<p> More than half of spouses of U. S. Army active duty soldiers are overweight or obese. In the U.S. almost a half million people die annually because of health related problems to being overweight or obese (Robbins, Chao, Baumgartner, Runyan, Oordt, &amp; Foneseca, 2006). The military spends $1.1 billion a year on problems related to being overweight or obese for active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families (Dall et al., 2007). </p><p> <i>Method:</i> Permission was granted from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the University of Maryland Institutional Review Board (IRB) to use the 2008 Active Duty Spouses Survey (ADSS) for the secondary data analyses used in this dissertation. Multiple and logistic regression analyses of U.S. Army spouses (<i>n</i> = 1863) examine the association of deployment status within the last year (not deployed, deployed but not to a combat zone, and deployed to a combat zone) with weight status, as measured with body mass index (BMI) scores (healthy weight versus overweight or obese). The independent variables examined were gender, age, race, rank of soldier, education, psychological distress, and perceived social support scores. </p><p> <i>Results:</i> Deployment status and weight status were not related (<i>p</i> = .097). Three-quarters of the male spouses and almost half of the female spouses were overweight or obese. Spouses of soldiers in the enlisted ranks (E5-E9), minority spouses, and those without at least a four-year college degree are more likely to be overweight or obese. As spouses' age and psychological distress increases and perceived social support decreases their BMI increases. </p><p> <i>Conclusions:</i> Findings suggest the risk factors associated with being overweight or obese are minorities; male spouses; the ranks of E5 - E9; less than a four-year degree; as age and psychological distress scores increase so does BMI; and as perceived social support scores increase the BMI decreases. The risk factors may contribute to the Army Surgeon General's Performance Triad of sleep, activity, and nutrition and be used to assist Army personnel and Department of the Army (DA) civilians to teach spouses awareness and methods of changing behaviors that result in choosing healthy options.</p>

<p> Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are increasing and there is a gap in the This study examines the literature on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the effects on their mental health. The findings show that adults survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse when compared to non-abused adults. Gathering the most recent information, this study analyzes interventions that can improve the mental health of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Concurrently, this study discusses how cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most effective intervention when compared to group therapy. Results show that the trauma focused component of CBT as well as homework and exercises given show a decrease in maladaptive behavior after the intervention concludes. Findings have implications for future research, including combining both interventions to provide a holistic intervention.</p>

<p> <b>Purpose.</b> The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of advocates who represent organizations that engage in disability policy advocacy. The study investigated the strategies and activities used by disability rights advocates, including those used when advocating for deinstitutionalization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and the recommendations for advocates of the deinstitutionalization of individuals who live in large intermediate care facilities (ICFs).</p><p> <b>Methodology.</b> A phenomenological case study and semistructured interviews were used to explore the strategies and practices of organizations that engage in disability policy advocacy. The researcher used a purposeful sampling approach to interview 5 disability policy advocates with extensive experience for the study. Gen and Wright&rsquo;s (2013) policy advocacy framework was used to guide the development of the interview questions and resulting themes that emerged from the interviews.</p><p> <b>Findings.</b> Advocacy organizations identified three main activities used when advocating for individuals with I/DD: coalition building, information campaigning, and engaging decision makers. When advocating for the deinstitutionalization of people with I/DD, their strategies included coalition building, information campaigning, and reform efforts. The advocates consistently recommended reform efforts, and to a lesser extent, coalition building as strategies and activities to expedite the deinstitutionalization of individuals who reside in large ICFs.</p><p> <b>Conclusion.</b> Reform efforts (pilots, demonstrations, litigation) are consistently recommended for future advocacy efforts in support of expediting the community transition of individuals who reside in large ICFs.</p><p> <b>Recommendations.</b> Future research should explore the activities of advocacy organizations for other populations or in other geographies. This research study has direct implications for individuals who reside in large ICFs and want to move to community living. This study adds to the practice of advocacy in that it will aid the development of future advocates through training targeting practices of successful, highly experienced advocates. </p><p>

Yes / Despite increasing evidence of the impact of health inequalities on mental health (Pickett and Wilkinson, 2015) there is only limited recognition of the potential role for mental health social work in addressing ‘upstream’ as well as ‘downstream’ challenges of poverty, disadvantage and oppression affecting many people experiencing mental health difficulties. This paper presents some of the current evidence concerning mental health inequalities and the opportunities for mental health social workers to promote wellbeing. A theme throughout the paper is the need to avoid the many examples of dichotomous thinking that frequently characterise thinking about mental health and mental health practice. Additionally the limitations of an individualised recovery discourse are acknowledged. Drawing on Krieger’s (2011) ecosocial model, the social determinants of mental health are considered and the concept of embodiment is examined for its contribution to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between inequality and health. Finally, the paper offers a version of mental health social work that ‘faces both ways’, involving issues at both the individual and the wider societal level. This includes developing and extending partnerships with service users and carers and with other professional and agencies.

