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Development and Evaluation of the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention for Parentally Bereaved Families in Sweden

Weber hammar, Megan (2020)

Each year in Sweden, approximately 6,900 children will have a parent diagnosed with cancer. Of all the children in Sweden born between 1990–1992, 5.6% have a parent with cancer and 1.1% of them have already had a parent die from cancer. Bereavement support is an important component in palliative care, which aims to alleviate the physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering of patients and their family members. Several, but not all families participating in the studies in this thesis came from a palliative care setting. Earlier research has shown that parentally bereaved children often experience psychological problems, physical problems, reduced self-esteem, difficulties communicating,school and behavioral problems, and/or complicated grief, with approximately 10% of parentally bereaved children experiencing some type of clinically significant psychological difficulty. Moreover, a child's response to a parent's death is often mediated by how their surviving parent responds to the loss. Still, support for bereaved children and families is limited in Sweden. The overall aim of this research project was to explore and describe psychological health, grief, and family communication among parentally bereaved children and surviving parents and to develop and evaluate a supportive family intervention. Four studies were conducted including an interview study exploring family communication in parentally bereaved families, a questionnaire study examining associations between family communication and psychological health in parentally bereaved children and adolescents, and the adaptation and evaluation of the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention. Results from these four studies indicated that communication may be an important factor for adjustment following the death of a parent. Specifically, communication in some parentally bereaved families may involve conflict, which may in turn affect child and adolescent psychological health. Results from testing the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention indicate that it may improve family communication and relationships. Testing the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention with larger, more diverse samples is necessary to confirm these results. The results imply that helping families find ways to adjust and adapt in healthy ways following the death of a parent, potentially through the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention, is likely to improve psychological health and communication among bereaved family members.

Does long-term care coverage shape the impact of informal care-giving on quality of life? A difference-in-difference approach

van den Broek, Thijs Grundy, Emily (2020)

Abstract

The impact that providing care to ageing parents has on adult children's lives may depend on the long-term care (LTC) context. A common approach to test this is to compare whether the impact of care-giving varies between countries with different LTC coverage. However, this approach leaves considerable room for omitted variable bias. We use individual fixed-effects analyses to reduce bias in the estimates of the effects of informal care-giving on quality of life, and combine this with a difference-in-difference approach to reduce bias in the estimated moderating impact of LTC coverage on these effects. We draw on longitudinal data for Sweden and Denmark from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected between 2004 and 2015. Both countries traditionally had generous LTC coverage, but cutbacks were implemented at the end of the 20th century in Sweden and more recently in Denmark. We use this country difference in the timing of the cutbacks to shed light on effects of LTC coverage on the impact care-giving has on quality of life. Our analyses show that care-giving was more detrimental for quality of life in Sweden than in Denmark, and this difference weakened significantly when LTC coverage was reduced in Denmark, but not in Sweden. This suggests that LTC coverage shapes the impact of care-giving on quality of life

Doing things together”: Towards a health promoting approach to couples’ relationships and everyday life in dementia.

Bielsten, Therése (2020)

Background: Most people with dementia live in their own homes, often together with their partners, who become informal caregivers. Relationship quality and sense of couplehood can be threatened as a result of the transition from a mutually interdependent relationship to a caregiver-care-receiver relationship. This, in turn, may lead to many negative consequences for both partners. Support provided for couples is often divided into different types for the person with dementia and for the partner without dementia and lacks couple-based support that targets the relationship, resources and the couple's everyday life together. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis is to explore couple-centred interventions in dementia and to develop and test a salutogenic, resource-oriented and couple-based intervention among couples in which one partner has dementia living at home. Methods and findings: This thesis comprises three parts: The first part Exploring involves two linked reviews, one narrative review (study I A) and one scoping review (study I B) that aim to identify and describe what previous couple-centred interventions comprised and why they were conducted. The results of the reviews revealed a knowledge gap in and a need for easily accessible support that targets couple relationships, resources and everyday life. The second part Developing (study II) refers to the development of an easily accessible resource-oriented couple-management intervention. The first step was to identify priority topics for such an intervention through a co-researcher process with couples living with dementia. This included a comprehensive literature review, interviews with couples in which one partner has dementia, and consultation meetings with expert groups of people with dementia and partners in both Sweden and the UK. The co-researcher process and the expert meetings informed four main themes with corresponding sub-themes that couples with dementia considered as important to their wellbeing in their everyday lives: (1) Home and Neighbourhood, (2) Meaningful Activities and Relationships, (3) Approach and Empowerment, and (4) Couplehood. The themes were further developed and integrated into the multimedia application DemPower, which was developed for the delivery of the intervention. The third part Testing and Evaluating describes a feasibility study (study III) in which the DemPower application was tested for feasibility and acceptability among couples in Sweden and the UK. The results of the feasibility study indicated that the DemPower intervention was feasible and acceptable among couples in which one partner has dementia living at home. The testing and evaluating part also comprise a qualitative study (study IV) that explores the experiences of engaging with DemPower together as a couple living with dementia in Sweden. The findings resulted in the three themes: (1) Growth of the relationship, (2) We are not alone, and (3) Positive approach, which the couples appreciated and associated with the resource-oriented and salutogenic approach of DemPower. The overall findings of the thesis are presented in a concluding synthesis at the end of the thesis. The concluding synthesis, focused on "Meaningfulness", "Empowering health promotion", "Normalization" and "Transitions and couplehood", represents the core findings of this thesis

Existentiell ensamhet hos sköra äldre personer: ett närståendeperspektiv.

Larsson, Helena (2020)

Avhandling
Svenska

The aim of this thesis was to explore existential loneliness from the perspective of significant others, to contrast their perceptions with frail older people's experiences and to describe significant others' and family care advisors' views on existential support. This thesis is part of a larger research project about existential loneliness among frail older people, the LONE study. The thesis embraces three qualitative and one quantitative study. A total of 29 significant others, 15 frail older people and 120 family care advisors participated in the studies. The significant others were husbands, wives, daughters, sons, other relatives and friends to frail older people. The concept 'frail older people' was defined as older persons (≥ 75 years old) dependent on long-term health- or social care. The qualitative studies were based on multistage focus-group interviews (study I) and individual interviews (studies II and III). The quantitative study (IV) had a cross-sectional design and was based on a questionnaire specifically developed for the current study. Different methods to analyse data were used; hermeneutics (study I), content analysis (study II), a case study with thematic analysis (study III) and descriptive statistics (study IV). Findings from the four studies show that existential loneliness emerges when: 1) Longing for, but also striving for, a deeper feeling of connectedness, 2) Being in, but also enduring, an unwanted separation, and 3) Not finding, but still trying to recreate meaning. This thesis also shows that existential loneliness is often experienced in so-called limit situations in life and arises in difficult choices related to close relationships, in connection with experiences of meaninglessness and in the absence of connection to something or someone. The results show that existential loneliness emerges in the process of balancing between what was and what is to come in the unknown future. Significant others navigate themselves, and sometimes together with the older person, through an unfamiliar existence that makes them feel ambivalent about the de-cisions they have previously made and the decisions they need to make in the future, while also doubting the meaning in their current situation. Existential support should mainly focus on transition phases and on relational aspects. Person-centredness can be a way to make the existential needs of significant others and older people visible and to provide support based on their needs.

Familjebaserad behandling: handbok för föräldrar vars barn behandlas för anorexia nervosa

Ganci, Maria (2020)

Familjebaserad behandling är den standardbehandling som används för barn och ungdomar som lider av anorexia nervosa. Det är också den behandlingsform som ger bäst evidensbaserade resultat. Men att hjälpa ett barn som insjuknat i anorexia kräver mycket av föräldrar och familj och det är svårt att förutse hur intensiv den familjebaserade behandlingen är. I den här handboken får läsaren hjälp att förstå sjukdomen. Boken är praktiskt inriktad och författaren redogör för alla aspekter av behandlingen. Här beskrivs hinder och anorektiska beteenden som motverkar tillfrisknandet men författaren ger också tydliga verktyg för att lösa olika situationer. Familjebaserad behandling är en värdefull resurs för föräldrar som ska påbörja eller redan deltar i en familjebaserad behandling. Boken är också ett ovärderligt verktyg för vårdteam som ska vägleda familjer.

Glömskans spår - Demens från ett anhörigperspektiv

Larsson Mari (2020)

Boken handlar om min tid som demensanhörig. Den innehåller också råd och tips till anhöriga samt egna skrivna dikter. Mer information om boken finns på min bokblogg www.vingpenna.blogspot.se.

Första upplagan 2009, nytryck 2020

Hur påverkas vuxna barn av att ha en åldrande förälder?

Norén, Anna (2020)

Sammanfattning
Denna rapport undersöker hur vuxna barns arbetsutbud och hälsa påverkas av att ha en åldrande förälder i behov av omvårdnad. I uppsatsen undersöks det ökade omvårdnadsbehovet dels under föräldrars sista år i livet och dels som följd av en stroke. Effekten av att ha en åldrande förälder med förhöjt omvårdnadsbehov studeras genom att jämföra söners och döttrars sysselsättning, inkomst och hälsa före och efter det att föräldern dör respektive får en stroke. Studien visar att sysselsättning och inkomst sjunker något under förälderns sista år i livet, men att effekten är störst under det år, och året efter, förälderns död. Det finns också tecken på att döttrars sjukskrivning ökar det år föräldern avlider. Däremot påverkas inte sysselsättning och inkomst bland vuxna barn till föräldrar som drabbas av stroke. Det finns heller inga tydliga könsskillnader i effekterna. Sammantaget tyder resultaten på förälderns omsorgsbehov har en begränsad påverkan på vuxna söners och döttrars arbetsutbud.

Increasing preparedness for caregiving and death in family caregivers of patients with severe illness who are cared for at home – study protocol for a web-based intervention

Alvariza, Anette ; Häger-Tibell, Louise ; Holm, Maja ; Steineck, Gunnar ; Kreicbergs, Ulrika (2020)

Abstract

Family caregivers of patients with severe illness and in need for a palliative care approach, face numerous challenges and report having insufficient preparedness for the caregiver role as well as a need for information and psychosocial support. Preparing to care for a severely ill family members also means becoming aware of death. Feelings of being prepared are associated with positive aspects and regarded protective against negative health consequences. The study adheres to the SPIRIT-guidelines (Supplementary 1), uses a pre-post design and include a web-based intervention. Inclusion criteria are; being a family caregiver of a patient with severe illness and in need of a palliative care approach. The intervention which aims to increase preparedness for caregiving and death is grounded in theory, research and clinical experience. The topics cover: medical issues, symptoms and symptom relief; communication within the couple, how to spend the time before death, being a caregiver, planning for the moment of death and; considerations of the future. The intervention is presented through videos and informative texts. The website also holds an online peer-support discussion forum. Study aims are to: evaluate feasibility in terms of framework, content, usage and partners' experiences; explore how the use of the website, influences family caregivers' preparedness for caregiving and death; explore how the use of the website influences family caregivers' knowledge about medical issues, their communication with the patient and their considerations of the future; and to investigate how the family caregivers' preparedness for caregiving and death influences their physical and psychological health and quality of life 1 year after the patient's death. Data will be collected through qualitative interviews and a study-specific questionnaire at four time-points. This project will provide information about whether support via a website has the potential to increase preparedness for caregiving and death and thereby decrease negative health consequences for family caregivers of patients affected by severe illness. It will provide new knowledge about intervention development, delivery, and evaluation in a palliative care context. Identification of factors before death and their association with family caregivers' preparedness and long-term health may change future clinical work.

Informal Caregiving and Quality of Life Among Older Adults: Prospective Analyses from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH)

Lawrence B. Sacco, Stefanie König, Hugo Westerlund, Loretta G. Platts (2020)

Abstract [en]
Providing unpaid informal care to someone who is ill or disabled is a common experience in later life. While a supportive and potentially rewarding role, informal care can become a time and emotionally demanding activity, which may hinder older adults' quality of life. In a context of rising demand for informal carers, we investigated how caregiving states and transitions are linked to overall levels and changes in quality of life, and how the relationship varies according to care intensity and burden. We used fixed effects and change analyses to examine six-wave panel data (2008–2018) from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH, n = 5076; ages 50–74). The CASP-19 scale is used to assess both positive and negative aspects of older adults' quality of life. Caregiving was related with lower levels of quality of life in a graded manner, with those providing more weekly hours and reporting greater burden experiencing larger declines. Two-year transitions corresponding to starting, ceasing and continuing care provision were associated with lower levels of quality of life, compared to continuously not caregiving. Starting and ceasing caregiving were associated with negative and positive changes in quality of life score, respectively, suggesting that cessation of care leads to improvements despite persistent lower overall levels of quality of life. Measures to reduce care burden or time spent providing informal care are likely to improve the quality of life of older people.

Informell och formell vård hos äldre personer i ordinärt boende – förändringar och samspel över tid 2001-2015 i SNAC projektet

Anders Wimo, Ron Handels, Sölve Elmståhl, Cecilia Fagerström, Laura Fratiglioni, Ulrika Isaksson, Ole Larsen, Johan Sanmartin Berglund, Britt-Marie Sjölund, Anders Sköldunger, Maria Wahlberg (2020)

Anhöriga och andra närståendes informella insatser utgör en stor del av de samlade insatserna hos äldre personer. Resultat från olika undersökningar tyder på att de närståendes insatser är 2-3 gånger så omfattande som den formella vården och omsorgen i det ordinära boendet (i Sverige i huvudsak som hemtjänst) och hos demenssjuka personer är de närståendes insatser än mer omfattande.
Från SNAC projektet har tidigare en vetenskaplig artikel publicerats som analyserar s k baslinjedata från perioden 2001-2003. Förutom att bekräfta att de närståendes insatser är mycket mer omfattande än hemtjänstens, så visades också att det finns risk att felskatta omfattningen om inte befolkningsbaserade data (t ex SNAC) används. Resultatet visade också att närståendes insatser till personer med demenssjukdom också var mer omfattande jämfört med ej demenssjuka.

Socialdepartementet gav SNAC i uppdrag att följa upp resultatet från den studien och
analysera tidstrender i samspelet mellan informell och formell vård hos personer äldre än 80 år i ordinärt boende, med eller utan kognitiv funktionsnedsättning, i SNAC-projektet, något som resulterat i denna rapport.

Informing children of their parent's illness: A systematic review of intervention programs with child outcomes in all health care settings globally from inception to 2019

Charlotte Oja, Tobias Edbom, Anna Nager, Jörgen Månsson, Solvig Ekblad (2020)

Abstract
Introduction: Children are impacted when parents are ill. This systematic review gives an overview of the current state of research and extracts what children and parents found helpful in the interventions aimed at informing children of their parent's illness.

Methods: This review was registered with PROSPERO and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Five health and social science databases were searched from inception to November 2019 to identify original, peer-reviewed articles in English describing effective interventions. The authors selected and reviewed the studies independently, and any inconsistencies were resolved by discussion in face-to-face meetings and emails. A descriptive synthesis of evidence-based concepts from quantitative and qualitative studies was conducted.

Results: A total of 13 892 titles and 144 full-text articles were reviewed with 32 selected for final inclusion, 21 quantitative, 11 qualitative and no mixed-method studies published from 1993 to November 2019. Most of the research was conducted in mental health, including substance abuse (n = 22), but also in cancer care (n = 6) and HIV care (n = 4). Most studies using quantitative method showed a small to moderately positive statistically significant intervention effect on the child's level of internalized symptoms. Content analysis of the results of studies employing qualitative methodology resulted in four concepts important to both children and parents in interventions (increased knowledge, more open communication, new coping strategies and changed feelings) and three additional concepts important to parents (observed changes in their children's behavior, the parent's increased understanding of their own child and the relief of respite).

Conclusions: In the literature there is evidence of mild to moderate positive effects on the child's level of internalized symptoms as well as concepts important to children and parent's worth noting when trying to bridge the still existing knowledge gaps. In further efforts the challenges of implementation as well as adaptation to differing clinical and personal situations appear key to address.

Innan man vet

Elisabet O Klint (2020)

"Jag drömmer om att jag pratar för oss båda och vi lyssnar tillsammans på det jag berättar. Då ser jag honom le, skratta och gestikulera för att visa sina känslor. Hade jag kunnat göra honom lyckligare, gladare och tryggare? Eller, var han kanske lycklig, och inom sig tacksam, att jag fanns där hela tiden? Vilka av hans handlingar var egentligen hans, och vilka var ett resultat av sjukdom?"

Innan man vet är en finstämd skildring av en kvinnas dilemma i kärlek och i sorg. I denna självbiografiska berättelse får vi följa Elisabet O Klint genom dagboksanteckningar som gestaltar livet såsom det tedde sig. I hopp om att förstå, och förbättra. Gripande åskådliggör hon den livssituation som uppstod när hennes man drabbades av ALS och frontallobsdemens, två livshotande sjukdomar utan botemedel.

Jag. Har. Inga. Ord. Kvar.

Anna Bergfors (2020)

Denna prosasamling föddes ur mitt behov av tröst.

Mitt behov av att sätta ord på mina känslor utifrån min vuxnes sons missbruk.

Orden tröstar mig och jag hoppas att mina ord även ska ge dig tröst.

Med dessa ord vill jag att du ska förstå att du som anhörig inte är ensam och det finns inget rätt eller fel i hur vi känner och vad vi känner.

Din anhöriges missbruk handlar inte om dig. Även om det såklart påverkar dig och det vi anhöriga måste göra för att leva ett anständigt liv är att förhålla oss till detta, att hitta strategier som funkar för oss.

Vi kommer använda olika strategier men Du har rätt att leva ditt liv som du önskar, du har rätt att inneha huvudrollen i ditt liv.

Denna prosasamling hjälper inte min son ur sitt missbruk men den hjälper mig att andas.

Just Like Any Other Family? Everyday Life Experiences of Mothers of Adults with Severe Mental Illness in Sweden

Piuva K, Brodin H (2020)

Abstract
This study explores experiences of mothers in Sweden who care for their adult children suffering from severe mental illness. Using 15 interviews with mothers from 40 to 80 years old, the article examines how predominant professional knowledge and sanism constructs the mothers and their children as deviant and what counterstrategies the mothers develop as a response to these experiences of discrimination. The findings show that the mothers' experiences are characterized by endless confrontations with negative attitudes and comments that have forced them to go through painful and prolonged processes of self-accusations for not having given enough love, care, support and help in different stages of their children's life. But the mothers' experiences also reveal important aspects of changes over the life span. As the mothers are ageing, the relationship between them and their children becomes more reciprocal and the ill child may even take the role as family carer.

Leva livet – medan det pågår Ett inspirationsmaterial kring frågor som rör livet och döden för personer med flerfunktionsnedsättning och deras anhöriga

Nationellt kompetenscentrum anhöriga (2020)

För personer med flerfunktionsnedsättning är livet ofta skört och anhöriga tvingas förhålla sig till tankar om döden på ett mer påtagligt sätt än de flesta andra. I denna skrift har vi på Nationellt kompetenscentrum anhöriga (Nka) samlat berättelser från familjer, yrkesverksamma och specialister med olika erfarenheter avseende detta ämne och sammanställt det i fem kapitel. Nka är ett nationellt kunskapscentrum för anhörigfrågor och anhörigstöd, vars huvudsakliga uppgift är att vara ett expertstöd till kommuner, regioner och enskilda utförare. I uppdraget ingår också att ge kunskapsstöd direkt till föräldrar och andra anhöriga till personer med flerfunktionsnedsättning. Verksamheten startade i januari 2008 och bedrivs på uppdrag av Socialdepartementet via Socialstyrelsen.
Vi hoppas att berättelserna ska bidra till att samtal om livet och döden för personer med flerfunktionsnedsättning ska få en mer naturlig plats inom familjen och dess omgivning, samt i mötet med vården, omsorgen och det övriga samhället.

Livet med lipödem: en utmaning var dag

Bräcke diakoni (2020)

Boken ingår som en del i ett Arvsfondsprojekt som genomförs av Bräcke Diakoni tillsammans med patientföreningarna SÖF, Svenska Ödemförbundet, LymfS, Lymf- och lipödemföreningen i Stockholms län samt NKA, Nationellt kompetenscentrum för anhöriga.

Förhoppningen med projektet är att behandling av lipödem ska bli erkänd som en rättighet när diagnosen är ställd för den enskilda kvinnan. Då behövs kunskap överallt i vården och den plattform som också framställs i projektet kommer att finnas kvar som en kunskapskälla både för personal som vill erbjuda behandling samt för anhöriga och kvinnor som själva har lipödem.

Measuring next of kin's experience of participation in the care of older people in nursing homes

Westergren, Albert, Behm, Lina, Lindhardt, Tove, Persson, Magnus, Ahlström, Gerd (2020)

Lack of conceptual clarity and measurement methods have led to underdeveloped efforts to measure experience of participation in care by next of kin to older people in nursing homes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the measurement properties of items aimed at operationalizing participation in care by next of kin, applied in nursing homes. METHODS: A total of 37 items operationalizing participation were administered via a questionnaire to 364 next of kin of older people in nursing homes. Measurement properties were tested with factor analysis and Rasch model analysis. RESULTS: The response rate to the questionnaire was 81% (n = 260). Missing responses per item varied between <0.5% and 10%. The 37 items were found to be two-dimensional, and 19 were deleted based on conceptual reasoning and Rasch model analysis. One dimension measured communication and trust (nine items, reliability 0.87) while the other measured collaboration in care (nine items, reliability 0.91). Items successfully operationalized a quantitative continuum from lower to higher degrees of participation, and were found to generally fit well with the Rasch model requirements, without disordered thresholds or differential item functioning. Total scores could be calculated based on the bifactor subscale structure (reliability 0.92). Older people (≥ 65 years) reported a higher degree of communication and trust and bifactor total scores than younger people (p < 0.05 in both cases). People with a specific contact person experienced a higher degree of participation in the two subscales and the bifactor total score (p < 0.05 in all three instances). CONCLUSION: Psychometric properties revealed satisfactory support for use, in nursing home settings, of the self-reported Next of Kin Participation in Care questionnaire, with a bifactor structure. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the scales' abilities to identify changes after intervention.

Min tur att berätta. Barns röster om att leva med våld

BRIS, Stadsmissioner (2020)

Flera tusen barn befinner sig varje år
på ett skyddat boende med sin mamma,
på flykt undan det livsfarliga våldet
hemma. Hur påverkas barnets liv av
våldet och av att tvingas bryta upp från
sin vardag? I den här rapporten lyfts
barns egna röster och erfarenheter,
tillsammans med aktuell kunskap.
Rapporten visar hur barns behov och
rättigheter många gånger blir sekundära
när barnet i praktiken blir medföljande
till sin mamma. Det blir tydligt att
rättssäkerheten måste stärkas för barn
som utsätts för våld i hemmet.

Möta den som sörjer - Flera perspektiv på sorg efter dödsfall -

Inger Benkel (2020)

Sorg efter ett dödsfall är en mångfacetterad process. Det finns mycket som kan inverka på sorgens process och behovet av stöd som den sörjande kan behöva. Boken har ett psykosocialt per­s­pektiv på sorgeprocessen och beskriver olika omständigheter och faktorer som kan påverka den som sörjer.
Boken vänder sig till den som i sitt arbete möter sörjande, som vill lära sig mer om sorg och till den som har någon som sörjer i sin omgivning. Kanske kan den som själv är i en sorgeprocess känna igen sig i bokens beskrivningar av sorg.

När mammor dör: Kvinnor om att mista sin mor

Antologi (2020)

Tillsammans med 30 andra kvinnor, i olika åldrar, har jag skrivit om hur det är att förlora en mamma. En viktig bok som jag är stolt att vara en del av. "När mammor dör växer det sly överallt" skriver Göran Tunström. Men det behöver inte bli ensamt. Det vill vi förmedla. För mig är det även en hyllning till min mamma Kerstin

Parents with psychosis and their children: Experiences of beardslee’s intervention

Strand, Jennifer; Meyersson, Niklas (2020)

Abstract
To meet children's needs for information and support when a parent has a mental illness, Beardslee's family intervention was implemented in Swedish psychosis care. The present study aimed to gain understanding of how parents' with psychosis and their children experienced having taken part in Beardslee's family intervention. The study followed COREQ guidelines. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants (8 parents with psychosis and 7 children) who had participated in the family intervention. Data were analysed with content analysis. Results showed that the parents perceived that the intervention had contributed to improved illness knowledge, communication, and understanding in the family. They also appreciated receiving support in finding an age‐adapted way of explaining their illness, but asked for structured follow‐ups in order to maintain communication. However, comparing parents' and children's interviews led to discrepancies in perceptions of the overall benefits of the intervention. In conclusion, parents with psychosis need continual support in talking to their children about their illness. Furthermore, discrepancies between parents' and children's interviews show the importance of multi‐perspective data collection when studying intervention effects

Positive and Negative Impacts of Caring among Adolescents Caring for Grandparents. Results from an Online Survey in Six European Countries and Implications for Future Research

Santini, S. Socci, M. D’Amen, B Di Rosa, M Casu, G. Hlebec, V. Lewis, F. Leu, A. Hoefman, R. Brolin, R. Magnusson; L. Hanson, E. (2020)

Although up to 8% of European youngsters carry out high-intensity care for a family member, adolescent young carers (AYCs), especially those caring for their grandparents (GrPs), remain an under-researched group. This study aimed at addressing the current knowledge gap by carrying out an online survey in Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The analysis included a final sample of 817 AYCs aged 15–17 years old. AYCs of grandparents (GrPs) were compared to AYCs of other care recipients (OCRs), in order to identify any difference in positive and negative caregiving outcomes and exposure factors between the two groups. Linear or logistic regression models were built, and multivariate analyses were repeated, including a fixed effect on the country variable. AYCs of GrPs experienced more positive caregiving outcomes than AYCs of OCRs across all six countries. Being female or non-binary, and having a migration background, were associated with more negative outcomes, regardless of the relationship with the care recipient. Further research on intergenerational caregiving outcomes is recommended for shaping measures and policies, which preserve the intergenerational emotional bonds, whilst protecting AYCs from inappropriate responsibilities, undermining their mental health and well-being.

Reflections A Story of Hope, Healing, Facing Fears, and Finding Purpose

Hobbs Brian, Hobbs Fia (2020)

Gives hope and inspiration to live a full life despite the adversity of cancer Teaches readers how to overcome fears Shows the importance of finding one's passion and purpose Saying goodbye and putting things in order before dying Coming to terms with mortality Finding out what truly matters in life

Review and selection of online resources for carers of frail adults or older people in five European countries: a mixed-methods study

Papa, R, Efthymious, A, Lamura, G, Piccinini, F, Onorati, G, Papastavrou, E, Tsitsi, T, Casu, G, Boccaletti, L, Manattini, A, Seneca, R, Vaz de Carvalho, C, Durão, R, Barbabella, F, Andréasson, F, Magnusson, L, Hanson, E (2020)

ABSTRACT
Background: Informal carers have a crucial role in the care of older people, but they are at risk of social isolation and psychological exhaustion. Web-based services like apps and websites are increasingly used to support informal carers in addressing some of their needs and tasks, such as health monitoring of their loved ones, information and communication, and stress management. Despite the growing number of available solutions, the lack of knowledge or skills of carers about the solutions often prevent their usage.

Objective: This study aimed to review and select apps and websites offering functionalities useful for informal carers of frail adults or older people in 5 European countries (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden).

Methods: A systematic online search was conducted from January 2017 to mid-March 2017 using selected keywords, followed by an assessment based on a set of commonly agreed criteria and standardized tools. Selected resources were rated and classified in terms of scope. Focus groups with informal carers were conducted to validate the list and the classification of resources. The activities were conducted in parallel in the participating countries using common protocols and guidelines, a standardization process, and scheduled group discussions.

Results: From a total of 406 eligible resources retrieved, 138 apps and 86 websites met the inclusion criteria. Half of the selected resources (109/224, 48.7%) were disease-specific, and the remaining resources included information and utilities on a variety of themes. Only 38 resources (38/224, 17.0%) were devoted specifically to carers, addressing the management of health disturbances and diseases of the care recipient and focusing primarily on neurodegenerative diseases. Focus groups with the carers showed that almost all participants had no previous knowledge of any resource specifically targeting carers, even if interest was expressed towards carer-focused resources. The main barriers for using the resources were low digital skills of the carers and reliability of health-related apps and websites. Results of the focus groups led to a new taxonomy of the resources, comprising 4 categories: carer's wellbeing, managing health and diseases of the care recipient, useful contacts, and technologies for eldercare.

Conclusions: The review process allowed the identification of online resources of good quality. However, these resources are still scarce due to a lack of reliability and usability that prevent users from properly benefiting from most of the resources. The involvement of end users provided added value to the resource classification and highlighted the gap between the potential benefits from using information and communication technologies and the real use of online resources by carers.

Spousal care-giving arrangements in Europe. The role of gender, socio-economic status and the welfare state

Ariane Bertogg, Susanne Strauss (2020)

Abstract
Spouses (and partners) are the most important source of care in old age. Informal care for frail spouses is provided by both sexes and across all socio-economic backgrounds and welfare policy contexts. There are, however, interesting differences as to whether spouses care alone, receive informal support from other family members or formal support from professional helpers, or outsource the care of their spouse completely. The present article contributes to the literature by differentiating between solo spousal care-giving and shared or outsourced care-giving arrangements, as well as between formal and informal care support. Moreover, we show how care-giving arrangements vary with gender, socio-economic status and welfare policy. Adding to previous research, we compare 17 countries and their expenditures on two elder-care schemes: Cash-for-Care and Care-in-Kind. The empirical analyses draw on the most recent wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data from 2015. Our results show that men have a higher propensity to share care-giving than women, albeit only with informal supporters. As expected, welfare policy plays a role insofar as higher expenditure on Cash-for-Care schemes encourage informally outsourced care-giving arrangements, whereas Care-in-Kind reduce the likelihood for informally shared or outsourced care-giving arrangements. Moreover, the influence of these welfare policy measures differs between individuals of different socio-economic status but not between men and women.

Statistik om boendeinsatser och anhörigstöd 2019

Socialstyrelsen (2020)

Efter en längre tids ökning av antalet personer som har fått boendeinsatser
av socialtjänsten så har det skett en stabilisering de senaste åren. Befolkningsmässigt större kommuner gav fler insatser per capita, jämfört med
mindre.

Stärkt stöd till barn som anhöriga Slutrapport från regeringsuppdrag 2017–2020

Socialstyrelsen (2020)

Sammanfattning
En hög andel barn har någon gång under sin uppväxt i sin familj missbruk/beroende, psykisk ohälsa eller funktionsnedsättning, våld, allvarlig sjukdom eller skada eller någon som avlider. Ofta är svårigheterna överlappande. Det är ett grundläggande folkhälsoarbete att genom adekvat stöd förebygga de väl dokumenterade riskerna för negativa konsekvenser av en sådan uppväxt, i barnens vardag här och nu och för deras framtid. Ett omfattande utvecklingsarbete har utifrån regeringsuppdragen bedrivits under hela perioden 2011–2020, i nära samarbete med andra nationella och regionala aktörer. Steg har tagits närmare målet att barn inte ska skadas av föräldrars missbruk och beroende och att psykisk ohälsa av familjerelaterade orsaker minskar hos barn och unga. Detta har skett bland annat genom att stödja både hälso- och sjukvård och socialtjänst i att genom ökad kunskap och skapandet av hållbara strukturer tillämpa ett barn-, föräldraskaps- och familjeperspektiv i arbetet med dessa familjer. Stödet har bestått i framtagande och publicering av kunskapssammanfattningar och olika former av webbstöd, spridande av verksamma arbetssätt, stöd till utvecklingsarbeten samt anordnande av konferenser och lärande nätverk. Detta påverkans- och utvecklingsarbete är viktiga insatser för att minska de påverkbara hälsoklyftorna i samhället. Arbetet är också en utmaning som kräver långsiktighet och kontinuerligt stöd för implementering. Fortsatta kontinuerliga insatser behövs för att alla som i sitt arbete möter föräldrar med egna svårigheter uppmärksammar barnens situation och ger dem information, råd och stöd efter behov. Medvetenheten om professionens ansvar att förhålla sig till patienter, brukare och klienter som föräldrar, och till deras barn som anhöriga och rättighetsbärare, behöver öka inom såväl hälso- och sjukvården som socialtjänsten. Barnkonventionen som lag stärker arbetet, men kräver fortsatta insatser för efterlevnad i praktiken. I denna redovisning lyfts därför behovet av att ett fortsatt nationellt stöd inom området behövs. Det stödet omfattar fortsatt arbete med uppföljning, utveckling av ett samordnat familjeorienterat arbetssätt inom socialtjänsten och hälso- och sjukvården, stödstrukturer för barn i akuta situationer, samlad kompetens och ansvar för barn som föds med skador till följd av exponering av alkohol under fosterlivet samt nationellt samordning inom flera områden, exempelvis i arbetet med våld mot barn. Det är angeläget att den kommande ANDT-strategin från 2021 och framåt fortsatt särskilt lyfter behovet av satsningar på barn och stöd i föräldraskap för att se till barns behov av en trygg uppväxt här och nu samt förebygga missbruk och psykisk ohälsa i nästa generation.

The family talk intervention for families when a parent is cared for in palliative care – potential effects from minor children's perspectives

Eklund, Rakel; Alvariza, Anette; Kreicbergs, Ulrika; Jalmsell, Li; Lövgren, Malin (2020)

Abstract:
Background: Children show long-term psychological distress if family communication and illness-related information are poor during and after a parent's illness and death. Few psychosocial interventions for families with minor children living with a parent who has a life-threatening illness have been evaluated rigorously. Even fewer interventions have been family-centered. One exception is the Family Talk Intervention (FTI), which has shown promising results regarding increased illness-related knowledge and improved family communication. However, FTI has not yet been evaluated in palliative care. This study therefore aimed to explore the potential effects of FTI from the perspectives of minor children whose parent is cared for in specialized palliative home care. Methods: This pilot intervention study involves questionnaire and interview data collected from children after participation in FTI. Families were recruited from two specialized palliative home care units. To be included, families must include one parent with life-threatening illness, at least one child aged 6–19 years, and understand and speak Swedish. Twenty families with a total of 34 children participated in FTI; 23 children answered the questionnaire, and 22 were interviewed after participation. Results: The children reported that FTI increased their knowledge about their parents' illness. They said the interventionist helped them to handle school-related problems, establish professional counselling, and find strength to maintain everyday life. Children aged 8–12 reported that talking with their parents became easier after FTI, whereas communication was unchanged for teenagers and between siblings. Children also reported having been helped to prepare for the future, and that they benefitted from advice about how to maintain everyday life and minimize conflicts within the family. Conclusions: Children who participated in FTI reported that it was helpful in many ways, providing illness-related information and improving family communication when a parent has a life-threatening illness. Other potential positive effects reported by the children were that FTI facilitated their preparation for the future, decreased family conflicts, and started to build up resilience.

The family talk intervention for families when a parent is cared for in palliative care – potential effects from minor children's perspectives

Eklund, Rakel; Alvariza, Anette; Kreicbergs, Ulrika; Jalmsell, Li; Lövgren, Malin. (2020)

Abstract:
Background: Children show long-term psychological distress if family communication and illness-related information are poor during and after a parent's illness and death. Few psychosocial interventions for families with minor children living with a parent who has a life-threatening illness have been evaluated rigorously. Even fewer interventions have been family-centered. One exception is the Family Talk Intervention (FTI), which has shown promising results regarding increased illness-related knowledge and improved family communication. However, FTI has not yet been evaluated in palliative care. This study therefore aimed to explore the potential effects of FTI from the perspectives of minor children whose parent is cared for in specialized palliative home care. Methods: This pilot intervention study involves questionnaire and interview data collected from children after participation in FTI. Families were recruited from two specialized palliative home care units. To be included, families must include one parent with life-threatening illness, at least one child aged 6–19 years, and understand and speak Swedish. Twenty families with a total of 34 children participated in FTI; 23 children answered the questionnaire, and 22 were interviewed after participation. Results: The children reported that FTI increased their knowledge about their parents' illness. They said the interventionist helped them to handle school-related problems, establish professional counselling, and find strength to maintain everyday life. Children aged 8–12 reported that talking with their parents became easier after FTI, whereas communication was unchanged for teenagers and between siblings. Children also reported having been helped to prepare for the future, and that they benefitted from advice about how to maintain everyday life and minimize conflicts within the family. Conclusions: Children who participated in FTI reported that it was helpful in many ways, providing illness-related information and improving family communication when a parent has a life-threatening illness. Other potential positive effects reported by the children were that FTI facilitated their preparation for the future, decreased family conflicts, and started to build up resilience.

The Usage of Digital Resources by Swedish Suicide Bereaved in Their Grief Work: A Survey Study

Westerlund, Michael Uv (2020)

Abstract:
This study examined Swedish suicide bereaved individuals' use of different resources in their grief work and how they value these resources. The material consisted of a web-based survey, which was analyzed with quantitative methods. The results showed that the psychosocial ill-health was severe among the suicide bereaved participants and that a majority used digital resources in their grief work. The propensity to engage in online support groups or memorial websites was not predicted by the severity of psychosocial consequences following the suicide. However, multiple regressions showed that higher online support group activity predicted more satisfaction with current psychosocial health, while memorial websites seemed to have the opposite effect. This study not only indicates that some digital resources, for example, online support groups, may be an effective way of coping with grief related to suicide loss, but also suggests that memorial websites may increase rumination and in this way cause emotional distress

Upplevelser av att vara anhörig till en närstående med långvarig sjukdom, långvarigt hjälpbehov, akut sjukdom eller kritiskt tillstånd

Olivia Hellberg, Rebecca Kammerland (2020)

En integrativ forskningsöversikt om dessa anhörigas psykosociala behov samt hur hälso- och sjukvårdskuratorer kan arbeta för att stödja anhöriga som de möter.

Examensarbete Kandidatnivå

Sammanfattning
Syftet är att via en integrativ forskningsöversikt sammanställa forskning om anhöriga till närstående med långvarig sjukdom, långvarigt hjälpbehov, akut sjukdom eller kritiskt tillstånd, deras psykosociala behov och behov av stöd. Vidare syftar studien till att undersöka på vilket sätt hälso- och sjukhuskuratorer kan möta dessa anhörigas behov. Forskningsöversikten består av 20 artiklar som är av kvantitativ, kvalitativ och mixad metod. Artiklarna har analyserats med tematisk analys för att därefter analysera framkommande teman utifrån copingteori och professionsteori. Resultaten visar att anhörigas personliga uppoffringar kan få konsekvenser på hälsa, ekonomi och relationer. Som en psykosocial konsekvens av att hjälpa en närstående upplever många anhöriga stress, ångest och depression. Anhöriga behöver stöd som är anpassat efter deras individuella behov. Olika former av stöd efterfrågas: emotionellt-, instrumentellt- och informativt stöd. Det är viktigt att kuratorer i hälso- och sjukvården uppmärksammar anhöriga, har kunskap och kan möta anhörigas individuella behov. Slutsatserna är att det finns många generella aspekter av att vara anhörig och det mest framträdande resultatet är anhörigas behov av information. Individuellt stöd, stöd i rätt tid och adekvat information är viktigt för att främja anhörigas hälsa och välbefinnande.

