their jobs if they refuse to fill a prescription. Opponents of the bill argue that it places pharmacists' rights above patients' rights and that it could make it difficult for people in rural towns to access time-sensitive drugs, including emergency contraception (Wire, AP/Forbes, 3/18). The committee also passed a bill (H.B. 214) on Tuesday that would allow women who have a miscarriage or an abortion before 20 weeks' gestation to request a death certificate from the state's Bureau of Health Policy and Vital Statistics, the Idaho Statesman reports. State Rep. Judy Boyle (R), who introduced the bill, said that it is intended to provide a personal record for women and that the certificates would not represent vital records (Idaho Statesman, 3/17). Rebecca Poedy, vice president of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, said that the "real intent is to further undermine" Roe v. Wade, adding that if the bill is "legally challengeable, Planned Parenthood will be doing that" (Idaho Statesman, 3/18).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
~ Florida: A Florida House committee approved a bill (H.B. 983) on Wednesday that would require a woman seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound unless she signs a waiver, the AP/Miami Herald reports. The bill includes an exemption for survivors of rape, incest and domestic violence if they provide a copy of a police or medical report. Republicans pushed for a similar bill last year, but it died after a "dramatic tie vote in the state Senate," according to the AP/Herald. Supporters of this year's bill say that they are confident it will pass because many of last year's opponents are no longer in office. The committee approved the bill on a party-line vote, with Republican supporters saying they want to provide women additional information when deciding to have an abortion. Democrats said the need for an ultrasound should be determined by a physician. Many clinics in the state already have ultrasound equipment because Florida law requires ultrasounds for women seeking second- or third-trimester abortions, although about 30 do not have ultrasound equipment, the AP/Herald reports (AP/Miami Herald, 3/18).
~ Georgia: The Georgia House passed a resolution (H.R. 334) on Wednesday urging Congress to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act by a vote of 92-55, the Florida Times-Union reports. The Georgia resolution claims that FOCA -- which has not been introduced in the current congressional session -- would overturn more than 550 federal and state laws on abortion. State Rep. Jerry Keen (R), who sponsored the resolution, said other states have proposed similar measures, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. State Rep. Bobby Franklin (R) was the only representative who spoke against the bill, saying it would embarrass Georgia to ask Congress to oppose an issue that he believes states should have the authority to decide (Florida Times-Union, 3/19).
~ Idaho: House committee approved a bill (H.B. 216) to give pharmacists the ability to refuse to dispense birth control and other medications, the AP/Forbes reports. The exemptions apply to pharmacists who have "moral, ethical or religious objections" to dispensing certain medications. Idaho law already allows hospitals and doctors authority to refuse to fill prescriptions. The bill now moves to the full House, "where it stands a good chance" to pass, according to the AP/Forbes. Idaho Pharmacy Board Director Mark Johnston reported to the committee that pharmacists already can deny providing medications because no state law requires that they fill a prescription. He said the pharmacy board remains neutral on the bill because it views the measure as a debate between abortion-rights supporters and opponents. State Rep. Erik Simpson (R), who supports the bill, said it would protect pharmacists from losing their jobs if they refuse to fill a prescription. Opponents of the bill argue that it places pharmacists' rights above patients' rights and that it could make it difficult for people in rural towns to access time-sensitive drugs, including emergency contraception (Wire, AP/Forbes, 3/18). The committee also passed a bill (H.B. 214) on Tuesday that would allow women who have a miscarriage or an abortion before 20 weeks' gestation to request a death certificate from the state's Bureau of Health Policy and Vital Statistics, the Idaho Statesman reports. State Rep. Judy Boyle (R), who introduced the bill, said that it is intended to provide a personal record for women and that the certificates would not represent vital records (Idaho Statesman, 3/17). Rebecca Poedy, vice president of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, said that the "real intent is to further undermine" Roe v. Wade, adding that if the bill is "legally challengeable, Planned Parenthood will be doing that" (Idaho Statesman, 3/18).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
четверг, 1 декабря 2011 г.
Sex Education Increasing Slightly In China, Subject Remains Taboo, Washington Post Reports
Although sex education remains a taboo issue in much of China, some approaches to the subject recently have started to change and some schools have begun to teach the subject several times annually, the Washington Post reports. According to the Post, the most common form of sex education in the country is a 45-minute course offered once during the second year of middle school. However, because of "embarrass[ment]," teachers often do not discuss parts of the curriculum dealing with menstruation and bodily functions, according to experts. Surveys show that while the majority of Chinese teenagers remain more "conservative" than their counterparts in more developed countries, many high school and college students are engaging in sex and undergoing abortions at young ages, according to the Post. A hotline for pregnant teens, which was launched last summer in Shanghai, China, has handled 11,000 calls this year -- 47% of which involved girls having their first abortion, 35% having their second and 18% having had three or more abortions, according to the Post. Some health experts attribute the rise in teen abortion rates to advertising that describes abortions as inexpensive and painless, and although only hospitals are allowed to prescribe mifepristone -- which when taken with misoprostol can cause a medical abortion -- it can be purchased from unlicensed clinics for about $15, the Post reports. Wu Ruomei -- lecturer, author and co-host of Capital Life Radio's "Tonight's Whisperings," a program that addresses questions about sex, contraception and pregnancy -- said that people "cannot tell exactly what sex is. And that is exactly what the students want to know," adding, "China used to hide this subject under the table. They considered it dirty and changing attitudes takes a long time." According to Wu, officials in China's Ministry of Education are "more open than they were 10 years ago," but "they still can't keep up with what students need" (Fan, Washington Post, 9/11).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
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