Articles tagged with Social Work
Child welfare workers lack effective assessment tools for identifying chronic neglect, a critical predictor of child well-being. The study identifies hazardous housing, mismanaged finances, and domestic violence as key predictors of chronic neglect.
A study comparing smoking rates and regulations between the US and Turkey found that current smoking rates are higher in Turkey at 27%, while cessation rates are higher in the US at 25%. The researchers hope to inform global health leaders on effective interventions to reduce tobacco use.
A study published in Population Health Management found that state-level Medicaid expansion improved health care access among low-income US residents, increasing insurance coverage and reducing barriers to care. Residents in non-expansion states were disproportionately negatively affected by the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage.
The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.
A study of gay and lesbian adopters and foster carers in England and Wales found that many professionals cling to traditional ideas of family, challenging the concept of diverse kinship systems. The research aims to re-examine familial relationships and kinship practices within adoption and fostering.
Research from the University of Missouri identifies themes that could help policymakers keep veterans out of jail, including alcohol and drug use, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and economic disadvantages. The study found that trauma encountered in the military, relational stress, and struggles with civilian culture contribute ...
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a framework to help victims of domestic violence before, during, and after disaster events. The framework integrates domestic violence services into disaster-related assistance, promoting empowerment for women and children.
Researchers developed algorithms that pinpoint individuals most likely to influence peers to get tested for HIV status, resulting in a 70% reach compared to current methods. The AI-powered approach encouraged testing, with 37% of peers getting tested when selected by HEALER and 25% by DOSIM.
A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.
A new study from the University of East Anglia aims to improve policy and social work practice by addressing the knowledge gap about men in child protection. The research found that most men involved wanted to be part of their child's life, presenting both a risk and resource for their children.
A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.
Saint Louis University research suggests that formal volunteering in civic service programs can improve the health, mental health, and social life of US veterans. After participating in a six-month volunteer program, more than half of the participants reported better health and emotional well-being.
African-American women use various coping mechanisms to survive intimate partner violence, including religion, external support, and fighting back. The study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of IPV and encourage bystander intervention.
A study published in Social Work in Health Care found that vulnerable young women of color are more likely to need abortion financial assistance due to limited resources. The research suggests that the longer it takes for patients to gather funding, the longer the procedure is delayed, increasing costs.
In the immediate aftermath of a devastating earthquake, Israeli tourists demonstrated remarkable leadership skills, quickly springing into action to help others. The study's findings highlight the importance of group cohesion and connection to their military background in coping with traumatic events.
Adolescents with autism face significant stress as they transition to adulthood, with difficulties in accessing services and adapting to change being major concerns. Social workers can play a vital role in supporting families by coordinating essential services such as medical treatment and independent living.
A study conducted by New York University researchers found that individuals with substance use disorders face significant challenges transitioning from long-term residential treatment to the community. Common barriers include unmet basic needs, strained relationships, and lack of support networks.
A telephone-based intervention has shown promising results in combating alcohol abuse among active-duty military members. Participants reduced their drinking rates and were more likely to seek treatment after a one-hour personalized intervention session.
A new study suggests that Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers may need to use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to cases of chronic neglect. The researchers found that families with chronic neglect often have multiple significant stressors, including extreme poverty and parental substance abuse. A mor...
A new study by the University of East Anglia examines the relationship between emotional intelligence, stress, burnout, and social work practice. The researchers found that emotional intelligence was a key predictor of stress and burnout, while realistic workloads and administrative support were essential for effective social work.
A novel substance abuse treatment program, Community Wise, targets marginalized populations in impoverished neighborhoods with high retention rates and reduced substance use. The NIH-funded study aims to create an efficient and effective program with a targeted delivery cost of $250 per client.
A Fulbright Scholar will conduct research on women's sexual health literacy in Sierra Leone with a focus on HIV incidence, contraceptive use, and prenatal health. The study aims to enhance understanding of women's health literacy among unmarried women in the region.
The Huffington Foundation has awarded $2 million to the Graduate College of Social Work at University of Houston to fund the Brené Brown Endowed Chair. Brown, a renowned researcher and author, will focus on expanding her research and mentoring students.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers highlights the importance of health care providers having knowledge about military culture and values to provide effective care for veterans. The research team conducted focus groups with veterans and their families to identify gaps in health care provision.
The conference aimed to address the issue of father involvement in child protection, particularly among ethnic minority families. Researchers emphasized the need for social workers to engage with fathers, who are often marginalized or powerless, to prevent family difficulties and promote a positive parenting environment.
A national survey found that men rank getting help from friends and family as highly important for addressing depression symptoms, with a score of 7.7 on an importance scale. In contrast, women prefer professional counseling more highly. Experts emphasize the need to overcome barriers and promote trustworthy mental health resources.
The Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital have been awarded grants to integrate substance abuse screening and intervention into their curriculum. The training program aims to expand screening and intervention for opioid overdose deaths in Rhode Island, which has seen a rise in opioid-related deaths. The program will provide traini...
A social and emotional skills intervention, developed to help children recover from disaster trauma, is being pilot-tested with at-risk youth in the US. The program has served 80,000 children worldwide and could be adapted for young refugees.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that TigerPlace residents who used sensor technology and onsite care coordination stayed in their apartments for an average of 4.3 years, nearly double the national median of 1.8 years.
Researchers are developing methods to teach empathy to engineering students, exploring its impact on their learning and professional practice. The goal is to enhance engineers' approach to projects that affect various stakeholders and communities.
A federal grant will fund a new course at the University of Illinois and support training for clinicians in conducting early interventions with people who abuse substances. The training uses a computer simulation called SBIRT, which identifies clients at risk of substance abuse problems and teaches clinicians how to respond accordingly.