<p> The purpose of this thesis was to write a grant to obtain funding for a comprehensive transitional patient care program and family caregiver support services. Through process analysis, the grant writer developed the Next Step Hospital to Home Caregiver Support Program (NSHCP). This program was developed to bridge the gap in the delivery of services of transitional patient care and family caregiver support services.</p><p> California Healthcare Foundation (CHCF) was identified as an appropriate funding agency. Their focus on ideas and innovations that improve quality medical care, increase efficiency, and lower the costs of medical care is compatible with the mission of the NSHCP. In collaboration with CHCF and Anaheim Regional Medical Center, the grant writer developed the NSFCP in an effort to provide quality transitional care and caregiver support services. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of this project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to explore how caregivers of patients with dementia are physically and mentally affected by their increase in responsibilities. The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to obtain funding for a caregiver support group for the Calabasas, CA community and its surrounding areas.</p><p> Caregiver intervention programs have been identified as a critical area of research by the Alzheimer's Association. Silverado Senior Living is a national organization that serves patients with dementia. The program consists of two support groups offering structure and flexibility through cognitive behavioral practices and a continuous feedback.</p><p> If funded and implemented, this program would add value to the body of research that exists for caregivers and drive awareness and change to current policy. In addition, Silverado would better serve its community and act as a model program for other Silverado locations.</p><p> The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a policy analysis of Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (P.L. 106-501 ). The policy was enacted to assist older adults in combating food insecurity and malnutrition. The policy specifies that federal funding be allocated to states, in order for the states to provide both congregate meal programs and home-delivered meal services to older adults. For this reason, a more in-depth analysis of Title III of the Older Americans Act was conducted in this project, in order to better understand the nutritional needs of older adults, and the need for nutritional services for the older adult population. This study utilized David Gil's policy analysis framework to analyze Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and the analysis indicated that its implementation has not produced the policy's intended outcomes and has not produced its intended goals of reducing food insecurity within the U.S. older adult population. </p>

<p> The purpose of this thesis was to examine the factors associated with psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. Utilizing information from secondary data called the California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS), a quantitative research method was completed for this study. The study explored levels of psychological distress with several factors including demographic characteristics, language use and proficiencies of patients, patients' understanding of rights to request for an interpreter during doctor visits, number of visits to doctors' offices, language used by doctors during consultation (English, Vietnamese, or other), and lastly, quality of interaction with doctors. </p><p> The result of this study indicated significant relationships among several factors and the level of psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. These factors, include: demographics, patients' understanding of rights to an interpreter, number of doctor visits, language used by doctors during consultation, and doctor-patient communication.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to provide home-based mental health services to Latino older adults for Beach Cities Health District, in Redondo Beach, California, the host agency for this program. An extensive literature review was conducted to investigate the best way to provide non-traditional therapeutic services to older adults. The Archstone Foundation was chosen as the most appropriate funding source. </p><p> The population of Latino older adults is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Many in this population suffer from depression but fail to access services due to language barriers and other obstacles. This program was developed to improve knowledge of depression and improve coping skills, as well as reduce symptoms of depression. </p><p> If funded, this program could provide social workers an opportunity to bridge the gap the need for and the receipt of mental health services among older Latinos. Submission of the grant was not a requirement for the thesis project.</p>

Syftet i studien var att få en djupare förståelse för hur kvinnor som arbetar inom en mansdominerande industri förhåller sig till ohälsa. I bakgrunden presenteras kvinnor och mäns position i samhället samt hur kvinnlig sjukskrivning ser ut på ett nationellt och internationellt plan. Hur normer och synen på kvinnor ser ut och påverkas på en arbetsplats som domineras av män. Studier visar att kvinnor står för procentuellt högst antal sjukfrånvarodagar och att bidragande orsaker till detta kan vara biologiska skillnader.  Uppsatsen bygger på en kvalitativ ansats där sex intervjuer har använts som metod, detta för att få den djupa förståelse som studien annars hade kunnat gå miste om ifall andra metoder använts. Resultatet visade tydligt att majoriteten av de undersökta kvinnorna hade svårt att beskriva sina åsikter kring företaget. Sömnproblem och ryggsmärta visade sig vara vanliga problem, status inom företaget kretsade kring kön och lön samt att de äldre männen hade svårt att ta direktiv från kvinnor. Arbetet på företaget visade sig vara enformigt och inte underhållande vilket gjorde kvinnornas relationer till varandra kollegorna mycket viktiga. Samtliga av kvinnorna beskrev att det pågick ett utanförskap på arbetsplatsen samt att kommunikationsflödet mellan skiftarbetare och förmän/chefer var bristande.