Välkommen till helvetet

Nanna Helsén, Stina Helsén (2020)

Det hade gått så snabbt, så oerhört snabbt. Innan jag ens hade hunnit reflektera över det hade jag tappat de där första kilona. Och all kontroll. Och plötsligt rasade allt.?

Förloppet är hastigt när 15-åriga Nanna insjuknar i anorexi, på bara några veckor rasar hon i vikt och läggs in för akut vård. Hennes tillstånd är livshotande och livet vänds uppochner för hennes familj, föräldrarna ständigt vid hennes sida. Nanna plågas av grav ångest och är helt i sjukdomens våld. Hennes enda fokus är att låta bli att äta, sluta existera.

Hemma är 13-åriga lillasystern Stina ledsen och arg. Det som tidigare var en nära syskonrelation upphör tvärt. Hon får plötsligt mer frihet än hon önskar och kämpar för att ha en vardag när allt handlar om sjukdom. Stina har heller ingen lust att spela den lättsamma dottern precis när det råkar passa föräldrarna.

Nanna och Stina, idag vuxna, berättar öppet och rättframt om ett år med anorexin och ångesten ur sina olika perspektiv. Sjukdomen påverkar i hög grad anhöriga. Välkommen till helvetet är en drabbande skildring av just anorexi, men mycket är aktuellt även för andra typer av psykisk sjukdom.

Systrarna Nanna Helsén, född 1989, och Stina Helsén, född 1991, är uppvuxna i Stockholm. Välkommen till helvetet är deras första bok. Till vardags arbetar Nanna med affärsutveckling och Stina är lärare.

Family members' expressions of dignity in palliative care: a qualitative study

Anna Sandgren, Lena Axelsson, Tove Bylund-Grenklo, Eva Benzein (2020)

Abstract
Living and dying with dignity are fundamental values in palliative care, not only for the patient but also for family members. Although dignity has been studied from the different perspectives of patients in need of palliative care and their family members, family members' thoughts and feelings of dignity have not been given sufficient attention. Therefore, the aim was to describe family members' expressions of dignity in palliative care. The study had a qualitative design; semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 15 family members of patients in palliative care in a county with a specialist palliative advisory team. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The results showed that family members' expressions of dignity are multifaceted and complex. For family members in palliative care, dignity means living as a respected human being in relation to oneself and others. Dignity also includes being able to maintain one's identity, feeling connected to significant others, and being comfortable with the new situation. Two contextual aspects affect family members' dignity: the two-headed paradox and reciprocal impact. The two-headed paradox means that family members want to stay close to and care for the ill person, at the same time want to escape the situation, but when they escape, they want to be close again. Reciprocal impact means that family members' feelings and experiences of the situation are closely intertwined with those of the ill person. These results may increase healthcare professionals' understanding and be used in dignified care practices that do not threaten, but instead aim to preserve family members' sense of dignity.

"Childlessness at the end of life: evidence from rural Wales."

Wenger, C. G. (2009)

ABSTRACT After the spouse, children are the most likely source of informal support for an older person when the frailties of advanced old age create the need for help. Childlessness may thus be seen as particularly a problem for older people. In general, to compensate for the lack of children, childless people develop closer relationships with available next-of-kin and non-kin. Despite this, in times of need they are likely to find themselves with inadequate informal support. Using data from the Bangor Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this article explores the consequences of childlessness among persons aged 85 years or more living in rural Wales. The results indicate that by the time they reach old age, childless people have adapted to their situation and developed expectations consistent with being childfree. They have closer relationships with collateral kin, friendships are important and a high value is placed on independence. Nevertheless, unless they die suddenly or after a short acute illness, almost all of them enter residential care or a long-stay hospital at the end of their lives. It is also shown that the situation of childless people varies greatly and depends on several factors, particularly marital status, gender, social and financial capital, and on the person's earlier investment in the strengthening of next-of-kin and non-kin networks.

Activitybased intervention for multiple-disabled visually impaired people

Tellevik JM, Elmerskog B. (2009)

The article describes assessment, planning and training for people with multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI). The ImPAct MDVI project, an EU Comenius programme, addressed concerns expressed by teachers of children and young people with MDVI as to how they are expected to integrate the diverse curriculum elements and particular skills they have been taught into a meaningful educational process. The aim of the project was to develop a holistic teaching approach, based on activities, participation and involvement in real life situations, aiming at involving people with MDVI in their social and physical context. This was achieved by applying a 5-step working model (Tellevik and Elmerskog, 2001), which sought to support the development of assessment and planning intervention strategies.

Do Young Carers Deserve Justice? Young Caring in the Context of Illness

Sahoo, R., & Suar, D. (2009)

Though there is a lot of discussion on carers' issue, young caring is still ignored and many facts remain unknown to us, which need to be revealed. Children or young people who provide continuous care for ill or disabled parents, siblings or any other family members are young carers. This raises several issues related to justice in the context of the young. Caring has its rewards and difficulties. This paper reviews the literature on informal caregiving for ill family members in order to explore caring concept in children's mind and how young caring varies with age, sex, types of illness and different family situations from the perspective of children and parents. Causes and consequences of young caring have been explored. Agenda for future research is suggested.

Families under the microscope: parallels between the young carers debate of the 1990s and the transformation of childhood in the late nineteenth century

Olsen, R. (2009)

Existing analysis and discussion about young carers—children caring for ill or disabled family members—has been limited in scope, concentrating on narrow policy and service issues. In this paper, I attempt to introduce a more historical perspective to these debates, by comparing responses to the issue of young caring in the 1990s to resistance encountered in the implementation of child labour and education reforms towards the end of the nineteenth century. I discuss the parallel ways in which the quality of childhood for some children became problematised without sufficient recognition of the limited choices that some families face. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Folkhälsorapport. Artikelnr 2009-126-71.

Socialstyrelsen (2009)

Folkhälsorapport 2009 är den sjunde nationella rapporten och redovisar hälsans utveckling i olika befolkningsgrupper och hur den påverkats av levnadsvanor och omgivningsfaktorer. Under de senaste decennierna har hälsan förbättrats vilket avspeglar sig i att medellivslängden fortsätter att öka och ökar mer bland män än bland kvinnor. Det har också funnits en ogynnsam utveckling av folkhälsan, olika symtom på nedsatt psykiskt välbefinnande ökade kraftigt under 1990-talet utom bland de äldsta. Under 2000-talet tycks dock denna utveckling ha brutits utom bland ungdomar. De senaste uppgifterna som finns om hur befolkningen upplever sitt hälsotillstånd är från 2005 och speglar ett samhälle under högkonjunktur. Hälsotillståndet kan mycket väl ha försämrats sedan dess med tanke på den ekonomiska kris som gjort sig gällande under sista halvåret.

Medellivslängden ökar mest bland män och högutbildade
Den främsta orsaken till den ökande medellivslängden är att allt färre insjuknar i hjärt- och kärlsjukdomar och bland dem som insjuknar har dödligheten minskat kraftigt. Risken att dö i hjärtinfarkt har nära nog halverats de senaste 20 åren och risken att dö i stroke har minskat med en tredjedel. Minskad rökning samt lägre blodfetter och blodtryck gör att färre insjuknar. Bättre behandlingsmetoder har bidragit till att risken att dö i hjärtinfarkt eller stroke minskat dramatiskt för både kvinnor och män. Cancerdödligheten visar inte samma positiva utveckling: lungcancer minskar bland män men ökar alltjämt bland kvinnor och minskningen av bröstcancerdödligheten är förhållandevis liten. Skillnader i förväntad medellivslängd mellan personer med olika lång utbildning har ökat under hela 1990-talet, och fortsätter att öka under 2000- talet framför allt bland kvinnor. Det är framför allt sociala skillnader i cancerdödlighet som ökar bland kvinnor.

Förändrade levnadsvanor
Bland barn ökade övervikten kraftigt från 1980-talet till 2000-talet men nu tycks ökningen plana ut. Idag är 15-20 procent av alla barn överviktiga och 3-5 procent är feta. Barns matvanor har förbättrats, fler äter frukt och grönsaker medan konsumtionen av läsk och godis har sjunkit markant under senare år. Bland ungdomar i årskurs 9 minskar andelen rökare liksom alkoholkonsumtionen och användningen av narkotika. Ökningen av andelen vuxna med övervikt och fetma var störst på 1990-talet och ser nu ut att avstanna. I åldrarna 16-84 år är hälften av männen och nästan 40 procent av kvinnorna överviktiga eller feta. Fetma förkortar i genomsnitt livet med 6-7 år. De allra senaste åren förefaller energiintaget via maten minska för första gången på decennier. Alkoholkonsumtionen har ökat sedan början av 1990-talet och högst alkoholkonsumtion har män i åldern 20-24 år. Den alkoholrelaterade dödligheten minskar bland män i åldern 25-64 år och ökar i åldrarna över pensionsåldern. Bland kvinnor ökar alkoholdödligheten i åldrarna 65-74 år medan den varit i stort sett oförändrad i åldern 45-64 år. Narkotikadödligheten minskade på 2000-talet efter att ha ökat dramatiskt under decennier.

Hälsoutvecklingen bland ungdomar oroande
Flera olika indikatorer pekar på att psykisk ohälsa är särskilt vanligt bland yngre kvinnor men att den ökar bland båda könen. Andelen självmordsförsök ökar kraftigt bland unga kvinnor, och allt fler unga vårdas på sjukhus för depression eller ångest och för alkoholförgiftning. Under sista åren har dödligheten bland unga män ökat något till följd av en liten ökning i flera dödsorsaker, nämligen skador, alkoholrelaterade dödsorsaker och möjligen även självmord.

Hälsan är ojämnt fördelad
Hjärt- och kärlsjukdomar och diabetes är vanlig are bland lågutbildade.
Rökning minskar i alla grupper utom bland kvinnor med enbart grundskoleutbildning.
Överlevnad i bröstcancer är lägre bland kvinnor med lägre utbildning.
Svår värk och dåligt allmänt hälsotillstånd är betydligt vanligare hos arbetare än hos tjänstemän.
Ensamstående kvinnor med barn har mer besvär av värk, oftare nedsatt psykiskt välbefinnande, röker mer och överviktiga är vanligare.
Astma och födoämnesallergier är vanligare bland barn till föräldrar i lägre socialgrupper. De får dessutom allvarligare symtom av sin astma än barn i högre socialgrupper.
Tandhälsan är betydligt sämre hos socioekonomiskt svaga grupper. Många anser sig inte ha råd med den tandvård de behöver.
Ensamstående kvinnor är en våldsutsatt grupp och 15 procent av alla ensamstående kvinnor med små barn har utsatts för våld i hemmet.
Risken för våld är större bland kvinnor med fysiska och psykiska funktionshinder samt äldre med få sociala kontakter.
Våld och skador drabbar oftare barn i familjer med låga inkomster.
Det är vanligare bland lågutbildade att äldre vårdas av sina anhöriga. De som har högre utbildning köper i större utsträckning dessa tjänster.
Vissa grupper avstår oftare än andra från att hämta ut sina läkemedel: ensamstående med barn, arbetslösa, personer med sjuk- och aktivitetsersättning, personer med ekonomiskt bistånd och de som har höga avgifter för läkemedel. Ensamstående kvinnor med barn avstår i tre gånger så hög utsträckning som befolkningen i sin helhet.

Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: Review and Implications for Evidence-Based Practice

Stover, C. S., Meadows, A. L., & Kaufman, J. (2009)

The objective of this article was to survey available intimate partner violence (IPV) treatment studies with (a) randomized case assignment, and (b) at least 20 participants per group. Studies were classified into 4 categories according to primary treatment focus: perpetrator, victim, couples, or child-witness interventions. The results suggest that extant interventions have limited effect on repeat violence, with most treatments reporting minimal benefit above arrest alone. There is a lack of research evidence for the effectiveness of the most common treatments provided for victims and perpetrators of IPV, including the Duluth model for perpetrators and shelter–advocacy approaches for victims. Rates of recidivism in most perpetrator- and partner-focused treatments are approximately 30% within 6 months, regardless of intervention strategy used. Couples treatment approaches that simultaneously address problems with substance abuse and aggression yield the lowest recidivism rates, and manualized child trauma treatments are effective in reducing child symptoms secondary to IPV. This review shows the benefit of integrating empirically validated substance abuse and trauma treatments into IPV interventions and highlights the need for more work in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: Review and Implications for Evidence-Based Practice (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232566911_Interventions_for_Intimate_Partner_Violence_Review_and_Implications_for_Evidence-Based_Practice [accessed Jan 3, 2016].

Loss and grief in patients with Schizophrenia: Onliving in another world

Mauritz M, Van Meijel B. (2009)

AIM:
Schizophrenia enormously impacts the lives of the patients who have this psychiatric disorder. This study addresses the lived experience of grief in schizophrenia.
METHOD:
A qualitative study based on the grounded theory was designed. Ten patients were interviewed in depth on their feelings of loss and ways of coping.
RESULTS:
All respondents experienced significant feelings of loss. Internal and external losses were distinguished. Respondents dealt with their losses by accepting their diagnosis and treatment, identifying with other patients, learning about schizophrenia, and searching for meaning.
DISCUSSION:
Respondents were able to identify their significant losses and verbalize the accompanied feelings. They went through an intensive grieving process that to a certain extent led to coming to terms. During the interviews, the presence of grief was evident, whereas clinical depression was excluded.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
Interventions may be improved by the following factors: (a) optimal assessment and treatment of symptoms; (b) adequate information about symptoms, treatment and its effects, and prognosis; (c) opportunities to identify with other patients; (d) strengthening of social support; and (e) a relationship of trust with care providers based on an accepting attitude.

Places social relations and activities in the everyday lives of folder adults with psychiatric disabilities: an interview study

Nordström, M., Dunér, E., Olin, A., & Wijk, H. (2009)

BACKGROUND:
Knowledge about the daily life of older adults with psychiatric disabilities is extremely limited, especially from the standpoint of the individual. The overall aim of this study was to describe and analyze the ways in which older adults with a psychiatric disability experience places, social relations and activities in different arenas of their everyday lives.
METHOD:
Twelve older adults (>55 years) with a psychiatric disability were interviewed either once or twice, using different interview techniques. The first interviews were semi-structured and the second were in-depth interviews guided by a site-map. The interview texts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, proceeding from open to focused coding in several steps.
RESULTS:
Although the respondents spent most of their time in their own homes, some also spent a lot of time at day-care centers and other similar places. The amount of time spent in places in the public arena varied a great deal. The interviewees' experiences of the places, relationships and activities in their everyday lives can be related to aspects of freedom and coercion, internal and external structure, and relationships and support.
CONCLUSION:
The provision of a varied range of services and support in diverse settings in order to make these accessible to persons of different ages and needs is an important challenge for welfare politics.

Prevalence and correlates of adult attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis

Simon, V., Czobor, P., Balint, S., Meszaros, A., & Bitter, I. (2009)

BACKGROUND:
In spite of the growing literature about adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), relatively little is known about the prevalence and correlates of this disorder.

AIMS:
To estimate the prevalence of adult ADHD and to identify its demographic correlates using meta-regression analysis.

METHOD:
We used the MEDLINE, PsycLit and EMBASE databases as well as hand-searching to find relevant publications.

RESULTS:
The pooled prevalence of adult ADHD was 2.5% (95% CI 2.1-3.1). Gender and mean age, interacting with each other, were significantly related to prevalence of ADHD. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the proportion of participants with ADHD decreased with age when men and women were equally represented in the sample.

CONCLUSIONS:
Prevalence of ADHD in adults declines with age in the general population. We think, however, that the unclear validity of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for this condition can lead to reduced prevalence rates by underestimation of the prevalence of adult ADHD.

Resilience Among Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: The Role of Risk and Protective Factors

Martinez-Torteya, C., Bogat, G. A., von Eye, A., & Levendosky, A. A. (2009)

Individual and family characteristics that predict resilience among children exposed to domestic violence (DV) were examined. Mother-child dyads (n = 190) were assessed when the children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age. DV-exposed children were 3.7 times more likely than nonexposed children to develop internalizing or externalizing problems. However, 54% of DV-exposed children maintained positive adaptation and were characterized by easy temperament (odds ratio [OR] = .39, d = .52) and nondepressed mothers (OR = 1.14, d = .07), as compared to their nonresilient counterparts. Chronic DV was associated with maternal depression, difficult child temperament, and internalizing or externalizing symptoms. Results underscore heterogeneous outcomes among DV-exposed children and the influence of individual and family characteristics on children's adaptation.

The relative efficacy of two levels of a primary care intervention for family members affected by the addiction problem of a close relative: a randomized trial

Copello A, Templeton L, Orford J, Velleman R, Patel A, Moore L, et al. (2009)

OBJECTIVES:
A randomized trial to compare two levels of an intervention (full versus brief) for use by primary health-care professionals with family members affected by the problematic drug or alcohol use of a close relative.
DESIGN:
A prospective cluster randomized comparative trial of the two interventions.
SETTING:
A total of 136 primary care practices in two study areas within the West Midlands and the South West regions of England.
PARTICIPANTS:
A total of 143 family members affected by the alcohol or drug problem of a relative were recruited into the study by primary health-care professionals. All recruited family members were seen on at least one occasion by the professional delivering the intervention and 129 (90 %) were followed-up at 12 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Two validated and standardized self-completion questionnaires measuring physical and psychological symptoms of stress (Symptom Rating Test) and behavioural coping (Coping Questionnaire) experienced by the family members. It was predicted that the full intervention would show increased reduction in both symptoms and coping when compared to the brief intervention.
RESULTS:
The primary analysis adjusted for clustering, baseline symptoms and stratifying variables (location and professional group) showed that there were no significant differences between the two trial arms. The symptom score at follow-up was 0.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): -3.65, +4.06] higher in the full intervention arm than in the brief intervention arm, and the coping score at follow-up was 0.12 (95% CI: -5.12, +5.36) higher in the full intervention arm than in the brief intervention arm.
CONCLUSIONS:
A well-constructed self-help manual delivered by a primary care professional may be as effective for family members as several face-to-face sessions with the professional.

"You don't want to burden them": older adults' views on family involvement in care

Cahill, E., Lewis, L. M., Barg, F. K., & Bogner, H. R. (2009)

Burden emerged as an important concept among older adults in a study of how older adults interact with their families around care. The authors conducted 50 semistructured interviews with adults older than the age of 65 years and a spouse or adult child. The sample was stratified by ethnicity thus giving the opportunity to explore both ethnic similarities and differences. Older adults who expressed the concept of burden were more likely to be White compared with older adults who did not express burden. Older respondents discussed burden in relation to not wanting to complicate the busy lives of adult children, guilt about health problems, and concern that children were overly worried about the care of their older family member. The expression and meaning of burden differed according to ethnicity. This study has implications for practice and policies to meet the needs of families and promote the independence of older persons.

“Role of depressive symptoms and comorbid chronic disease on health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults”.

Gallegos-Carrillo, K., Garcia-Pena, C., Mudgal, J., Romero, X., Durán-Arenas, L., & Salmeròn, J. (2009)

OBJECTIVE:
This study examined the influence of depressive symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling older adults suffering from various categories of chronic comorbidity.
METHODS:
A population-based survey in adults aged 60 years or more was conducted within a random sample of 1085 beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Mexico City. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and chronic comorbidity was determined with self-reports concerning prior medical diagnoses and the HRQOL Short Form-36 health survey. We carried out a stratified analysis by comorbidity category, evaluating the impact of depressive symptoms on HRQOL through an analysis of variance and modeling the independent association of depression symptoms with HRQOL using multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for comorbidity and other covariables.
RESULTS:
HRQOL scores were low in the presence of depressive symptoms, while their impact increased when chronic diseases were also present. The group with the poorest HRQOL was older adults suffering from both depressive symptoms and two or more chronic diseases (P<.05). The stratified analysis by comorbidity and multivariate analysis, adjusted for covariables, indicated that depressive symptoms and comorbidity had cumulative negative effects on HRQOL.
CONCLUSION:
The HRQOL of older adults deteriorated when depressive symptoms were present and decreased even further with the simultaneous occurrence of chronic illnesses. Identifying depression symptoms-either alone or along with chronic conditions-is crucial for implementation of measures aimed at improving elderly people's HRQOL.

”Småbarnstiden tar ju aldrig slut.” Hur parrelationen påverkas av att vara förälder till ett barn med funktionsnedsättning inom autismspektrat

Högberg, Anette (2009)

Denna rapport redovisar en undersökning av hur män och kvinnor upplever att parrelationen har påverkats av att de fått ett barn med funktionsnedsättning inom autismspektrum. Studien tar fasta på vad detta kan innebära för familjen i stort, för parrelationen och för självbilden. Rollfördelning och beroende behandlas liksom relationer till släkt, vänner och nätverk. Även hur kompetens och stolthet kan växa fram. Området är outforskat, undersökningen har därför fått en explorativ inriktning. Metoden är halvstrukturerade intervjuer.

A conceptual framework of outcomes for caregivers of assistive technology users

Demers, L., Fuhrer, M. J., Jutai, J., Lenker, J., Depa, M., & De Ruyter, F. (2009)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of a conceptual framework concerning outcomes for caregivers whose recipients are assistive technology users.
DESIGN: The study was designed in four stages. First, a list of potential key variables relevant to the caregivers of assistive technology users was generated from a review of the existing literature and semistructured interviews with caregivers. Second, the variables were analyzed, regrouped, and partitioned, using a conceptual mapping approach. Third, the key areas were anchored in a general stress model of caregiving. Finally, the judgments of rehabilitation experts were used to evaluate the conceptual framework.
RESULTS: An important result of this study is the identification of a complex set of variables that need to be considered when examining the experience of caregivers of assistive technology users. Stressors, such as types of assistance, number of tasks, and physical effort, are predominant contributors to caregiver outcomes along with caregivers' personal resources acting as mediating factors (intervening variables) and assistive technology acting as a key moderating factor (effect modifier variable).
CONCLUSIONS: Recipients' use of assistive technology can enhance caregivers' well being because of its potential for alleviating a number of stressors associated with caregiving. Viewed as a whole, this work demonstrates that the assistive technology experience of caregivers has many facets that merit the attention of outcomes researchers.

A metaanalysis of behavioral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Fabiano, G. A., Pelham, W. E., Coles, E. K., Gnagy, E. M., Chronis-Tuscano, A., & O’Connor, B. C. (2009)

There is currently controversy regarding the need for and the effectiveness of behavior modification for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) despite years of study and multiple investigations reporting beneficial effects of the intervention. A meta-analysis was conducted by identifying relevant behavioral treatment studies in the literature. One-hundred seventy-four studies of behavioral treatment were identified from 114 individual papers that were appropriate for the meta-analysis. Effect sizes varied by study design but not generally by other study characteristics, such as the demographic variables of the participants in the studies. Overall unweighted effect sizes in between group studies (.83), pre-post studies (.70), within group studies (2.64), and single subject studies (3.78) indicated that behavioral treatments are highly effective. Based on these results, there is strong and consistent evidence that behavioral treatments are effective for treating ADHD.

A model of consequences of dementia caregivers' stress process: influence on behavioral symptoms of dementia and caregivers' behavior-related reactions

Campbell, J. (2009)

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to extend the Schultz and Martire Caregiver Stress-Health Model by explaining consequences of the stress process beyond those related to health in dementia caregivers, including consequences for caregivers and the dyadic unit, and to highlight the dynamic that exists between caregivers' stress, behavioral symptoms of dementia, and behavior-related reactions of caregivers. The relevant literature is reviewed, establishing the pervasive effects of caregivers' stress within a care dyad. Primary informal caregivers play a predominant role in managing environmental stimuli and providing for needs, in particular adjusting their own approaches and demeanor to enhance the care environment. Thus, behavioral symptoms of dementia and the behavior-related reactions of caregivers are conceptualized as a dyadic consequence of the caregivers' stress process. This model presents an extended view of the consequences of caregivers' stress and provides a more holistic, dyadic approach to the issues these vulnerable dyads face. Behavioral symptoms of dementia and behavior-related reactions are seen as amenable to caregiver- or dyad-directed interventions that target stress reduction. This conceptualization may provide support for research, clinical, or policy initiatives that include caregiver-directed or dyadic interventions for these important behavior-related outcomes

A small-scale randomized controlled trial of the revised new forest parenting programme for preschoolers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Thompson, M. J. J., Laver-Bradbury, C., Ayres, M., Le Poidevin, E., Mead, S., Dodds, C., … Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S. (2009)

The revised new forest parenting programme (NFPP) is an 8-week psychological intervention designed to treat ADHD in preschool children by targeting, amongst other things, both underlying impairments in self-regulation and the quality of mother-child interactions. Forty-one children were randomized to either the revised NFPP or treatment as usual conditions. Outcomes were ADHD and ODD symptoms measured using questionnaires and direct observation, mothers' mental health and the quality of mother-child interactions. Effects of the revised NFPP on ADHD symptoms were large (effect size >1) and significant and effects persisted for 9 weeks post-intervention. Effects on ODD symptoms were less marked. There were no improvements in maternal mental health or parenting behavior during mother-child interaction although there was a drop in mothers' negative and an increase in their positive comments during a 5-min speech sample. The small-scale trial, although limited in power and generalizability, provides support for the efficacy of the revised NFPP. The findings need to be replicated in a larger more diverse sample.

A systematic review of internet-based self-management interventions for youth with health conditions

Stinson, J., Wilson, R., Gill, N., Yamada, J., & Holt, J. (2009)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Critically appraise research evidence on effectiveness of internet self-management interventions on health outcomes in youth with health conditions.
METHODS:
Published studies of internet interventions in youth with health conditions were evaluated. Electronic searches were conducted in EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychINFO. Two reviewers independently selected articles for review and assessed methodological quality. Of 29 published articles on internet interventions; only nine met the inclusion criteria and were included in analysis.
RESULTS:
While outcomes varied greatly between studies, symptoms improved in internet interventions compared to control conditions in seven of nine studies. There was conflicting evidence regarding disease-specific knowledge and quality of life, and evidence was limited regarding decreases in health care utilization.
CONCLUSIONS:
There are the beginnings of an evidence base that self-management interventions delivered via the internet improve selected outcomes in certain childhood illnesses.

Adaptation of the preventive intervention program for depression for use with predominantly low-income Latino families

D’Angelo, E.J., Llerena-Ouinn, R., Shapiro, R., Colon, F., Rodriquez, P., Gallagher, K., & Beardslee, WR. (2009)

This paper describes the process for and safety/feasibility of adapting the Beardslee Preventive Intervention Program for Depression for use with predominantly low income, Latino families. Utilizing a Stage I model for protocol development, the adaptation involved literature review, focus groups, pilot testing of the adapted manual, and open trial of the adapted intervention with 9 families experiencing maternal depression. Adaptations included conducting the intervention in either Spanish or English, expanding the intervention to include the contextual experience of Latino families in the United States with special attention to cultural metaphors, and using a strength-based, family-centered approach. The families completed preintervention measures for maternal depression, child behavioral difficulties, global functioning, life stresses, and an interview that included questions about acculturative stressors, resiliency, and family awareness of parental depression. The postintervention interview focused on satisfaction, distress, benefits of the adapted intervention, and therapeutic alliance. The results revealed that the adaptation was nonstressful, perceived as helpful by family members, had effects that seem to be similar to the original intervention, and the preventionists could maintain fidelity to the revised manual. The therapeutic alliance with the preventionists was experienced as quite positive by the mothers. A case example illustrates how the intervention was adapted.

Alcohol use and stress in university freshmen: a comparative intervention study of two universities

Andersson, C. (2009)

doktorsavhandling

Starting university is associated with major academic, personal and social opportunities. For many people, university entrance is also associated with increased stress and alcohol consumption. At the start of the autumn term 2002, all students entering educational programmes at two comparable middle-sized Swedish universities were invited to participate in a comparative intervention study. This included both primary and secondary interventions targeting hazardous drinking and stress. The overall aim was to improve alcohol habits and stress patterns in university freshmen at an intervention university in comparison with a control university.

A total of 2,032 (72%) freshmen responded to the baseline assessment. Half of them scored above traditional AUDIT cut-off levels for hazardous alcohol use. Factors associated with hazardous use were age below 26, male gender, family history of alcohol problems, and not being in a serious relationship. The Arnetz and Hasson Stress Questionnaire was evaluated and used to study a selection of freshmen at high riskof stress. It was easy to use and offered sufficient internal consistency and construct validity. In the freshman year, 517 students (25%) dropped out from university education. A multivariate analysis established that high stress and university setting was associated with dropout from university studies, while symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as hazardous drinking were not.

Outcome was analysed in students remaining at university at one-year follow-up. The primary interventions offered to freshmen at the intervention university reduced alcohol expectancies and mental symptoms compared with freshmen at the control university. Secondary stress interventions were effective in reducing mental symptoms and alcohol expectancies. Secondary alcohol interventions were effective in reducing AUDIT scores, alcohol expectancies, estimated blood alcohol concentrations, as well as stress and mental symptoms.

In conclusion, both primary and secondary alcohol and stress interventions have one-year effects in university freshmen and could be used in university settings.

Alternativ och Kompletterande kommunikation (AKK) i teori och praktik.

Heister-Trygg, B. and I. Andersson (2009)

Boken är skriven för personer som i sin yrkesverksamhet ansvarar för området AKK, t ex logopeder, arbetsterapeuter och pedagoger, och för både grundutbildning och vidareutbildning.
Huvudförfattarena för denna reviderade upplaga är logopeder och driver sedan många år Södra regionens kommunikationscentrum, SÖK, och har mångårig erfarenhet av AKK-området bland såväl barn som vuxna.
Ur innehållet: Teorier kring tal, språk och kommunikation, alternativa och kompletterande kommunikationssätt, omgivningsfaktorer, metodik, etik, olika funktionsnedsättningar m m. Genom boken får vi följa ett antal personer i varierande ålder och med olika svårigheter och de ställningstagande som görs för att dessa ska få bästa möjliga förutsättningar att kunna kommunicera.

Anhörigas delaktighet i psykiatrin – resultat från EUNOMIA-projektet

Wadefjord, Anna, Gustavsson, Marita, Stenmarck, Mats & Kjellin, Lars (2009)

Tidigare forskning har visat att psykiska sjukdomar har stor inverkan inte bara på de personer som drabbas utan även på deras anhöriga, och att många anhöriga inte upplever sig vara tillräckligt delaktiga i den psykiatriska vården. Få skillnader i dessa avseenden har funnits mellan anhöriga till frivilligt vårdade och anhöriga till tvångsvårdade patienter. Denna rapport redovisar några resultat från en anhörigstudie som genomförts under perioden augusti 2004 till februari 2006 i Örebro län som en del i en större EU-finansierad europeisk studie av psykiatrisk tvångsvård, det så kallade EUNOMIA-projektet.

Syftet med Örebro-delen av EUNOMIA-projektets anhörigstudie var att undersöka hur anhöriga till frivilligt vårdade och tvångsvårdade patienter uppfattar orsak till intagning, förekomst av tvång vid intagning, bemötande av och hjälp till patienten under vården, bemö-tande av anhöriga, anhörigas delaktighet i vården samt patientens prognos.

Fyrtiofyra anhöriga till personer som intagits i psykiatrisk slutenvård i Örebro län, och som inkluderats i EUNOMIA-projektets patientstudie, tillfrågades om deltagande. Av dessa tackade 36 personer (82 %) ja till deltagande i studien, varav 25 kvinnor och 11 män. De som intervjuades var mammor, pappor, vuxna barn, syskon, make, maka eller partner, andra släktingar och närstående av annat slag. Tjugotvå av de intervjuade var närstående till frivilligt vårdade och 14 anhöriga till tvångsvårdade patienter.

Anhörigintervjun genomfördes inom fyra veckor från det att patienten skrevs in på psykiatrisk vårdavdelning. Frågorna handlade om den anhöriges relation till patienten, uppfattning om patientens möjlighet att återfå sin psykiska hälsa, bedömning av graden av tvång vid intagning, uppfattning om varför patienten blev intagen, vårdtillfredsställelse, samt om bemötande och delaktighet i och dialog med den psykiatriska vården.

Den enligt de anhöriga vanligast förekommande orsaken till att patienten blev intagen var att det förelåg allvarlig fara för eller hot mot patientens hälsa samt att patienten var oförmögen att ta hand om sig själv. Bedömningarna av vilken grad av tvång patienterna upplevde vid intagningen visade på samstämmighet mellan patienter och anhöriga. Däremot var det en större andel bland de svarande närstående än bland patienterna som ansåg att patientens behandlare eller kontaktperson förstod patienten och var engagerad i patientens behandling och vård, att patienten blev respekterad och väl behandlad på avdelningen, samt att behandlingen och vården varit till hjälp för patienten. Många anhöriga kunde tänka sig ett tvångsomhändertagande i det fall patienten skulle få samma problem igen och inte skulle vilja läggas in frivilligt.

Över 80 procent av de närstående kände sig "som vanligt", likvärdiga eller respekterade i sina kontakter med psykiatrin. Nästan 40 procent uppgav att de inte kände sig tillräckligt delaktiga i patientens vård och behandling. De som hade haft kontakt med psykiatrin under det senaste året kände sig bättre bemötta och mer delaktiga i patientens inläggning, vård och behandling än de som inte hade haft någon kontakt. Över hälften upplevde inte att de haft någon dialog med personal från psykiatrin. Svaren uttrycker stor variation med både stark kritik mot och stor tillfredsställelse med kontakterna med psykiatrin, liksom att inte alla an-höriga vill ha någon omfattande sådan kontakt.

En stor del av de närstående uttryckte optimism beträffande patientens prognos. Många trodde att deras sjuke son, dotter, förälder, make, maka, sambo, partner, släkting eller vän helt eller delvis skulle återfå sin psykiska hälsa, framför allt bland anhöriga till patienter som inte varit sjuka sedan så lång tid tillbaka.

Anhörigstöd i Orsa kommun

Hassis, L. (2009)

Våren 2008 publicerade Dalarnas forskningsråd en kartläggning över anhörigstödet i
Dalarna. Kartläggningen visade att arbetet med anhörigfrågor ser olika ut i Dalarnas
kommuner. Föreliggande rapport syftar till att kartlägga hur samarbetet i
anhörigfrågor ser ut i Orsa kommun. Studien bygger på i första hand personliga
intervjuer med anhörigvårdare och representanter från styrgruppen.
I Orsa finns ett anhörigcenter centralt beläget i anslutning till vårdcentral,
dagverksamhet och särskilt boende. En anhörigsamordnare är anställd på halvtid för
att samordna verksamheten och fungera som kontaktperson. Till sin hjälp har
anhörigsamordnaren en styrgrupp bestående av representanter från
frivilligorganisationer, kyrka och vårdcentral. Flera av styrgruppens representanter,
samt personal från dagverksamhet, fungerar även som sk. anhörigombud i
kommunen.
I programmet för 2009 erbjuds allt från sopplunch och syjunta/stickjunta till
närståendeträffar och föreläsningar/studiecirklar om stroke och demens. Våren
2009 hade anhörigcentret kontakt med strax över hundratalet anhörigvårdare, en
viss ökning från tiden för ovan nämnda kartläggning. En stor del av kontakterna
sker per telefon och med många av anhörigvårdarna är kontakten bara sporadisk.
Utöver anhörigcentrets verksamhet erbjuds stöd till anhörigvårdare främst genom
avlösning. Avlösningen ges genom dagverksamhet, korttidsboende och hemtjänst.
De intervjuade är alla nöjda med den verksamhet som bedrivs vid anhörigcentret.
Personalen vid anhörigcentret och dagverksamheten Ljusglimten framstår som viktiga
kuggar i arbetet med anhörigstöd i kommunen. Visst missnöje finns däremot med
hemtjänsten som enligt några av de intervjuade behöver bli mer flexibel och med
korttidsboendet som idag tycks inrymma personer med alltför skiftande
sjukdomsbild. Flera av de intervjuade påtalar en hos personalen (hemtjänst och
korttidsboende/särskilt boende) bristande förståelse för de problem såväl vårdtagare
som anhörigvårdare ställs inför. För att öka denna förståelse behövs utbildning och
information.

Anhörigvårdare – oorganiserad, oerkänd och oavlönad omsorgsresurs. Enkätstudie av närstående vårdgivare till parkinsonpatienter

Lökk, J. (2009)

Informella vårdgivare till kroniskt
sjuka personer utgörs i
stor utsträckning av oavlönade
närstående.
Dessa närstående upplever
en belastning och begränsning
i sin livssituation och
dåligt erkännande från omgivningen:
ju längre omsorgstid,
desto hög re belastning
inom vissa domäner.
Behovet av hemtjänst överstiger
den faktiskt erhållna
hjälpen.
Närstående är mer informerade
om sjukdomen vid längre
omsorgstid.
Samhället borde även beakta
närståendes roll vid planering
av vård och behandling
av kroniskt sjuka personer.

Assessment of caring and its effects in young people: development of the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities Checklist (MACA-YC18) and the Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring Questionnaire (PANOC-YC20) for young carers

Joseph S, Becker S, Becker F, Regel S. (2009)

BACKGROUND: Many children, adolescents and young people are involved in caring for parents, siblings, or other relatives who have an illness, disability, mental health problem or other need for care or supervision. The aim was to develop two new instruments for use in research with young carers to assess caring activities and their psychological effects. METHOD: Two studies are reported. In study 1, 410 young carers were recruited via The Princess Royal Trust for Carers database of UK projects and asked to complete an initial item pool of 42 and 75 questionnaire items to assess caring activities and caring outcomes respectively. In study 2 a further 124 young carers were recruited. RESULTS: Following exploratory principal components analysis in study 1, 18 items were chosen to compose the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities Checklist (MACA-YC18), and 20 items chosen to compose the Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring Scales (PANOC-YC20). In study 2, normative and convergent validity data on the two instruments are reported. CONCLUSION: The MACA-YC18 is an 18-item self-report measure that can be used to provide an index of the total amount of caring activity undertaken by the young person, as well as six sub-scale scores for domestic tasks, household management, personal care, emotional care, sibling care and financial/practical care. The PANOC-YC20 is a 20-item self-report measure that can be used to provide an index of positive and negative outcomes of caring.

Att vara syskon till ett barn eller ungdom med cancersjukdom – tankar, behov, problem och stöd

Nolbris, M. (2009)

Doktorsavhandling

The overall aim was to describe the siblings' thoughts on and experiences of needs, problems and supports when their brother or sister is being treated or undergoing follow-ups for or has died of cancer. The thesis uses a life-world perspective with open interviews (Papers I-IV). It describes the siblings' needs and issues when a brother or sister dies of cancer n=10 (Paper I), and it develops an understanding of the everyday experiences of siblings with a brother or sister who is receiving or has completed treatment for a cancer disease n=10 (Paper II). The thesis looks at the siblings' thoughts on their experiences of being a sibling of a brother or sister during his or her treatment or who has been treated for or has died from cancer n=20 (Paper III). The thesis also describes the siblings' experiences of being involved in a therapeutic support group when the family had or had had a child with cancer n=15 (Paper IV). The methods used to analyse the interview texts were qualitative content analysis (I, III, IV) and phenomenological hermeneutic analysis (II). The findings show that the sibling relationships strengthened. The siblings lacked support and felt they were not being given information. There was underlying anxiety and loneliness. There was a new consideration in their daily life with the sick brother or sister constantly at the centre. It was very important that the family felt well. Thoughts about death were not allowed and they tried to repress them. Anticipatory grief started already with the diagnosis. The grief when a brother or sister dies varies over time and in how it manifests itself, and there are short breaks. Therapeutic support groups with tools such as pictures and paintings validated the siblings' feelings and gave them support regardless of their age and sex. The results demonstrate a need to preserve the sibling's health. Consideration and respect for all family members may lessen suffering. Regular and appropriate information about the disease, treatment and the patient's condition is needed, as well as the offer of therapeutic support, individually or in groups.

