scholarly journals Perceived Impediments to Completed Brain Autopsies Among Diverse Older Adults Who Have Signed a Uniform Anatomical Gift Act for Brain Donation for Clinical Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Suppl) ◽  
pp. 709-718
Author(s):  
Crystal M. Glover ◽  
Raj C. Shah ◽  
David A. Bennett ◽  
Robert S. Wilson ◽  
Lisa L. Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Family Members ◽  
The United States ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Brain Donation ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Open Coding

Background: A small number of older adults in the United States who agree to brain donation for clinical research belong to diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups. Those who agree, however, are less likely to have completed brain autopsies compared with older non-Latino Whites of higher socioeconomic status. As such, our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias remains limited in these underrepresented and understudied populations. Here, we examine perceived impediments to completed brain au­topsies among diverse older adults who have agreed to brain donation for clinical research.Methods: Participants (N=22) were older adults (mean age=77 years) who self-identified as African American (n=8), Latino (n=6), or White of lower income (n=8). All participants had previously agreed to brain donation via the Uniform Anatomi­cal Gift Act. Each participant took part in a one-time, semi-structured focus group. Data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach with both Open Coding and Constant Comparative Coding.Results: Perceived impediments to com­pleted brain autopsies varied by group. Older African Americans and older Latinos expressed concern about a lack of follow-through by family members regarding their brain donation wishes. Older Whites of lower income indicated that their own un­certainty surrounding the processes of brain donation and brain autopsy might serve as an impediment.Discussion: Diverse older adults expressed different perceived impediments to hav­ing brain autopsies completed upon their death. Continuous education for diverse older adults and their family members re­garding brain donation for clinical research, including clear guidelines and processes, may facilitate completed brain autopsies among diverse older adults.Ethn Dis. 2020;30(Suppl 2):709-718; doi:10.18865/ed.30.S2.709

scholarly journals Family Separation and the Impact of Digital Technology on the Mental Health of Refugee Families in the United States: Qualitative Study

10.2196/14171 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. e14171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayyed Fawad Ali Shah ◽  
Julia Meredith Hess ◽  
Jessica R Goodkind
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Family Members ◽  
The United States ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Family Separation ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundConflicts around the world have resulted in a record high number of refugees. Family separation is a critical factor that impacts refugee mental health. Thus, it is important to explore refugees’ ability to maintain contact with family members across the globe and the ways in which they attempt to do so. It is increasingly common for refugees to use information and communication technologies (ICTs), which include mobile phones, the internet, and social media sites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber, for these purposes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore refugees’ perceptions of the impact of communication through ICTs on their mental health, the exercise of agency by refugees within the context of ICT use, especially their communication with their families, and logistical issues that affect their access to ICTs in the United States.MethodsWe used a constructivist grounded theory approach to analyze in-depth interviews of 290 adult refugee participants from different countries, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a community-based mental health intervention.ResultsAnalyses showed that communication through ICTs had differing impacts on the mental health of refugee participants. ICTs, as channels of communication between separated families, were a major source of emotional and mental well-being for a large number of refugee participants. However, for some participants, the communication process with separated family members through digital technology was mentally and emotionally difficult. The participants also discussed ways in which they hide adversities from their families through selective use of different ICTs. Several participants noted logistical and financial barriers to communicating with their families through ICTs.ConclusionsThese findings are important in elucidating aspects of refugee agency and environmental constraints that need to be further explicated in theories related to ICT use as well as in providing insight for researchers and practitioners involved in efforts related to migration and mental health.

How Families Make Their Way Into Your Heart: Exploring the Associations Between Daily Experiences Involving Family Members and Cardiovascular Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye Won Chai ◽  
David M Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽  
National Study ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Daily Experiences