The University of Washington School of Social Work will provide scholarships for graduate students, helping them start careers without staggering debt loads. The $20 million gift from Connie and Steve Ballmer brings their total support to $32 million over five years.
The university will train 100 students annually in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for substance abuse behaviors. SBIRT is an integrated public health approach to delivering early intervention and treatment services.
Single grandparents caring for grandchildren are at a higher risk of poor physical and mental health compared to single parents. The study found that solo grandparents fare worse in four critical health areas: physical health, mental health, functional limitations, and health behaviors.
A new study finds African-Americans are disproportionately affected by the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, with older blacks facing significant challenges affording their medications. Social workers can play a crucial role in connecting individuals to available resources and helping them navigate the complex enrollment process.
A new study reveals that parents with low health literacy are less likely to choose government-recommended weight-loss strategies for their children. Parents with higher health literacy select more weight-control strategies, including neutral methods like counting calories.
A nationwide study found that individuals of any age who used illicit drugs had a higher likelihood of misusing prescription pain relievers. Adults aged 50 and above were more likely to acquire pain relievers through multiple doctors, while younger individuals relied on friends, relatives, or drug dealers.
A new study by a Baylor University professor found that licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) have positive attitudes towards integrating their clients' religion and spirituality into discussions, but are not doing it in practice. LCSWs fear proselytizing or lack knowledge on how to discuss clients' beliefs, leading to a disconnect ...
A University of Michigan study found that poor families struggle to stay afloat with bills and debt, leading to 'consumption smoothing' where they acquire more debt. Higher wages and robust safety nets are needed to help families recover.
The University of Texas at Arlington educator Alexa Smith-Osborne has received a $200,000 grant to enhance mental health awareness in African-American faith-based communities. The initiative aims to reduce stigma and improve healthcare access, addressing the disproportionately high rates of psychological distress among Black Americans.
A new project at the University of Illinois is using tablet computers to provide perinatal depression screenings to low-income mothers. The mHealth technology allows women to complete the screening in their preferred language and provides a paperless alternative to traditional screenings.
A new study from Brigham Young University reveals that fathers' depression risk increases when they hold multiple parenting roles, including step-parenting. The research found that parents with three roles are 57% more likely to experience depression than those with a single role.
A new study by Kevin Shafer and Garrett T. Pace found that having multiple parental roles is negatively associated with psychological well-being for both men and women. Childlessness is more negative for women, while specific role combinations affect mothers and fathers differently.
A study at Loyola University Health System found that social workers, dietitians, and physicians were the most central communicators in a hospital's clinical team. Effective clinical care teams show high degrees of shared cognition, whereas teams working in silos present barriers to optimal patient care.
The University of Missouri (MU) School of Social Work, in partnership with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), has received a $1 million grant to expand training to mental and behavioral health professionals in Missouri. The project aims to improve access to services among high-need young adults aged 16-25.
A UT Arlington researcher has won a $200,000 grant to screen Hispanic patients for depression and provide education on the disease and its treatment options. The project aims to dispel myths and reduce stigma associated with mental health care among Hispanics.
A study of 1,066 Scottish people found that those with complex jobs, such as social workers or architects, had better scores on memory and thinking tests. The results suggest that more stimulating work environments may help preserve cognitive function later in life.
The book 'In Our Hearts' shares narratives of women parted from children, highlighting the importance of wellbeing and finding strength in individual stories. The project aims to provide support for mothers living apart from their children, promoting hope and understanding.
Researchers create a learning network of wheelchair-mounted robotic arms and human users to improve daily activities, satisfaction, and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. The project aims to maximize human-robot learning and address ethical issues related to assistive technology.
A new study has identified high levels of drinking among low-income older adults, with spikes in consumption around social security check dates. The study used a novel approach involving bogus recycling bins to assess alcohol consumption and found that medical conditions like diabetes may reduce drinking rates.
A study by Case Western Reserve University's social work school found that many women in poverty struggle to drop users in their lives, making it difficult to establish new networks of non-using friends and supporters. The researchers identified relationships in the network as a key factor in whether women used drugs or not.
A new study aims to improve the transition of stroke patients from hospital to home by assigning social workers to assist in care. The goal is to reduce complications and improve quality of life for patients who face emotional, social, and health challenges after discharge.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $1.4 million grant to increase the number of mental health and substance abuse workers in the US. The funding will support stipends for UT Arlington students who receive specialized training.
Researchers found that African Americans and Caribbean blacks who experience discrimination are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The type and frequency of discrimination matter, with hostile and character-based discrimination placing adults at considerable risk for mental health problems.
A UT Arlington study found that teens living with two college-educated parents are significantly less likely to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana. The presence of both parents is a strong protective factor for African-American adolescents, with white teenagers being 69% more likely to engage in substance abuse than black peers.
The prestigious Hartford/VA Scholars Program has selected three new researchers to focus on improving health outcomes for older veterans. The scholars will receive career development and mentorship support for their projects, which include examining physical activity among veterans and post-traumatic stress disorder in older veterans.
Research suggests that LGBTQ+ veterans face unique challenges and may benefit from mental health professionals familiar with their needs. Social workers can play a crucial role in providing culturally competent care, starting with simple changes like modifying medical history forms.
Children with deployed parents are at risk for emotional, behavioral, and relationship difficulties. School-based interventions can help address these needs by recognizing the impact of military culture on children's behaviors.
A University of Washington researcher found that a 20-minute conversation with a social worker can significantly reduce functional decline in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries. Social workers can provide education, coping strategies, resources, and follow-up care to help patients recover from these types of injuries.
Research finds Danish social workers are embracing a policy that limits their autonomy to provide tailored aid, with primary task of estimating eligibility for early retirement pension. Social workers must consider citizens through a moral lens, weighing individual cases based on resources available.