Attitudes toward decision making and aging, and preparation for future care needs

Fowler, C., & Fisher, C. L. (2009)

Adult children are the primary source of informal eldercare in the United States. Unfortunately, however, families rarely prepare for an aging parent's future care needs. This is problematic, as advance preparation may reduce depression and anxiety in older adults and be helpful for adult children. Given the importance of preparation prior to parental dependency, we examined factors associated with preparation for caregiving. Using survey methodology, we studied 2 groups of people: Functionally independent parents at least 60 years of age, and adult children at least 40 years of age. Several variables appeared to be associated with awareness of care needs, gathering information, and discussion of possible care arrangements. Most notably, attitudes regarding shared autonomy and aging anxiety were positively associated with each of these stages of preparation. Other findings suggest that being concerned about possible negative effects of caregiving and perceiving the future as limited may also be associated with preparation for caregiving. The results provide gerontologists, interventionists, and families with insight into attitudes that may inhibit or facilitate preparation for future caregiving needs.

Attitudes toward decision making and aging, and preparation for future care needs.

Fowler, C., & Fisher, C. L. (2009)

Adult children are the primary source of informal eldercare in the United States. Unfortunately, however, families rarely prepare for an aging parent's future care needs. This is problematic, as advance preparation may reduce depression and anxiety in older adults and be helpful for adult children. Given the importance of preparation prior to parental dependency, we examined factors associated with preparation for caregiving. Using survey methodology, we studied 2 groups of people: Functionally independent parents at least 60 years of age, and adult children at least 40 years of age. Several variables appeared to be associated with awareness of care needs, gathering information, and discussion of possible care arrangements. Most notably, attitudes regarding shared autonomy and aging anxiety were positively associated with each of these stages of preparation. Other findings suggest that being concerned about possible negative effects of caregiving and perceiving the future as limited may also be associated with preparation for caregiving. The results provide gerontologists, interventionists, and families with insight into attitudes that may inhibit or facilitate preparation for future caregiving needs.

Barn och unga i familjer med missbruk – vägledning för socialtjänsten och andra aktörer

Socialstyrelsen (2009)

Barns och ungas behov
Barn och unga behöver trygga och kärleksfulla vuxna som har förmåga att se och möta barnet och dess behov. I de allra flesta fall utgör föräldrarna dessa stabila vuxna. Det finns dock barn och unga som växer upp med föräldrar som inte har förmåga att ge sina barn den trygghet och omvårdnad de behöver. Bristande föräldraförmåga kan ha olika orsaker. En orsak till brister i föräldraskapet kan vara missbruks- eller beroendeproblem hos en eller båda föräldrarna.
Det finns vittnesskildringar av vad det kan innebära att växa upp med en förälder som pga. missbrukproblematik inte kan ge sitt barn den trygghet, förutsägbarhet och kärlek som det behöver. Det kan vara föräldrar som inte ser barnets behov, som skapar oro och förtvivlan och lägger över stort ansvar på barnet. Även om det finns ytterligare en förälder som inte missbrukar, finns det risk för att de vuxnas problem överskuggar tillvaron och barnets behov försummas.
Vad är missbruk och beroende?
Det är inte klarlagt när ett missbruk eller beroende får sådana konsekvenser att föräldraförmågan påverkas.
När det gäller att identifiera personer med riskbeteende med avseende på alkohol och droger, dvs. risker för den enskilda individens hälsa, finns det särskilda metoder och instrument. Då ett riskbeteende konstaterats, är nästa steg att göra en problembedömning. Även för det finns väl utprövade metoder (1).
I denna skrift ligger dock inte fokus på att bedöma förälderns missbruks- och beroendeproblem. Den handlar istället om de konsekvenser missbruks- eller beroendeproblemet kan föra med sig för barnet eller den unga samt om vikten av att ge stöd och hjälp.
När det gäller alkoholvanor finns det en gradering från bruk till riskbruk, missbruk och beroende. Missbruk respektive beroende är också medicinska diagnoser, där beroende är den allvarligare. Den mest adekvata sammanfattande benämningen för problemen i det här sammanhanget är kanske missbruks- och beroendeproblematik. För att inte tynga texten används dock oftast begreppet missbruksproblem. Missbruksproblem ska här ses som ett vitt samlande begrepp, som kan spänna över riskbruk, missbruk eller beroende och avse alla former av droger, inklusive alkohol.

Barn och unga i familjer med missbruk: vägledning för socialtjänsten och andra aktörer

Socialstyrelsen (2009)

Barns och ungas behov
Barn och unga behöver trygga och kärleksfulla vuxna som har förmåga att se och möta barnet och dess behov. I de allra flesta fall utgör föräldrarna dessa stabila vuxna. Det finns dock barn och unga som växer upp med föräldrar som inte har förmåga att ge sina barn den trygghet och omvårdnad de behöver. Bristande föräldraförmåga kan ha olika orsaker. En orsak till brister i föräldraskapet kan vara missbruks- eller beroendeproblem hos en eller båda föräldrarna.
Det finns vittnesskildringar av vad det kan innebära att växa upp med en förälder som pga. missbrukproblematik inte kan ge sitt barn den trygghet, förutsägbarhet och kärlek som det behöver. Det kan vara föräldrar som inte ser barnets behov, som skapar oro och förtvivlan och lägger över stort ansvar på barnet. Även om det finns ytterligare en förälder som inte missbrukar, finns det risk för att de vuxnas problem överskuggar tillvaron och barnets behov försummas.
Vad är missbruk och beroende?
Det är inte klarlagt när ett missbruk eller beroende får sådana konsekvenser att föräldraförmågan påverkas.
När det gäller att identifiera personer med riskbeteende med avseende på alkohol och droger, dvs. risker för den enskilda individens hälsa, finns det särskilda metoder och instrument. Då ett riskbeteende konstaterats, är nästa steg att göra en problembedömning. Även för det finns väl utprövade metoder (1).
I denna skrift ligger dock inte fokus på att bedöma förälderns missbruks- och beroendeproblem. Den handlar istället om de konsekvenser missbruks- eller beroendeproblemet kan föra med sig för barnet eller den unga samt om vikten av att ge stöd och hjälp.
När det gäller alkoholvanor finns det en gradering från bruk till riskbruk, missbruk och beroende. Missbruk respektive beroende är också medicinska diagnoser, där beroende är den allvarligare. Den mest adekvata sammanfattande benämningen för problemen i det här sammanhanget är kanske missbruks- och beroendeproblematik. För att inte tynga texten används dock oftast begreppet missbruksproblem. Missbruksproblem ska här ses som ett vitt samlande begrepp, som kan spänna över riskbruk, missbruk eller beroende och avse alla former av droger, inklusive alkohol.
Alla goda krafter behövs
De som möter föräldrar med missbruksproblem har ett ansvar för att försäkra sig om att barnen får adekvat stöd utifrån sina behov. Det är viktigt att yrkesverksamma inom missbruksvården särskilt uppmärksammar om det finns barn som påverkas av den vuxnas missbruksproblem. Men även de generella verksamheterna som riktar sig till alla barn och unga kan ha betydelse. Trygga och lyssnande vuxna i förskola, skola, fritidsverksamhet och föreningsliv kan bli viktiga stödjande personer och förebilder utanför familjen som kan få en avgörande positiv betydelse. De har också ett ansvar att anmäla till socialtjänsten om det finns oro för att barnet eller den unga far illa. Det är också viktigt att uppmuntra föräldrar att ansöka hos socialtjänsten om man bedömer att barnet eller den unga behöver mer stöd och hjälp.
Om socialtjänsten får en anmälan eller en ansökan, syftar en allsidig utredning, om barnets eller den ungas behov, familjens och nätverkets förutsättningar, till att komma fram till hur barnet eller den unga och familjen bäst ska kunna stödjas. Stödet kan ges inom socialtjänstens ram och av andra aktörer som har speciella verksamheter för dessa barn och unga. Flera ideella organisationer är aktiva på det här området.
Trots att de här barnen och ungdomarna har uppmärksammats särskilt i statliga utredningar och rapporter många gånger under de senaste decennierna, finns det mycket i det samlade stödet till dem som kan förbättras och samordnas. Ett bekymmer är att det saknas tillförlitlig forskning om effekterna av olika insatser.
En fördel med att det finns olika aktörer är att barn och unga i dessa familjer kan nås på olika sätt. Eftersom missbruksproblem fortfarande kan vara skambelagt drar sig många familjer för att söka hjälp. För en del kan det vara lättare att vända sig till en ideell organisation för hjälp och stöd än till myndigheter. Precis som när det gäller andra problem är det viktigt att det finns olika typer av stöd och hjälp till barn och unga som lever med missbruk i familjen.
Läsanvisning
Vägledningen vänder sig till såväl socialtjänsten som andra aktörer, som möter barn och unga i familjer med missbruk. De olika kapitlen har olika relevans för olika aktörer. Vissa upprepningar förekommer.
Kapitlet Att växa upp med missbruk i familjen ger en sammanfattning av vad man vet om omfattningen, konsekvenserna samt risk- och skyddsfaktorer. Det bör vara av intresse för alla läsare.
Kapitlet Att upptäcka att barn lever med missbruk i familjen riktar sig till alla instanser som på ett eller annat sätt kommer i kontakt med barn och unga och deras föräldrar. Det tar upp tecken på barns och ungas svårigheter, olika verksamheters ansvar, vikten av samverkan och anmälningsplikten.
Kapitlet Att bedöma barns och ungas behov riktar sig främst till socialtjänsten, men kan också vara av intresse för andra aktörer som information om socialtjänstens uppgift och utredning.
Kapitlet Stödinsatser handlar om betydelsen av helhetssyn och att insatserna behöver bygga på kunskap om risk- och skyddsfaktorer. Det ger också en beskrivning av olika stöd- och hjälpinsatser, inom socialtjänsten och i andra verksamheter.
I kapitlet Vilka insatser är effektiva? görs en kort genomgång av kunskapsläget när det gäller resultatet av olika insatser och metoder. Detta kapitel är relevant för alla aktörer.
I kapitlet Att dokumentera och följa upp insatser och verksamhet ges råd kring dokumentation och lokala uppföljningar. Syftet är att inspirera till att ständigt förbättra och utveckla den egna verksamheten och samtidigt successivt ge ett allt bättre kunskapsunderlag för valet av bästa möjliga insats för de barn och unga som behöver stöd och hjälp. Det riktar sig till alla utförare – såväl inom socialtjänsten som inom ideell verksamhet och hos andra huvudmän. Slutligen förs ett kortfattat resonemang om kostnadsaspekter av att satsa på stödinsatser för barn och unga vilkas föräldrar har missbruksproblem.

Barndomen varar i generationer. Om förebyggande arbete med utsatta familjer. Andra upplagan

Killén, Kari (2009)

Barndomen varar inte bara livet ut. Den varar i generationer. Det är viktigt att stärka föräldraskapet och ge föräldrar hjälp innan de får problem. Barn som inte får hjälp att bearbeta smärtsamma upplevelser kan komma att omedvetet vidareförmedla dessa till sina egna barn. Denna bok handlar om att förebygga nästa generations omsorgssvikt och psykiska störningar.
Barndomen varar i generationer baserar sig på en referensram där anknytningsteori och anknytningsforskning är centrala inslag. Kari Killén är både kliniker, pedagog och forskare, och i denna bok knyter hon ihop teori och praktik för att förebygga problem i föräldra-barnrelationer. Denna andra upplaga är uppdaterad och bearbetad med avseende på den forskning och erfarenhet som tillkommit sedan förra upplagan från år 2000.
Boken vänder sig till alla som arbetar med barn och ungdomar i skola, hälso- och sjukvård och inom socialtjänsten, samt till studenter inom dessa områden.

Barnperspektiv i LSS-handläggningen

Socialstyrelsen (2009)

Under 2008/2009 gjorde Socialstyrelsen en förstudie för att ta reda på vilka problem och möjligheter som finns kring att se till barns och ungdomars behov i utredningssammanhang utifrån lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade, LSS. De övergripande frågeställningarna var:
Hur utreder LSS-handläggarna idag barns och ungdomars behov av insatser, och hur följs dessa insatser upp?
Vad skulle handläggarna behöva för typ av utredningsstöd för att bättre kunna bedöma barns och ungdomars behov?
Förstudien genomfördes i Jönköpings län, genom enskilda intervjuer, en webbenkät samt fokusgruppssamtal med LSS-handläggare.
Det visade sig att handläggarna inte hade något särskilt utformat stöd för att få in barnperspektiv i sina utredningar. Barns behov bedömdes på olika sätt mellan handläggare inom och mellan olika kommuner. Resultaten av enkät och intervjuer visar att det fanns ett önskemål om att öka likvärdigheten kring handläggningen i olika kommuner och därmed öka rättsäkerheten. För detta krävs en struktur som betonar barnperspektiv och som gör att LSS-handläggare får ett mer likartat arbetssätt.
I fokusgrupperna presenterades två olika modeller för att ringa in behovsområden i utredningsförfarandet, Barns behov i centrum (BBIC) respektive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and health – for Children and Youth Version, (ICF-CY) Handläggarna fick sedan diskutera vad som kunde vara användbart i deras arbete.
Resultatet av fokusgrupperna visar att handläggarna ansåg att de kunde inspireras av det barnfokus som finns inbyggt i BBIC samt av modellens processtruktur. BBIC saknar dock innehåll om hur en funktionsnedsättning ger upphov till funktionshinder och hur insatsen kan underlätta för individen att fungera i sin vardag.
När det gällde ICF så uppfattade handläggarna ICF-CY som relativt svårtillgänglig i sin struktur och de hade svårt att se hur de skulle kunna använda klassifikationen i praktiken. Handläggarna tyckte att begreppen i ICF-CY kändes bekanta då innehållet i klassifikationen handlade om funktionshinder, vardagligt fungerande och delaktighet. Handläggarna kände igen sitt eget synsätt i ICF-CY eftersom ICF-CY utgår från individer som möter funktionshinder utifrån sitt vardagsfungerande, och inte ser till social problematik eller går in djupt på föräldraförmåga. Handläggarna uppfattade att angreppssättet av funktionsprofil var tilltalande då det öppnar för ett annat sätt att tänka om funktionsnedsättningar och diagnoser.

Bygga och använda språk : Bliss i AKK

Heister Trygg, Boel (2009)

Boken presenterar blissanvändare i olika åldrar och på olika språkliga nivåer. Den vill ge inspiration att prova blisspråket också där det inte är alldeles givet. Författaren försöker bland annat att ge svar på frågor som: Varför bliss? Hur ser blisspråket ut? Hur väljer man symboler och bygger upp en blisstavla?

Caregiver -- Who Copes How?

Chappell, N. L., & Dujela, C. (2009)

Within gerontological caregiving research, there is a major emphasis on stresses and burdens of this role. Yet there has been little attention directed toward the coping strategies that caregivers engage in to cope with this role and the factors that influence their adoption of different coping strategies. This article examines coping strategies and change in coping strategy over a 1-year period. In particular the differential importance of caregiver capacity (such as social support, health, and personality) compared with careload (such as hours of caregiving and need of the care recipient) is examined within a path model. Data came from a purposive sample of caregivers experiencing heavy demands. Overall, problem-focused coping is used more often than emotion-focused coping (either positive or negative) or seeking social support, but caregivers use all types simultaneously. Caregiver capacity, specifically neuroticism, is the strongest predictor of problem-focused coping with those high in neuroticism less likely to use this strategy. High neuroticism also predicts less use overall and negative emotion-focused coping strategies. Few significant predictors emerge of change; those that did were caregiver capacity, not careload variables. The use of all coping strategies, except seeking social support which remained stable, decreased over a 1-year period.

Caregiving and volunteering among older people in Sweden - prevalences and profiles

Jegermalm, M., & Jeppsson Grassman, E. (2009)

This study examines the role of older people in Swedish society by exploring the prevalence of their informal caregiving and volunteering and by analyzing the profiles of these contributors of unpaid work. Data were collected by means of telephone interviews in a Swedish representative survey conducted in 2005. Our analysis reveals three distinct profiles of people involved in unpaid activities. One of these consists of those involved both in informal help giving and volunteering, a group that has been labeled "super helpers" or "doers" in earlier research. It is important for social policy planners to recognize these groups of older people and better understand the dynamics of their unpaid work in order to ascertain whether they might need support as providers and to enhance their well-being. There does not seem to be any simple contradiction between the parallel existence of a universal welfare model of the Swedish kind and an extensive civil society in which older people play important roles as active citizens.

Caregiving and Volunteering among Older People in Sweden − Prevalence and Profiles

Jegermalm, M. and E. Jeppsson Grassman (2009)

This study examines the role of older people in Swedish society by exploring the prevalence of their informal caregiving and volunteering and by analyzing the profiles of these contributors of unpaid work. Data were collected by means of telephone interviews in a Swedish representative survey conducted in 2005. Our analysis reveals three distinct profiles of people involved in unpaid activities. One of these consists of those involved both in informal help giving and volunteering, a group that has been labeled "super helpers" or "doers" in earlier research. It is important for social policy planners to recognize these groups of older people and better understand the dynamics of their unpaid work in order to ascertain whether they might need support as providers and to enhance their well-being. There does not seem to be any simple contradiction between the parallel existence of a universal welfare model of the Swedish kind and an extensive civil society in which older people play important roles as active citizens

Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine as add-on to psychoeducation in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in stimulant-naïve Swedish children and adolescents

Svanborg P, Thernlund G, Gustafsson PA, Hägglöf B, Poole L, Kadesjö B, et al. (2009)

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of atomoxetine in combination with psychoeducation, compared with placebo and psychoeducation, on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in Swedish stimulant-naïve pediatric patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). HRQL results will be presented elsewhere. Here, psychoeducation as well as efficacy and safety of the treatment are described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 99 pediatric ADHD patients were randomized to a 10-week double-blind treatment with atomoxetine (49 patients) or placebo (50 patients). Parents of all patients received four sessions of psychoeducation. Atomoxetine was dosed up to approximately 1.2 mg/kg day (< or = 70 kg) or 80 mg/day (> 70 kg). Improvement of ADHD symptoms was evaluated using the ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) and clinical global impression (CGI) rating scales. Safety was assessed based on adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (80.8%) and diagnosed with the combined ADHD subtype (77.8%). The least square mean (lsmean) change from baseline to endpoint in total ADHD-RS score was -19.0 for atomoxetine patients and -6.3 for placebo patients, resulting in an effect size (ES) of 1.3 at endpoint. Treatment response (reduction in ADHD-RS score of > or = 25 or > or = 40%) was achieved in 71.4 or 63.3% of atomoxetine patients and 28.6 or 14.3% of placebo patients. The lsmean change from baseline to endpoint in CGI-Severity was -1.8 in the atomoxetine group compared with -0.3 in the placebo group. The difference between treatments in CGI-Improvement at endpoint was -1.4 in favor of atomoxetine. No serious AEs occurred. The safety profile of atomoxetine was in line with the current label. CONCLUSIONS: Atomoxetine combined with psychoeducation was superior to placebo and psychoeducation in ADHD core symptoms improvement. The large ES might be a result of including stimulant-naïve patients only, but also may indicate a positive interaction between atomoxetine treatment and psychoeducation, possibly by increased compliance.

Efficacy of a camp-based intervention for childhood traumatic grief

McClatchey, I.S., Vonk, E.M. & Palardy, G. (2009)

Objective: This study examined the efficacy of a short-term, camp-based, trauma-focused grief intervention in reducing traumatic grief and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in parentally bereaved children. Method: For this nonequivalent comparison group study, 100 children were split into two groups, with one group serving as the immediate treatment group and the second group serving as the delayed treatment group. Results: The results were analyzed using chi-square, independent samples t tests, multiple and logistic regression and showed this short-term intervention to be followed by reduced traumatic grief and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Conclusions: The results are discussed in relation to current research on and practice with bereaved children as well as implications for future research.

Emotional and cardiovascular sensitization to daily stress following childhood parental loss

Luecken, L., Kraft, A., Appelhans, B., & Enders, C. (2009)

Abstract
Adverse childhood events can influence the development of emotional and physiological self-regulatory abilities, with significant consequences for vulnerability to psychological and physical illness. This study evaluated stress sensitization and inoculation models of the impact of early parental death on stress exposure and reactivity in late adolescence/young adulthood. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and diary reports of minor stress were collected every 30 min during waking hours over a 24-hr period from 91 late adolescents/young adults (43 early bereaved, 48 nonbereaved). Across the sample, minor stressors were associated with elevated BP and negative affect. The bereaved group had lower BP than did the nonbereaved group. Within the bereaved group, higher perceived caring from the surviving parent was associated with fewer reports of minor stress and lower stress-related negative affect. Higher perceived parental caring during childhood was associated with lower BP across the sample and more frequent hassles in the nonbereaved group. Findings support both the stress inoculation and sensitization models, suggesting that childhood parental loss and parental caring exert important influences on children's development of stress sensitivity.

Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the short version of Family Sense of Coherence Scale in a sample of persons with cancer in the palliative stage and their family members

Möllerberg, Marie-Louise; Årestedt, Kristofer; Sandgren, Anna; Benzein, Eva; Swahnberg, Katarina (2020)

Objectives: For patients' entire families, it can be challenging to live with cancer during the palliative stage. However, a sense of coherence buffers stress and could help health professionals identify families that require support. Therefore, the short version of the Family Sense of Coherence Scale (FSOC-S) was translated, culturally adapted, and validated in a Swedish sample.Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the FSOC-S into Swedish was conducted in accordance with the World Health Organization's Process for Translation and Adaptation of Research Instruments guidelines. Participants were recruited from two oncology clinics and two palliative centers in Sweden.Results: Content validity was supported by experts (n = 7), persons with cancer (n = 179), and family members (n = 165). Homogeneity among items was satisfactory for persons with cancer and family members (item-total correlations were 0.45‒0.70 and 0.55‒0.72, respectively) as well as internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.91 and 0.91, respectively). Factor analyses supported unidimensionality. FSOC-S correlated (rs > 0.3) with hope, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, which supported convergent validity. The test-retest reliability for items ranged between fair and good (kw = 0.37‒0.61).Significance Of Results: The FSOC-S has satisfactory measurement properties to assess family sense of coherence in persons with cancer and their family members. FSOC-S could be used to identify family members who experience low levels of perceived family sense of coherence which provides health care professionals with insight into families' needs and ability to live with cancer in the palliative stage.

Analyzing the situation of older family caregivers with a focus on health-related quality of life and pain: a cross-sectional cohort study

Fagerström, Cecilia; Elmståhl, Sölve; Wranker, Lena Sandin (2020)

Abstract:
Background: For a significant proportion of the older population, increasing age is associated with health problems and worsening health. Older family caregivers are largely responsible for care of next-of-kin living at home, which impacts their own physical and mental health both positively and negatively. However, evidence is insufficient regarding the health situation of older caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and pain, and their associations, among caregivers aged ≥60 years.Methods: The participants (n = 3444) were recruited from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-Blekinge and Good Aging in Skåne during 2001-2004. Participants aged ≥60 years were selected randomly and underwent cognitive tests, with demographic information obtained through questionnaires. The response rate was 60%. A predefined research protocol was used. HRQoL was measured with the Short-Form Health Survey, dimension mental health. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between HRQoL and pain as well as control factors.Results: Family caregiving was reported by 395 (11.5%) of the participants, and 56.7% of the caregivers reported pain. Family caregivers reported lower pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale and were younger, on median, than non-caregivers. Irrespective of caregiver status, pain was associated with mental HRQoL. Concerns about personal health and financial status had the strongest associations with mental HRQOL in both groups, but the levels were higher among caregivers.Conclusion: Pain was one factor associated with low HRQoL regardless of family caregiver status and remained important when controlling for factors related to advanced age. This finding remained among family caregivers, though they reported lower pain intensity. Factors other than pain were shown to be important to mental HRQoL and should also be taken into consideration when discussing actions for family caregivers to maintain and improve health and HRQoL.Trial Registration Number: Not applicable.

Analyzing the situation of older family caregivers with a focus on health-related quality of life and pain: a cross-sectional cohort study

Fagerström, Cecilia; Elmståhl, Sölve; Wranker, Lena Sandin (2020)

Abstract:
Background: For a significant proportion of the older population, increasing age is associated with health problems and worsening health. Older family caregivers are largely responsible for care of next-of-kin living at home, which impacts their own physical and mental health both positively and negatively. However, evidence is insufficient regarding the health situation of older caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and pain, and their associations, among caregivers aged ≥60 years.Methods: The participants (n = 3444) were recruited from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-Blekinge and Good Aging in Skåne during 2001-2004. Participants aged ≥60 years were selected randomly and underwent cognitive tests, with demographic information obtained through questionnaires. The response rate was 60%. A predefined research protocol was used. HRQoL was measured with the Short-Form Health Survey, dimension mental health. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between HRQoL and pain as well as control factors.Results: Family caregiving was reported by 395 (11.5%) of the participants, and 56.7% of the caregivers reported pain. Family caregivers reported lower pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale and were younger, on median, than non-caregivers. Irrespective of caregiver status, pain was associated with mental HRQoL. Concerns about personal health and financial status had the strongest associations with mental HRQOL in both groups, but the levels were higher among caregivers.Conclusion: Pain was one factor associated with low HRQoL regardless of family caregiver status and remained important when controlling for factors related to advanced age. This finding remained among family caregivers, though they reported lower pain intensity. Factors other than pain were shown to be important to mental HRQoL and should also be taken into consideration when discussing actions for family caregivers to maintain and improve health and HRQoL.Trial Registration Number: Not applicable.

Anhöriga som vårdar eller stödjer närstående äldre personer : underlag till en nationell strategi

Socialstyrelsen (2020)

Den 1 juli 2009 infördes en ändring i 5 kap. 10 § socialtjänstlagen (2001:453), SoL, som tydliggör att socialtjänsten ska erbjuda stöd för att underlätta för de personer som vårdar en närstående som är långvarigt sjuk eller äldre eller som stödjer en person med funktionsnedsättning. Anhörigstödet ska kännetecknas av individualisering, flexibilitet och kvalitet. Regionerna saknar motsvarande skyldighet, men hälso- och sjukvården har ett ansvar att identifiera och arbeta hälsofrämjande och förebyggande med personer eller grupper som riskerar att drabbas av ohälsa. Eftersom många anhöriga riskerar just detta har regeringen tidigare markerat att de omfattas av detta ansvar. Denna rapport redovisar ett regeringsuppdrag till Socialstyrelsen att lämna ett samlat underlag för en bred nationell strategi för anhöriga som vårdar eller stödjer närstående äldre personer. Syftet med den kommande strategin är att utifrån bästa tillgängliga kunskap bidra till att stöd till anhöriga som vårdar eller stödjer en närstående äldre är tillgängligt och utformat efter behov

Anhörigperspektiv - en möjlighet till utveckling? Nationell kartläggning av kommunernas stöd till anhöriga 2019

Takter Martina (2020)

Syftet med denna studie är att skapa en översikt
och en systematisk redovisning. Förhoppningen
är också att projektet utvecklas till att bli en
återkommande studie med jämnt intervall för
att på sikt bidra till större jämlikhet mellan
kommunerna och få en mer systematisk översikt.
Projektet syftar också till att inspirera kommuner
samt lyfta några exempel från kommunerna av
det som görs runt om i landet.
En sammanfattning av resultatet kommer att
finnas tillgängligt i en Excel-fil på Anhörigas
Riksförbunds hemsida, anhorigasriksforbund.se.
Excelfilen kan användas för att skaffa sig en
överblick av stöd till anhöriga och fördjupa sig
ytterligare i resultaten. Den kan också användas
i arbetet med att ta fram idéer om hur man
bygger upp och vidareutvecklar ett stöd till
anhöriga, som är tillgängligt för alla anhöriga
oavsett ålder och diagnos hos den närstående.

Barns erfarenheter av ”the Family Talk Intervention”: Att leva med en svårt sjuk förälder som vårdas inom specialiserad palliativ hemsjukvård

Eklund, Rakel (2020)

Avhandling

Abstract [sv]
När en förälder i en barnfamilj får en livshotande sjukdom förändras livet för allai familjen. Barn som lever i denna situation rapporterar att de upplever oro och skuld relaterat till förälderns sjukdom. Dessutom har barnen en ökad risk för psykisk ohälsa. Brist på kommunikation inom familjen om sjukdomen och ämnen relaterade till den, har visat sig ha en negativ påverkan på hälsan. Trots detta finns endast ett fåtal stödinterventioner utvärderade för barnfamiljer i palliativ vård, och ännu färre utvärderade utifrån barns erfarenheter. The Family Talk Intervention (FTI) är en familjecentrerad intervention, med barnen i fokus, som visat på positiva effekter gällande sjukdomsrelaterad information och ökad kommunikation för barnfamiljer inom psykiatrisk och somatisk vård. Det övergripande syftet med denna avhandling var att utforska barns erfarenheter av FTI och att leva med en svårt sjuk förälder som vårdas inom specialiserad palliativ hemsjukvård. Avhandlingen påvisar att de flesta barnen ville veta mer om sin förälders sjukdom. De yngre barnen rapporterade svårigheter både med att berätta om, och med att visa hur de själva mådde för någon i sin familj. De barn som deltog i FTI uppskattade strukturen och innehållet, de kände sig sedda, hörda och uppmärksammade under FTI, vilket skapade en känsla av tillit och trygghet.Alla barn blev lyssnade till och fick stöd att uttrycka både svårigheter och faktorer som kunde underlätta för dem. Under interventionen var det dock endast för ett fåtal barn som deras synpunkter och åsikter togs i beaktan, i enlighet med artikel 12 i barnkonventionen. De flesta barn rapporterade dock att FTI ökade kunskaperna om förälderns sjukdom och att det blev lättare att kommunicera med sina föräldrar. Genom sitt deltagande i FTI kunde barnen förbereda sig inför framtida sjukdomsrelaterade händelser, och hantering av konflikter underlättades.Resultatet visar att de behov barnen hade innan deltagande i FTI till stor del tillgodosågs under deltagandet. FTI innehar dock en struktur som ger föräldrarnas perspektiv större utrymme än barnens. Barnens perspektiv behöver således tas i beaktan i större utsträckning i syfte att det stöd som ges till dessa barn verkligen är till för dem. FTI tycks trots detta vara genomförbart och betydelsefullt för de barn som deltagit.

Beyond the definition of formal care: Informal care arrangements among older swedes who are not family

Siira, Elin; Rolandsson, Bertil; Wijk, Helle; Wolf, Axel (2020)

Despite the well‐known associations between local environment and health, few studies have focused on environment and healthcare utilisation, for instance healthcare seeking behaviour or adherence. This study was aimed at analysing housing type, behaviour based on perceived local outdoor safety, social support, informal caregiving, demographics, socioeconomics, and long‐term illness, and associations with health‐seeking and adherence behaviours at a population level. This study used data from the Swedish National Public Health Survey 2004–2014, an annually repeated, large sample, cross‐sectional, population‐based survey study. In all, questionnaires from 100,433 individuals were returned by post, making the response rate 52.9% (100,433/190,000). Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions were used to investigate associations between explanatory variables and the outcomes of refraining from seeking care and non‐adherence behaviour. Living in rented apartment, lodger, a dorm or other was associated with reporting refraining from seeking care (adjusted OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00–1.22), and non‐adherence (adjusted OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.13–1.31). Refraining from going out due to a perceived unsafe neighbourhood was associated with refraining from seeking care (adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.51–1.67) and non‐adherence (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17–1.36). Social support and status as an informal caregiver was associated with higher odds of refraining from seeking medical care and non‐adherence. This study suggests that living in rental housing, refraining from going out due to neighbourhood safety concerns, lack of social support or informal caregiver status are associated with lower health‐seeking behaviour and non‐adherence to prescribed medication.

Beyond the definition of formal care: Informal care arrangements among older swedes who are not family

Siira, Elin; Rolandsson, Bertil; Wijk, Helle; Wolf, Axel (2020)

Abstract
This study explores care practices of older people outside formal care and without appealing to predefined relationships. We conducted interviews with 30 independent‐living men and women aged 67–93 in three municipalities in Sweden. The interviews explored how they cared for themselves and other older people who were not family. Interviews were conducted between December 2017 and May 2018 and later transcribed and analysed using grounded theory. Our paper presents one of the first studies on informal care practices among older people that looks beyond the definition of formal care to understand how such care complements formal care services. The findings show that older people participate in several care arrangements to care for themselves as well as for others. The arrangements feature different types of mutuality and include distant relations to other older people and larger more or less formalised groups. The findings highlight the importance of looking beyond conceptualisations of care based on understandings of formal care and specific relationships as a frame for understanding informal care. To promote older people's health by cultivating and supporting older people's care for themselves and others, research and healthcare practitioners need to explore and acknowledge the significance and complexity of older people's everyday care practices.

Care robot orientation: What, who and how? Potential users’ perceptions

Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie ; Thommes, Kirsten ; Hoppe, Julia A ; Tuisku, Outi ; Hennala, Lea ; Pekkarinen, Satu ; Melkas, Helinä ; Gustafsson, Christine (2020)

Abstract:
Exploring the specific field of care robot orientation generates many questions regarding the meaning, content and how it should be conducted. The issue is important due to the general digitalisation and implementation of welfare technology and care robots. The aim of the study was to explore perceptions of care robot orientation from the potential users' perspective. Data were collected by focus group interviews in Finland, Germany and Sweden. In all three countries, potential user groups were represented: older adults, relatives, professional caregivers and care service managers. A qualitative descriptive method was used for analysing data. The data revealed three aspects of care robot orientation: (1) What care robot orientation is, (2) Who needs it and by Whom it should be given and (3) How it should be performed. The need for care robot orientation is general in society. In the absence of knowledge about care robots, it is nearly impossible to know what to ask for or actually seek information about. Therefore, care robot orientation must be founded on agile implementation planning for care robots, with a firm basis in trustworthy knowledge and information and respecting individuals' wishes. This also gives rise to an ethical challenge when care robots are offered to people having reduced decision-making ability (dementia, cognitive impairment), along with the issue of who then should make the decision. The mapping of the What, Who/Whom and How aspects of care robot orientation offers a foundation for the creation of orientation models, which might facilitate structured and goal-oriented care robot orientation strategies.

Challenges and Recommendations for the Developments of Information and Communication Technology Solutions for Informal Caregivers

Alhassan Yosri, Ibrahim Hassan (2020)

Abstract
Background: Information and communication technology (ICT)-based solutions have the potential to support informal caregivers in home care delivery. However, there are many challenges to the deployment of these solutions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review literature to explore the challenges of the deployment of ICT-based support solutions for informal caregivers and provide relevant recommendations on how to overcome these challenges.

Methods: A scoping review methodology was used following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework to map the relevant literature. A search was conducted using PubMed, IEEE library, and Scopus. Publication screening and scrutiny were conducted following inclusion criteria based on inductive thematic analysis to gain insight into patterns of challenges rising from deploying ICT-based support solutions for informal caregivers. The analysis took place through an iterative process of combining, categorizing, summarizing, and comparing information across studies. Through this iterative process, relevant information was identified and coded under emergent broader themes as they pertain to each of the research questions.

Results: The analysis identified 18 common challenges using a coding scheme grouping them under four thematic categories: technology-related, organizational, socioeconomic, and ethical challenges. These range from specific challenges related to the technological component of the ICT-based service such as design and usability of technology, to organizational challenges such as fragmentation of support solutions to socioeconomic challenges such as funding of technology and sustainability of solutions to ethical challenges around autonomy and privacy of data. For each identified challenge, recommendations were created on how to overcome it. The recommendations from this study can provide guidance for the deployment of ICT-based support solutions for informal caregivers.

Conclusions: Despite a growing interest in the potential offered by ICT solutions for informal caregiving, diverse and overlapping challenges to their deployment still remain. Designers for ICTs for informal caregivers should follow participatory design and involve older informal caregivers in the design process as much as possible. A collaboration between designers and academic researchers is also needed to ensure ICT solutions are designed with the current empirical evidence in mind. Taking actions to build the digital skills of informal caregivers early in the caregiving process is crucial for optimal use of available ICT solutions. Moreover, the lack of awareness of the potential added-value and trust toward ICT-based support solutions requires strategies to raise awareness among all stakeholders-including policy makers, health care professionals, informal caregivers, and care recipients-about support opportunities offered by ICT. On the macro-level, policies to fund ICT solutions that have been shown to be effective at supporting and improving informal caregiver health outcomes via subsidies or other incentives should be considered.

Demens - Anhörig På Liv och Död

Öhman Camilla (2020)

Camilla Öhmans gripande berättelse om sin mamma som insjuknade och avled i en avancerad form av demenssjukdom som heter Frontallobsdemens. Boken är ärligt skriven om egna livserfarenheter och beskriver dem olika händelseförlopp och stadier i sjukdomen, bemötandet inom vården samt ger anhöriga konkreta råd på vägen. Som läsare kommer du även få ta del av guldkornen i en familjs historia om en stark kärlek, hyllningen till livet, föräldraskap och om envisheten att fortsätta kämpa fastän livet visar oss sin hårdaste sida.
Denna ljudbok är skapad för att hjälpa andra anhöriga som lever nära en person som är sjuk i en demenssjukdom men även för dem som önskar få en bättre förståelse om sjukdomen som sådan. Det är viktigt att belysa hur dessa personer med denna form av sjukdom och dess anhöriga bemöts av samhället idag. Det är dags att våga börja prata öppet om dessa sjukdomar för att påverka situationen med att se till att de demenssjuka ska få en bra vård, men även att dem anhöriga ska erhålla rätt stöd då livet för dem dagligen består av olika utmaningar och andra påfrestningar som riskerar dem själva att bli sjuka.

Development and Evaluation of the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention for Parentally Bereaved Families in Sweden

Weber Falk, Megan (2020)

Avhandling

Each year in Sweden, approximately 6,900 children will have a parent diagnosed with cancer. Of all the children in Sweden born between 1990–1992, 5.6% have a parent with cancer and 1.1% of them have already had a parent die from cancer. Bereavement support is an important component in palliative care, which aims to alleviate the physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering of patients and their family members. Several, but not all families participating in the studies in this thesis came from a palliative care setting. Earlier research has shown that parentally bereaved children often experience psychological problems, physical problems, reduced self-esteem, difficulties communicating,school and behavioral problems, and/or complicated grief, with approximately 10% of parentally bereaved children experiencing some type of clinically significant psychological difficulty. Moreover, a child's response to a parent's death is often mediated by how their surviving parent responds to the loss. Still, support for bereaved children and families is limited in Sweden. The overall aim of this research project was to explore and describe psychological health, grief, and family communication among parentally bereaved children and surviving parents and to develop and evaluate a supportive family intervention. Four studies were conducted including an interview study exploring family communication in parentally bereaved families, a questionnaire study examining associations between family communication and psychological health in parentally bereaved children and adolescents, and the adaptation and evaluation of the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention. Results from these four studies indicated that communication may be an important factor for adjustment following the death of a parent. Specifically, communication in some parentally bereaved families may involve conflict, which may in turn affect child and adolescent psychological health. Results from testing the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention indicate that it may improve family communication and relationships. Testing the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention with larger, more diverse samples is necessary to confirm these results. The results imply that helping families find ways to adjust and adapt in healthy ways following the death of a parent, potentially through the Grief and Communication Family Support Intervention, is likely to improve psychological health and communication among bereaved family members.

