Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2003.

Background: Results from various studies of Long-term Care (LTC) need in China have remained confusing with LTC rates ranging from 2.4% to 22%. Therefore, it has been difficult to ascertain LTC’s sustainability in China. Methods: 672 households with people aged 60+ in Haidian, Beijing, were successfully interviewed between June – August, 2011. interRAI – Home Care assessment tool and scales were used to identify LTC impairment, LTC services use and want, and LTC services drivers. Findings: If LTC need refers to LTC impairment, based on population of Haidian in 2010, it was estimated 3.7% or 14,000 persons aged 60+ in Haidian have LTC impairment. If LTC need refers to people’s use or want of LTC services, it was estimated 38.7% or 147,000 persons aged 60+ in Haidian used and wanted LTC services. In specific, 11.9% (45,000) used Community Care (CC), 6.7% (25,000) and 20.1% (77,000) wanted Residential Care and CC respectively. LTC impairment rate as identified by this study was lower than most of other LTC studies in China, probably due to varied impairment identification and measurement mechanisms. LTC impairment tended to be affected by social activity level (OR: Odds Ratio = 0.29), subjective environmental hazards (OR = 0.20) and poor self-rated health (OR = 2.00). In addition, as compared to their counterparts, respondents with LTC impairment tended to be older; with “fewer” education, social activity and good health practice; and “high” in caregiver stress, objective environmental hazards, behavioral problems and depressive symptoms. There was no statistically significant relationship between LTC impairment and LTC services use/want. For those who used/wanted LTC services, 95% had no LTC impairment. For those with LTC impairment, 54.2% used or wanted LTC services. As compared to their counterparts, respondents who used or wanted LTC services tended to be in more favorable conditions: younger, higher education, more income, living with others, socially active, good self-rated health and more good health practice. These people also tended to have fewer objective environmental hazards, caregiver stress, chronic conditions, behavioral problems, and depressive symptoms. Use of CC was driven by higher age (OR: Odds Ratio = 1.088), being female (OR = 0.268), higher education (OR = 0.260), higher income (OR =3.218), and more objective environmental hazards (OR = 2.522). CC want was driven by higher age (OR = 1.050), being female (OR = 0.625), higher education (OR = 0.348) and more depression (OR = 1.235). Good health practice was the only factor that affecting RC want (OR = 2.842). The overall Pseudo R^2 was 0.219. Implications: Better projection of LTC impairment and LTC services use/want via standardized assessment tool is needed in China. There is also a need to address the issue of mismatch in LTC impairment and services. This is to ensure allocation of LTC services is based on LTC impairment and not because of higher income or education. / published_or_final_version / Social Work and Social Administration / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest wish-granting organisation in the world and can be found in over 50 countries managed by 37 affiliates in five different continents. This thesis is a strategic review of Make-A-Wish International (MAWI), including an implementation plan for the betterment of Make-A-Wish International and its affiliates, namely, Make-A-Wish Hong Kong (MAWHK). The first part of the review is a comparative study of MAWI against six comparable non-governmental organisations. The second part is a situational analysis of MAWI covering its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as some key performance indicators. The third part is an implementation plan for MAWI and MAWHK, which includes key areas of focus, namely Wishes and Wish Quality, Operations, Organisational Development, Community Engagement, Revenue Generation and Brand Building. With this strategic review, the hope is to be able to assist MAWI and MAWHK in its next stages of development to better provide services for the communities they serve. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

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The existing literature on adaptation to childhood cancer is integrated within the stress and coping paradigm (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) to demonstrate its functional utility. The coping resources (i.e. psychological and social resources) and coping efforts of 21 children (9 male, 12 female) diagnosed with cancer were assessed and compared with standardized norms. Within-group differences were explored as the cancer sample was subdivided by stage of therapy (i) newly diagnosed, (ii) currently in treatment, and (iii) off treatment. Results suggest that children with cancer differed significantly from typical children on measures of coping effort (Coping Inventory) in that they demonstrated relatively more adaptive and efficient coping behavior as compared to their normative peers. Children with cancer differed slightly from typical children on measures of psychological resources (Assessment of Coping Style) such that they utilized a slightly more restrictive style of coping. Children with cancer did not differ significantly from normative children on measures of social resources (Social Support Scale for Children). The data are analyzed and discussed with reference to mediating factors including developmental stage, gender, and stage of illness.

Thesis (MPsy(Clinical))--University of South Australia, 2001.