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is a critical public health issue and a growing body of literature on relationships and health point to individuals’ interactions and involvement with family members as significant correlates of cardiovascular outcomes. However, less is known about the implications of daily encounters with family members on cardiovascular health outcomes and how the associations vary across adulthood. Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the associations of positive and negative daily experiences with family members with comprehensive measures of cardiovascular health and to further explore how age moderates these associations. Methods This study used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) II and MIDUS Refresher. The sample was composed of respondents who participated in two subprojects of MIDUS, namely the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE) and Biomarker Project (N = 1,312). Indices of cardiovascular health included inflammatory markers, autonomic functioning, and Life’s Simple 7 scores. Results Results showed that the associations between daily family experiences and cardiovascular outcomes differed by age. Having more daily negative experiences with family members was associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes among young adults and worse cardiovascular outcomes among older adults. Having more daily positive experiences was also associated with lower heart rate variability for older adults. Conclusions Results revealed that contrary to the general assumption that negative experiences have health-damaging effects, frequent involvement with family members in daily life, even negative ones, may be indicative of active engagement in life that could be health promoting for younger adults.

scholarly journals Development of the Huntington Disease Family Concerns and Strategies Survey From Focus Group Data

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet K. Williams ◽  
J. Jackson Barnette ◽  
David Reed ◽  
Valmi D. Sousa ◽  
Debra L. Schutte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Huntington Disease ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Disease Family

Health concerns and management strategies among families of young and middle-age adults with Huntington’s disease (HD) are unknown. This study developed and tested psychometric properties of the Huntington Disease Family Concerns and Strategies Survey (HDFCSS). Focus group data from 91 adult family members were used to develop content. Content analysis yielded four domains that were transferred into Personal, Person With HD, Community Health Care Services, and Strategies scales. Focus group data, expert validation, and cognitive interviews demonstrated survey content validity. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients for the scales were 0.83 or above. The measure can be used to generate reliable and valid data to identify adult family members’ health-related concerns and management strategies for themselves and persons with HD.

Responding to Homicide

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Englebrecht ◽  
Derek T. Mason ◽  
Peggy J. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
The Impact

After a homicide, family members of the victim must cope with their loss and find ways to continue on with their lives. Research suggests that as “secondary victims,” this group may experience grief and cope in ways unique from other victims. Using focus group data, this article examines the impact of homicide on surviving family members. Our findings highlight the divergent ways in which individuals respond to homicide as well as the varying coping strategies families implement. Practical applications of these findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Just Another Storm: Conceptualizing Older Adults’ Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 201-202
Author(s):  
Christopher Freed ◽  
Shoon Lio ◽  
Martha Arrieta ◽  
Roma Hanks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data

Abstract Older adults of color who experience health disparities are especially vulnerable to health and economic adversity related to COVID-19. This study focuses on nine zip codes wherein 70.2% of residents are of African-American descent and an estimated 31.5% of residents live in poverty. To understand the lived experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived challenges of COVID-19, and the dissemination of information related to COVID-19, we collected interview and focus group data in Spring 2020 from fifteen community members, leaders, or advocates. Analyses reveal that older individuals approach the COVID-19 pandemic with familiar disaster mitigation strategies. Other persons perceive the pandemic as another community challenge that African-Americans must confront. Older adults report generational differences in perceptions of the risk of COVID-19 and compliance with health guidelines. Overall, analyses reveal a deeply cultural context for intergenerational responses associated with COVID-19 and a sense of agency among older community leaders as health advocates.

scholarly journals CALL A TEENAGER . . . THAT’S WHAT I DO!: GRANDCHILDREN HELP OLDER ADULTS USE NEW TECHNOLOGIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S331-S331
Author(s):  
Jennifer D Portz ◽  
Christine Fruhauf ◽  
Sheana Bull ◽  
Rebecca S Boxer ◽  
David Bekelman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Open Coding

Abstract As older adults increasingly show interest in technology for their well-being, families will play an important role in promoting the adoption and use of beneficial health technologies. The purpose of this study was to conduct a sub-analysis of data collected from a large-scale qualitative project regarding older adults’ experiences using health information technology. Specifically, the sub-analysis explored older adults’ experiences with technology support from family members to inform strategies for promoting older adult engagement with new health technologies. While the primary analysis of the original study was theoretically driven, this paper reports results from the inductive, open-coding analysis. Twenty-four older patients (≥65 years) with multiple chronic conditions (Charlson Comorbidity Index > 2) participated in a focus group conducted at patients’ primary clinic. While conducting the primary theoretically-driven analysis, coders also utilized an open-coding approach to ensure important ideas not reflected in the theoretical code-book were captured. Open-coding resulted in a primary theme, “family support”, that was furthered categorized by who and how the tech-support was provided. Participants were not specifically asked about family support, yet family assistance and encouragement for technology emerged from every focus group. Participants repeatedly mentioned that they called their grandchildren and adult children for help with technology. Participants also reported that family members experienced difficulty when teaching technology use. Family members struggled to explain simple technology tasks and were frustrated by the slow teaching process. Family support, specifically via grandchildren, may have a key role in the successful adoption and use of emerging health technologies.