Livet en gång till. En ryggmärgsskadad möter svensk handikappolitik

Brusén, Peter (2005)

Peter Brusén berättar i boken om sin kamp mot smärtan, sorgen och hur en svår kris kunde vändas till ett nytt oberoende liv. Författaren är chef för Socialstyrelsens handikappenhet och har före olyckan bland annat utvärderat handikappreformen. Olyckan har gett honom ett unikt "dubbelseende" som expert och idag också som en person med ett svårt funktionshinder. Han skildrar möten med vården, rehabiliteringen, handikappomsorgen och försäkringskassan. Boken ger kunskaper om bland annat behovsbedömning, handläggning och hur attityder påverkar dina handlingar.
Professor Johan Cullberg har skrivit bokens förord och Handikappombudsmannen Lars Lööw en avslutning.
Boken vänder sig till alla som arbetar inom vård, rehabilitering, handikappomsorg eller som i egenskap av politiker, handläggare eller chef möter människor med svåra funktionshinder. Men boken vänder sig i lika hög grad till alla som själv har ett funktionshinder eller är anhörig.

Overstretched: European families up against the demands of work and care

Kröger T, Sipilä J, (eds). (2005)

Overstretched provides fresh perspectives on the reality of European family life where care and paid work need to be woven together on a daily basis, offering an opportunity to discuss and evaluate care policies in a new light.
A collection of essays providing new perspectives on the reality of European family life where care and paid work need to be woven together on a daily basis.
Focuses on families who live under strained conditions, such as lone parent families, immigrant families, and families who care simultaneously for both their children and an elderly family member.
Based on interviews with families from Finland, France, Italy, Portugal and the UK.
Develops methods for doing comparative qualitative analysis in practice.
Offers new insights into the problems of gender balance in caring, and the significance of cultural notions and working hours.
Offers an opportunity to discuss and evaluate care policies in a new light.

Parent stress management training for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Treacy L, Tripp G, Baird A. (2005)

This study assessed the effectiveness of a targeted 9-week parent stress management program (PSM) on the parenting stress, mood, family functioning, parenting style, locus of control, and perceived social support of parents of children diagnosed with DSM-IV ADHD. Sixty-three parents from 42 families were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions: immediate treatment or wait-list control. Results of the randomized control trial showed that for mothers, completion of the PSM program was accompanied by significant reductions in parent-domain parenting stress together with significant improvements in parenting style (verbosity, laxness, overreactivity). For fathers, completion of the program was associated with a reduction in verbosity only. Anonymously completed consumer satisfaction questionnaires demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction with the PSM program.

Parental death, shifting family dynamics, and female identity development

Cait, C. (2005)

This article is a report of research that explored how the death of a parent influences a woman's identity development. Qualitative methodology and data analysis procedures based on grounded theory were used for the research. Eighteen women who experienced parental death between age 11 and 17, were recruited by convenience sampling. Shifts in family relationships and roles, in part, influenced who these young women became. Many young women were expected to take on a care-giving role to support the surviving parent and replace the deceased. The transition in the relationship between the adolescent girl and surviving parent was an important theme for identity development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

Parents with learning difficulties in the child protection system: experiences and perspectives

Booth, T., & Booth, W. (2005)

The article documents the views and feelings of parents with learning difficulties as they reflect on their first-hand experience of going through care proceedings. Drawing on interviews conducted as part of a wider study of how cases involving mothers and fathers with learning difficulties are handled by the child protection system and the family courts, the authors provide a parental perspective on assessments, support, case conferences and the court process as well as the after-effects on the families themselves.

Participants' experiences of a support group intervention for family members during ongoing palliative home care

Milberg A, Rydstrand K, Helander L, Friedrichsen M. (2005)

The aim of this study was to describe family members' experiences of participation in a support group intervention during ongoing palliative home care. Four taped-recorded focus group interviews were conducted (in total, 13 persons) and a questionnaire was completed by 19 of 22 possible family members. The participants experienced increased perception of support and knowledge, and would recommend that a person in a similar situation join a support group. Categories that emerged in the qualitative content analysis concerned "reasons for support group participation", "group composition contributed to group cohesion", "experience and sensitivity of group leader was a catalyst", "meaningful dialogue helped to solve everyday problems", "sense of cohesion increased effectiveness of the group", and "group sessions and post-session reflection increased perception of inner strength". Support groups for family members seem to be a valuable contribution during ongoing palliative home care. The findings are discussed in relation to recruitment into and ending of support groups.

Participants' experiences of a support group intervention for family members during ongoing palliative home care

Milberg A, Rydstrand K, Helander L, Friedrichsen M. (2005)

The aim of this study was to describe family members' experiences of participation in a support group intervention during ongoing palliative home care. Four taped-recorded focus group interviews were conducted (in total, 13 persons) and a questionnaire was completed by 19 of 22 possible family members. The participants experienced increased perception of support and knowledge, and would recommend that a person in a similar situation join a support group. Categories that emerged in the qualitative content analysis concerned "reasons for support group participation", "group composition contributed to group cohesion", "experience and sensitivity of group leader was a catalyst", "meaningful dialogue helped to solve everyday problems", "sense of cohesion increased effectiveness of the group", and "group sessions and post-session reflection increased perception of inner strength". Support groups for family members seem to be a valuable contribution during ongoing palliative home care. The findings are discussed in relation to recruitment into and ending of support groups.

Patient/relative power in home-care nursing: a study of involvement and influence from the district nurses' point of view

Rydeman I, Törnkvist L, Gustafsson B. (2005)

The aim of the study was to describe district nurses 'views and experiences of patients ' and relatives ' involvement and influence in home-care nursing. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with ten district nurses. The data analysis was interpreted by a hermeneutic method, and the SAUC model for confirming nursing was used as a theoretical framework. The findings revealed that the district nurses' views of human being, and their need to control the home-care situation as experts, were decisive factors for patient/relative power and non power in home-care nursing. The preconditions for patient/relative power, according to the district nurses, were related to whether patients/relatives felt motivated to co-operate, expressed their own wishes, and had competence. Some significant preconditions were required for the district nurses to support patient/relative power i.e., that the district nurses had patient/relative involvement and influence as an explicit nursing goal and believed that it improved home care nursing. Conclusion, this study indicates the importance of the district nurses ' awareness about their own view of human being, their attitudes on patient/relative power and their individual strategies and competence to support the patients/relatives involvement and influence in home- care nursing.

Patterns of care and support in old age

Sigurdardottir, S. (2013)

This study describes the situation for community living older people, 65 years of age and older in Iceland, analyzing their needs for care and services and how these needs are met. The study analyzes the relationship between the main providers of help and care, the formal caregivers and the informal carers. The study further depicts what kinds of care and support older informal caregivers provide and receive themselves and analyze what factors are related to providing care alone or in combination with other caregivers, informal and formal. The study also analyzes the relationship and mutual support between grandparents and grandchildren and whether there are gender differences in intergenerational relations and support. As little research has been conducted on informal care in Iceland, it is important to show the importance of the informal carers in the care paradigm. Two Icelandic studies were used for the descriptions and analysis. The main data source is the ICEOLD survey (Icelandic older people), based on a random representative national sample of 700 non-institutionalized persons in ages 65 – 79 years and 700 persons aged 80+. The final sample consists of 1,189 older persons to which an introduction letter was sent. They were contacted by phone a few days later and 782 persons, 341 men and 441 women, agreed to participate, giving a response rate of 66%. A study carried out among college students in Iceland, The Grammar School study, was also used to retrieve information on intergenerational relations between grandparents and grandchildren.

Pegasus: kurs för vuxna med adhd och deras närstående. Arbetsbok för kursansvariga

Hirvikoski, T., Waaler, E., Carlsson, J., Helldén, G., & Lindström, T. (2013)

Den andra upplagan av PEGASUS - kurs för vuxna med ADHD och deras närstående är en revidering och uppdatering av det kompletta psykoedukativa kursmaterialet från 2013. Inom många verksamheter har PEGASUS redan hunnit bli ett självklart första steg att erbjuda till vuxna med diagnosen ADHD.

PEGASUS har utvecklats för att bemöta behoven av information, erfarenhetsutbyte och utbildning i funktionsnedsättningen ADHD. Den andra upplagan av PEGASUS har reviderats för att på ett bättre sätt möta de varierande behoven i olika grupper och har uppdaterats med aktuell information bland annat om läkemedelsbehandling.

PEGASUS genomförs i grupp och ger ökad kunskap om ADHD, behandlingar, strategier och vad det finns för stöd att tillgå. Dessutom får deltagarna möjlighet att lära sig mer om sig själva och nå större förståelse för andras situation och på det sättet förbättra relationskvalitén. Gruppformatet ger många tillfällen för erfarenhetsutbyte med andra i liknande situation. PEGASUS är ett bra alternativ som en första psykologisk behandling efter diagnos.

Arbetsgruppen bakom PEGASUS har en lång samlad erfarenhet av arbete med personer med diagnosen ADHD. I Arbetsboken beskrivs och refereras till ett flertal studier där PEGASUS har prövats ut med goda preliminära resultat.

Personer med funktionsnedsättning – vård och omsorg den 1 oktober 2012

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

Statistiken i den här rapporten baseras på personnummerbaserade uppgifter som kommunerna lämnat in per den 1 oktober samt för oktober månad 2012 och visar att:

Drygt 20 500 personer med funktionsnedsättning bodde permanent i särskilt boende eller var beviljade hemtjänst i ordinärt boende. Det är något färre än i oktober 2011.
Drygt 16 400 personer med funktionsnedsättning var beviljade hemtjänst i ordinärt boende. Cirka 200 personer färre än i oktober 2011.
Cirka 31 procent av personerna mellan 0-64 år med biståndsbeslut om hemtjänst i ordinärt boende var beviljade mellan 1 och 9 hemtjänsttimmar per månad. Cirka 10 procent var beviljade 80 timmar eller mer. Det är samma fördelning som vid tidigare mättidpunkter.
Drygt 4 100 personer i åldern 0-64 med funktionsnedsättning bodde permanent i särskilt boende, ungefär 200 färre än i oktober 2011.
Cirka 18 300 personer i åldern 0-64 med funktionsnedsättning hade ett biståndsbeslut om boendestöd. Det är 800 personer fler än i oktober 2011.
Cirka 1 200 personer i åldern 0-64 med funktionsnedsättning hade biståndsbeslut om korttidsvård/korttidsboende, 4 300 om kontaktperson/kontaktfamilj och 5 700 om dagverksamhet.
Ungefär 29 400 personer i åldern 0-64 år med funktionsnedsättning någon gång under oktober månad mottagare av hälso- och sjukvård som kommunen ansvarade för. Nästan hälften av dessa var kvinnor, totalt var det 1 000 fler än i oktober 2011.

Preventive interventions and sustained attachment security in maltreated children

STRONACH, E. P., TOTH, S. L., ROGOSCH, F. & CICCHETTI, D. (2013)

Thirteen-month-old maltreated infants (n = 137) and their mothers were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), psychoeducational parenting intervention (PPI), or community standard (CS). A fourth group of nonmaltreated infants (n = 52) and their mothers served as a nonmaltreated comparison (NC) group. A prior investigation found that the CPP and the PPI groups demonstrated substantial increases in secure attachment at postintervention, whereas this change was not found in the CS and the NC groups. The current investigation involved the analysis of data obtained at a follow-up assessment that occurred 12 months after the completion of treatment. At follow-up, children in the CPP group had higher rates of secure and lower rates of disorganized attachment than did children in the PPI or the CS group. Rates of disorganized attachment did not differ between the CPP and the NC groups. Intention to treat analyses also showed higher rates of secure attachment at follow-up in the CPP group relative to the PPI and the CS groups. However, groups did not differ on disorganized attachment. Both primary and intention to treat analyses demonstrated that maternal-reported child behavior problems did not differ among the four groups at the follow-up assessment. This is the first investigation to demonstrate sustained attachment security in maltreated children 12 months after the completion of an attachment theory informed intervention. The findings also suggest that, although effective in the short term, parenting interventions alone may not be effective in maintaining secure attachment in children over time.

Prognoser i tvångsvårdsärenden om omsorgssvikt

Alexius, K. (2013)

This study set out to analyze how background-context, prognoses and evidence-based facts are referred to in child welfare investigations and judgments concerning coercive care of neglected children. The texts of social investigations and court judgments in 16 cases concerning parents (30) and their children (29) in two counties in Sweden were analyzed by a hermeneutic case study. All cases concerns section 2 in The Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act (1990:52), which states that coercive care shall be decided if, due to neglect or some other situations, there is a "palpable risk of detriment" to the child's health or development. Theoretical framework of sociology of law and of normative legalism were used. The study shows that background-context, prognoses and evidence-based facts seldom are connected in the texts. Background-contexts quantitively dominates, while prognoses are vestigial and rarely enunciates as emanating from evidence-based facts. Instead of describing risk-assessments a plurality of the descriptions in the texts pictures the children as already harmed by neglect. The conclusion of the study is that the sociological conceptions of "a palpable risk" differ a great deal from the legal-theoretical interpretation of the concept.

Psychometric properties of KIDSCREEN-27 among childhood cancer survivors and age matched peers: a Rasch analy

Jervaeus, A., Kottorp, A., & Wettergren, L. (2013)

There is a growing population of children and adolescents that have survived their cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is of great importance to perform follow-up studies with relevant, valid and sensitive measures. It is of interest both to follow changes over time and to compare results from childhood cancer survivors with those from persons without this experience, to fully understand the impact and complexity of childhood cancer in regard to different aspects of quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of KIDCSREEN-27 for use with survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods
KIDSCREEN-27 consists of five dimensions measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents; 63 survivors, (4–6 years post- diagnosis) aged 12–22 and 257 from a comparison group were assessed. KIDSCREEN-27 was evaluated using a Rasch Partial Credit Model (PCM). The aspects studied were the properties of the rating scale including threshold values, internal scale validity, unidimensionality, person response validity, and differential item functioning (DIF) comparing the survivors with peers.

Results
The rating scales revealed almost expected patterns of responses, and the threshold ordering for two of three rating scales displayed acceptable results. The items demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit MnSq values in 23 of 27 items (85.2%). The explained variance within each dimension was above the set criterion (50%) for all dimensions except Autonomy & Parent Relations (39.8%). Person goodness-of-fit showed acceptable results in four of five dimensions. No DIF was detected with regard to cancer experience (survivors/comparison group).

Conclusions
Based on the performed Rasch analysis, KIDSCREEN-27 is recommended, with the exception of Autonomy & Parent Relations, due to non-satisfactory unidimensionality, for use among adolescents and young adults who have survived childhood cancer. Still, it is recommended that future research should include a larger sample of childhood cancer survivors in order to monitor some items more thoroughly and explore different levels and patterns of HRQoL in KIDSCREEN-27.

Reciprocity and Social Capital in Sibling Relationships of People With Disabilities

Kramer J, Hall A, Heller T. (2013)

Sibling relationships are some of the longest-lasting relationships people experience, providing ample opportunities to build connections across the life span. For siblings and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), these connections take on an increased significance as their families age and parents can no longer provide care. This article presents findings from a qualitative study that addresses the question, "How do siblings support each other after parents no longer can provide care to the person with IDD?" Findings in this study suggest that siblings with and without disabilities experience reciprocity as a transitive exchange, which occurs through the creation of social capital in their families and community, and that nondisabled siblings mobilize their social capital to provide support to their sibling after parents pass away. Implications for future research as well as policy and practice are discussed.

Reciprocity in relationships and support between grandparents and grandchildren: An Icelandic example

Sigurdadottir, S. H. and S. Juliusdottir (2013)

This study explores and discusses the relationships between grandchildren and grandparents with an emphasis on the reciprocal, practical, emotional, and financial support that is provided between generations. Two independent surveys were conducted in Iceland, one of grandparents aged 65 years and older (n = 206) and one of grandchildren among college students (n = 648). The questions used were the same. The results indicated that there is a certain consistency in the pattern of views of the younger toward the older generation and the other way around. These findings are discussed in relation to family development and the value of intergenerational relationships and support.

Research Design (International Student Edition) - Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed.

Creswell JW. (2013)

The eagerly anticipated Fourth Edition of the title that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design is here! For all three approaches, Creswell includes a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and refl ections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. He also presents the key elements of the research process, giving specifi c attention to each approach. The Fourth Edition includes extensively revised mixed methods coverage, increased coverage of ethical issues in research, and an expanded emphasis on worldview perspectives.

Respite Utilization and Responses to Loss Among Family Caregivers: Relationship Matters

DeCaporale L, Mensie L, Steffen A. (2013)

Family caregivers of physically and cognitively impaired older adults face multiple challenges when providing care, including responses to tangible and anticipated losses. However, little is known about the grief experiences of family caregivers and how these might differentially influence the care-related behaviors of spouses and adult children. The present study examined the longitudinal relationship between grief reactions in current spousal and adult-children caregivers (N = 72) and in-home respite utilization over 3 months. The Heartfelt Sadness and Longing subscale of the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory Short Form (S. J. Marwit & T. M. Meuser, 2005) was used to assess the grief experiences of participants, and demonstrated good internal reliability among spousal and adult-child caregivers of older adults with a variety of cognitive and physical conditions. Although there was not an association between spouses' grief subscale scores and later respite use, adult children were more likely to use respite after reporting higher levels of grief reactions. This study contributes to our ongoing understanding of differences between spousal and adult-children caregivers of impaired older adults and also lends further support for the reliability and construct validity of the Heartfelt Sadness and Longing subscale of the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory.

Riktade psykosociala insater till gravida och småbarnsföräldrar med problematiskt bruk av alkohol och narkotika: en litteraturstudie. Barn som anhöriga 2013:5.

Heimdal K, Karlsson P. (2013)

I rapporten beskrivs resultaten från en litteraturstudie om riktade psykosociala
insatser till gravida och småbarnsföräldrar (med barn upp till 3 år) som har ett
så kallat problematiskt bruk av alkohol och/eller narkotika. Ovanstående grupper
är viktiga att uppmärksamma, dels för den inverkan det problematiska bruket
kan ha på föräldrarana själva, men framförallt på grund av de negativa effekter
detta kan få för föräldra-barnrelationen samt barnets psykiska hälsa och utveckling.
Syftet med litteraturstiden har varit att identifiera, sammanfatta och värdera
den internationella interventionsforskningen på området. Via sökningar i databaser
återfanns 53 relevanta primärstudier. Av dessa undersökte 27 studier interventioner
riktade till gravida, 14 studier fokuserade på insatser till småbarnsföräldrar,
medan 12 studier beskrev effekter av interventioner som påbörjats
under graviditet och avslutats en tid efter barnets födelse.
Sammantaget undersökte dessa studier ett flertal olika typer av interventioner.
Till de interventioner som studerades mest frekvent hörde bland annat hembesök,
behandlingsinsatser samordnade med mödravård samt insatser fokuserade
på föräldraträning/föräldraförmågor.
De aktuella studiernas sammanvägda resultat pekar dock mot att det råder
stor osäkerhet kring de olika insatstypernas effekter. Avsaknaden av enhetligt
vetenskapligt stöd innebär dock inte att stöd saknas helt; snarare drar de olika
studierna skilda slutsatser kring respektive insats. Därtill är många av studierna
alltför metodologiskt svaga för att det ska vara möjligt att uttala sig om effekter,
samt i vilken utsträckning dessa eventuellt kan vara bestående. En slutsats som
kan dras är därmed att det behövs fler experimentella studier med längre uppföljningstider
på området.
Ur ett svenskt perspektiv är det även angeläget med studier genomförda i en
svensk/nordisk kontext, då skillnaderna mellan länderna avseende tillgång till
mödra- och barnhälsovård begränsar möjligheterna att överföra resultat från
exempelvis amerikanska studier till svenska förhållanden.

Samtalets betydelse

Svensson J-O. (2013)

Detta inspirationsmaterial om samtalets betydelse som anhörigstöd bygger på det material som kommit fram i två blandade lärande nätverks diskussioner och dokumentation under åren 2011 till 2013. Sammanlagt genomfördes sex träffar i respektive nätverk. Ur sammanställningarna, har olika teman och frågeställningar identifierats. Dessa teman utgör rubrikerna i detta inspirationsmaterial.

Searching for a Balance of Responsibilities: OECD Countries' Changing Elderly Assistance Policies

Swartz, K. (2013)

The rapid aging of OECD country populations and the now five-year-long financial crisis in Europe are causing many OECD countries to reconfigure their assistance programs for the elderly, particularly their long-term care (LTC) policies. Debates about intergenerational responsibilities are evident in recently published research papers that examine how countries are revising programs for the elderly. Building financial sustainability into program reforms has suddenly become a priority. Until just recently, reform efforts focused on creating efficiencies and better quality of services. What emerges from the recent literature is a strong sense that the OECD countries are responding to the financial crisis and the rapid aging of populations in very similar ways. Given the countries' different histories of how they provide assistance to their elderly citizens, the convergence of policy responses is not something we might have foreseen. The United States could learn much from the OECD countries' choices.

Socio-demographic determinants of caregiving in older adults of low- and middle-income countries

Hosseinpoor AR, Bergen N, Chatterji S. (2013)

Background: caregivers make substantial contributions to health and social systems, but many low-resource settings lack reliable data about the determinants and experiences of older adults who are caregivers. Objective: we identified socio-demographic determinants of caregiving among older adults of low- and middle-income countries, and compared determinants of specific categories of caregiving tasks. Subjects: a total of 34,289 adults aged 60 or older from a pooled sample of 48 low- and middle-income countries. Methods: prevalence values for caregiving and categories of caregiving tasks were calculated according to socio-demographic variables, for the overall sample and for each study country. Multivariate analyses assessed associations between caregiving variables and socio-demographic determinants, adjusting for health score and country of residence. Results: overall, 15% of older adults provided care, with varying prevalence according to study country. The prevalence of caregiving was significantly higher in women, and among adults aged 60-69, the college educated, the wealthy, those living in a household of two people and urban residents. No prevalence differences were reported for the employment status or health score. The odds of caregiving were greater for women, younger age groups and higher education levels, controlling for confounders. The likelihood of participating in specific categories of caregiving differed by sex, age, marital status, education, employment status and household size, but was not associated with household economic status, area of residence or health score.

Sorg, saknad, sammanhang Böcker om barn och ungdomar i svåra livssituationer

Gunilla brink, Anna Lindberg (2013)

I Sorg - Saknad - Sammanhang har Gunilla Brinck, bibliotekskonsulent vid Länsbiblioteket i Västerbotten, och Anna Lindberg, bibliotekarie på sjukhusbiblioteket vid Norrlands Universitetssjukhus Umeå, samlat och kommenterat ca 300 böcker, huvuddelen skönlitteratur, om barn och ungdomar i svåra livssituationer. Kati Falk, med 25 års erfarenhet av barnpsykiatri, de senaste 10 åren på BUP:s Kris- och Konsultteam i Lund, visar i en inledande artikel på samtalets betydelsefulla roll för att hjälpa barn att hantera det "svåra i livet".
Böckerna är grupperade under tre huvudrubriker:
1. Barn som anhöriga/närstående Förälders/syskons plötsliga död, Sjukdom som leder till döden, Att leva med sjukdom, Självmord m fl,
2. Barn och våld
3. Barn i sjukdom och kris med underrubriker som Att vistas på sjukhus/besöka vårdcentral, Att vara allvarligt sjuk, Psykisk sjukdom m fl.

Strengthening prospects for safe and lasting family reunification: can a Family Drug and Alcohol Court make a contribution?

Harwin J, Alrouh B, Ryan M, Tunnard J. (2013)

This article examines the contribution of the first Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) within care proceedings in England and Wales. It asks what FDAC can contribute to family reunification amid concerns about the safety and sustainability of return home and significant changes in care proceedings under the Children and Families Bill of 2013. Features of FDAC as a problem-solving court are outlined and findings of an independent evaluation are presented to consider FDAC's contribution to safe return home at the end of the care proceedings. The likely impact of the Children and Families Bill of 2013 on FDAC's reunification objectives and the rationale for an FDAC aftercare service are discussed. The article concludes that FDAC has the potential to play a useful role in promoting safe reunification at the end of care proceedings. The Children and Families Bill of 2013 creates both opportunities and challenges to the FDAC model in respect of its approach to enhance safe reunification prospects, and adaptations will be necessary. There is a strong case to develop an FDAC aftercare service to help promote lasting reunification and safe and committed parenting.

Keywords:: FDAC, problem-solving courts, family reunification, substance misuse, care proceedings, Children and Families Bill 2013

Stöd till personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående – Lägesbeskrivning 2013

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

Sedan drygt fyra år tillbaka finns en bestämmelse i 5 kap. 10 § socialtjänstlagen (2001:453), SoL, om att kommunerna ska erbjuda stöd till personer som vårdar och stödjer närstående. Stödet till anhöriga har under denna tid fått en tydligare struktur och integrerats i kommunernas planer och styrdokument. Utbudet av olika typer av stöd till anhöriga har ökat, och kommunerna har inrättat tjänster, förbättrat informationen om stödet och arbetar med att införa ett anhörigperspektiv i alla verksamheter. Detta är en generell bild av socialtjänstens sätt att tillämpa bestämmelsen i SoL. Inom äldreomsorgen bedömer kommunerna att de tillämpar bestämmelsen i stor utsträckning, men i funktionshindersverksamheten och individ- och familjeomsorgen anger två tredjedelar av kommunerna att de tillämpar bestämmelsen i liten utsträckning. Det finns vissa problem med att tillämpa bestämmelsen. Äldreomsorgen har svårt att hitta anhöriga att hjälpa och relativt många anhöriga tackar nej till hjälp. Det kan betyda att handläggarna inte utreder de anhörigas behov av stöd, men det kan också bero på brister i samarbetet mellan handläggarna, anhörigkonsulenten och verksamheterna när det gäller stöd till anhöriga. Funktionshindersverksamheten framhåller ofta att den fokuserar på brukaren i första hand. De flesta brukare får redan hjälp med stöd av LSS, lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (1993: 387), och därmed även deras anhöriga. Kommunerna har däremot svårt att nå hjälptagare som enbart har socialtjänstinsatser och deras anhöriga. På motsvarande sätt uppger individ- och familjeomsorgen att stödet till anhöriga är integrerat i klientarbetet och att bestämmelsen i SoL inte tillför det arbetet något. Den framhåller missbruksvården, där det finns ett stort utbud av stöd till makar, barn och andra familjemedlemmar. Individ- och familjeomsorgen beskriver däremot stora problem med att nå anhöriga till personer inom socialpsykiatrin. Får anhöriga stöd? I dag är det svårt att veta hur många anhöriga som får stöd eftersom detta bara är andra året som Socialstyrelsen samlar in uppgifter om serviceinsatser. Resultaten hittills pekar att olika former av anhörigstöd är en mycket omfattande verksamhet i kommunerna. Det saknas däremot underlag för att beskriva det stöd som ges till anhö-riga efter prövning enligt 4 kap. 1 § SoL. Med dagens dokumentation går det inte att ta fram dessa uppgifter i den officiella statistiken över social-tjänstens insatser. Det är därför angeläget att kunna beskriva biståndsprövade stödinsatser till anhöriga. Socialstyrelsen arbetar på uppdrag av regeringen med att utveckla socialtjänststatistiken och ta fram en plan för statistiken beträffande kommunernas anhörigstöd, hemsjukvård och insatser som inte är biståndsprövade. Hälso- och sjukvården och anhöriga Många anhöriga har långvarig kontakt med akutsjukvården, specialistsjukvården och inte minst primärvården, och därmed spelar sjukvården en viktig roll för både de sjuka och för deras anhöriga. Hittills har kommunerna dock inte lyckats etablera samarbete med hälso- och sjukvården i någon större utsträckning. Socialtjänstens kontakter och initiativ till samverkan leder sällan till ett systematiskt samarbete kring anhörigstödet. Det grundläggande problemet är att det saknas en struktur och rutiner för samarbetet mellan landstinget och socialtjänsten när det gäller stöd till anhöriga. I framtiden kommer dessutom hemsjukvården att vara ett kommunalt ansvar i hela landet, och därmed finns skäl till att utveckla hemsjukvårdens roll när det gäller stöd till anhöriga. Socialstyrelsens slutsatser Socialstyrelsen kan konstatera att lagstiftningen ännu inte har fått tillräckligt genomslag. Det krävs ytterligare arbete för att föra in ett anhörigperspektiv i socialtjänsten och i hälso- och sjukvården. Socialstyrelsens uppföljning visar att kommunerna behöver ytterligare vägledning i hur de ska tillämpa bestämmelsen i SoL. Kommunerna behöver fortsätta att utveckla formerna för bemötandet av anhöriga, utreda de anhörigas behov av stöd i de olika verksamheterna samt utveckla informationen om det stöd som finns att få och se till att den når fram. Hälso- och sjukvården behöver utveckla formerna för bemötande av anhöriga och att erbjuda dem stöd. Det är viktigt att hälso- och sjuk-vården och socialtjänsten samarbetar för den anhörigas och närstå-endes bästa. För att även inspirera hälso- och sjukvården i dess arbete med stöd till anhöriga kommer Socialstyrelsen att fortsätta att sammanställa exempel på hur sådant arbete har byggts upp runt om i landet. Socialstyrelsen kommer att stödja olika patient-, anhörig-, funktionshinders-, frivillig- och pensionärsorganisationers behov av information genom att ta fram en informationsskrift om bestämmelsen. Socialstyrelsen kommer under 2014 att genomföra olika informationsinsatser för att ge kommunerna ytterligare vägledning när det gäller att införa bestämmelsen om stöd till anhöriga.

Stöd till personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående, Lägesbeskrivning 2013

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

Kommunernas tillämpning av bestämmelsen
Sedan drygt fyra år tillbaka finns en bestämmelse i 5 kap. 10 § socialtjänstlagen
(2001:453), SoL, om att kommunerna ska erbjuda stöd till personer
som vårdar och stödjer närstående. Stödet till anhöriga har under denna tid
fått en tydligare struktur och integrerats i kommunernas planer och styrdokument.
Utbudet av olika typer av stöd till anhöriga har ökat, och kommunerna
har inrättat tjänster, förbättrat informationen om stödet och arbetar
med att införa ett anhörigperspektiv i alla verksamheter.
Detta är en generell bild av socialtjänstens sätt att tillämpa bestämmelsen
i SoL. Inom äldreomsorgen bedömer kommunerna att de tillämpar bestämmelsen
i stor utsträckning, men i funktionshindersverksamheten och individoch
familjeomsorgen anger två tredjedelar av kommunerna att de tillämpar
bestämmelsen i liten utsträckning.
Det finns vissa problem med att tillämpa bestämmelsen. Äldreomsorgen
har svårt att hitta anhöriga att hjälpa och relativt många anhöriga tackar nej
till hjälp. Det kan betyda att handläggarna inte utreder de anhörigas behov
av stöd, men det kan också bero på brister i samarbetet mellan handläggarna,
anhörigkonsulenten och verksamheterna när det gäller stöd till anhöriga.
Funktionshindersverksamheten framhåller ofta att den fokuserar på brukaren
i första hand. De flesta brukare får redan hjälp med stöd av LSS, lagen
om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (1993: 387), och därmed
även deras anhöriga. Kommunerna har däremot svårt att nå hjälptagare som
enbart har socialtjänstinsatser och deras anhöriga.
På motsvarande sätt uppger individ- och familjeomsorgen att stödet till
anhöriga är integrerat i klientarbetet och att bestämmelsen i SoL inte tillför
det arbetet något. Den framhåller missbruksvården, där det finns ett stort
utbud av stöd till makar, barn och andra familjemedlemmar. Individ- och
familjeomsorgen beskriver däremot stora problem med att nå anhöriga till
personer inom socialpsykiatrin.
Får anhöriga stöd?
I dag är det svårt att veta hur många anhöriga som får stöd eftersom detta
bara är andra året som Socialstyrelsen samlar in uppgifter om serviceinsatser.
Resultaten hittills pekar att olika former av anhörigstöd är en mycket
omfattande verksamhet i kommunerna.
Det saknas däremot underlag för att beskriva det stöd som ges till anhö-
riga efter prövning enligt 4 kap. 1 § SoL. Med dagens dokumentation går
det inte att ta fram dessa uppgifter i den officiella statistiken över socialtjänstens
insatser.
Det är därför angeläget att kunna beskriva biståndsprövade stödinsatser till
anhöriga. Socialstyrelsen arbetar på uppdrag av regeringen med att utveckla
socialtjänststatistiken och ta fram en plan för statistiken beträffande kom-
7
munernas anhörigstöd, hemsjukvård och insatser som inte är biståndsprö-
vade.
Hälso- och sjukvården och anhöriga
Många anhöriga har långvarig kontakt med akutsjukvården, specialistsjukvården
och inte minst primärvården, och därmed spelar sjukvården en viktig
roll för både de sjuka och för deras anhöriga. Hittills har kommunerna dock
inte lyckats etablera samarbete med hälso- och sjukvården i någon större
utsträckning. Socialtjänstens kontakter och initiativ till samverkan leder
sällan till ett systematiskt samarbete kring anhörigstödet.
Det grundläggande problemet är att det saknas en struktur och rutiner för
samarbetet mellan landstinget och socialtjänsten när det gäller stöd till anhö-
riga. I framtiden kommer dessutom hemsjukvården att vara ett kommunalt
ansvar i hela landet, och därmed finns skäl till att utveckla hemsjukvårdens
roll när det gäller stöd till anhöriga.
Socialstyrelsens slutsatser
Socialstyrelsen kan konstatera att lagstiftningen ännu inte har fått tillräckligt
genomslag. Det krävs ytterligare arbete för att föra in ett anhörigperspektiv i
socialtjänsten och i hälso- och sjukvården. Socialstyrelsens uppföljning visar
att kommunerna behöver ytterligare vägledning i hur de ska tillämpa
bestämmelsen i SoL.
• Kommunerna behöver fortsätta att utveckla formerna för bemötandet
av anhöriga, utreda de anhörigas behov av stöd i de olika verksamheterna
samt utveckla informationen om det stöd som finns att få och
se till att den når fram.
• Hälso- och sjukvården behöver utveckla formerna för bemötande av
anhöriga och att erbjuda dem stöd. Det är viktigt att hälso- och sjukvården
och socialtjänsten samarbetar för den anhörigas och närstå-
endes bästa.
• För att även inspirera hälso- och sjukvården i dess arbete med stöd
till anhöriga kommer Socialstyrelsen att fortsätta att sammanställa
exempel på hur sådant arbete har byggts upp runt om i landet.
• Socialstyrelsen kommer att stödja olika patient-, anhörig-, funktionshinders-,
frivillig- och pensionärsorganisationers behov av information
genom att ta fram en informationsskrift om bestämmelsen.
• Socialstyrelsen kommer under 2014 att genomföra olika informationsinsatser
för att ge kommunerna ytterligare vägledning när det
gäller att införa bestämmelsen om stöd till anhöriga.

Substance exposure in utero and developmental consequences in adolescence: A systematic review

Birk Irner, T. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
The impacts of maternal substance use have been observed in both research and clinical experience. Several studies have shown that preschool children are at heightened risk of developing various cognitive, behavioral, and socioemotional difficulties. Most knowledge has been generated concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the postnatal effects thereof. Less is known about substance use other than alcohol (for instance, opiates, marijuana, and cocaine) during pregnancy and the long-term developmental consequences.
OBJECTIVE:
The aims of this review are to identify relevant published data on adolescents who have been exposed in utero to alcohol and/or other substances and to examine developmental consequences across functions and mental health at this point in life.
METHODS:
PubMed, Embase, and PsychInfo were searched for publications during the period of 1980-2011 and titles and abstracts selected according to prespecified broad criteria.
RESULTS:
Twenty-five studies fulfilled all of the specific requirements and were included in this review. Most research covered prenatal alcohol exposure. Other substances, however, included cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and poly-substances. Results showed that prenatal exposure to alcohol has long-term cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional developmental consequences depending on amount and timing of exposure in utero. Less evidence exists for long-term consequences of exposure in utero to other substances than alcohol. However, recent brain-imaging studies have provided important evidence of serious effects of other substance exposure on the developing brain and recent follow-up studies have found an association with deficits in language, attention, areas of cognitive performance and delinquent behavior in adolescence.

Support for Young Informal Carers of Persons with Mental Illness: A Mixed-Method Study

Ali, L., Ahlström, B. H., Krevers, B., Sjöström, N., & Skärsäter, I. (2013)

The aim of this study was to explore how young (16-25 year old) informal carers of a person with a mental illness experience and use support. In a mixed method approach, we interviewed 12 young carers, and 241 completed a self-administered questionnaire. While the young carers strive to maintain control, their main support seems to be others in their lives, who often define the situation differently. The carers said web-support, counseling, and group counseling might be helpful, yet very few had any professional support. Young carers are greatly in need of support and it should be provided.

Systematik för säker evidens

Jansson, F. (2013)

I slutet av 2012 kom Socialstyrelsen ut
med rapporten Effekter av stöd till anhö
-
riga som vårdar äldre med demenssjukdom
eller sköra äldre – en systematisk översikt.
Syftet med översikten var att utvärdera effekter
av utbildningsprogram, psykosocialt
stöd och kombinationsprogram som ges till
anhöriga som vårdar sköra äldre eller äldre
med demenssjukdom. I översikten under
-
söktes enbart studier som mätt effekter både
för den anhöriga och för
den närstående sjuka.

Så väljer du rätt äldreomsorg. En guide för äldre och anhöriga

Bidö, A. and C. Björck (2013)

Så väljer du rätt äldreomsorg - en guide för äldre och anhöriga är en enkel och matnyttig guide för dig som funderar på hur du vill ha det när du blir äldre.

Boken ger dig tips och råd när du ska välja äldreomsorg - åt dig själv eller åt en närstående. Den är lätt att slå i och kan läsas från början till slut eller i valda delar beroende på dina behov eller önskemål. Vad finns det för olika slags hjälp att få? Vad har du för rättigheter och vad är rimligt att begära? Vad är viktigt att tänka på när du ska välja mellan olika utförare? Vad gör du som anhörig om du inte är nöjd med den vård som din närstående får? Dessa frågor och många fler besvaras i boken.

Precis som vi behöver information inför till exempel föräldraskap och skolstart behöver vi också vägledning inför ålderdomen. Det kan vara mycket att sätta sig in i, men med boken Så väljer du rätt äldreomsorg får du en bra översikt och en god förberedelse inför dina vägval.

Claes Björck är beteendevetare och konsult med lång erfarenhet som chef både inom den kommunala och inom den privata äldreomsorgen. Anna Bidö är frilansjournalist med många års erfarenhet av arbete som vårdbiträde inom äldreomsorgen.

Teknik för äldre II [Elektronisk resurs] : slutrapport

Dahlberg, R. (2013)

Teknik för äldre är ett regeringsuppdrag som samordnats av Hjälpmedelsinstitutet. Det har verkat sedan 2007 med en budget om 22 miljoner kronor årligen. Teknik för äldre har stöttat utvecklingen av bra produkter och tjänster som underlättar vardagen och boendet för äldre och anhöriga. Företag, organisationer och kommuner har kunnat ansöka om ekonomiskt stöd för att driva utvecklingsprojekt. 100 projekt har fått stöd inom Teknik för äldre I (2007-2009) och 61 projekt inom teknik för äldre II (2010-2012). Bidrag om sex miljoner kronor vardera har lämnats till kommunala försöksverksamheter i Göteborgs stad, Norrköpings kommun och Västerås stad. Inom Teknik för äldre II har projekt prioriterats som bidragit till tillgängligt boende, bättre stöd till anhöriga och utveckling av äldreomsorgen med hjälp av välfärdsteknologi. Informations- och kommunikationsinsatser har också varit i fokus.

Telecare for Older People: Promoting Independence, Participation, and Identity

Bowes, A. and G. McColgan (2013)

Drawing on interviews with 76 older people (aged 60 years and older) receiving telecare services at home and in housing with care and 16 family caregivers in West Lothian, Scotland, the authors consider how far telecare can support older people's citizenship goals of independence, participation, and identity. They conclude that although these goals are to some extent supported by telecare, they are also supported by the model of care being applied and limited by aspects of the wider environment, such as ageism. The authors argue that in every case, contextual factors beyond the intrinsic capacities of a technological system and beyond the models of care developed and promoted by a service delivery organization must be explored if the impact of telecare is to be fully understood. Thus, the human use of technology and its moral context are critical to its success or limitation.

The iconicity of picture communication symbols for children with English additional language and mild intellectual disability

Dada, S., Huguet, A., & Bornman, J. (2013)

The purpose of this study was to examine the iconicity of 16 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) presented on a themed bed-making communication overlay for South African children with English as an additional language and mild intellectual disability. The survey involved 30 participants. The results indicated that, overall, the 16 symbols were relatively iconic to the participants. The authors suggest that the iconicity of picture symbols could be manipulated, enhanced, and influenced by contextual effects (other PCS used simultaneously on the communication overlay). In addition, selection of non-target PCS for target PCS were discussed in terms of postulated differences in terms of distinctiveness. Potential clinical implications and limitations of the study, as well as recommendations for future research, are discussed.

The impacts of parental loss and adverse parenting on mental health: findings from the national comorbidity survey-replication

Nickerson, A., Aderka, I.M., Bryant, R.A., & Hinton, D.E. (2013)

There has been much controversy regarding the psychological impact of the death of a parent, partly arising from neglect of potential moderating factors. The present study uses data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) to investigate the relative impacts of age at death of parent, adverse parenting practices, and time since loss on mental health outcomes in 2,823 bereaved adults. Logistic regression analyses controlling for sex and race revealed that younger age at the time of parental death was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Further, adverse parenting practices during childhood were related to greater psychopathology in adulthood. Results also indicated that psychological distress following the death of a parent reduces over time. Notably, each of these factors significantly predicted psychopathology when controlling for all other variables. Findings are discussed in the context of current theories of attachment and psychopathology.

The needs of people with dementia living at home from user, caregiver and professional perspectives: a cross-sectional survey

Miranda-Castillo C, Woods B, Orrell M. (2013)

Background: Few reports have been published about differences in perspectives on perceived needs among community-residing people with dementia, their family caregivers, and professionals. The aim of this study was to compare these perspectives. Method: During 2006 and 2007, one-hundred and fifty two interviews of people with dementia and their caregivers about the needs of the person with dementia were performed by four professionals using The Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). Professionals' views on met and unmet needs of people with dementia were obtained for the total sample, family caregivers' perspectives were gained for 125 people with dementia, and people with dementia's views on their own needs were obtained for 125 persons with dementia. Results: People with dementia reported fewer needs compared with the reports of their caregivers and the professionals. The most frequent unmet needs reported by people with dementia, caregivers and professionals were in the areas of daytime activities, company, and psychological distress; however, people with dementia rated psychological distress as the commonest unmet need. Conclusions: Since the priorities of people with dementia can be different from those of caregivers and professionals, it is important to consider all perspectives when making care plans. Thus, compliance with treatment of people with dementia and also their quality of life could be potentially improved by a more collaborative partnership with them.

The Perception of Meaningfulness and Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living From the Perspectives of the Medically At-Risk Older Adults and Their Caregivers

Dickerson AE, Reistetter T, Gaudy JR. (2013)

The purpose of the study was to understand the impact of chronic disability on the functional ability of older adults. Thirty older adult participants and their caregivers were asked to identify which instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are most meaningful and how their disability affected performance. Data collected through individual analysis indicated that the most important IADL tasks were driving and managing medication. Both older adult participants and their caregivers similarly perceived the health condition as significantly affecting the performance of all of the IADLs. However, there was a difference in the perception of the prior level of functioning for managing medication (z = 2.45, p = .024) and phone use (z = 2.26, p = .014). Results arrived at, and to be discussed, were in agreement with previous research findings indicating that complex tasks of daily living, particularly driving, are significant to the older adult's quality of life.

The prevalence and impact of child maltreatment and other types of victimization in the UK: Findings from a population survey of caregivers, children and young people and young adults

Radford, L., Corral, S., Bradley, C., & Fisher, H. L. (2013)

Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To measure the prevalence of maltreatment and other types of victimization among children, young people, and young adults in the UK; to explore the risks of other types of victimization among maltreated children and young people at different ages; using standardized scores from self-report measures, to assess the emotional wellbeing of maltreated children, young people, and young adults taking into account other types of childhood victimization, different perpetrators, non-victimization adversities and variables known to influence mental health.
METHODS:
A random UK representative sample of 2,160 parents and caregivers, 2,275 children and young people, and 1,761 young adults completed computer-assisted self-interviews. Interviews included assessment of a wide range of childhood victimization experiences and measures of impact on mental health.
RESULTS:
2.5% of children aged under 11 years and 6% of young people aged 11-17 years had 1 or more experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect by a parent or caregiver in the past year, and 8.9% of children under 11 years, 21.9% of young people aged 11-17 years, and 24.5% of young adults had experienced this at least once during childhood. High rates of sexual victimization were also found; 7.2% of females aged 11-17 and 18.6% of females aged 18-24 reported childhood experiences of sexual victimization by any adult or peer that involved physical contact (from sexual touching to rape). Victimization experiences accumulated with age and overlapped. Children who experienced maltreatment from a parent or caregiver were more likely than those not maltreated to be exposed to other forms of victimization, to experience non-victimization adversity, a high level of polyvictimization, and to have higher levels of trauma symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS:
The past year maltreatment rates for children under age 18 were 7-17 times greater than official rates of substantiated child maltreatment in the UK. Professionals working with children and young people in all settings should be alert to the overlapping and age-related differences in experiences of childhood victimization to better identify child maltreatment and prevent the accumulative impact of different victimizations upon children's mental health.

The relationship of job and elder caregiving involvement to work-caregiving interference, and work costs

Gordon J, Rouse ED (2013)

This article examines the relationship between job and elder caregiving involvement, bi-directional work-caregiving conflict (work interfering with caregiving [WIC] and caregiving interfering with work [CIW]), and work costs (job interruptions and job changes). Specifically, we consider the effects of both behavioral and psychological involvement and external and internal work caregiving conflict in a sample of 583 women between the ages of 50 and 64 who work full-time and have significant elder caregiving responsibilities. A telephone survey was administered using random-digit-dial procedures. Structural equation model analyses confirmed that behavioral job involvement was associated with external CIW, psychological job involvement was associated with internal WIC and internal CIW, behavioral caregiving involvement was associated with external CIW and work costs, and psychological caregiving involvement was associated with internal CIW. Internal WIC, external CIW, and internal CIW were associated with job costs. Some mediation, particularly through external and internal CIW, occurred.

The societal cost of bipolar disorder in Sweden

Ekman et al, (2013)

PURPOSE:
There is a lack of comprehensive cost-of-illness studies in bipolar disorder, in particular studies based on patient-level data. The purpose of this study was to estimate the societal cost of bipolar disorder and to relate costs to disease severity, depressive episodes, hospitalisation and patient functioning.
METHODS:
Retrospective resource use data in inpatient and outpatient care during 2006-2008, as well as ICD-10 diagnoses and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores, were obtained from the Northern Stockholm psychiatric clinic with a catchment area including 47% of the adult inhabitants in Stockholm. This dataset was combined with national register data on prescription pharmaceuticals and sick leave to estimate the societal cost of bipolar disorder. The study was conducted from a societal perspective, with indirect costs valued according to the human capital method.
RESULTS:
The average annual cost per patient was 28,011 in 2008 (n = 1,846). Indirect costs due to sick leave and early retirement represented 75%, inpatient costs 13%, outpatient costs 8%, pharmaceuticals 2% and community care another 2% of the total cost. Total costs were considerably higher during mood episodes (six times higher than in remission), for hospitalised patients (55,500 vs. 22,200) and for patients with low GAF scores.
CONCLUSIONS:
The high cost of bipolar disorder is driven primarily by indirect costs. Costs were strongly associated with mood episodes, hospitalisations and low GAF scores. This suggests that treatment that reduces the risk for relapses and hospitalizations and improve functioning may decrease both the societal cost of bipolar disorder and patient suffering.

The Tobii Eye Gaze Learning Curve Brochure

Tobii (2013)

Each level provides development possibilities within itself, and even if a level is reached that can't be expanded upon for an individual, the concepts used will allow for a fun and enriching learning experience, using Eye Control, at any level.

Until now, eye control and gaze interaction within assistive technology have been reserved for those who have a proven understanding of cause and effect and who are demonstrating that they are ready for an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device that they will be able to use with their eyes and eye control, usually together with one or another type and level of AAC vocabulary.

Reaching the level of success with eye control and the level of cognitive ability needed to achieve a successful assessment – and thus, in many cases, the professional recommendation needed to purchase, fund and use an eye controlled device – can be difficult, if not sometimes impossible.

But at Tobii Dynavox, we believe that eye control, gaze interaction and their different methods for use are skills like any other. We believe that they should be taught in constructive and structured ways in order to assist individuals in learning the practical and cognitive skills needed to reach the level of ability required to communicate with AAC vocabularies using eye controlled devices, and even to open individuals up into the world of literate, long distance communication.

The Tobii Dynavox Eye Gaze Learning Curve is a step stone, leveled, component based, teaching-and-learning pathway for eye control and gaze interaction. It incorporates teaching and learning techniques, software and suggestions for care givers, teachers and professionals assisting users from their earliest experiences and engagements with a screen to those who are fully literate and need eye controlled computer access and long distance communication.

The use of Talking Mats to support people with dementia and their carers to make decisions together

Murphy, J. and T. Oliver (2013)

Policy guidelines insist that people with dementia should be involved in decisions about key life choices and transitions. However, as dementia affects both cognitive and communication difficulties, it becomes increasingly difficult to do this, and innovative and effective ways to support people with dementia and their carers to interact with each other are needed. This project, funded by Joseph Rowntree Foundation, examined if Talking Mats, a low-tech communication framework, could support family carers and people with dementia to discuss issues around daily living with each other. The fieldwork phase took place from September 2008 to May 2009. Eighteen couples (person with dementia and their family carer) from Scotland and the North of England were involved. The couples were visited in their own homes and asked to discuss together four topics (Personal Care; Getting Around; Housework; Activities) under two different conditions: (i) using the Talking Mats framework and (ii) using their usual communication methods (UCMs). After the interviews, each participant was asked separately to complete a short questionnaire (Involvement Measure), which included five questions to evaluate how involved s/he felt in each type of discussion and a final question to measure satisfaction with the overall discussion. The findings show that both people with dementia and their carers feel more involved in discussions about how they are managing their daily living when using the Talking Mats framework, compared with their UCM. They also feel more satisfied with the outcome of those discussions. The use of Talking Mats could result in increased well-being and positive adjustment to accepting increasing levels of care for people with dementia. In addition, it could improve the relationship between the person with dementia and family carers, if all involved feel that the views of the person with dementia and the family carer have truly been acknowledged. Adapted from the source document.

Tillgång eller bromskloss? Om samverkan med anhöriga inom psykistriska verksamheter i kommuner och landsting

Winqvist, M. (2013)

Den studie som här presenteras har som syfte att undersöka personalgruppers syn på anhöriga och deras roll inom psykiatriska verksamheter i kommuner och landsting. Den erhållna kunskapen skall ligga till grund för planering av kompetensutvecklande insatser.De frågeställningar som behandlas i undersökningen är:
- Vilka erfarenheter finns av samverkan/möten med anhöriga?
- Hur ser personal på samverkan med anhöriga och anhörigas roll för brukare/patienter och verksamhet.
- Vilka kunskapsbehov finns gällande samverkan med anhöriga?
Ostrukturerade gruppintervjuer genomfördes med nio personalgrupper. Sammanlagt intervjuades tre grupper inom boendestöd, två grupper vid boenden, två grupper inom öppenvården, en individuell intervju inom slutenvården samt en grupp representerande träffpunkter. I denna rapport presenteras det empiriska materialet.

Tillgång eller bromskloss? Om samverkan med anhöriga inom psykistriska verksamheter i kommuner och landsting

Winqvist, M. (2013)

Den studie som här presenteras har som syfte att undersöka personalgruppers syn på anhöriga och deras roll inom psykiatriska verksamheter i kommuner och landsting. Den erhållna kunskapen skall ligga till grund för planering av kompetensutvecklande insatser.De frågeställningar som behandlas i undersökningen är:
- Vilka erfarenheter finns av samverkan/möten med anhöriga?
- Hur ser personal på samverkan med anhöriga och anhörigas roll för brukare/patienter och verksamhet.
- Vilka kunskapsbehov finns gällande samverkan med anhöriga?
Ostrukturerade gruppintervjuer genomfördes med nio personalgrupper. Sammanlagt intervjuades tre grupper inom boendestöd, två grupper vid boenden, två grupper inom öppenvården, en individuell intervju inom slutenvården samt en grupp representerande träffpunkter. I denna rapport presenteras det empiriska materialet.

To use or not to use: A literature review of factors that influence family caregivers' use of support services

Mast, M. E. (2013)

Many family caregivers of frail older adults postpone or decline accessible and affordable services such as respite, despite their acknowledgement of unmet needs for support and time away from the burdens and stress of caregiving. How caregivers perceive their need for services, and the factors that influence their decisions to use or not use services, remain poorly understood. This article reviews the literature on family caregiving and the complex interrelated factors that influence caregivers' choices regarding support services. It organizes these factors into four areas: (a) service characteristics, (b) personal predisposing factors that affect perceived need, (c) experiential coping and decisionmaking patterns, and (d) relational factors. It also examines the implications of this evidence for nursing assessments and interventions with frail older adults and their family caregivers..

Traveller information in support of the mobility of older people and people with disabilities : user and provider perspectives

Waara, N. (2013)

Traveller information designed to fulfil needs and expectations of individual travellers is a key factor in improving access for older people and people with disabilities to public transport. The overall aim of this thesis is to contribute to the knowledge of user and provider perspectives on the provision of traveller information for older people and people with disabilities in public transport with a focus on use and provision of such traveller information through online traveller information services. The research work is based on perceptions of older people and people with disabilities, together with experts' views on the implementation process. Both qualitative methods (interviews, focus group interviews, group discussions, workshops) and quantitative methods (questionnaires) were used. The substantial influence on the travel of older people and people with disabilities of use of online traveller information services is the empowerment of those of the older travellers and travellers with disabilities that are anxious and insecure before a journey. Through better access of traveller information offered by online traveller information services these travellers can find what they need to build their confidence before a journey and subsequently be supported in their roles as travellers. That is, when they do travel in public transport they want to be able to do so safely and with confidence; they do not necessarily want to increase the number of journeys they undertake. Thus, theoretically the concept of motility has higher relevance for this particular group of travellers than the concept of mobility. The exploration of the traveller information content shows that even though the need to plan and prepare for a journey seems to be equally important for the whole group of older people and people with disabilities as it is for subgroups based on functional limitations, the importance and the intended use of the traveller information differ between groups as the focus shifts from comfort information on an aggregated level to an increasing importance of accessibility information for subgroups. Both the comfort information and the absolute information enable assessment of the effort required to carry through a journey. This is decisive for the choice to travel, but the traveller information focused on comfort relates more to the individual choice to travel while absolute traveller information enables the traveller to assess whether travel is possible at all. Finally, to be accessed the traveller information needed by older people and people with disabilities need to be implemented. The inertia of the implementation process was explored through conflicts of interest that can help forward barriers in the implementation process. The findings point to there being a verbal problem in policies, legislation and guidelines that leave room for interpretation of the necessity of implementation of measures like traveller information needed by older people and people with disabilities. Finally this thesis carries implications for further research within all three areas that have been researched

Unga och jämställdhet

Ungdomsstyrelsen (2013)

Analys av unga
och jämställdhet
På uppdrag av regeringen har Ungdomsstyrelsen
under 2013 genomfört en tematisk analys
av unga och jämställdhet. Utgångspunkten för
analysen är de mål som finns inom ungdomspolitiken
och jämställdhetspolitiken.
Den nationella ungdomspolitiken har två
övergripande mål:
1. alla ungdomar ska ha verklig
tillgång till välfärd
2. alla ungdomar ska ha verklig
tillgång till inflytande.
Jämställdhetspolitikens övergripande mål är att:
• kvinnor och män ska ha samma makt att forma
samhället och sina egna liv.
Detta följs av fyra delmål:
1. jämn fördelning av makt och inflytande
2. ekonomisk jämställdhet
3. jämn fördelning av det obetalda hemoch
omsorgsarbetet
4. mäns våld mot kvinnor ska upphöra.
Av dessa är det högst prioriterade målet att
mäns våld mot kvinnor ska upphöra.
Jämställdhet har till stor del kommit att handla
om kvinnors tillträde till det offentliga rummet
och andra sfärer som historiskt sett varit förbehållna
män. Framförallt har villkor på arbetsmarknaden,
representation inom politiken och
utbyggd barnomsorg och föräldraförsäkring utvecklats.
Men flera rapporter har även genom
åren beskrivit och utrett mäns relation till jämställdhet,
och det pågår en stor utredning om
Sammanfattning
män och jämställdhet som presenteras i början
av 2014.
Den huvudsakliga strategin som används för
att nå de jämställdhetspolitiska målen är jämställdhetsintegrering,
vilket innebär att samtliga
beslut inom alla politikområden ska präglas av
ett jämställdhetsperspektiv.
Sedan mitten av 2000-talet följer regeringen
upp ungdomspolitiken genom indikatorer och
tematiska studier. Inom jämställdhetspolitiken
har redovisningen varierat genom åren men ett
nytt uppföljningssystem är under uppbyggnad.
Sedan 2012 presenterar Statistiska centralbyrån
indikatorer inom området.
Fokus 13 är indelad i kapitel som följer de fem
huvudområdena för ungdomspolitiken:
1. utbildning och lärande
2. arbete och försörjning
3. hälsa och utsatthet
4. inflytande och representation
5. kultur och fritid.
Inom dessa områden analyserar vi situationen
utifrån de jämställdhetspolitiska mål som är relevanta.
Vi beskriver också större förändringsarbeten
inom det aktuella området. Rapporten
avslutas med en diskussion och förslag på områden
som Ungdomsstyrelsen menar behöver
utvecklas.
Att belysa jämställdhet bland unga berör en
rad politikområden, vilket omöjliggör en uttömmande
beskrivning. I huvudsak utgår vi från
myndighetens egen kunskap i form av Ungdomsstyrelsens
återkommande ungdomsenkät
som riktar sig till ett slumpmässigt urval persofoto:
Colourbox.com
Inlaga.indd 7 2013-12-18 15:58:28
8
ner i åldern 16–25 år. Vi använder även Ungdomsstyrelsens
attityd- och värderingsstudie
som riktar sig till ett slumpmässigt urval unga i
åldern 16–29 år och vuxna från 35 år.
Utöver Ungdomsstyrelsens enkäter har vi använt
indikatorerna för ungdoms- och jämställdhetspolitiken
och kompletterat med statistik
och fördjupad kunskap från andra myndigheter.
Vi har också initierat fördjupningsstudier om
ungas oavlönade hem- och omsorgsarbete, om
grupprocesser, maskulinitet och våld samt om
Ungdomsstyrelsens egen bidragsgivning kopplad
till unga och jämställdhet.
En annan viktig kunskapskälla är de fokusgruppsintervjuer
som vi har gjort med unga i
högstadieskolor på fyra orter runtom i landet.
Syftet har varit att fånga vilka erfarenheter unga
har kring jämställdhet i sin vardag och hur de resonerar
i dessa frågor. I denna sammanfattning
lyfter vi fram några viktiga tendenser.
Ungas syn på jämställdhet
Vi beskriver ungas syn på jämställdhet utifrån
våra enkätstudier och den intervjustudie vi genomfört.
Våra enkäter visar att unga i högre grad
än äldre ser jämställdhet som en viktig samhällsfråga.
Samtidigt är det vanligare bland unga att
svara att jämställdheten har gått för långt. I alla
åldrar är det vanligare att tjejer och kvinnor har
en positiv inställning till jämställdhet.
• Jämställdhet lyfts fram som en av de tre viktigaste
samhällsfrågorna just nu av 19 procent
av tjejerna och 11 procent av killarna i åldern
16–29 år (2013). I gruppen 35–74 år är andelarna
endast 7 procent av kvinnorna och 5 procent
av männen.
• Det är få unga i åldern 16–25 år som inte tycker
att jämställdhet är viktigt, men det är vanligare
bland killar (8 procent jämfört med 2 procent
bland tjejer 2012).
• Det är något vanligare att unga tycker att jämställdheten
har gått för långt jämfört med äldre
2013. Det är också vanligare att killar och män
instämmer i detta jämfört med tjejer och kvinnor.
• Killar instämmer i större utsträckning än tjejer
i könsstereotypa påståenden. Bland killarna
i åldern 16–25 år instämmer 21 procent i påstå-
endet att män är bättre chefer än kvinnor jämfört
med 7 procent av tjejerna (2012). Det är även
17 procent av killarna som instämmer i att kvinnor
bör ta ett större ansvar än män för sysslor i
hemmet och 14 procent instämmer i att kvinnan
bör ta det största ansvaret för barnen i en familj
(jämfört med 6 respektive 7 procent av tjejerna).
Inom ramen för uppdraget har vi genomfört en
intervjustudie. Genom denna ges en översiktlig
bild av områden som unga själva lyfter fram
som viktiga.
• Många återkommer till att tjejer, av olika anledningar
och på olika sätt, inte tar lika mycket
plats som killar. Oron för att bli ifrågasatt, hånad
eller ansedd som dum bromsar många av tjejernas
vilja att ta det offentliga utrymmet i anspråk.
I killgrupperna beskrivs upplevelser av att inte
bli tagen på allvar eller att bli sedd som stökig
för att man är kille.
• De flesta av tjejerna betonar vikten av att klara
arbetet i skolan, medan resonemangen varierar
bland killarna.
Inlaga.indd 8 2013-12-18 15:58:28
9
• Tjejers och killars förhållningssätt till idrott
skiljer sig åt mellan olika skolor och intervjugrupper.
En del tjejer är fysiskt aktiva i olika
idrottsformer och på olika nivåer. En del tjejer
uppger dock att de slutat med idrott för att hinna
med skolan, något som inte förekommer bland
killarna. Många killar säger att de är fysiskt aktiva
i olika sporter, vissa uttrycker ambitioner att
bli professionella idrottare.
• Utseende är något som på olika sätt kommer
upp i tjejgrupperna. Oftast finns en komplexitet
där tjejerna både reflekterar och ifrågasätter feminina
utseendeideal samtidigt som de strävar
efter att leva upp till dessa. I de intervjuer vi
gjort med killar talar de inte själva om utseendet
på samma sätt.
• Killars beteenden i grupp diskuterades i några
av intervjuerna. Killars sätt att uttrycka sig genom
att vara del av en grupp som hörs och syns
framträder.
Det är tydligt att unga upplever att det finns
olika förväntningar på tjejer och killar i skolans
miljö. Skolan är en arena där ojämställdhet
skapas men där det även finns möjligheter att
genomföra förändringar för att uppnå ökad jämställdhet
bland unga.
Utbildning och lärande
Det ungdomspolitiska området utbildning och
lärande omfattar både formell och icke formell
utbildning samt informellt lärande. Att kvinnor
och män ska ha samma möjligheter och villkor
i fråga om utbildning ingår även i regeringens
jämställdhetspolitiska delmål om ekonomisk
jämställdhet. Inom området ser vi en rad skillnader
mellan tjejer och killar. Många skillnader
har varit stabila över en längre tid. Särskilt
utmärkande är de könsbundna studievalen, att
killar generellt har sämre resultat än tjejer inom
skolsystemets alla delar och en ökande stress
bland unga tjejer.
Vi ser att tjejer och killar trivs olika bra i skolan.
Det är vanligare att tjejer är stressade jämfört
med killar. Omvänt så upplever killar i nå-
got mindre utsträckning att tjejer och killar blir
rättvist behandlade av lärarna. Det är också en
lägre andel bland dem som är nöjda med sin utbildning.
• Det är vanligare bland tjejer i årskurs 7–9 att
tycka att det är roligt att gå till skolan, 67 procent
jämfört med 49 procent bland killarna (2012).
• Redan i årskurs 7–9 finns tendenser att tjejer
är mer stressade än killar. På gymnasienivå är
könsskillnaderna när man mäter stress markanta.
Bland unga som känner sig stressade varje
dag eller minst en gång i veckan är könsskillnaderna
störst för egna krav och förväntningar på
skolarbetet (55 procent av tjejerna, 33 procent
av killarna), läxor/hemuppgifter (63 procent
av tjejerna, 43 procent av killarna) och betyg
(46 procent av tjejerna, 27 procent av killarna)
(2012).
Inlaga.indd 9 2013-12-18 15:58:28
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• Av killarna i årskurs 7–9 uppger 24 procent
att hälften eller mindre än hälften av lärarna behandlar
tjejer och killar rättvist, jämfört med 10
procent av tjejerna (2012).
• Bland unga i åldern 20–25 år uppger 66 procent
av tjejerna och 55 procent av killarna att de
är ganska eller mycket nöjda med sin utbildning
(2012).
Tjejer och kvinnor presterar i genomsnitt bättre
än killar och män på alla utbildningsnivåer –
från grundskolan, via gymnasieskolan och upp
till högskolan.
• I årskurs 9 fick tjejerna bättre betyg än killarna
i alla ämnen utom idrott och hälsa läsåret
2011/12. Tjejerna nådde målen i större utsträckning
och deras slutbetyg från gymnasieskolan
är också bättre än killarnas på samtliga 17 nationella
program i gymnasieskolan. Dock visar
uppföljningen av resultaten från våren 2013 på
den största förbättringen i killars resultat sedan
meritvärdessystemet infördes 1998.
• Med den nya gymnasieskolan (Gy2011)
skärptes behörighetskraven till gymnasieskolan,
främst till de högskoleförberedande programmen.
Detta ledde till ökade könskillnader.
Könsskillnaden är störst för naturvetenskapsoch
teknikprogrammet, 2013 var 85 procent av
tjejerna och 81 procent av killarna behöriga.
• Tjejer fullföljer sina studier i större utsträckning
än killar. Bland unga som började i gymnasieskolan
hösten 2009 hade 72 procent av tjejerna
och 66 procent av killarna slutfört studierna
inom tre läsår. Även inom högskolan har kvinnor
generellt sett en högre examensfrekvens än
män.
I gymnasieskolan och på högskolan studerar
tjejer och killar ofta skilda ämnen och utbildningar.
Könsfördelningen ligger vanligen utanför
intervallet 40–60 procent.
• Bland dem som slutförde gymnasiestudier
läsåret 2011/12 var det endast på det naturvetenskapliga
programmet som andelen tjejer och
killar fördelade sig jämnt.
• Några gymnasieutbildningar hade en särskilt
sned könsfördelning. På fordons-, bygg- samt
el- och energiprogrammen utgjorde killar mer
än 90 procent av dem som slutförde utbildningen
läsåret 2011/12. På hantverksprogrammet
utgjorde tjejer mer än 90 procent. Könsfördelningen
varierar också mellan olika inriktningar
inom programmen.
• Forskarutbildningen har gått från en stark manlig
dominans till en jämn könsfördelning. Andelen
kvinnor var endast 8 procent bland dem som
tog doktorsexamen 1969/70. Läsåret 2000/01
passerade dock andelen kvinnor 40 procent.
Inlaga.indd 10 2013-12-18 15:58:28
11
Arbete och försörjning
I kapitlet om arbete och försörjning beskriver
vi flera områden som är kopplade till ungas
etablering. De övergripande ungdomspolitiska
målen att alla unga ska ha verklig tillgång till
välfärd och inflytande har en stark koppling till
arbete och försörjning. Området är också centralt
i jämställdhetspolitiken och berörs särskilt
av delmålen om jämn fördelning av makt och
inflytande, ekonomisk jämställdhet och en jämn
fördelning av det obetalda hem- och omsorgsarbetet.
Tjejer etablerar sig senare i arbetslivet, arbetar
i högre grad deltid och uppger att familjebildning
påverkar yrkeslivet i större utsträckning än
killar. Det är något vanligare att killar är arbetslösa
och långtidsarbetslösa jämfört med tjejer.
Vi ser också skillnader i lön mellan könen.
• Etableringsåldern, det vill säga den ålder när
tre fjärdedelar av en årskull har arbete, låg 2012
på 28 år för tjejer och 26 år för killar.
• Bland sysselsatta i gruppen 20–24 år arbetade
över 50 procent av tjejerna deltid 2012, medan
motsvarande andel bland killarna i samma åldersgrupp
var 26 procent. Andelen som arbetar
deltid är lägre bland både kvinnor och män i äldre
åldersgrupper, men skillnaden mellan könen
är ännu större bland dem.
• I kvalitativa studier lyfter tjejer oftare än killar
fram att familjebildning kommer att påverka deras
framtida yrkesliv. Studier visar dock att tjejer
och killar lägger ungefär lika mycket tid på
det obetalda hem- och omsorgsarbetet, men att
de delvis ägnar sig åt olika sysslor. När unga blir
föräldrar uppstår däremot betydande skillnader
mellan könen.
• I grupperna 20–24 år och 25–29 år uppger 15
procent av killarna att de någon gång har varit
ofrivilligt arbetslösa i mer än sex månader, jämfört
med 10 procent av tjejerna (2013). Bland
de i åldern 18–24 år som har varit inskrivna hos
arbetsförmedlingen i mer än 6 månader var 56
procent killar och 44 procent tjejer 2012. Andelarna
var desamma 2011.
• Löneskillnaden mellan könen är större bland
äldre än bland yngre, men även bland unga 18–
24 år har killar en högre lön än tjejer om vi ser
till medellön (lönerna har räknats upp till heltid).
Löneskillnader kan, förutom kön, bero på
ett flertal aspekter som skillnader i arbetslivserfarenhet,
utbildning, diskriminering, yrke och
inom vilken sektor som arbetet utförs.
Det finns en tydlig könssegregation bland unga
på arbetsmarknaden, vilket återspeglar den uppdelning
vi ser inom utbildningsväsendet.
• Av de 30 vanligaste yrkeskategorierna bland
unga i åldern 16–24 år har endast tre en jämn
könsfördelning 2011 (inom spannet 40–60 procent).
Detsamma gäller för gruppen 25–29 år.
Tidigare analyser kring de trettio vanligaste yrkena
i gruppen 20–64 år visar att det är få yrkeskategorier
som har en jämn könsfördelning
(2010).
Det finns olika sätt att mäta ekonomisk utsatthet.
Vi ser att det är vanligare att tjejer har svårt
att betala löpande utgifter och att de i större
utsträckning tar emot pengar från närstående.
Omvänt är det vanligare att killar har så allvarliga
svårigheter med sin ekonomi att de riskerar
vräkning och att deras skulder blir föremål för
Kronofogden.
Inlaga.indd 11 2013-12-18 15:58:28
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• Det var 18 procent av tjejerna i åldern 16–25 år
som vid flera tillfällen haft svårighet att betala
löpande utgifter under det senaste året, jämfört
med 14 procent av killarna 2012.
• I gruppen 16–19 år var det vanligare bland tjejer
än bland killar att under det senaste året ofta
ha fått ekonomisk hjälp av föräldrar eller annan
anhörig, 47 procent av tjejerna och 39 procent
av killarna (2012).
• Det var 5,3 procent av killarna i åldern 16–25
år som hade så allvarliga skulder att de var föremål
för indrivning hos Kronofogdemyndigheten
jämfört med 2,7 procent av tjejerna 2012.
En annan del av ungas etablering handlar om
boende där vi också ser vissa skillnader. Det är
vanligare bland killar i åldern 20–25 år att bo
kvar hemma hos sina föräldrar (44 procent jämfört
med 29 procent bland tjejerna). Bland tjejerna
är det 49 procent som bor i en egen hyresrätt
i första hand jämfört med 33 procent bland
killarna (2011).
Oavlönat hem- och
omsorgsarbete
På uppdrag av Ungdomsstyrelsen har Marie
Evertsson och Katarina Boye, vid Stockholms
universitet, genomfört en fördjupningsstudie
om ungas oavlönade hem- och omsorgsarbete.
De har studerat den tid som läggs på obetalt
arbete och inställningen till jämställdhet bland
tjejer och killar i åldern 19–30 år (2010). I studien
görs en jämförelse med motsvarande åldersgrupp
2000.
Resultaten visar att könsskillnaderna i gruppen
19–30 år i rutinartat hushållsarbete var små redan
2000 och minskade ytterligare till 2010. I
familjer med barn tycks könsskillnaderna däremot
ha ökat. Om det beror på sammansättningen
i urvalsgruppen eller om det tyder på mer stabila
förändringar i mammors och pappors ansvarsfördelning
är en fråga för framtida forskning.
• Inställningen till jämställdhet har varit relativ
stabil mellan 2000 och 2010. Runt 55 procent av
killarna och drygt 65 procent av tjejerna tycker
att det är mycket viktigt att satsa på ett samhälle
där kvinnor och män delar lika på ansvar för
hem och barn.
• Fördelningen av hushållsarbetet bland unga
har blivit mer jämn mellan 2000 och 2010. Detta
beror framför allt på att tjejerna minskat tiden
för rutinartat hushållsarbete. I genomsnitt ägnade
tjejerna 10,5 timmar och killarna 9,0 timmar
per vecka åt hushållsarbete (2010).
• Killar ägnar mindre tid än tjejer åt rutinartat
hushållsarbete men det är vanligare att killar
hjälper anhöriga och släktingar utanför hemmet
med hushållsarbete (inklusive reparationer och
underhåll).
• Kvinnors hushållsarbetstid ökar betydligt när
de blir föräldrar och är som störst när barnet
är under två år. Hushållsarbetstiden ökar ytterligare
för kvinnan om familjen får fler barn.
Mäns tid ökar i lägre grad när de får sitt första
barn, sjunker lite med barnets ålder och ökar
inte heller med ytterligare barn. Resultaten visar
att tjejer med barn hushållsarbetar i högre grad
än killar, även om de arbetar lika många timmar
på arbetsmarknaden och har lika hög lön som
killarna. Detta tyder på att den ojämna arbetsdelningen
inte främst är ekonomiskt motiverad.
Inlaga.indd 12 2013-12-18 15:58:28
13
Hälsa och utsatthet
För att beskriva ungas hälsa analyserar vi självskattad
hälsa, psykiskt välmående, psykosomatiska
symptom och trygghet. En stor del av kapitlet fokuserar
på våld och utsatthet eftersom delmålet om
att stoppa mäns våld mot kvinnor samt rätten till
kroppslig integritet är det som är högst prioriterat
inom jämställdhetspolitiken.
En majoritet av de unga mår bra, men det finns
samtidigt betydande andelar som inte gör det. Killar
uppger ett bättre allmänt hälsotillstånd än tjejer
och är i större utsträckning nöjda med sin hälsosituation.
Det är vanligare att tjejer oroar sig för sitt
utseende, sin vikt och att inte duga.
• Det egna allmänna hälsotillståndet bedöms som
bra eller mycket bra av 75 procent av tjejerna och
81 procent av killarna i åldern 16–25 år. Omvänt bedömer
7 procent av tjejerna och 4 procent av killarna
sin hälsa som ganska eller mycket dålig. Könsskillnaderna
är störst i gruppen 16–19 år (2012).
• Bland tjejer i åldern 16–29 år oroar sig 23 procent
ofta för sitt utseende och 28 procent oroar sig ofta
för sin vikt (6 respektive 8 procent bland killar). I
samma åldersgrupp oroar sig 25 procent av tjejerna
för att inte duga jämfört med 11 procent av killarna.
Mellan 16 och 29 år tycks dock killars oro tillta nå-
got med ökad ålder, medan tjejers oro istället minskar
något (2013).
Könsskillnaderna är påtagliga när vi tittar på psykisk
ohälsa och stressrelaterade symptom. Framfö-
rallt tjejer har haft en negativ hälsoutveckling sedan
slutet på 1980-talet, även om trenden är tydlig
också för killar fast från ett lägre utgångsläge. Vi
ser tendenser till att tjejer och killar hanterar psykisk
ohälsa på olika sätt och att ohälsan har olika
konsekvenser.
• Andelen som uppger att de är stressade flera
gånger i veckan är 50 procent bland tjejerna
och 24 procent bland killarna i åldern 16–25 år.
Bland tjejerna är 17 procent stressade varje dag
jämfört med 5 procent bland killarna (2012).
• Under 2012 uppgav 25 procent av tjejerna i
åldern 16–24 år att de lider av ängslan, oro eller
ångest, jämfört med 14 procent av killarna.
Jämfört med 1988/89 så har dessa andelar nästan
tredubblats för tjejer och mer än tredubblats
för killar. Konsekvenserna av psykiska besvär
tycks även vara större för tjejer.
• En jämförelse bland 16–29-åringar visar att
det mellan 2002 och 2013 har skett en viss ökning
av andelen unga som uppger att de ofta har
svårt att somna, lider av huvudvärk eller har ont
i magen.
• Tjejer och killar som mår dåligt hanterar i viss
mån sin situation på olika sätt. Killar uppger i
mindre utsträckning än tjejer att de pratar med
personer i sin omgivning när de mår dåligt. De
söker även stöd hos vuxna utanför familjen i
mindre utsträckning än tjejer. Intervjustudier
tyder också på att killar är mindre verbala än
tjejer när de söker stöd. Det finns också starka
samband mellan ekonomiska svårigheter och
psykisk ohälsa, i synnerhet bland tjejer. Bland
både tjejer och killar är oro för och brist på inflytande
kring den egna ekonomin förenat med
högre grad av psykisk ohälsa.
• Användningen av antidepressiva läkemedel
har ökat bland både tjejer och killar mellan 2007
och 2012. Under 2012 tog 4,4 procent av tjejerna
och 2,3 procent av killarna i gruppen 15–19
år antidepressiva läkemedel.
Inlaga.indd 13 2013-12-18 15:58:28
14
• Trots att tjejer i större utsträckning än killar
lider av psykiska besvär och vårdas för självmordsförsök
är 70 procent av de som faktiskt
avlider till följd av självmord i åldern 15–24
år killar. Killar är även överrepresenterande i
samband med alkohol- och narkotikarelaterade
dödsfall samt i fordonsolyckor med dödlig utgång.