scholarly journals From Industry Professionals to Secondary School Teachers: The Relationship between Second Career-Changing Teachers and Social Cognitive Career Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Luis M. Dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Second Career ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
And Mathematics

The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and teaching field is facing significant human resources shortages, particularly in the subject matter of environmental sciences education. The current study collected interview and focus group data and sharing from 220 pre-service and in-service second career-changing teachers in the United States about their career decision and decision-making process. The results of this study indicated that the participants believe educating the next generation is their priority of joining the education and teaching profession. Many expressed that the populations of STEM teachers with professional and industry experiences are greatly needed. The outcomes of this study provided the blueprint for researchers, school leaders, policymakers and human resources planners to reform and polish their current plans for teachers training and professional development in order to solve the workforce issues in the fields of STEM education and teaching.   Received: 29 May 2021 / Accepted: 15 July 2021 / Published: 5 September 2021

scholarly journals Maybe She’ll Make Some Friends?: Family Members Cultivating Intimacy in Assisted Living

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 486-487
Author(s):  
Andrea Fitzroy ◽  
Candace Kemp ◽  
Elisabeth Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Intimate Relationships ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Intimacy continues to be important in later life, including for older adults in long-term care settings such as assisted living (AL). Our past work shows that intimacy is a multi-dimensional process and can involve a variety of partners. Drawing on data from the qualitative longitudinal “Convoys of Care” study (R01AG044368), we extend this research to examine the role family members play in cultivating intimacy and close relationships of AL residents. Using a grounded theory approach, we analyzed 2,224 hours of participant observation, and formal interviews with 28 assisted living residents (aged 58-96) and their formal and informal care partners (n=114) from four diverse AL communities. Findings show that family members can play integral roles in residents’ experiences with intimacy, directly as relationship partners, and by facilitating or impeding residents’ contacts with others. Family members cultivated residents’ intimacy opportunities and experiences by direct engagement, resident advocacy, to non-involvement and disengagement. Family members’ roles in cultivating intimacy fluctuated over time, increasing at times of health concerns and family change. Perceptive family members considered older adults’ intimacy preferences when cultivating their intimate relationships. Family members concerned for the safety of their loved one sometimes acted as “gatekeepers” to intimacy by interfering in intimate relationships. We conclude with a discussion of implications for policy and practice aimed at improving the intimacy process and opportunities for older adults receiving long-term care.

scholarly journals “They Didn’t Know What To Do With Me”: Transitioning From High School To University Language Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Huntley
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Group Data ◽  
University Programs ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
High School Programs ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
School Learning

Despite substantial efforts to develop foreign language learning pipelines, little is known about students’ experiences moving between levels of education. This is particularly true for less commonly taught languages, where pre-tertiary learning is considered crucial for graduating students at higher levels of proficiency. This qualitative case study examines how four L2 learners of Arabic transition from their high school classrooms to university programs. Adopting a grounded theory approach to analyze survey and focus group data, three key themes emerge: initial (dis)orientation in the tertiary setting, classroom (dis)harmony as students navigate new norms, and retrospective appreciation for their high school learning environments. The results illustrate that university programs seem to lack appropriate measures to accommodate pipeline learners. Likewise, high school programs are not doing enough to familiarize students with the learning opportunities ahead. The findings have implications for programs, teachers, and students on both sides of these periods of transition.

scholarly journals Coping Strategies and Low-Income Older Adults' Use of On-Line Portals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Reynolds ◽  
Sandhya Shimoga ◽  
Savanna Overley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
On Line

There is qualitative focus group data and quantitative data from standardized questionnaires.

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