Ungas våldsutsatthet och våldsutövande är
betydligt högre än för andra åldersgrupper. Tjejers
och killars våldsutsatthet ser många gånger
olika ut, gemensamt är dock att förövarna i stor
utsträckning är killar och män. Trots detta förbises
ofta både ålder och kön i analyser och diskussioner
om våld.
• Av killar i åldern 16–24 år uppger 9 procent
att de utsatts för misshandel under det senaste
halvåret 2012 jämfört med 4 procent av tjejerna.
I gruppen 19–24 år var risken nästan fem gånger
så hög bland killar som bland tjejer att hamna
på sjukhus till följd av våldsskador under 2011.
• Enkätstudier visar att 89 procent av alla misshandelsförövare
i gruppen 16–24 år var killar
och 11 procent var tjejer under perioden 2009–
2011. Bland offren för misshandel i åldersgruppen
var 71 procent killar och 29 procent tjejer.
• Det finns betydande variationer inom ungdomsgruppen
när det gäller utsatthet för våld.
Ungdomsstyrelsen har i tidigare utredningar visat
att unga hbtq-personer och tjejer och killar
med funktionsnedsättning är extra utsatta. De
upplever sämre hälsa och har i större utsträckning
än andra utsatts för hot och våld.
Killar drabbas framförallt av fysiskt våld från
en okänd förövare på allmän plats, medan tjejer
i större utsträckning är utsatta för våld i bostaden,
på arbetet eller i skolan.
• Tjejer är i högre grad utsatta för våld i nära
relationer än killar. Unga ensamstående mammor
är i högre grad drabbade än andra studerade
grupper. Av de tjejer som utsattes för misshandel
under 2011 uppger 22 procent att våldet skett i
bostaden och 28 procent uppger att förövaren
var en närstående (jämfört med 6 respektive 3
procent av de utsatta killarna). Det är även en
högre andel av de tjejer som utsatts för hot och
trakasserier som har utsatts av en närstående
jämfört med andelen killar.
• Unga tjejer är överrepresenterade som offer för
sexualbrott och förövaren är många gånger en
jämnårig eller något äldre kille. Bland tjejer i åldern
16–24 år uppger 3,4 procent att de har varit
utsatta för sexualbrott jämfört med 0,5 procent
bland killar (2011).
• Den upplevda otryggheten och rädslan för att
vistas i det offentliga rummet kvällstid är betydligt
vanligare hos tjejer än hos killar. En större
andel tjejer än killar upplever även att otryggheten
påverkar deras livskvalitet. Så många som
29 procent av tjejerna i åldern 16–24 år uppger
att de under det senaste året ofta valt att ta en
annan väg eller ett annat färdsätt på grund av
oro att utsättas för brott jämfört med 5 procent
av killarna (2012).
• Bland unga i åldern 16–25 år uppger 33 procent
av killarna och 16 procent av tjejerna att de
tycker det är okej att andra har sex mot ersättning
(2012). I ungdomsenkäten 2012 uppger 2,1
procent av killarna och 0,8 procent av tjejerna
Inlaga.indd 14 2013-12-18 15:58:28
15
att de själva har erfarenhet av att ta emot ersättning
för sex. En betydande andel av dem som
köper sex av unga är själva unga och den största
andelen är män.
• Av de våldtäkter mot personer över 18 år som
anmäldes under 2012 var offren i 96 procent av
fallen kvinnor och 98 procent av de misstänkta
förövarna var män. Mer än hälften (53 procent)
av förövarna var killar mellan 15 och 29 år.
• Det är fyra gånger så vanligt att tjejer får ovälkomna
sexuella förslag på nätet jämfört med
killar. Under 2012 hade 44 procent av tjejerna i
åldern 16–25 år någon gång varit med om att en
person på nätet försökt förmå dem att prata om
sex, skicka bilder eller agera framför en webbkamera
mot deras vilja jämfört med 12 procent
av killarna.
Grupper, maskuliniteter och våld
På uppdrag av Ungdomsstyrelsen har Tove Pettersson,
vid kriminologiska institutionen på
Stockholms universitet, gått igenom forskning
som belyser gruppens betydelse för ungas våldsutövande
och skapandet av maskulinitet. Hon
belyser likheter mellan vardagliga situationer i
exempelvis skolan och mer allvarliga våldsbrott
som begås av killar och män i grupp.
Analysen visar hur användandet av våld mot
någon inför en grupp kan vara betydelsefullt
för att uppnå status. Grupperna i studien präglas
av en stark manlig, homosocial gemenskap,
där lojalitet värderas högt. Homofobi och den
symboliska betydelse som "bögen" tillskrivs är
centralt i studierna. Sexistiska och nedvärderande
attityder och beteenden mot kvinnor är också
framträdande.
Hotet om att själv bli utsatt genom att inte leva
upp till de krav på maskulinitet som gruppen
ställer har en stark disciplinerande effekt. Forskare
inom skilda fält påtalar hur normer kring
dominans, överordning, styrka eller att inte vara
feg ofta präglar maskulinitetskonstruktioner.
Flera av de normer som förknippas med brottslighet
är värderingar som även återfinns bland
killar i andra sammanhang.
Sammantaget visar genomgången att killars
och mäns tillvaro många gånger är begränsad.
Små avvikelser från de maskulina normerna,
exempelvis genom att göra något som uppfattas
som feminint, kan lätt leda till trakasserier
och begränsade möjligheter att få delta i kamratgruppen
på lika villkor. Detta får betydelse
även i andra i sammanhang och både tjejer och
andra killar utsätts för killgruppernas maskulinitetskonstruktioner
genom såväl sexism som
våldsbrott.
Det här innebär att gruppen är viktig i
våldsförebyggande arbete, framför allt i ungdomsgruppen
och då speciellt för killar. Dels
för att gruppen är särskilt betydelsefull under
ungdomsåren, dels för att killar i grupp tycks
konstruera maskulinitet som är starkare förknippad
med dominans, överordning och våld än det
som sker individuellt.
Därför är det angeläget att utveckla våldspreventivt
arbete med särskilt fokus på grupper.
Flera våldspreventiva program från andra länder
har också ett inslag av ett åskådarperspektiv, där
fokus ligger på agerandet hos närvarande som
inte själva deltar i våldshändelsen.
Inlaga.indd 15 2013-12-18 15:58:28
16
Inflytande och
representation
Inflytande och representation är nära kopplat till
huvudmålen inom både jämställdhetspolitiken
och ungdomspolitiken. Det ungdomspolitiska
målet anger att unga ska ha verklig tillgång till
inflytande och välfärd och det jämställdhetspolitiska
målet att kvinnor och män ska ha makt
att forma samhället och sina egna liv. Vår studie
visar att tjejer och killar i lika stor utsträckning
uppger intresse för samhällsfrågor och vad som
händer i andra länder (2012). Vi ser dock att tjejers
och killars erfarenheter i andra avseenden
skiljer sig åt:
• En högre andel killar än tjejer uppger att de är
intresserade av politik, 45 procent jämfört med
31 procent (2012). Skillnaden har ökat de senaste
åren. När vi undersöker faktiska politiska
aktiviteter framstår det istället som att tjejer i
något högre grad är aktiva.
• En högre andel tjejer än killar i åldern 20–25
år uppger att de vill vara med och påverka lokalt
2012 (43 respektive 38 procent). Av de som inte
vill vara med och påverka är det en större andel
tjejer än killar i åldern 16–25 år som uppger att
det är för att de kan för lite om hur de ska bete
sig (27 procent respektive 16 procent).
• Killar i åldern 16–25 år var i högre grad än
tjejer benägna att chatta, debattera och kommentera
politik på internet 2012 (22 respektive
11 procent). Tjejer väljer i större utsträckning
än killar att köpa vissa produkter av politiska,
etiska eller miljömässiga skäl (35 respektive 27
procent).
• En något högre andel tjejer än killar röstar i
nationella val. Samtidigt var det fler killar än
tjejer, 18–25 år, som nominerades och valdes
in i riksdag och landstingsfullmäktige 2010. I
kommunfullmäktigevalen var könsfördelningen
nästan jämn. Det är vanligare att tjejer hoppar av
sina politiska uppdrag än att killar gör det.
• Samtliga politiska ungdomsförbund, utom
Grön ungdom och Ung vänster, hade fler killar
än tjejer som medlemmar 2011. Könsfördelningen
håller sig dock inom spannet 40–60
procent för alla ungdomsförbund utom Ung pirat
och Sverigedemokratisk ungdom (SDU) som
har en fördelning på 80–85 procent killar och
15–20 procent tjejer, samt Grön ungdom med en
fördelning på 61 procent tjejer och 39 procent
killar.
Ungdomsstyrelsens
bidragsgivning till unga
och jämställdhet
En av Ungdomsstyrelsens centrala uppgifter är
att ge bidrag till ideella organisationer. Vi har
i denna studie analyserat ansökningar och slutrapporter
för projekt som under de senaste fem
åren haft ett jämställdhetssyfte och som riktat
sig till unga.
Kartläggningen visar att flest projekt som beviljats
bidrag har arbetat för det jämställdhetspolitiska
delmålet om lika makt och inflytande.
Det näst vanligaste är att arbeta för att mäns våld
mot kvinnor ska upphöra, där de flesta projekt
drivits av tjej- och kvinnojourer eller syftat till
att motverka hedersrelaterat våld. Få projekt
syftar till ekonomisk jämställdhet och det finns
inga projekt som arbetar för en jämnare fördelning
av det obetalda hemarbetet bland unga.
De flesta projekt i kartläggningen har tagit
fram metodmaterial, genomfört utbildningar för
unga och yrkesverksamma samt kompetensutvecklat
personer i den egna verksamheten. Det
Inlaga.indd 16 2013-12-18 15:58:28
17
har blivit vanligare att arbeta med jämställdhet
utifrån ett normkritiskt perspektiv mellan 2008
och 2012 och flera projekt syftar till att utjämna
maktstrukturer i den egna organisationen.
Många projekt riktar sig till "alla" unga eller
syftar till att stärka tjejer, men få projekt har
främst killar som målgrupp. Det finns en risk
att jämställdhetsarbete blir en fråga för endast
kvinnor eller tjejer. Villkoren för de olika bidrag
som fördelas påverkar i sig utfallet av de projekt
som drivs av organisationer i det civila samhället.
Inom många bidragsformer finns det särskilt
avsatta medel för exempelvis kvinnor.
Kultur och fritid
Den fria tiden är en viktig arena för ungas lärande
och självförverkligande. I regeringens strategi
för ungdomspolitiken framhålls tillgången till
kultur som grundläggande i en demokrati samt
som ett kraftfullt redskap för ett aktivt deltagande
i samhället. Idrotten är också en viktig del av
många ungas fritid. Det jämställdhetspolitiska
delmål som ligger närmast detta område handlar
om jämn fördelning av makt och inflytande.
Det är vanligare bland tjejer att uppleva att de
har för lite fritid och tjejer är även i mindre utsträckning
aktiva i föreningar. Killar tycks värdera
fritidsaktiviteter högre.
• Det är vanligare att tjejer upplever att de har
för lite fritid och nivåerna har varit relativt stabila
mellan 2004 och 2012. Bland tjejer i åldern
16–25 år uppgav 42 procent att de hade för lite
fritid, jämfört med 28 procent bland killarna
(2012).
• Tjejer och killar är ungefär lika nöjda med sin
fritid, men det är vanligare att tjejer i åldern 16–
25 år har avstått från att besöka en fritidsaktivitet
på grund av rädsla för att bli dåligt bemött,
17 procent av tjejerna och 12 procent av killarna
(2012).
• Fritiden är det som värderas högst på frågan
om vad som är viktigast just nu bland unga i
åldern 16–24 år, före andra områden som parförhållande,
fast arbete och bilda familj. På frå-
gan om vad som ger livet mest mening var familjen
det vanligaste svarsalternativet för såväl
tjejer som killar i åldern 16–29 år. Bland killar
var fritiden det näst vanligaste svarsalternativet
(21 procent) medan det bland tjejer istället var
vänner (16 procent) följt av fritid (7 procent)
(2013).
Många tjejer och killar idrottar och motionerar,
men det sker delvis i olika sammanhang och
i olika utsträckning. Killar är överrepresenterade
inom föreningsidrotten samtidigt som det är
något vanligare bland tjejer att motionera. Tjejer
lämnar föreningsidrotten i större utsträckning än
killar när de kommer upp i tonåren.
• Andelen tjejer som motionerar minst en gång i
veckan har legat runt 80 procent de senaste åren
(2008–2012) medan andelen killar har varit nå-
got lägre, runt 70 procent.
• Killar är överrepresenterade inom föreningsidrotten.
Bland det totala antalet deltagartillfällen
2011 var könsfördelningen 61 procent killar
och 39 procent tjejer. Andelen aktiva tjejer
minskar med ökad ålder.
• I många fall är män överrepresenterade på ledande
positioner inom idrotten.
• Vissa idrotter är tydligt könskodade. De tre
specialförbund som har flest deltagartillfällen är
fotboll, innebandy och ishockey. Det är också
Inlaga.indd 17 2013-12-18 15:58:28
18
de specialförbund som har lägst andel tjejer och
högst andel killar som deltagare. Ridsport och
gymnastik är de specialförbund där främst tjejer
deltar, men dessa har betydligt färre deltagartillfällen.

• Tjejer med utländsk bakgrund är den grupp
som i minst utsträckning är representerad inom
föreningsidrotten. Unga hbtq-personer har betydligt
lägre deltagande än övriga inom motion
och idrott. Killar som identifierar sig som heterosexuella
deltar i föreningsidrotten i större
utsträckning än killar med annan sexuell tillhö-
righet.
Tjejer är i högre grad aktiva kulturutövare och
utövar i ungdomsåren fler kulturformer samtidigt
jämfört med killar. I åldern 13–25 år är killar
dock överrepresenterade i de verksamheter
som får offentligt stöd.
• Inom breda kulturområden som att sjunga,
spela musik, dansa och utöva teater är tjejer i
åldern 16–25 år mer aktiva än killar minst en
gång i veckan, 38 procent jämfört med 29 procent
(2012).
• Tjejer deltar i större utsträckning i dans, skrivande
och teater på sin fritid, medan killar i
större utsträckning deltar i musikaktiviteter
(2010). Bland tjejerna i åldern 16–25 år var det
även 21 procent som var aktiva i minst tre av
kulturaktiviteterna musik, dans, bild, skrivande
eller teater någon gång det senaste året jämfört
med 8 procent bland killarna. Andelen som inte
hade utövat någon av de nämnda aktiviteterna
på sin fritid var 39 procent bland killarna och 24
procent bland tjejerna (2010).
• Sett till antal deltagare är tjejer överrepresenterade
inom musik- och kulturskolans verksamhet
2012 (69 procent jämfört med 31 procent killar). I
verksamheten deltar främst barn under 13 år. I studieförbundens
studiecirkelsverksamhet med kulturinriktning
för unga i åldern 13–24 år är förhållandet
istället det motsatta, 40 procent tjejer jämfört med
60 procent killar (2012).
• Läsförståelsen hos unga har minskat generellt.
Ungefär en fjärdedel av de 15-åriga killarna i Sverige
saknade funktionell läsförmåga 2010. Bland
unga med de lägsta resultaten i Sverige är andelen
killar betydligt högre än andelen tjejer (24 respektive
10 procent).
I fördelningen av statliga offentliga medel till
ungas organisering, idrott och kultur i åldersgruppen
13–25 år får killar den största andelen.
• Det offentliga stödet till idrotten går huvudsakligen
till föreningsidrott, där en högre andel killar
än tjejer är aktiva. Den senaste mätningen visar att
killar står för drygt 60 procent av deltagartillfällena
och tjejer för knappt 40 procent 2011.
• En stor del av statens stöd till ungas kulturutövande
går genom studieförbundens studiecirklar. I studiecirklarna
med kulturinriktning finns en liknande
övervikt av killar, 60 procent killar och 40 procent
tjejer i åldern 13–24 år deltog i sådana cirklar 2012.
• Ungdomsstyrelsen kan se att antalet tjejer och
killar ökar bland det totala antalet medlemmar
som finns i de ungdomsorganisationer vi fördelar
statsbidrag till. Dock verkar fördelningen här bli
alltmer skev, 2010 var 47 procent av organisationernas
medlemmar tjejer och 53 procent killar. Två
år senare var 41 procent tjejer och 59 procent killar
(2012).
Inlaga.indd 18 2013-12-18 15:58:28
19
Förändringsarbete inom
de fem huvudområdena
I varje kapitel ger vi en sammanfattande bild av
jämställdhetssatsningar som har riktats till unga
i åldern 13–25 år, med fokus på de senaste fem
åren.
Utbildning och lärande är ett område där jämställdhetsarbetet
har belysts grundligt relativt
nyligen både inom grund- och gymnasieskolan
och inom högskolan. Flera initiativ har tagits
på utbildningssystemets olika nivåer, både i
form av särskilda satsningar och i form av att
integrera jämställdhetsperspektivet i ordinarie
verksamhet och utbildningar. Det finns dock
tendenser att de särskilda satsningar som görs
blir kortsiktiga och inte lyckas skapa långsiktig
förändring. Vi ser också att unga själva sällan
involveras mer direkt i det jämställdhetsarbete
som bedrivs i skolans värld.
Inom området arbete och försörjning är initiativ
för ökad jämställdhet bland unga inom arbetslivet
ett underutvecklat område. Det finns
få studier som belyser dessa frågor på djupet,
och vi ser få initiativ för ökad jämställdhet bland
unga inom detta fält. Detta märks både i en genomgång
av arbetet inom ramen för Program
för hållbar jämställdhet (HÅJ) som Sveriges
Kommuner och Landsting driver 2008–2013 för
att stödja arbetet med jämställdhetsintegrering
på lokal och regional nivå, och i de många ungdomsprojekt
som delfinansierats av Europeiska
socialfonden under 2007–2013.
Vi har i rapportens kapitel om hälsa och utsatthet
särskilt fokuserat på ungas psykiska ohälsa
och arbete kopplat till att förhindra mäns våld
mot kvinnor samt rätt till kroppslig integritet.
Det finns betydande satsningar för att synkronisera
samhällets insatser kopplade till barns och
ungas psykiska ohälsa och för att stärka elevhälsans
arbete. Unga är också särskilt prioriterade
i psykiatrisatsningen 2012–2016. För att stärka
arbetet att bekämpa mäns våld mot kvinnor har
regeringen arbetat utifrån tre handlingsplaner
och under 2011–2014 arbetar de med fokusområden
som bland annat handlar om stärkt samordning,
åtgärder mot sexuellt våld, prostitution
och människohandel samt stärkt förebyggande
arbete.
Det finns flera initiativ och satsningar som
handlar om ungas inflytande och representation,
dock finns det få satsningar som är riktade
specifikt mot unga som också är kopplat
till jämställdhet. En viktig lärdom är att även
om olika aktörer och myndigheter arbetar med
både jämställdhet och inflytande bland unga, så
är dessa områden sällan sammanlänkade. Istället
finns flera exempel på hur aktörer inom det
civila samhället bedrivit arbetet där båda dimensionerna
finns med samtidigt. Vi ser det bland
annat genom att Ungdomsstyrelsens stöd till
projekt på temat unga och jämställdhet i mycket
hög grad varit inriktade mot ungas inflytande
och representation.
När det gäller ungas kulturaktiviteter och fritid,
så har vissa initiativ tagits för att öka jämställdheten
bland unga. Det finns både lokala
exempel och nationella initiativ för att öka jämställdheten
inom idrotten och kulturlivet. Vår
undersökning visar dock att arbetet inom båda
dessa områden har en lång bit kvar innan vi
uppnår en jämställd fritid för tjejer och killar.
Förändringsarbetet inom idrotten kan inte sägas
ha kommit särskilt långt (samtidigt som tjejer är
överrepresenterade bland styrelseledamöter under
30 år i centrala styrelser) och de satsningar
som har gjorts inom kulturområdet berör endast
delvis unga 13–25 år och inte alltid med ett jämställdhetsperspektiv
som en del av arbetet. Den
samlade kunskapen om ungas fritid på nätet är
också bitvis låg och kan utvecklas framåt.
Inlaga.indd 19 2013-12-18 15:58:29
20
En viktig fråga är också hur vi skapar goda
förutsättningar för att ta tillvara erfarenheter
och kunskaper från de satsningar som görs på
jämställdhet. Här finns det positiva initiativ som
portalen www.jamstall.nu där man hittar exempel
inom området. Samtidigt ser vi att arbetet
med att ta tillvara kunskaper och erfarenheter
har kommit olika långt. Exempelvis finns många
utredningar och utvärderingar om jämställhetsarbetet
inom skolan, men desto färre som belyser
situationen för unga inom både arbetslivet
och på fritiden.
Diskussion och förslag
Det är inte möjligt att enkelt konstatera hur det
ser ut när det gäller jämställdhet bland unga i
Sverige. Jämställdhet är mångfacetterat och
orsakssamband ofta komplexa. Det genomförs
också en rad olika typer av analyser inom området.
Det finns flera olika index för att mäta
och jämföra jämställdhetssituationen på internationell
nivå. Genom åren har det tagits fram ett
tiotal sådana mått. Sverige och flera andra nordiska
länder brukar placera sig högt i sådana mätningar.
I vår rapport ser vi både positiva och negativa
trender när det gäller jämställdhet bland
unga. Vissa skillnader mellan könen är istället
relativt konstanta över tid. Inom flera områden
framträder dock en mer komplex bild som gör
det svårt att entydigt tala om förbättringar eller
försämringar.
När det gäller ungas inställning till jämställdhet
har denna varit stabil under 2000–talet.
Unga generellt värderar jämställdhet som en
viktigare fråga än äldre. Stödet för jämställdhet
är mer utbrett bland tjejer och kvinnor än bland
killar och män.
Bland positiva trender finns en alltmer jämn
könsfördelning bland unga doktorander vid universitet
och högskolor. Segregationen mellan
könen i vilka program de läser på gymnasiet är
stor, men har minskat något de senaste tio åren.
Bland negativa trender finns särskilt tjejers hälsoutveckling
sedan 1980-talet. Nya behörighetsregler
i gymnasiet verkar också förstärka
skillnaderna mellan könen i vilka program de
läser, vilket är en utveckling som behöver följas
framöver.
Vi ser genom rapporten att ojämställdhet begränsar
både tjejer och killar, och att de har olika
handlingsutrymme i många sammanhang. Tjejer
och killar möter skilda förväntningar i skolan,
både från personal och från andra elever, vilket
riskerar att förstärka skillnaderna mellan könen.
Här verkar det också finnas betydande variationer
mellan skolor när det gäller lokala normer
för tjejer och killar. Det är viktigt att skolan är en
plats där alla kan mötas av likvärdiga förväntningar.
Att det finns en betydande segregering i
val av utbildning, av yrke såväl som av fritidsaktiviteter
är en indikation på de begränsningar
som kan finnas.
Inom flera områden har tjejer sämre levnadsvillkor.
Psykisk ohälsa och stress är särskilt utbrett.
Det gäller även utsatthet för sexuellt våld
och våld i nära relationer. Familjebildning tenderar
också att få större konsekvenser för tjejer
i relation till både arbetslivet och till det oavlö-
nade hem- och omsorgsarbetet. Bland killar är
det vanligare med allvarligare ekonomiska problem,
och de är överrepresenterade när det gäller
våldsutövande och även utsatthet för många
former av våld. Vi ser hur maskulinitetsnormer
påverkar våld och även hur killar verbaliserar,
eller inte verbaliserar sitt mående.
Inlaga.indd 20 2013-12-18 15:58:29
21
Jämställdhetspolitiken tar sin utgångspunkt
i relationen mellan könen och den ojämna fördelningen
av makt och inflytande. Det är viktigt
att också uppmärksamma att det finns personer
som varken identifierar sig som tjejer eller killar,
och att analyser ofta har en heterosexuell
utgångspunkt och kärnfamiljen som modell.
De statistiska undersökningar som finns är väldigt
begränsade när det gäller att fördjupa vår
kunskap om levnadsvillkoren för flera delar av
ungdomsgruppen som vi vet lever i en särskilt
utsatt situation. Här behövs fortsatta kvalitativa
studier för att spegla villkoren och kunna formulera
relevanta politiska frågor.
Förändringsarbetet har kommit olika långt
om vi ser till huvudområdena i ungdomspolitiken.
Inom utbildning och lärande har många
satsningar och utredningar gjorts och det finns
mycket samlad erfarenhet och kunskap för ett
fortsatt arbete. För arbete och försörjning ser vi
att det har varit ovanligt med initiativ för ökad
jämställdhet för unga. Inom hälsa och utsatthet
kan vi konstatera att det finns betydande satsningar
för att utveckla de insatser som ges, och
att barn och unga är särskilt prioriterade i satsningen
kring psykisk ohälsa 2012–2016, dock
saknas ett tydligt jämställdhetsperspektiv. Flera
initiativ har tagits för att stärka kunskapen och
insatserna inom området unga och våld. Ungdomsstyrelsen
har sedan tidigare lagt flera förslag
hur detta arbete kan förstärkas ytterligare.
Inom inflytande och representation finns det
få offentliga initiativ som kombinerar frågorna
om ungas inflytande och jämställdhet. Detta är
istället vanligare bland aktörer inom det civila
samhället, som också får stöd från det offentliga
bland annat genom Ungdomsstyrelsen och
Allmänna arvsfonden. Inom området kultur och
fritid finns lokala exempel och nationella initiativ
för att öka jämställdheten inom idrotten och
kulturlivet. Vi ser att arbetet inom idrotten kan
utvecklas och att satsningar inom kulturen endast
delvis når unga.
För ett långsiktigt arbete behöver projekt och
särskilda initiativ pågå samtidigt som jämställdhetsintegreringsarbetet.
Kunskaper och erfarenheter
från förändringsarbete skulle kunna samlas
på ett mer systematiskt sätt än idag. Vi ser
också behov av att killar och mäns engagemang
behöver höjas inom jämställdhetspolitiken för
att nå långsiktig förändring.
Ungdomsstyrelsen lägger sex förslag som kan
komplettera och vidareutveckla arbetet och kunskapsutvecklingen
för ökad jämställdhet mellan
tjejer och killar:
• Synliggör barn och unga i uppföljningen av
jämställdhetspolitiken
• Förtydliga jämställdhetsperspektivet i satsningen
kring psykisk ohälsa 2012–2016
• Granska arbetsmarknadsåtgärder utifrån ett
jämställdhetsperspektiv
• Förstärk arbetet mot sexuella trakasserier i
skolan
• Fokus på grupper och maskulinitet i forskning
och i ett avgränsat försök med våldspreventivt
program i Sverige
• Utveckla indikatorerna för uppföljning av ungas
kultur och fritid, och därmed möjligheterna
att följa upp jämställdheten på området.

Usage and design evaluation by family caregivers of a stroke intervention web site

Pierce LL, Steiner V. (2013)

Background

Four out of 5 families are affected by stroke. Many caregivers access the Internet and gather healthcare information from web-based sources.

Design

The purpose of this descriptive evaluation was to assess the usage and design of the Caring~Web© site, which provides education/support for family caregivers of persons with stroke residing in home settings.

Sample and Setting

Thirty-six caregivers from two Midwest states accessed this intervention in a 1-year study. The average participant was fifty-four years of age, white, female, and the spouse of the care recipient.

Methods

In a telephone interview, four website questions were asked twice-/bi-monthly and a 33-item Survey at the conclusion of the study evaluated the website usage and design of its components. Descriptive analysis methods were used and statistics were collected on the number of visits to the website.

Results

On average, participants logged on to the website one to two hours per week, although usage declined after several months for some participants. Participants positively rated the website's appearance and usability that included finding the training to be adequate.

Conclusion

Website designers can replicate this intervention for other health conditions.

Use of eye‐pointing by children with cerebral palsy: what are we looking at?.

Sargent, J., Clarke, M., Price, K., Griffiths, T., & Swettenham, J. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
Children with cerebral palsy often show significant communication impairment due to limited or absent speech. Further, motor impairment can restrict the use of movement, including pointing, to signal interest and intent. For some children, controlled gaze can be an effective 'point-substitute': such 'eye-pointing' can be used to request items, establish mutual interest in an event, or select vocabulary within an alternative or augmentative communication (ACC) system. However, in clinical practice there is a lack of clarity about how the term 'eye-pointing' is used, how 'eye-pointing' is recognized or how it relates to social development.
AIMS:
To present a clinical description of the term 'eye-pointing' with reference to children with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak or finger-point. To consider this description within a wider discussion of the importance of gaze in communication development.
METHODS & PROCEDURES:
Cumulative clinical observations during assessment of children referred to a specialist multidisciplinary communication clinic have provoked discussion between the authors on what factors precipitate use of the term 'eye-pointing' in young children with severe cerebral palsy. In particular, discussion has centred on whether use of the term is appropriate in individual cases and whether guidance is available about how gaze should be observed in this developmentally vulnerable group of children. A literature search was also conducted in order to explore whether the use and meaning of the term is established.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS:
In interactions with non-speaking children, determining whether a child is using eye-gaze communicatively requires observation and interpretation of several factors. These processes will be informed by reflection on what is known about other aspects of the child's communication and interaction skills. Within the literature, the term 'eye-pointing' is sometimes used when describing the communication functions of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and is occasionally qualified by a definition. No papers have been found that set out a clinical description universally applicable to children with severe motor impairment. Moreover, guidance is lacking on how possible episodes of 'eye-pointing' might be confidently distinguished from other episodes of directed gaze in young, developing communicators. The discussion of the term makes reference to the importance of gaze in early communication development, and explores factors that might influence gaze and its interpretation in young children with cerebral palsy. A description of eye-pointing for this group is offered. The authors suggest that this will bring practical benefits to those supporting the communication development of children with severe cerebral palsy.

User involvement in designing a web-based support system for young carers : inspiring views and systemic barriers

Elf, M. (2013)

The studies in this dissertation have their origin in the research project PS Young Support. This project aimed to develop and evaluate a web-based support system (WBSS) for young people living close to someone with mental illness. To make this support relevant, and to achieve legitimacy and trustworthiness it was found important to cooperate with prospective users in developing it through a participatory design (PD) process. The dissertation follows two lines of investigation. One of these relates to how PD can inspire new views on design, while the other is about barriers to involvement of users. Specifically, inspiring views aims at how a PD process with prospective users as co-designers has influenced the way we think about WBSSs. Moving on from the common idea of a WBSS as a stand-alone intervention, Studies I and II show that WBSSs can be used as a tool to reach real-life support. Earlier research suggests that online support is rarely the preferred support; the present research show that young carers viewed it as a starting point for reaching real-life contacts and real- life support. Furthermore, young people with poor mental health are more prone to seek support online compared with those with less poor mental health. Hence, a WBSS could serve as a means to capture the former group and offer them online support. At the same time it could serve as a tool for reaching real-life support and external services. In this way the WBSS could offer a help path to individuals in need of support. Study IV investigates meta design, i.e. how users have really used the WBSS and the conditions for redesign. The development WBSS and its implemented version are compared with respect to their intended use (thing design) and how they really were used (use design). The context of use was found to be critical, since data collected in an experimental setting may be misleading and not reflect real use. Consequently, natural settings are recommended for user feedback. The second line of investigation in this dissertation concerns systemic barriers including barriers to user influence. It is not common in PD to focus on the designers. However, Study II and III reveal two types of barriers, both of which are connected to the designers. They are "systemic" barriers as they are a part of the setting that constitutes design. They cannot really be avoided, just handled. The first barrier has to do with the fact that users and designers do not regularly share the same social conditions, and consequently that they have different assumptions, implying that they may have difficulties to understand each other. Assumptions of shared views and the fact that understanding is a process that takes time may increase the effect of this foundational difference. Study II reports crucial differences in the views of what the WBSS should support. The second barrier concerns the impact of deadlines on designers' attitudes to users' contributions. Study III reports that halfway through the design process, designers reorganized their work and put more effort into the act of producing an artefact. Along with this shift, designers' preferred type of knowledge seemed to change, from knowledge based on user experience to expert knowledge.

Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to Describe Children Referred to Special Care or Paediatric Dental Services.

Faulks D, Norderyd J, Molina G, Macgiolla Phadraig C, Scagnet G, Eschevins C, et al. (2013)

Children in dentistry are traditionally described in terms of medical diagnosis and prevalence of oral disease. This approach gives little information regarding a child's capacity to maintain oral health or regarding the social determinants of oral health. The biopsychosocial approach, embodied in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Child and Youth version (ICF-CY) (WHO), provides a wider picture of a child's real-life experience, but practical tools for the application of this model are lacking. This article describes the preliminary empirical study necessary for development of such a tool - an ICF-CY Core Set for Oral Health. An ICF-CY questionnaire was used to identify the medical, functional, social and environmental context of 218 children and adolescents referred to special care or paediatric dental services in France, Sweden, Argentina and Ireland (mean age 8 years ± 3.6 yrs). International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) diagnoses included disorders of the nervous system (26.1%), Down syndrome (22.0%), mental retardation (17.0%), autistic disorders (16.1%), and dental anxiety alone (11.0%). The most frequently impaired items in the ICF Body functions domain were 'Intellectual functions', 'High-level cognitive functions', and 'Attention functions'. In the Activities and Participation domain, participation restriction was frequently reported for 25 items including 'Handling stress', 'Caring for body parts', 'Looking after one's health' and 'Speaking'. In the Environment domain, facilitating items included 'Support of friends', 'Attitude of friends' and 'Support of immediate family'. One item was reported as an environmental barrier - 'Societal attitudes'. The ICF-CY can be used to highlight common profiles of functioning, activities, participation and environment shared by children in relation to oral health, despite widely differing medical, social and geographical contexts. The results of this empirical study might be used to develop an ICF-CY Core Set for Oral Health - a holistic but practical tool for clinical and epidemiological use.

Utvecklingsstörning, samhälle och välfärd

Ineland, J., Molin, M., & Sauer, L. (2013)

Under de senaste trettio åren har valfrihet och självbestämmande varit ledord för den svenska välfärdspolitiken. Att individen själv ska ha rätt att bestämma över sin vardag har inneburit att man inom funktionshinderpolitiken alltmer har kommit att betona den enskildes möjlighet att påverka villkoren för stöd och hjälpinsatser.

Människor med utvecklingsstörning är i dag mer integrerade i samhället. Men vad händer när funktionshindrade inte vill se sig som klienter utan framhåller andra värden och livsprojekt?

Författarna har mångårig erfarenhet av verksamhetsnära arbete. Deras forskning är inriktad på de upplevelser och erfarenheter som personer med utvecklingsstörning har. I den här boken sätts dessa erfarenheter in i en större samhällelig och välfärdspolitisk kontext.

Denna andra upplaga har reviderats utifrån nyare lagstiftning och innehåller även två nyskrivna kapitel: "Internet och sociala medier" samt "Utvecklingsstörning och hälsa". Boken vänder sig till universitets- och högskolestudenter vid socionom- och lärarprogrammen, samhällsvetenskapliga, beteendevetenskapliga och vårdvetenskapliga utbildningar samt till yrkesverksamma inom välfärdssektorn och andra som är intresserade av frågor om funktionshinder.

Martin Molin, docent och fil. dr i handikappvetenskap, Institutionen för pedagogik och specialpedagogik, Göteborgs universitet.

Lennart Sauer, fil. dr i socialt arbete, Institutionen för socialt arbete, Umeå universitet.

Jens Ineland, fil. dr i socialt arbete, Pedagogiska institutionen, Umeå universitet.

Web-based brief interventions for young adolescent alcohol and drug abusers – a systematic review

Tönnesen, H., Ståhlbrandt, H., & Pedersen, B. (2013)

Abstract
Background Adolescents' use of alcohol, cannabis and other psychoactive substances has significantly increased in European
countries. Parallel to this web-based screening and brief intervention have been disseminated. An important question is if it is
based on evidence for effect? Therefore, the aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence for effect.
Method A systematic literature search was performed on randomised trials in the following databases: MEDLINE, the Cochrane
Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE – supplemented by hand search. The target group of young adolescents
was defined as 16 to 18 years old.
Results Overall, 35 papers were identified as randomised trials on web-based screening and/or intervention concerning alcohol
and drug among young people; however the only identifiable randomised trial to evaluate the young adolescents was a published
protocol describing an ongoing study.
Conclusion Young adolescents might benefit from web-based screening and brief intervention on alcohol and drugs; however
an effects remains to be established in high quality studies.

Who cares? Managing obligation and responsibility across the changing landscapes of informal dementia care

Egdell, V. (2013)

This paper explores the different ways in which informal carers for people with dementia negotiate their care-giving role across the changing organisational and spatial landscape of care. In-depth qualitative data are used to argue that the decisions of carers are socially situated and the result of negotiations involving individuals, families and wider cultural expectations. These decisions affect where care occurs. In addressing these issues this paper draws attention to the lack of choice some carers may have in taking on the care-giving role; how and why carers draw upon support; and the different expectations of the care-giver's capabilities across the different sites of care, specifically at home and in nursing homes. It concludes that research and policy attention should focus on how the expectations about the role and abilities of carers are affected by where, and how, care is delivered. In doing so this paper contributes to the emerging health geography literature on care-giving as well as developing the spatial perspective in the established gerontological literature..

Widowhood and depression among older europeans-The role of gender, caregiving, marital quality, and regional context

Schaan, B. (2013)

Objectives. This study investigates the role of gender, caregiving, and marital quality in the correlation between widowhood and depression among older people within a European context by applying the theory of Social Production Functions as a theoretical framework.Method. Fixed-effects linear regression models are estimated using the first 2 waves (2004, 2006) of "The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe" (SHARE). A subsample of 7,844 respondents aged 50 and older in 11 countries, who were married at baseline and are either continuously married or widowed at follow-up, is analyzed.Results. Respondents who experienced widowhood between the 2 waves report significantly more depressive symptoms than those continuously married, with respondents living in Denmark and Sweden reporting a lower increase in depressive symptoms than those living in Greece, Spain, or Italy. There is no statistically significant interaction between gender and widowhood. Widowed persons who report higher marital quality at baseline show a larger increase in the number of symptoms of depression than those with low marital quality; widowed persons who report being a caregiver for their partner at baseline report smaller increase in the symptoms of depression compared with widowed noncaregivers.Discussion. The results support the results of previous studies using longitudinal data. Furthermore, the effect of widowhood varies among the 11 countries in the subsample although only a small amount of the variation in the increase of depressive symptoms after becoming widowed can be explained by such contextual factors.

Widowhood and depression among older europeans-The role of gender, caregiving, marital quality, and regional context

Schaan, B. (2013)

Objectives. This study investigates the role of gender, caregiving, and marital quality in the correlation between widowhood and depression among older people within a European context by applying the theory of Social Production Functions as a theoretical framework.Method. Fixed-effects linear regression models are estimated using the first 2 waves (2004, 2006) of "The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe" (SHARE). A subsample of 7,844 respondents aged 50 and older in 11 countries, who were married at baseline and are either continuously married or widowed at follow-up, is analyzed.Results. Respondents who experienced widowhood between the 2 waves report significantly more depressive symptoms than those continuously married, with respondents living in Denmark and Sweden reporting a lower increase in depressive symptoms than those living in Greece, Spain, or Italy. There is no statistically significant interaction between gender and widowhood. Widowed persons who report higher marital quality at baseline show a larger increase in the number of symptoms of depression than those with low marital quality; widowed persons who report being a caregiver for their partner at baseline report smaller increase in the symptoms of depression compared with widowed noncaregivers.Discussion. The results support the results of previous studies using longitudinal data. Furthermore, the effect of widowhood varies among the 11 countries in the subsample although only a small amount of the variation in the increase of depressive symptoms after becoming widowed can be explained by such contextual factors.

Working daughters: A blind spot in Swedish eldercare policy

Ulmanen, P. (2013)

Care services help women who are mothers or daughters to combine caregiving and gainful employment. While Swedish childcare policy expanded services to meet the needs of children and working mothers, this discourse analysis of Swedish eldercare policy shows that the expansion of eldercare services from the 1950s to the end of 1970s was justified solely on the basis of older people's needs. The lack of connection in policy documents between the needs of working daughters and the provision of eldercare services made it easier to cut services beginning in the 1980s, without considering the consequences for family members.

Vårdbidrag och framtida inkomster – De långsiktiga ekonomiska konsekvenserna av att få barn med särskilda behov

Inpektionen för Socialförsäkringen (ISF) (2013)

Studien undersöker hur kvinnor och mäns arbetsutbud, sjukskrivning och ekonomiska situation i övrigt påverkas när de får ett barn med särskilda behov. I undersökningen identifieras dessa barn genom att föräldrarna får vårdbidrag för barnet. Vårdbidraget är ett ekonomiskt stöd till föräldrar vars barn har en funktionsnedsättning eller är långvarigt sjuka och behöver särskild tillsyn och vård i minst sex månader. Antalet mottagare av vårdbidrag har i det närmaste fördubblats sedan mitten av 1990-talet. År 2012 mottog 46 000 föräldrar vårdbidrag.

Äldrepsykiatri- kliniska riktlinjer för utredning och behandling.

Sparring-Björkstén, K. (Red.). (2013)

De äldsta och de svårast sjuka faller ansvarsmässigt lätt mellan stolarna när det handlar om tillstånd med psykiska symtom och många får i dag inte den hjälp de behöver. Det finns ett stort behov såväl av ökad kunskap om äldrepsykiatri i all sjukvård för äldre, som av äldrepsykiatrisk spetskompetens och högspecialiserad vård. Därför finns den här boken.

Äldrepsykiatri omfattar alla tillstånd med psykiska symtom hos äldre – demenssjukdomar, affektiva sjukdomar, ångest, psykoser, personlighetsstörningar, kriser med flera. Tillstånden är ofta sammanflätade med varandra eller med somatiska sjukdomar.

Skriften vänder sig till psykiatrer och blivande psykiatrer samt andra läkare med ansvar för äldre, främst inom geriatrik och allmänmedicin. Den kan användas som lärobok för det äldrepsykiatriska delmålet i ST-utbildningen. Då äldrepsykiatrin till sin natur är multidisciplinär, kan hela eller delar av boken även läsas av annan sjukvårdspersonal.

Författare:
Karin Sparring (huvudredaktör)
Ingar Karlsson
Margda Wärn
Maria Eriksdotter
Per Allard
Johan Lökk

Svenska Psykiatriska Föreningen har sedan 1996 utformat kliniska riktlinjer för en rad psykiatriska områden. Äldrepsykiatri – kliniska riktlinjer för utredning och behandling är den elfte skriften i serien Svensk Psykiatri.

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Översyn av anhörigstödet i Nacka

Lindstrand, A. (2013)

En översyn har gjorts av anhörigstödet i Nacka. Syftet är att ge ett förslag till inriktningsbeslut och att utreda tillhörigheten för anhörigkonsulentfunktionen. Översynen har främst genomförts med hjälp av intervjuer och samråd med berörda tjänstemän och intresseorganisationer. Av översynen framgår att det har skett en positiv utveckling av anhörigstödet, men den pekar också på behov av fortsatt utveckling inom några områden. Bland annat framhåller intresseorganisationerna att det finns behov av större förståelse för anhörigas situation, mer vägledning och personligt stöd till anhöriga, mer individuellt anpassad avlösning och mer uppsökande verksamhet. Behov finns av en organisation som möjliggör utveckling av såväl det strategiska arbetet med anhörigstöd, som direkta stödinsatser och anhörigperspektiv i handläggningen. Slutsatsen blir att föreslå att anhörigstödet samordnas med det förebyggande arbetet. Det innebär att det strategiska arbetet med anhörigstöd samordnas av Sociala kvalitetsenheten och att Verksamheten Sociala Stödresurser föreslås få ett samlat uppdrag att arbeta med enskilda kontakter, gruppverksamhet, föreläsningar och informationsinsatser

”Hon är inte adhd, hon är min syster!” En kvalitativ studie om upplevelser av att växa upp med ett syskon med adhd. C-uppsats

Stephansson, Karin & Schelin, Robert (2008)

Författare: Karin Stephansson & Robert Schelin
Syfte: Att undersöka hur det kan vara att växa upp med en bror eller syster med diagnosen
adhd, hur livssituationen/syskonskapet hanterats, samt hur de har påverkats och hur det
eventuellt fortsätter att påverka dem i vuxenlivet. Syftet var även att undersöka syskonens
upplevelser och behov av socialt stöd under uppväxten.
Frågeställningar:
• Vilka upplevelser finns hos personer som vuxit upp med ett syskon med adhd?
• Hur upplever syskon att de har påverkats av att växa upp med en bror eller syster med
adhd?
• Hur har syskonskapet hanterats?
• I vilken utsträckning finns det behov av socialt stöd under uppväxten för syskon till
barn med adhd?
Metod: Studien är kvalitativ och bygger på intervjuer med åtta personer som vuxit upp med
ett eller flera syskon med diagnosen adhd. Intervjupersonerna består av både kvinnor och män
i åldrarna 17- 29 år.
Resultat: Resultatet visade att samtliga syskon upplevt att syskonrelationen och
familjesituationen innehållit mycket bråk som enligt intervjupersonerna var mer än vanligt
syskonbråk. Samtliga intervjupersoner ansåg att det fått ta ett stort ansvar under uppväxten.
Detta har upplevts som både positivt och negativt. Det har gjort dem ansvarsfulla men några
kände även att det lagts för mycket ansvar på dem och detta alldeles för tidigt i relation till
deras dåvarande ålder. Studien kunde påvisa en koppling mellan kommunikationen inom
familjen och upplevelsen av att ha vuxit upp med ett syskon med adhd. De intervjupersoner
som ansåg att kommunikationen inom familjen varit god och öppen beskrev upplevelser och
erfarenheter av syskonskapet som mer positivt än de intervjupersoner som ansåg att
kommunikationen inom familjen varit bristfällig.
Nyckelord: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (adhd), syskon, coping, socialt stöd,
systemteori

A Comprehensive Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira. NA. (2008)

Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions have been used for more than a decade, but no comprehensive review and no extensive meta-analysis of their effectiveness have been conducted. We have collected all of the empirical articles published up to March 2006 (n = 64) that examine the effectiveness of online therapy of different forms and performed a meta-analysis of all the studies reported in them (n = 92). These studies involved a total of 9,764 clients who were treated through various Internet-based psychological interventions for a variety of problems, whose effectiveness was assessed by different types of measures. The overall mean weighted effect size was found to be 0.53 (medium effect), which is quite similar to the average effect size of traditional, face-to-face therapy. Next, we examined interacting effects of various possible relevant moderators of the effects of online therapy, including type of therapy (self-help web-based therapy versus online communication-based etherapy), type of outcome measure, time of measurement of outcome (post-therapy or follow-up), type of problem treated, therapeutic approach, and communication modality, among others. A comparison between face-to-face and Internet intervention as reported on in 14 of the studies revealed no differences in effectiveness. The findings of this meta-analysis, and review of additional Internet therapy studies not included in the meta-analysis, provide strong support for the adoption of online psychological interventions as a legitimate therapeutic activity and suggest several insights in regard to its application. Limitations of the findings and recommendations concerning Internet-based therapy and future research are discussed.

Differentiation among types of intimate partner violence: research update and implications for interventions

Kelly, Joan B, & Johnson, M P. (2008)

A growing body of empirical research has demonstrated that intimate partner violence is not a unitary phenomenon and that types of domestic violence can be differentiated with respect to partner dynamics, context, and consequences. Four patterns of violence are described: Coercive Controlling Violence, Violent Resistance, Situational Couple Violence, and Separation-Instigated Violence. The controversial matter of gender symmetry and asymmetry in intimate partner violence is discussed in terms of sampling differences and methodological limitations. Implications of differentiation among types of domestic violence include the need for improved screening measures and procedures in civil, family, and criminal court and the possibility of better decision making, appropriate sanctions, and more effective treatment programs tailored to the characteristics of different types of partner violence. In family court, reliable differentiation should provide the basis for determining what safeguards are necessary and what types of parenting plans are appropriate to ensure healthy outcomes for children and parent–child relationships.

Effectiveness of telecare in elderly populations - A comparison of three settings

Onor, M. L., Trevisiol, M., Urciuoli, O., Misan, S., Bertossi, F., Tirone, G., et al. (2008)

The primary aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction with 3 types of formal care systems of the elderly: (1) a day care center, (2) a nursing home, and (3) telecare service in a group of oldest frail elderly, and to describe the characteristics of the population using the services. The study involved a population of 162 oldest elderly using 3 different types of formal care services. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic characteristics and degree of overall satisfaction with the service, as well as eliciting possible suggestions for improvement. In our study, nearly all subjects using the telecare service were satisfied or very satisfied (98.5%), as compared to 75.3% of those residing in a nursing home, and 76.5% of those attending the day care center. This result confirms the findings of previous studies on elderly subjects satisfaction with telecare services. Telecare, therefore, seems to be the service achieving the greatest levels of satisfaction, a service that can also be used by low-income subjects, by whom it is also perceived as a source of social support.

Family and carer participation in mental health care: perspectives of consumers and carers in hospital and home care settings

Lakeman, Richard (2008)

It is widely accepted that family and carer participation in adult mental health care is desirable. However, rarely is service development informed by representative opinions of both carers and service users. This study took place in the context of a larger project to introduce and evaluate practice standards relating to family participation. The aim of this paper is to explore the perceptions of service users and carers to carer participation in adult mental health services. One hundred and twenty-nine service users and 86 family members recruited via hospital and community settings completed a survey which addressed obstacles to family participation, perceived benefits of participation and areas for improvement. Many service users and family were entirely satisfied with existing levels of family participation. Different needs for information, support and the nature of participation in mental health care are highlighted in acute hospital and community settings. Across settings, the provision of support and accessing services were identified as the most useful aspects of family participation. Meaningful carer and family participation in mental health care should proceed from respectful connection with carers and be informed by need which will vary depending on setting and circumstances.

HIV-postive mothers´ disclosure of their serostatus to their young children: A review

Murphy, D.A. (2008)

One challenge faced by mothers living with HIV (MLWHs) is the decision about whether or not to disclose their HIV status to their young children, and how best to carry out the disclosure. Disclosure of their serostatus has emerged as one of the main concerns MLWHs have, and that decision can result in high levels of psychological distress. Concerns are exacerbated among MLWHs with younger children, due to the fact that they face additional worries, such as whether the child is old enough to understand, or will be able to keep the information confidential. A great deal of recent research—within approximately the past decade—has been conducted to investigate maternal disclosure of HIV, and the outcomes on children. This paper reviews the current state of the research literature, focusing on factors that appear to influence whether or not mothers chose to disclose; characteristics of children who have been made aware of their mothers' serostatus relative to children who remain unaware; factors that appear to influence children's reactions to maternal disclosure; and implications of this research as well as future research directions.

Implementing child-focused family nursing into routine in adult psychiatric practice: Hindering factors evaluated by nurses

Korhonen T, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K, Pietilä A-M. (2008)

Keywords:
child;family nursing;family nursing interventions;psychiatric nursing
Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to describe nurses' evaluations of factors that are hindering implementation of child-focused family nursing (CF-FN) into adult psychiatric practice. In addition, it explains the nurses' evaluations of the hindering factors related to the hospital organizational structure, the individual nurse, nursing and family.

Background.  There is an increasing amount of families with dependent children in adult psychiatry. Although these families have long-term benefits from preventive family interventions, implementation of CF-FN is not routine mental health practice.

Design and methods.  Data were collected via a questionnaire-survey completed by Registered Psychiatric Nurses (n = 223) and practical Mental Health Nurses (n = 88) from 45 adult psychiatric units in five Finnish university hospitals. The response rate was 51%.

Results.  Family-related factors, such as families' fears and lack of time, were considered as 'most hindering' to CF-FN. Nurses who used a family-centred approach and had further family education considered most of the factors as 'less hindering' in comparison to other nurses.

Conclusion.  To meet the needs of the families in mental health services, it is essential to develop nursing intervention methods such as CF-FN. There is a need for further education and use of family-centred care to develop this preventive approach.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study could be considered when developing mental health services and family interventions for families with parental mental illness.

Into adulthood: a follow-up study of 718 young people who were placed in out-of-home care during their teens

Vinnerljung B, Sallnäs M. (2008)

In this study, national register data were used to analyse long-term outcomes at age 25 for around 700 Swedish young people placed in out-of-home care during their teens. The sample consisted of 70% of all 13- to 16-year olds who entered out-of-home care in 1991. Results revealed a dividing line between young people placed in care for behavioural problems and those placed for other reasons. Young woman and men from the first group had – in comparison with peers who did not enter care – very high rates of premature death, serious involvement in crime, hospitalizations for mental-health problems, teenage parenthood, self-support problems and low educational attainment. Young people who were placed for other reasons had better outcomes, but still considerably worse than non-care peers. Young women tended to do better than young men, regardless of reasons for placement. Very high rates of hospitalizations for mental health problems were found among young people placed for behavioural problems. Breakdown of placement was found to be a robust indicator of poor long-term prognosis.

Mapping images to objects by young adults with cognitive disabilities

Carmien, S. & Wohldman E. (2008)

How the type of representation (icons, photos of objects in context, photos of objects in isolation) displayed on a hand-held computer affected recognition performance in young adults with cognitive disabilities was examined. Participants were required to match an object displayed on the computer to one of three pictures projected onto a screen. We tested the opinion widely held by occupational therapists and special education professionals that there is an inverse relationship between cognitive ability and the required fidelity of a representation for a successful match between a representation and an external object. Despite their widespread use in most learning tools developed for persons with cognitive disabilities, our results suggest that icons are poor substitutes for realistic representations.

The coping experiences of carer´s who live with someone who has schizophrenia.

Huang X, Sun F, Yen W, Fu C. (2008)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this study was to understand the coping experiences of carers living with a schizophrenic family member. Our research may be a valuable reference for mental health professionals seeking to improve the quality of care for people with schizophrenia and their carers.
DESIGN:
We employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research methodology to understand the coping experiences of carers living with a schizophrenic family member.
METHODS:
Purposive sampling and in-depth, face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. When data saturation was reached, the sample size comprised 10 carers (five men and five women). The interview focused on the carer's coping experience. During the process of data collection and data analyis we established epoches (bracketing) and returned to the reality of the carers' experience to keep the data objective. Narratives were analysed according to Colaizzi's seven steps method.
RESULTS:
The two most commonly used coping mechanisms that emerged from this study were psychological coping strategies (cognitive, behavioural and emotional) and social coping strategies (religious, social and professional support). Furthermore, three factors were found in the study, including low social status, traditional help-seeking behaviours and feelings of shame.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of understanding the coping experiences of carers who have a family member with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to identify more important detailed factors that affect the coping strategies of carers. Relevance to clinical practice. Community mental health care professionals need to improve the quality of care for helping carers living with a family member who has schizophrenia. It is important to develop effective coping intervention strategies that help carers cope with the stress and strain of caring for a family member with schizophrenia.

The effectiveness of Talking Mats® with people with intellectual disability

Murphy, J., & Cameron, L. (2008)

People with intellectual disability have significant difficulties in ensuring their voice is heard. Talking Mats is a low tech communication resource which helps understanding and supports expression. This study examined the effectiveness of the resource for people with intellectual disability. A mixed method quantitative and qualitative study involving 48 people at four levels of comprehension was designed to compare the effectiveness of Talking Mats with the individual's main communication method. Thirty of the 48 participants were identified as using Talking Mats effectively. Effective use of Talking Mats was associated with functional comprehension. The study found that scores on all indicators of communication effectiveness were higher when using Talking Mats compared to main communication methods. This study identified that Talking Mats can be an effective communication resource for many people with intellectual difficulty and can help them express their views by increasing both the quantity and quality of information communicated.

The Relationship Between Violence in the Family of Origin and Dating Violence Among College Students

Gover, A. R., Kaukinen, C., & Fox, K. A. (2008)

Prior research has established that violence in dating relationships is a serious social problem among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to violence during childhood has been linked to dating violence victimization and perpetration. Also known as the intergenerational transmission of violence, the link between violence during childhood and dating violence has traditionally focused on physical violence. This research examines the relationship between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence and exposure to violence in the family of origin. Specifically, the current research examines gender differences in the relationship between exposure to violence during childhood and physical and psychological abuse perpetration and victimization. Data were collected from a sample of approximately 2,500 college students at two southeastern universities. Findings indicate that childhood exposure to violence is a consistent predictor of involvement in relationships characterized by violence for males and females. The implications of the current research on policy are discussed.

"A look at a community coming together to meet the needs of older adults: An evaluation of Neighbors Helping Neighbors program."

Trickey, R (2008)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The study included surveys of 49 community-residing older adults and 26 community volunteers. Results showed that older adults perceived their quality of life to have improved after receiving social and environmental services; volunteers felt that their contributions to the program had made a significant difference in their community. This exploratory, descriptive study is only a beginning effort, but it holds great promise for suggesting ways to address the needs of the burgeoning aging population in our society.

 

”No, you don’t know how we feel”: Groupwork with children facing parental loss

Chowns, G. (2008)

Groupwork with bereaved children has become increasingly common. However, working with children anticipating potential bereavement has received much less attention. Similarly, research within this area in palliative care has been notable for two things - its paucity and its failure to address the perspective of the children themselves. The author, a palliative care social worker, turned to the action research paradigm for an approach that would more effectively engage with and illuminate these children's experiences, and undertook a collaborative inquiry - where the research is conducted with rather than for, on, or about the participants - with nine children aged from seven to fifteen. Collaborative inquiry raises - and challenges - many key issues in both research and groupwork, such as voice, power and identity, ethics and competence. This article addresses a number of these issues, with a particular focus on identity.

A future for family care and dementia intervention research? Challenges and strategies

Zarit SH, Femia EE. (2008)

Despite widespread interest in the challenges facing family caregivers of people with dementia, the literature on empirically-validated treatments has grown slowly. One issue that has limited its growth has been that many of the existing treatment trials show weak or only modest benefits on caregiver outcomes. An examination of the literature suggests that the research strategies used for testing the effectiveness of interventions have not been optimal and the limitations in their approaches may have contributed to their limited findings of improvement. We identify some of the methodological issues that may have affected previous trials and suggest strategies for addressing these issues.

A meta-analytic review of components associated with parent training program effectiveness

Kaminski, J. W., Valle, L. A., Filene, J. H., & Boyle, C. L. (2008)

This component analysis used meta-analytic techniques to synthesize the results of 77 published evaluations of parent training programs (i.e., programs that included the active acquisition of parenting skills) to enhance behavior and adjustment in children aged 0-7. Characteristics of program content and delivery method were used to predict effect sizes on measures of parenting behaviors and children's externalizing behavior. After controlling for differences attributable to research design, program components consistently associated with larger effects included increasing positive parent-child interactions and emotional communication skills, teaching parents to use time out and the importance of parenting consistency, and requiring parents to practice new skills with their children during parent training sessions. Program components consistently associated with smaller effects included teaching parents problem solving; teaching parents to promote children's cognitive, academic, or social skills; and providing other, additional services. The results have implications for selection and strengthening of existing parent training programs.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a support and education programme for spouses of people affected by stroke.

Franzen-Dahlin A, Larson J, Murray V, Wredling R, Billing E. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether a nurse-led support and education programme for spouses of patients affected by stroke improved the psychological health of the spouses.
DESIGN:
A longitudinal, open, randomized controlled trial.
SAMPLE:
One hundred spouses of stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group.
SETTING:
The study was conducted in a hospital setting.
INTERVENTION:
The intervention consisted of six group meetings during six months, with a follow-up after further six months. Comparison between the intervention and the control groups was made at baseline, after six and 12 months using analysis with repeated measures.
MAIN MEASURES:
The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale--Self-Affective for psychological health.
RESULTS:
No significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups concerning overall psychological health. However, a subanalysis revealed that those who participated more frequently in the group meetings (five or six times) had significantly stronger psychological health (P<0.05). Knowledge about stroke increased over time in both groups, but participants in the intervention group learned more (P=0.041).
CONCLUSION:
Encouraging participation in the group meetings of a support programme might have a positive effect on psychological health.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a support end education programme for spouses of people affected by stroke

Franzén-Dahlin, Å., Larson, J., Murray, V., Wredling, R., & Billing, E. (2008)

Objective: To determine whether a nurse-led support and education programme for
spouses of patients affected by stroke improved the psychological health of the
spouses.
Design: A longitudinal, open, randomized controlled trial.
Sample: One hundred spouses of stroke patients were randomly assigned to either
an intervention or a control group.
Setting: The study was conducted in a hospital setting.
Intervention: The intervention consisted of six group meetings during six months,
with a follow-up after further six months. Comparison between the intervention and
the control groups was made at baseline, after six and 12 months using analysis with
repeated measures.
Main measures: The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale –
Self-Affective for psychological health.
Results: No significant difference was found between the intervention and control
groups concerning overall psychological health. However, a subanalysis revealed that
those who participated more frequently in the group meetings (five or six times) had
significantly stronger psychological health (P50.05). Knowledge about stroke
increased over time in both groups, but participants in the intervention group learned
more (P ¼ 0.041).
Conclusion: Encouraging participation in the group meetings of a support
programme might have a positive effect on psychological health.

Adverse childhood experiences predict earlier age of drinking onset: Results from a representative US sample of current or former drinkers

Rothman, EF., Edwards, EM., Heeren, T., & Hingson, RW. (2008)

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to determine whether adverse childhood experiences predicted the age at which drinking was initiated and drinking motives in a representative sample of current or former drinkers in the United States.

METHODS. In 2006, a probability sample of 3592 US current or former drinkers aged 18 to 39 were surveyed. Multinomial logistic regression examined whether each of 10 adverse childhood experiences was associated with earlier ages of drinking onset, controlling for demographics, parental alcohol use, parental attitudes toward drinking, and peers' drinking in adolescence. We also examined whether there was a graded relationship between the number of adverse childhood experiences and age of drinking onset and whether adverse childhood experiences were related to self-reported motives for drinking during the first year that respondents drank.

RESULTS. Sixty-six percent of respondents reported ≥1 adverse childhood experiences, and 19% reported experiencing ≥4. The most commonly reported adverse childhood experiences were parental separation/divorce (41.3%), living with a household member who was a problem drinker (28.7%), mental illness of a household member (24.8%), and sexual abuse (19.1%). Of the 10 specific adverse childhood experiences assessed, 5 were significantly associated with initiating drinking at ≤14 years of age (compared with at ≥21 years of age) after adjustment for confounders, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, having a mentally ill household member, substance abuse in the home, and parental discord or divorce. Compared with those without adverse childhood experiences, respondents with adverse childhood experiences were substantially more likely to report that they drank to cope during the first year that they used alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS. Results suggest that children with particular adverse childhood experiences may initiate drinking earlier than their peers and that they may be more likely to drink to cope with problems (rather than for pleasure or to be social).

Ageing well : mobile ICT as a tool for empowerment of elderly people in home health care and rehabilitation [Diss.].

Melander Wikman, A. (2008)

Avhandling

The ageing of Europe's population is a crucial challenge for the 21st century. Today, the mean life expectancy in Sweden is 83 years for women and 78 for men. Ageing well is a frequently used process, describing the objectives of future elderly care and rehabilitation. Enabling elderly people to live longer and independently in their homes is one goal for society as a whole. Providing health care of high quality, on equal terms for all citizens, is an important political goal in Sweden. It is a great challenge for providers to achieve elderly care of high quality and to develop products, services and technologies that meet the needs of elderly people. There is an assumption that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will enhance quality of life. Additionally "electronic accessibility" is one of the goals for the European Information Society to support and enable self-determination and mobility. Dimensions of empowerment such as participation and ability to influence/control one's life situation imply an approach to health care with the patient/client in focus. The aim of this thesis was to explore different dimensions of empowerment and an empowerment methodology for elderly persons in home health care, and if ICT was a useful tool in this process. A multi-method approach was used that included interviews with patients with experience of rehabilitation, interviews with elderly persons with homecare and safety alarms, exploring their needs in relation to empowerment dimensions such as autonomy, self-determination, participation and mobility, an intervention where a mobile safety alarm was tested by elderly individuals and reflective learning workshops with front line staff in home care. Different methods of analysis were used, including Grounded Theory, Latent Content analysis and Constructivist Grounded Theory together with reflections. One of the overall findings was that all patients/clients that participated in these studies had not reflected upon whether it would be possible or not, to influence care and rehabilitation. The results indicate low patient participation in and influence on, the rehabilitation process. Elderly people perceived freedom of movement as a prerequisite for participation and in one of the studies the elderly participants felt that they could influence care and be participating in one aspect, but they still wanted more support with, for example, being more physically active, like walking out doors. The overall findings show a genuine patient/client desire, but limited possibilities to influence care and rehabilitation. Put another way, patients/clients want to have influence and participate authentically, but they do not exactly know how to achieve this. All patients/clients were positive towards the professionals in care and rehabilitation. They were really grateful and admired the professionals and also identified themselves with how stressed and how overloaded with work the professionals were. This might mean that the concept interdependency is looked upon as more important than real autonomy. The patients/clients tried to be compliant and this can be understood as "learning unpretentiousness". After reflecting upon their situation they were more able to articulate their needs that were not responded to or taken care of. When ICT, as an empowering tool, was implemented, findings showed that elderly people experienced the use of a mobile safety alarm as empowering. The mobile safety alarm gave them the freedom of movement needed to be physically active and still feel safe. The positioning device was not experienced as a threat to their integrity. Mobility and safety were experienced as more important than privacy. The research findings indicate that in order to improve home health care services from the patient's/client's perspective, we need to work with the triads of participation, empowerment and mobile Information and Communication Technology. We need to critically and creatively reflect on what clients say and then try to respond positively to what we learn and shift the focusaway from 'what's life like?' and 'what should life be like?', towards the explicit action question, 'what needs to be done to make life as good as it can be?' Real improvement is more likely to be sustained with some changes in accountability.

An Internet-based videoconferencing system for supporting frail elderly people and their carers

Savolainen, L., Hanson, E., Magnusson, L. & Gustavsson, T. (2008)

Abstract
The ACTION project uses information and communication technology to support frail elderly people and their family carers. The aims are to enhance their quality of life, independence and preparedness and to break social isolation. A videoconferencing system, connecting homes and a call centre, was used in a pilot study in 1997 - 2002. A re-designed system was brought into use in late 2004 and over 60 new units were introduced during the first six months. The new system was evaluated with an interview study and by data logging. Eight family users and four professional carers were interviewed. The family users had used the videophone at least six times and they had had the equipment at home for at least two months. The average number of initiated calls per user was 5.7 per month and the average call time per user was 40 min per month. Seven of the users (88%) reported that the system very much reduced their sense of loneliness and isolation. The results of the evaluation were encouraging. There were several frequent users of videoconferencing. System quality was acceptable although a shorter audio delay would be desirable. The system was used regularly by the participants and it fulfilled its purpose.

Psychosocial intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia reduces caregiver´s burden: development and effect after 6 and 12 months

Andrén, S., & Elmståhl, S. (2008)

A number of different intervention programmes have been described in the literature for caregivers of people with dementia, but the nature of intervention has varied widely. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial intervention on family caregiver's level of burden and satisfaction, and possible influence of the caregiver's relationship and health and the patient's severity of the disease on the effects of intervention. All persons, 70 years and older, from two districts of a municipality (2721 individuals) who were in receipt of any form of social services were invited to participate in a screening of cognitive decline, and 1656 home visits were made. Those with symptoms of cognitive decline, and having a family caregiver, were invited for a further medical examination. Data were analysed from 308 family caregivers: 153 caregivers who underwent intervention and 155 control caregivers who did not. Repeated measures were carried out 6 and 12 months later. Outcomes were measured using instruments that had been tested for reliability and validity, and all patients were diagnosed according to DSM-IV dementia criteria. Caregivers who underwent the psychosocial intervention (5-week programme and 3-month conversation group) reported significantly lower strain and disappointment after 6 months, and this trend remained after 12 months. Satisfaction, measured in terms of purpose, increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group. The best effect on caregivers in the intervention group was found early in the progression of dementia and in caregivers with impaired health. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying family caregivers early in the caring process to optimize well-being. This study demonstrates that psychosocial intervention with a clearly defined aim that includes giving information and having a conversation group have significant, positive effects on burden and satisfaction for caregivers of people with dementia.

Resilience and vulnerability among refugee children of traumatized and non-traumatized parents

Daud, A., af Klinteberg, B., & Rydelius, P. A. (2008)

Background
The aim of the study was to explore resilience among refugee children whose parents had been traumatized and were suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Methods
The study comprised 80 refugee children (40 boys and 40 girls, age range 6–17 yrs), divided into two groups. The test group consisted of 40 refugee children whose parents had been tortured in Iraq before coming to Sweden. In accordance with DSM-IV criteria, these children were further divided in two sub-groups, those who were assessed as having PTSD-related symptoms (n = 31) and those who did not have PTSD-related symptoms (n = 9). The comparison group consisted of 40 children from Egypt, Syria and Morocco whose parents had not been tortured. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd edn. (WISC-III), Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents- Revised (DICA-R), Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms checklist (PTSS), "I Think I am" (ITIA) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to assess IQ; PTSD-related symptoms; self-esteem; possible resilience and vulnerability.

Results
Children without PTSD/PTSS in the traumatized parents group had more favorable values (ITIA and SDQ) with respect to total scores, emotionality, relation to family, peer relations and prosocial behavior than the children in the same group with PTSD/PTSS and these values were similar to those the children in the comparison group (the non-traumatized parents group). The children in the non-traumatized parents group scored significantly higher on the IQ test than the children with traumatized parents, both the children with PTSD-related symptoms and those without PTSD-related symptoms.

Conclusion
Adequate emotional expression, supportive family relations, good peer relations, and prosociality constituted the main indicators of resilience. Further investigation is needed to explore the possible effects of these factors and the effects of IQ. The findings of this study are useful for treatment design in a holistic perspective, especially in planning the treatment for refugee children, adolescents and their families.

School-based support groups for adolescents with a substance-abusing parent.

Gance-Cleveland B, Mays MZ. (2008)

BACKGROUND Adolescents with substance-abusing parents need interventions to reduce their risk for a variety of problems. School-based support groups (SBSGs) have been proposed to increase resilience in this population. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate a SBSG for adolescents with substance-abusing parents. STUDY DESIGN The randomized, controlled study was conducted with high-school students (n = 109) to evaluate the impact of SBSGs on resiliency. Resiliency was operationalized as positive physical health, mental health, and risk behaviors in the presence of adverse life events. Data were collected pre- and postintervention. RESULTS Significant improvements in knowledge of substance abuse were noted. Findings suggested gender differences in coping and health outcomes and positive trends in substance use. CONCLUSIONS SBSGs may increase resilience in this at-risk population. However, there were gender differences in response to the intervention, and group facilitators should be aware that participants' gender may influence response to the groups. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2008; 14(4), 297-309. DOI: 10.1177/1078390308321223.

Sharing experiences of care giving: A qualitative study on caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders

Joshi HL, Yadav A, Bangia H. Sharing (2008)

The present study was conducted on the primary caregivers of the patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder These patients are a major source of burden to their care givers and families. The family members, also called primary care givers, report high level of burden related to caring for their family member suffering from one of these disorders The study was conducted on 60 care givers using Focus Group Discussion as the method This method was used to get the in depth understanding of the burden and utilization of coping strategies by the caregivers. The themes that were the most resonant within the groups of care givers were social stigma of mental illness, coping strategies, patient's problems, and financial problems, effect on caregiver's health, social isolation, and thoughts regarding leaving the patient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

Sibling Outcomes from a Randomized Trial of Evidence-Based Treatments with Substance Abusing Juvenile Offenders

Rowland, MD., Chapman, JE., & Henggeler, SW. (2008)

This study examined the substance use and delinquency outcomes for the nearest age siblings of substance abusing and delinquent adolescents that participated in a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of integrating evidence-based practices into juvenile drug court. The sample of 70 siblings averaged 14.4 years of age, 50% were male, 71% were African-American, and 27% were white. Measures of sibling substance use and delinquency were collected at four points in time (i.e., pretreatment, 4 months, 12 months, 18 months). Multilevel Longitudinal Models were used to evaluate whether changes in sibling substance use and delinquency paralleled the treatment effects observed for their substance abusing delinquent brothers and sisters in the juvenile drug court study. Parallel sibling outcomes were obtained for substance use but not for criminal behavior, and possible reasons for the divergence in these results were discussed. The findings add meaningfully to the literature on the effects of evidence- and family-based treatments on siblings.

Sibling Outcomes from a Randomized Trial of Evidence-Based Treatments with Substance Abusing Juvenile Offenders. Available from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/233374807_Sibling_Outcomes_from_a_Randomized_Trial_of_Evidence-Based_Treatments_with_Substance_Abusing_Juvenile_Offenders [accessed Oct 26, 2015].

Siblings coping strategies and mental health services: A national study of siblings of persons with schizophrenia

Friedrich RM, Lively S, Rubenstein LM. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
This study examined the helpfulness of coping strategies and the relative importance of mental health services in coping with schizophrenia from the perspective of siblings.
METHODS:
This article presents selected survey data from a national study of 746 respondents that investigated the impact of schizophrenia on siblings' lives. The authors developed the Friedrich-Lively Instrument to Assess the Impact of Schizophrenia on Siblings (FLIISS), a closed-ended questionnaire that included questions about coping strategies and mental health services.
RESULTS:
Respondents identified services for the ill sibling, including symptom control, adequate housing, and long-term planning, as more important than direct services for themselves. The top-ranked coping strategies were education about schizophrenia, a supportive family, and seeing the ill sibling suffer less because symptoms were controlled. Understanding that families were not to blame for schizophrenia was the most helpful coping strategy for nearly three-fourths of siblings. Siblings had little contact with providers in the past; yet the majority of siblings wanted providers to be available to answer questions and clarify their role in future care. At the time of the study, respondents provided social support and helped with crises, but few coordinated the total care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Siblings identified multiple ways that providers can support and assist them in coping with the impact of schizophrenia. Education and support for siblings without schizophrenia and services for their ill siblings will become increasingly important for the well-being of siblings as they are faced with the responsibility of being the primary caregivers in the future.

Skolverkets Allmänna råd

Skolverket (2008)

Skolverkets allmänna råd för att stödja vid bedömning och betygsättning för kommunal vuxenutbildning, särskild utbildning för vuxna och utbildning i svenska för invandrare.

Sociala företag vidgar arbetsmarknaden

Blideman, Bo & Laurelii, Eva (2008)

Sociala företag är en del av företagandet i landet. I de sociala företagen är medarbetarna delaktiga i att skapa nya arbetsplatser och arbetsmöjligheter. Det är en chans för dem som har svårt att komma in på arbetsmarknaden att få använda sina resurser och sin kreativitet. De utvecklar vår syn på vad som är företagande och bidrar till att vidga arbetsmarknaden.

Det här är en översiktlig och lättillgänglig bok om sociala företag för dem som vill starta eller stödja utvecklingen av sociala företag. Huvuddelen av boken bygger på fem exempel som beskriver vad sociala företag kan vara i praktiken. I boken presenteras också ny forskning och tips till dem som vill starta ett arbetsintegrerande socialt företag. Detta är den andra omarbetade upplagan av Sociala företag vidgar arbetsmarknaden. Boken har kvar sin karaktär av en grundbok i ämnet, samtidigt som författarna har försökt fånga in det senaste inom området.

Författarna Bosse Blideman och Eva Laurelii har arbetat ett 20-tal år som kooperativa företagsrådgivare inom Coompanion och har breda kunskaper om socialt företagande

Spending my time: Time use and meaningfulness in daily occupations as perceived by people with persistent mental illness

Leufstadius, Cristel (2008)

Akademisk avhandling

Engagement in daily occupations, especially those perceived as meaningful, is essential for health and well-being. According to evaluation reports, many individuals with persistent mental illness seem to lack meaningful everyday occupations. The aim of this thesis was to investigate possible relationships between occupation, operationalised as time use and daily rhythm in daily activities, among individuals with persistent mental illness and relationships to different aspects of well-being, and identify sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for any imbalance in daily activities. A further aim was to investigate perceived meaningfulness in daily occupations, with a specific focus on work. The thesis is based on four studies. Studies I-III are based on a randomised sample of 103 participants from a psychiatric outpatient unit, and Study IV included 12 participants that were interviewed about perceived meaningfulness in their work. The results showed that spending much time in activities in everyday life, especially in work and other productive activities, and having a beneficial daily rhythm were associated with several factors of well-being. Spending much time asleep, especially at daytime, was associated with worse well-being. Among the risk factors for imbalance in daily activities was having high levels of general symptoms, which explained most of the risk of spending short periods in work/education, having an abnormal time asleep and an adverse daily rhythm. Further, having a diagnosis of schizophrenia meant an increased risk of spending little time in daily activities.

Being occupied per se, as well as having organised activities and routines, was perceived as meaningful and generated a feeling of occupational balance. Further, social life and a feeling of being needed by others was the aspect of meaningfulness most frequently reported in everyday life. Other aspects of meaningfulness in daily occupations were enjoyment, a sense of achievement and doing occupations to take care of oneself to maintain health. Work, in terms of employment, was perceived as meaningful since it had certain unique characteristics, gave structure to the day, a feeling of normality and acceptance, a balanced everyday life, and increased well-being. However, it was important that the demands at work and the individuals' interests and skills were well matched. A tentative model was suggested, integrating these aspects of meaningfulness in work.

Stroke incidence and survival in the beginning of the 21st century in southern Sweden: comparisons with the late 20th century and projection into the future

Hallström, Jönsson, Nerbrand, Norrving, Lindgren (2008)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
We report trends of stroke incidence and survival up to year 2001/2002 in Lund-Orup, Sweden, and projections of future stroke incidence in Sweden.
METHODS:
Lund Stroke Register, a prospective population-based study, included all first-ever stroke patients, between March 1, 2001 and February 28, 2002, in the Lund-Orup health care district. Institution-based studies for 1983 to 1985 and 1993 to 1995 were used for comparison. We calculated age-standardized incidence and Cox proportional hazards analysis of survival (stroke subtype, sex, age group, and study period in the analysis). Minimum follow-up was 46 months. Based on our register's stroke incidence and the official Swedish population projection, a projection for future stroke incidence on a national basis was calculated.
RESULTS:
We included 456 patients with first-ever stroke in 2001/2002. The age-standardized incidence (to the European population) was 144 per 100 000 person-years (95%CI 130 to 158) in 2001/2002, 158 (95%CI 149 to 168) in 1993 to 1995, and 134 (95%CI 126 to 143) in 1983 to 1985. Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated decreased risk of death after stroke in 2001/2002 (hazard ratio 0.80; 95%CI 0.67 to 0.94) compared with 1993 to 1995. Up to year 2050, the annual number of new stroke patients in Sweden may increase by 59% based solely on demographic changes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite possible underestimation of stroke incidence during the previous institution-based studies, the increased stroke incidence between 1983 to 1985 and 1993 to 1995 did not continue in 2001/2002. The long-term survival after stroke continues to improve. As the elderly population is growing in Sweden, stable incidence and increasing survival will result in a rapidly increasing prevalence of stroke patients in Sweden.

Studier om hälsa för personer med utvecklingsstörning

Umb-Carlsson, Öie (2008)

Av redovisningen i denna rapport framgår att personer med utvecklingsstörning i Sverige
har en ökad sårbarhet för många sjukdomar jämfört med befolkningen i övrigt.
Forskning om levnadsförhållanden visar samstämmiga resultat inom flertalet livsområden.
Vuxna personer med utvecklingsstörning bor och lever sitt liv i samhället där andra
medborgare bor och lever. Likafullt visar jämförelser med den övriga befolkningen tydliga
skillnader i levnadsförhållanden på i stort sett alla livsområden framför allt när det gäller
arbete, inkomst och socialt umgänge.
Personer med utvecklingsstörning har sällan en traditionell anställning på den öppna
arbetsmarknaden. En del har anställning inom Samhall, men många försörjer sig inte
genom arbete utan har sin främsta inkomst via socialförsäkringssystemet. De har litet
inflytande över sin ekonomi. Majoriteten lever ett begränsat socialt liv och umgås mest
med anhöriga och personal. Få har vänner som de själva har valt.
En ljuspunkt finns. Yngre personer i åldern 21–40 år har inte sämre tandstatus än den
övriga befolkningen.

Stöd till personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående.

Proposition (2008/09:82). (2008)

Kommunernas tillämpning av bestämmelsen

Den 1 juli 2009 infördes en bestämmelse i 5 kap. 10 § socialtjänstlagen (2001:453), SoL, om att socialtjänsten ska erbjuda stöd till personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående.

Socialstyrelsens uppföljning visar att socialtjänstverksamheterna i kommunerna tillämpar bestämmelsen i mycket varierande grad. Längst har man kommit inom äldreomsorgen, vilket förklaras av utvecklingen av anhörigstöd i huvudsak skedde inom äldreomsorgen, innan bestämmelsen tillkom. Inom funktionshindersverksamheten och individ- och familjeomsorgen har man kommit igång, men mycket arbete återstår för att omsätta bestämmelsen utifrån de specifika förutsättningar som finns i dessa verksamheter.

Kommunerna har dock överlag blivit bättre på att sätta upp mål, avsätta resurser och organisera arbetet med att stödja anhöriga. Likaså har de ökat sitt utbud av service som stöd till anhöriga. Det betyder sammantaget att kommunerna erbjuder stöd till anhöriga i högre grad än tidigare.

Vad har bestämmelsen inneburit för de anhöriga?

Det är svårt att följa upp och beskriva bestämmelsens effekter för enskilda anhöriga eftersom det saknas underlag för att avgöra om fler anhöriga erbjudits och tagit emot stöd eller inte. Det beror på att uppgifterna om biståndsbeviljade insatser i socialtjänststatistiken inte innefattar uppgifter om bistånd till anhöriga.

Vad anser organisationerna om bestämmelsen?

Överlag är anhörig-, patient-, funktionshinders-, frivillig- och pensionärsorganisationerna kritiska till bristen på stöd, de stora skillnaderna i kvalitet och de stora variationerna mellan kommunerna. Socialtjänsten har också svårt att erbjuda ett individuellt utformat stöd. Vidare kräver de att den personal som arbetar med att stödja anhöriga ska ha kunskaper om de sjukdomar eller funktionsnedsättningar som de närstående har.

Organisationerna framhåller att det stöd som deras medlemmar behöver inte kan tillgodoses enbart inom socialtjänsten, utan det krävs stöd från sjukvården, skolan, arbetsgivaren och myndigheter, t.ex. försäkringskassan. Organisationerna poängterar också problemen med att samordna insatser för den närstående, och att det oftast är de anhöriga som tvingas ta det ansvaret.

Socialtjänstens samarbete med hälso- och sjukvården

Socialtjänsten har ett mycket begränsat samarbete med sjukvården när det gäller stödet till anhöriga, och socialtjänstens företrädare pekar på att det saknas en motsvarande lagstiftning om stöd till anhöriga i sjukvården. Det är också svårt att organisera ett kommunvis samarbete med sjukhus- och specialistvården som ofta betjänar många kommuner samtidigt. Även samarbetet med primärvården fungerar dåligt. Det grundläggande problemet är dock att det saknas en etablerad struktur för samarbetet mellan landstinget och socialtjänsten på området.

Har bestämmelsen fått några andra konsekvenser?

Sedan bestämmelsen infördes bedrivs allt mer av vården och omsorgen i hemmet, som en följd av att det finns färre sjukhusplatser och platser i särskilt boende. Detta får stora konsekvenser för de anhöriga.

I och med bestämmelsen har det blivit tydligt att lagen gäller för hela socialtjänsten och alla dess målgrupper och verksamheter. Bestämmelsen berör alla som vårdar eller stödjer någon närstående, oberoende av den närståendes diagnos, funktionsnedsättning, ålder, kön, relation, boendeförhållanden osv.

Det har också vuxit fram en insikt om att alla påverkas om det finns en hjälpbehövande person i familjen: oavsett om det är en make, ett barn eller en vuxen, en förälder eller ett syskon. Det gäller också oavsett i vilken utsträckning den anhöriga ger vård och omsorg till den sjuke.

En annan erfarenhet är att behovet av att uppmärksamma de anhörigas situation och behov av stöd inte enbart är en fråga för socialtjänsten utan för hela samhället: sjukvården, skolan, arbetslivet, myndigheterna och så vidare. Det pekar på behovet av ett förändrat synsätt, från ett individcentrerat till ett familjeorienterat synsätt i vården och omsorgen.

Socialstyrelsens slutsatser

Socialstyrelsen konstaterar att det återstår en del arbete för att bestämmelsen ska tillämpas mer i socialtjänsten och för att få ett anhöriginkluderande arbetssätt i all vård- och omsorgsverksamhet.

Kommunerna behöver bli bättre på att informera om vilket stöd de kan erbjuda, och hur anhöriga kan gå tillväga för att ansöka om det eller på annat sätt få stöd.
Kommunerna behöver utveckla dialogen med anhörig-, patient-, funk
tionshinders-, frivillig- och pensionärsorganisationerna för att ta vara på de kunskaper och erfarenheter som organisationerna har när det gäller stöd till anhöriga som vårdar närstående.
Huvudmännen behöver utveckla former och rutiner för samarbete kring stödet till anhöriga. Ett sätt kan vara länsövergripande överenskommelser om samverkan mellan sjukvården och socialtjänsten.
Socialtjänstens olika verksamheter, särskilt funktionshindersverksamheten och individ- och familjeomsorgen, behöver fortsatt stöd för att utveckla sin tillämpning av bestämmelsen. Ett fortsatt stöd bör också ta sikte på att utveckla möjligheterna att följa upp utvecklingen av stödet till anhöriga och att stimulera utvecklingen av kunskaper om effekter av stöd till anhöriga.

Stöd till personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående. Regeringens Proposition 2008/09:82

Socialdepartementet (2008)

I propositionen föreslås en ändring i socialtjänstlagen (2001:453) som syftar till att förtydliga att socialnämnden ska erbjuda stöd för att under-lätta för de personer som vårdar en närstående som är långvarigt sjuk eller äldre eller som stödjer en person som har funktionshinder.
Vidare bedöms att Socialstyrelsen bör få i uppdrag att utarbeta vägled-ning till stöd för tillämpningen av lagstiftningen som rör socialtjänstens arbete med stöd till de personer som vårdar eller stödjer närstående.
Ändringen i socialtjänstlagen föreslås träda i kraft den 1 juli 2009.

Supporting persons with dementia and their spouses' everyday occupations in the home environment.

Vikström, S. (2008)

The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate how persons with dementia and their informal caregivers do every day activities together and to evaluate the result from an intervention designed to encourage mutual engagement. The sample in all four studies consisted of 30 cohabiting couples, where one part was a healthy spouse caring for a partner diagnosed with mild to moderate stage dementia. Study I had a twofold focus: to identify the supportive acts that caregivers spontaneously use in everyday occupations, as well as to describe the consequences of those acts on the person with dementia. Study II describing the individual participants perception of their own, their spouses and their mutual engagements in everyday occupations. In Study III and IV a home-based collaborative intervention including training on a functional as well as activity level, was evaluated. In Study III the effects of the intervention was evaluated through assessing the individual and mutual episodic memory-functions in the persons with dementia and their caregivers. In Study IV the intervention effect on caregivers communication and interaction skills when performing an everyday occupation together with their spouses with dementia was evaluated. The findings in Study I showed that the caregivers to the persons with dementia used a wide range of supports when working together with their partners. Most of these supports were shown to be beneficial to the occupational performance of the person with dementia, although some support that had negative impact on the performance of the latter was identified. The findings in Study II showed that both spouses perceived a loss of social and activity engagements as a consequence of the changes due to one having dementia. The caregivers described dilemmas they faced, but they also had management approaches to handle the altered everyday life. The results in Study III and IV showed that the collaborative intervention had a positive effect on the individual memory-performance of the persons with dementia. Also, Study III showed that the persons with dementia had a learning potential regarding individual episodic memory-functions when included in collaboration. In conclusion, the findings of these studies showed that the persons with dementia and their spouses engagements in everyday occupations were perceived as altered by both of them. The caregivers and the persons with dementia demonstrated different resources in finding strategies to solve the consequences of dementia in their everyday life. The identification of how persons with dementia and their spouses can learn strategies to collaborate might be useful in designing future interventions.

Anhörigstödets grundpelare

Johansson, L. (2008)

Ett framgångsrikt anhörigstöd står på några viktiga grundpelare. En av dessa är att stödet tillför något positivt till både den anhörige och den demenssjuke. Det menar docent Lennarth Johansson.

Anhörigvårdarens upplevelser av roller och känslor i relation till närstående och växelboende

Josefsson, L. (2008)

Denna studie syftar till att se hur anhöriga, som har rollen som anhörigvårdare, beskriver sin roll i relation till sin make/maka, vilken funktion och betydelse växelboendet har för den enskilda familjen, samt hur anhörigvårdaren upplever kommunikationen mellan boendet och hemmet. För att få fram den subjektiva
upplevelsen valdes kvalitativ metod med intervjuer. Där anhörigvårdarens upplevelse är i fokus.

Anhörigvårdarens upplevelser av roller och känslor i relation till närstående och växelboende

Josefsson, L. (2008)

Denna studie syftar till att se hur anhöriga, som har rollen som anhörigvårdare, beskriver sin roll i relation till sin make/maka, vilken funktion och betydelse växelboendet har för den enskilda familjen, samt hur anhörigvårdaren upplever kommunikationen mellan boendet och hemmet. För att få fram den subjektiva
upplevelsen valdes kvalitativ metod med intervjuer. Där anhörigvårdarens upplevelse är i fokus.

Anknytning i praktiken: Tillämpningar av anknytningsteorin

BROBERG, A., RISHOLM MOTHANDER, P., GRANQVIST, P. & IVARSSON, T. (2008)

Anknytning i praktiken ger ett fylligt kunskapsunderlag till hur anknytningsteorin kan tillämpas från spädbarnsåren till vuxen ålder. Anknytningsteorin anses idag vara den viktigaste psykologiska teorin för att förstå hur människor hanterar närhet, omsorg och självständighet i relationer. Här beskrivs klinisk späd- och småbarnspsykologi, föräldraskap och familjeliv samt hur forskare och kliniker kan mäta anknytningstrygghet hos barn, ungdomar och vuxna. Författarna redogör utförligt för hur de olika anknytningsmönstren påverkar psykisk hälsa och ohälsa i olika åldrar, samt diskuterar psykoterapi utifrån ett anknytningsperspektiv. Detta är den fristående fortsättningen på Anknytningsteori: betydelsen av nära känslomässiga relationer (2006).

Boken riktar sig till studerande och yrkesverksamma inom psykologi, medicin, psykiatri, psykoterapi, socialt arbete, barnhälsovård och skola.

Anders Broberg är professor i klinisk psykologi, leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pia Risholm Mothander är fil.dr, lektor i utvecklingspsykologi samt leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pehr Granqvist är docent och forskarassistent i psykologi. Tord Ivarsson är docent i barn- och ungdomspsykiatri och överläkare.

Innehåll
1. Inledning
2. Anknytning ur ett familjeperspektiv
3. Klinisk spädbarnspsykologi
4. Anknytningsbaserade interventioner i späd- och småbarnsfamiljer
5. Anknytningsmätning under barndomen
6. Desorganiserad/desorienterad anknytning
7. Psykopatologi i barn- och ungdomsåren ur ett anknytningsperspektiv
8. Att bedöma anknytningstrygghet hos äldre ungdomar och vuxna
9. Anknytning och psykopatologi hos vuxna
10. Anknytningsteori och psykoterapi
11. Anknytning, religiositet och andlighet
12. Avslutande synpunkter

Extramaterial finns på bokens hemsida www.nok.se/anknytning.

Anknytning i praktiken: Tillämpningar av anknytningsteorin

BROBERG, A., RISHOLM MOTHANDER, P., GRANQVIST, P. & IVARSSON, T. (2008)

Anknytning i praktiken ger ett fylligt kunskapsunderlag till hur anknytningsteorin kan tillämpas från spädbarnsåren till vuxen ålder. Anknytningsteorin anses idag vara den viktigaste psykologiska teorin för att förstå hur människor hanterar närhet, omsorg och självständighet i relationer. Här beskrivs klinisk späd- och småbarnspsykologi, föräldraskap och familjeliv samt hur forskare och kliniker kan mäta anknytningstrygghet hos barn, ungdomar och vuxna. Författarna redogör utförligt för hur de olika anknytningsmönstren påverkar psykisk hälsa och ohälsa i olika åldrar, samt diskuterar psykoterapi utifrån ett anknytningsperspektiv. Detta är den fristående fortsättningen på Anknytningsteori: betydelsen av nära känslomässiga relationer (2006).

Boken riktar sig till studerande och yrkesverksamma inom psykologi, medicin, psykiatri, psykoterapi, socialt arbete, barnhälsovård och skola.

Anders Broberg är professor i klinisk psykologi, leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pia Risholm Mothander är fil.dr, lektor i utvecklingspsykologi samt leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pehr Granqvist är docent och forskarassistent i psykologi. Tord Ivarsson är docent i barn- och ungdomspsykiatri och överläkare.

Innehåll
1. Inledning
2. Anknytning ur ett familjeperspektiv
3. Klinisk spädbarnspsykologi
4. Anknytningsbaserade interventioner i späd- och småbarnsfamiljer
5. Anknytningsmätning under barndomen
6. Desorganiserad/desorienterad anknytning
7. Psykopatologi i barn- och ungdomsåren ur ett anknytningsperspektiv
8. Att bedöma anknytningstrygghet hos äldre ungdomar och vuxna
9. Anknytning och psykopatologi hos vuxna
10. Anknytningsteori och psykoterapi
11. Anknytning, religiositet och andlighet
12. Avslutande synpunkter

Extramaterial finns på bokens hemsida www.nok.se/anknytning.

Anknytning i praktiken: tillämpningar av anknytningsteorin.

Broberg, Anders, Risholm-Mothander, Pia, Granqvist, Pehr, Ivarsson, Thord (2008)

Anknytning i praktiken ger ett fylligt kunskapsunderlag till hur anknytningsteorin kan tillämpas från spädbarnsåren till vuxen ålder. Anknytningsteorin anses idag vara den
viktigaste psykologiska teorin för att förstå hur människor hanterar närhet, omsorg och självständighet i relationer. Här beskrivs klinisk späd- och småbarnspsykologi, föräldraskap och familjeliv samt hur forskare och kliniker kan mäta anknytningstrygghet hos barn, ungdomar och vuxna. Författarna redogör utförligt för hur de olika anknytningsmönstren påverkar psykisk hälsa och ohälsa i olika åldrar, samt diskuterar psykoterapi utifrån ett anknytningsperspektiv. Detta är den fristående fortsättningen på Anknytningsteori: betydelsen av nära känslomässiga relationer (2006).

Boken riktar sig till studerande och yrkesverksamma inom psykologi, medicin, psykiatri, psykoterapi, socialt arbete, barnhälsovård och skola.

Anders Broberg är professor i klinisk psykologi, leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pia Risholm Mothander är fil.dr, lektor i utvecklingspsykologi samt leg. psykolog och leg. psykoterapeut. Pehr Granqvist är docent och forskarassistent i psykologi. Tord Ivarsson är docent i barn- och ungdomspsykiatri och överläkare.

Att förverkliga rättigheter genom personlig assistans

Larsson, Monica (2008)

Doktorsavhandling 32

I denna avhandling undersöks på vilka sätt en juridisk och individuell rättighet som personlig assistans för människor med omfattande funktionshinder, kan förverkligas. Personlig assistans infördes 1994, som en del av lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS). Avhandlingen fokuserar på hur förverkligandet kan ske främst genom lagstiftning, men också i praktiken med utgångspunkt ifrån rättighetens konstruktion.
Analysen är influerad av olika perspektiv, t.ex. rättsstatliga och välfärdsstatliga principer, men också av vissa centrala begrepp. De begrepp, som används för att förstå det empiriska materialet, är: rätt, norm och rättighet. Fallstudien används som forskningsstrategi och består av en dokumentstudie och en rättsfallsstudie. Därutöver används datamaterial från två empiriska studier där primärmaterial om personliga assistenter har samlats in.
Resultaten från studien visar att en social rättighet som personlig assistans är formad av det sammanhang och den tid den skapas i. Utformningen är också beroende av vilka intressenter som medverkar. En del av rättigheten personlig assistans är utformad som en juridisk rättighet och i rättslig mening stark. Olika normer om innehållet i rättigheten visar sig i på rättslig nivå och i praktiken. Grundläggande handikappolitiska intentioner om rättighen har påverkat praktiken och visar sig i denna som något ursprungligt och unikt. Rättigheten kan i denna mening förstås som förverkligad, även om den i stor utsträckning visar sig vara starkare som idé än som praktik.

Att möta och bemöta anhöriga i äldreomsorgen

Normann, M., & Fröling, K (2008)

Nära och kära - att möta och bemöta anhöriga i äldreomsorgen ger dig som arbetar i äldreomsorgen vägledning i vad som är viktigt att tänka på i mötet med de anhöriga. Bokens första del handlar om människans villkor och förutsättningar för kommunikation och är giltiga för de flesta arbetsplatser inom vård och omsorg. I bokens andra del anpassas kunskaperna på mötet med anhöriga och anhörigvårdare till äldre, sjuka och funktionshindrade. I boken finns också förslag till reflektioner, egna och i grupp, samt tips för vidare läsning.

Den senaste upplagan, utgiven oktober 2010, är utökad med ett kapitel som beskriver en äldres situation ur fem olika perspektiv: den anhöriga, sjukgymnasten, kontaktpersonen, chefen på äldreboendet samt biståndshandläggaren. Alla skapar sin bild utifrån sina förutsättningar och kapitlet ger en insikt i den komplexitet som finns inom äldreomsorgen.

Nära och kära är skriven för personal inom äldreomsorgen. Men den får gärna inspirera alla som i sitt yrke möter anhöriga! Författare är Margareta Normann och Kristina Fröling .

Att utveckla anhörigstöd

Genell Andrén K, Johansson L. (2008)

Anhöriga gör stora insatser i vården och omsorgen av sina närstående. Men som anhörig kan man också behöva stöd och avlastning.

Att vara sin sjukdom: Om psykiskt funktionshinder och åldrande.

Bülow, Per & Svensson, Tommy (2008)

Vi har hittills haft begränsad kunskap om funktionshindrade människors liv över tid och om innebörden i att leva med funktionshinder under många år. Vad innebär det att åldras med funktionshinder? Hur gestaltar sig "äldreblivandet" om man redan har betydande funktionsnedsättningar sedan tidigare i livet och kanske tvingats lämna arbetslivet långt före gängse pensionsålder? Hur är det att, som en till åren kommen förälder, fortfarande vara den som hjälper sitt vuxna, funtionshindrade barn? Hur ser den formella och informella omsorgssituationen ut? Det är frågor som den här boken belyser och den fyller därmed ett viktigt kunskapsbehov. Boken utgår från ett livsloppsperspektiv. Den centrala frågan är sålunda hur livet idag gestaltar sig för funktionshindrade människor som vuxit upp och levt under vissa historiska villkor. Här ryms även ett anhörigperspektiv där denna fråga studeras på motsvarande sätt. Bokens sex kapitel diskuterar de här frågorna med olika tonvikt och med utgångspunkt från både fysiskt och psykiskt funktionshindrades förhållanden. Samtliga författare bedriver forskning med anknytning till bokens huvudfråga. Att åldras med funktionshinder riktar sig främst till högskolestuderande inom samhälls- och beteendevetenskap, socialt arbete, social omsorg och vård, liksom till yrkesverksamma inom fältet. Den kan också vara värdefull för en intresserad allmänhet.

Att åldras med funktionshinder

Jeppsson-Grassman, Eva (red.) (2008)

Vi har hittills haft begränsad kunskap om funktionshindrade människors liv över tid och om innebörden i att leva med funktionshinder under många år. Vad innebär det att åldras med funktionshinder? Hur gestaltar sig "äldreblivandet" om man redan har betydande funktionsnedsättningar sedan tidigare i livet och kanske tvingats lämna arbetslivet långt före gängse pensionsålder? Hur är det att, som en till åren kommen förälder, fortfarande vara den som hjälper sitt vuxna, funtionshindrade barn? Hur ser den formella och informella omsorgssituationen ut? Det är frågor som den här boken belyser och den fyller därmed ett viktigt kunskapsbehov.
Boken utgår från ett livsloppsperspektiv. Den centrala frågan är sålunda hur livet idag gestaltar sig för funktionshindrade människor som vuxit upp och levt under vissa historiska villkor. Här ryms även ett anhörigperspektiv där denna fråga studeras på motsvarande sätt. Bokens sex kapitel diskuterar de här frågorna med olika tonvikt och med utgångspunkt från både fysiskt och psykiskt funktionshindrades förhållanden. Samtliga författare bedriver forskning med anknytning till bokens huvudfråga.
Att åldras med funktionshinder riktar sig främst till högskolestuderande inom samhälls- och beteendevetenskap, socialt arbete, social omsorg och vård, liksom till yrkesverksamma inom fältet. Den kan också vara värdefull för en intresserad allmänhet.

Attitudes and perceived barriers to working with families of persons with severe mental illness: Mental health professionals’ perspectives

Kim, H.-W., & Salyers, M.P. (2008)

A state-wide survey of 453 clinicians serving people with severe mental illness in community mental health centers evaluated the degree to which they provide services to families and their perceptions of barriers to developing such services. Most clinicians did not provide many services to families and reported barriers related to the family or client (e.g., family's lack of interest) and their own work environment (e.g., heavy workload). Clinicians who had received prior training on working with families provided more services, had more positive attitudes toward family, and felt more competent about their knowledge, confirming the importance of staff training.

Avesta avlösarteam. Hur avlösning i hemmet kan anpassas till individuella behov

Stålgren Lind, M. (2008)

Resultatenhetschefen, som är ansvarig för verksamheten poängterar att anhörigstöd innebär "ett annat synsätt och en annan lyhördhet för en annan problematik", vilket kräver ett visst förhållningssätt. Vikten av att det är samma person som avlöser vid varje tillfälle betonas, eftersom det gör att både den anhörige och den sjuke närstående kan känna sig trygga.

I dagsläget är det tre undersköterskor som arbetar som avlösare. De har fått särskild utbildning i medmänskligt stöd, palliativ vård, stroke och demens. Avlösarteamet har ett möte med anhörigsamordnaren varje vecka och varannan månad får gruppen professionell handledning av en beteendevetare. Samtliga undersköterskor i avlösarteamet framhåller att teamet fungerar mycket bra. De säger till och med att arbetssättet är något de "spånat på flera gånger i livet, just att få jobba i team mot samma mål och nu är man här". De betonar att de vuxit som människor, att de upplever att de kan göra skillnad och att de inte skulle vilja byta tillbaka till hur de arbetade tidigare. Avlösarna understryker att arbetet i avlösarservicen skiljer sig mycket från arbetet i hemtjänsten. I dagsläget har avlösarna sex till åtta hushåll var som de arbetar i, vilket framhålls som maxantalet som de hinner med. Efterfrågan fortsätter emellertid att öka.

Flera av dem som idag har avlösarinsatser i hemmet har inte tidigare haft någon kontakt med den offentliga vården och omsorgen. Avlösarteamet poängterar att de skulle kunna hitta många fler som har behov av den här insatsen, men att ett stort antal av dem som vårdas hemma anses för friska för att den anhörige ska få beviljat anhörigstöd. Detta gör att anhörigstödet inte kan fylla den preventiva funktion som det borde.

De anhöriga har varit uteslutande positiva till avlösarteamet och pekat på omfattande kvalitetsförbättringar i deras enskilda liv. Samtliga anhöriga framhåller att det är ytterst viktigt att det är samma person som kommer och avlöser i hemmet, för att skapa trygghet och kontinuitet för den närstående. För den som är demenssjuk är detta särskilt viktigt.

Det hembesök som görs inledningsvis beskrivs som mycket positivt. De som är berörda får möjlighet att bekanta sig med varandra i hemmiljön, och det skapar förutsättningar för att man ska känna sig trygg med den nya insatsen. Familjen tycker också att det är mycket positivt att det är kommunen som tar kontakt och initierar hembesöket eftersom det många gånger kan vara svårt att ta det steget själv.

Arbetssättet möjliggör såväl flexibilitet och kontinuitet som trygghet och individanpassning. Dessutom görs sannolikt ekonomiska besparingar på lång sikt i och med att en inflyttning på ett heldygnsboende kan skjutas upp, men också genom att anhörigas hälsa och ork bevaras. Det finns ett stort stöd för arbetssättet inom samtliga led i kommunen och i slutet av år 2007 beslutades att avlösarna helt och hållet ska lyftas ur sina ordinarie arbeten för att arbeta i avlösarteamet. Detta kommer att underlätta mycket för såväl avlösarna, som får en tydligare roll och en mer regelbunden arbetssituation, som för de anhöriga, som får lättare att boka tider som passar deras behov. Om avlösarteamet vidareutvecklas till att även fungera som demensteam vid behov görs ytterligare kvalitetsvinster.

Teamet arbetar för närvarande med avlösarservice i 26 hushåll. Finns det tid över prioriteras den efter behov för individuellt stöd, råd och handledning till anhörigvårdaren, utöver den avlösningen om tio timmar/månad. Ambitionen är att ge stödet så tidigt som möjligt för att förebygga ohälsa och öka chansen till bibehållen livskvalitet. Avlösarteamet har också fått tid för reflektion, handledning och dokumentation. Skulle det därutöver finnas tid ger teammedlemmarna lite "guldtid" för de boende på ett av kommunens demensboende.

Bara funktionshindrad? Funktionshinder och intersektionalitet

Grönvik, Lars & Söder, Mårten (2008)

Människan som social varelse kategoriseras på många olika sätt, men detta bortser vi ofta ifrån när det gäller personer med funktionsnedsättning. Därför blir de just personer med funktionsnedsättning, utan kön, utan etnicitet, utan sexualitet, utan klasstillhörighet och så vidare.

Under senare år har begreppet intersektionalitet blivit allt vanligare, framförallt inom de forskningsinriktningar som sysslar med människor som uppfattas som marginaliserade och/eller underordnade. Begreppet söker fånga det samspel mellan olika dimensioner som man menar är nödvändigt för att på allvar förstå situationen för dessa grupper.

Forskningen om funktionshinder har hittills saknat ett sådant perspektiv, något som kan leda till att dess analyser och teorier blir endimensionella och svåra att tillämpa.

Den här antologin är ett första svenskt bidrag till införandet av ett intersektionellt perspektiv i forskningen om funktionshinder. I boken diskuteras hur funktionshinder samspelar med andra dimensioner som kön, klasstillhörighet, sexualitet och etnicitet. Boken ger också exempel på hur metodologiska perspektiv, som kritisk realism och konstruktivism, kan bidra till intersektionell forskning om funktionshinder.

Bara funktionshindrad? vänder sig främst till studenter och forskare inom vård-, beteende- och samhällsvetenskapliga discipliner.

Barn i familjer med alkohol- och narkotikaproblem: Omfattning och analys

Statens folkhälsoinstitut (2008)

Statens folkhälsoinstitut har undersökt hur många barn i Sverige som växer upp med föräldrar som antingen riskkonsumerar eller missbrukar alkohol, eller som missbrukar narkotika. Resultaten av denna studie, tillsammans med en analys av dessa barns situation, kan återfinnas i denna rapport.

Ett barn som växer upp med en eller två missbrukande föräldrar kan man anta utsätts för stora känslomässiga påfrestningar. Trots detta har det saknats uppgifter om hur vanlig en sådan situation är och någon analys av hur dessa barns situation ser ut. Statens folkhälsoinstitut fick därför i januari 2008 i uppdrag av regeringen att kartlägga frågan.

Analysen har utförts som en systematisk genomgång av vetenskapliga studier, och presenterar en samlad diskussion av resultaten med förhoppningen att kunna erbjuda ett underlag för förebyggande insatser inom området.

Rapporten vänder sig i första hand till beslutsfattare och yrkesverksamma med ansvar för förebyggande arbete inom kommuner, landsting, staten och frivilliga organisationer.

'Being appropriately unusual': a challenge for nurses in health-promoting conversations with families.

Benzein, E., Hagberg, M., & Saveman, B. (2008)

This study describes the theoretical assumptions and the application for health-promoting conversations, as a communication tool for nurses when talking to patients and their families. The conversations can be used on a promotional, preventive and healing level when working with family-focused nursing. They are based on a multiverse, salutogenetic, relational and reflecting approach, and acknowledge each person's experience as equally valid, and focus on families' resources, and the relationship between the family and its environment. By posing reflective questions, reflection is made possible for both the family and the nurses. Family members are invited to tell their story, and they can listen to and learn from each other. Nurses are challenged to build a co-creating partnership with families in order to acknowledge them as experts on how to lead their lives and to use their own expert knowledge in order to facilitate new meanings to surface. In this way, family health can be enhanced.

Bringing birth-related paternal depression to the fore

Schumacher, M., Zubaran, C. & White, G. (2008)

OBJECTIVES:
Maternal postpartum depression is a prevalent health disorder with important consequences to the family and child development. Research evidence demonstrates that fathers can also suffer from psychological distress in the postpartum period and that paternal depression has a detrimental effect on the child's behavioral and emotional development. This study aims to review the current literature available about birth-related paternal depression.
METHOD:
A literature search from 1980 to 2007 was conducted through Medline electronic database, using the following Mesh terms: postpartum, postnatal, depression, fathers and paternal. Studies on maternal postpartum depression that examined issues related to paternal depression were also selected.
RESULTS:
Understanding about paternal depressive disorders during the postnatal period has advanced considerably in the last decade. Various studies demonstrate that birth-related paternal depression is a significant problem and closely associated with maternal depressive symptoms. Children of depressive fathers are also at risk for emotional and behavioral problems.
CONCLUSIONS:
Men may suffer from psychological distress after childbirth and birth-related paternal depression is not a rare phenomenon. Since this disorder, also called 'paternal postpartum depression', presents potential deleterious effects for the child, an increased level of public health awareness and scientific interest is warranted. In addition, a more detailed assessment of fathers during the postnatal period is recommended, especially when their partners are also depressed, so that the condition will be promptly recognized and treated.

Caregiver strain in Parkinson's disease and the impact of disease duration

Lökk ,J. (2008)

Abstract
AIM:
The task of managing care for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often falls upon a family member taking on the role as a caregiver (CG) implying a burden on these CGs. The aim of this study was to evaluate CG strain of PD patients with regarding different psychosocial domains and the influence of PD/CG duration of PD.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional telephone interview survey of 451 CGs randomly selected from the registry of the Swedish Parkinson's Disease Association. A structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, psychosocial, and general CG factors, sleep and depression of the CG as well as issues of the patient's disease was used by 4 independent interviewers blinded to the study objective.
RESULTS:
Four hundred and four of 451 (90%) CGs responded with a mean age of 68.5 years with 62% females. The results were stratified in 3 groups with regard to disease duration of the PD patient, 0-4, 5-10, and >11 years, respectively. General health condition of the CGs was regarded satisfactory independent of disease duration. Insufficient sleep and disease related stress were considered to be prominent in 36% and 61%, respectively, being significantly more prominent in the group with the longest disease duration. Decreased mood was reported in 31% with no difference between groups. More than 30% of CGs also experienced daily problems with tiredness and sleep disturbance; 27% hypertension; 17% muscle strain, headache and fatigue; and 14% gastro-intestinal problems most items regardless of disease duration. The most troublesome symptoms of the patients to the CGs were reported to be the motor dysfunction (58%). More than half experienced little or no understanding of their situation.
CONCLUSION:
CGs are afflicted with strain and burden in many psychosocial and somatic domains despite satisfactory general wellbeing independent of disease duration. The longer disease duration, and, accordingly CG duration, the more impact on certain domains of CG burden, however, with little understanding of their situation. These findings should be given greater consideration when organizing and planning for PD care in the health care system and the community.

Challenging Childhoods: Young people’s accounts of ‘getting by’ in families with substance use problems

Backett-Milburn, K., Wilson, S., Bancroft. A., & Cunningham-Burley, S. (2008)

Concern is increasing about children growing up in families where there are substance use problems but relatively little is known about the perspectives of the children themselves. This article reports on a qualitative study with young people who grew up in such families, exploring their accounts of their daily lives at home, school and leisure. The study focuses on the everyday interactions, practices and processes the young people felt helped them to 'get by' in their challenging childhoods, showing how the protective factors thought to promote 'resilience' were seldom in place for them unconditionally and without associated costs.

Characteristics of Drug-Abusing Women With Children in Residential Treatment: A Preliminary Evaluation of Program Retention and Treatment Completion.

Simons L. (2008)

An ex post facto study was conducted to investigate treatment outcomes for 80 women and 168 children admitted into a residential substance-abuse treatment program. The results indicated childhood emotional neglect is a barrier for remaining in and completing treatment for African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders but not for those with crack cocaine dependent disorders. African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders were also three times more likely to dropout of treatment. In addition, there were relatively few differences for between drug-exposed and nonexposed children. However, the results indicated that children of substance-abusing women who completed treatment were more likely to have behavioral problems, to receive early intervention services, and to have mothers as legal guardians by the end of treatment. Implications for gender-specific interventions for African-American women and their children in residential treatment are discussed.

Children as ‘Being and Becomings’: Children, Childhood and Temporality

Uprichard, E. (2008)

Notions of 'being' and 'becoming' are intrinsic to childhood research. Whilst the 'being' child is seen as a social actor actively constructing 'childhood', the 'becoming' child is seen as an 'adult in the making', lacking competencies of the 'adult' that he or she will 'become'. However, I argue that both approaches are in themselves problematic. Instead, theorising children as 'being and becomings' not only addresses the temporality of childhood that children themselves voice, but presents a conceptually realistic construction suitable to both childhood researchers and practitioners.

Children of alcoholics in Spain: From risk to pathology: Results from the ALFIL program

Díaz R, Gual A, García M, Arnau J, Pascual F, Cañuelo B, et al. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
To identify the possible risk factors and negative outcomes associated with parental alcoholism. A secondary aim was to determine the influence of the family density of alcoholism on children of alcoholics' (COAs) psychological functioning.
METHOD:
A multisite epidemiological study was conducted in 8 Spanish cities, recruiting a total sample of 371 COAs (whose parents were in contact with alcohol treatment centers and accepted to participate in this study) and 147 controls (from schools in the same localities as COAs). Both groups were 6-17 years old and received a comprehensive evaluation of mental disorders (no symptoms, subclinical symptoms or clinical diagnosis for each disorder; according to DSM-IV criteria); alcohol and other substance use (none, occasional, regular and risky consumption); school achievement (low, middle and high) and other academic performance indicators (WISC-R Information and Arithmetic subtests, school support activities and failed subjects and courses). Lastly, several cognitive functions were measured by the WISC-R Similarities, Block Design and Digit Symbol subtests, the Toulouse-Piéron test and the Stroop test. Logistic regression methods were used to compare both groups and a linear regression model was used to determine the influence of the family density of alcoholism. The following confounding variables were controlled for: age, gender, socio-economic status and family cohesion.
RESULTS:
Children of alcoholics' were twice as likely as controls to present subclinical symptoms and four times more likely than controls to have a definite diagnosis of any mental disorder. More specifically, COAs had a significantly higher risk than controls of attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity, depression, phobias, enuresis and tics. COAs also tended to have more symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. COAs had worse results on all the cognitive tests used and their risk of low school achievement was nine times higher than that of controls. Family density of alcoholism was significantly related to several psychiatric disorders and to low academic and cognitive performance in these children.
CONCLUSION:
Children of alcoholics' whose parents are in contact with treatment centers in Spain constitute a target group for selective prevention, as they have a higher risk of different negative outcomes, which mainly include attention disorders and other cognitive deficits, depression and anxiety.

Children of alcoholics in Spain: From risk to pathology: Results from the ALFIL program

Díaz R, Gual A, García M, Arnau J, Pascual F, Cañuelo B, et al. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
To identify the possible risk factors and negative outcomes associated with parental alcoholism. A secondary aim was to determine the influence of the family density of alcoholism on children of alcoholics' (COAs) psychological functioning.
METHOD:
A multisite epidemiological study was conducted in 8 Spanish cities, recruiting a total sample of 371 COAs (whose parents were in contact with alcohol treatment centers and accepted to participate in this study) and 147 controls (from schools in the same localities as COAs). Both groups were 6-17 years old and received a comprehensive evaluation of mental disorders (no symptoms, subclinical symptoms or clinical diagnosis for each disorder; according to DSM-IV criteria); alcohol and other substance use (none, occasional, regular and risky consumption); school achievement (low, middle and high) and other academic performance indicators (WISC-R Information and Arithmetic subtests, school support activities and failed subjects and courses). Lastly, several cognitive functions were measured by the WISC-R Similarities, Block Design and Digit Symbol subtests, the Toulouse-Piéron test and the Stroop test. Logistic regression methods were used to compare both groups and a linear regression model was used to determine the influence of the family density of alcoholism. The following confounding variables were controlled for: age, gender, socio-economic status and family cohesion.
RESULTS:
Children of alcoholics' were twice as likely as controls to present subclinical symptoms and four times more likely than controls to have a definite diagnosis of any mental disorder. More specifically, COAs had a significantly higher risk than controls of attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity, depression, phobias, enuresis and tics. COAs also tended to have more symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. COAs had worse results on all the cognitive tests used and their risk of low school achievement was nine times higher than that of controls. Family density of alcoholism was significantly related to several psychiatric disorders and to low academic and cognitive performance in these children.
CONCLUSION:
Children of alcoholics' whose parents are in contact with treatment centers in Spain constitute a target group for selective prevention, as they have a higher risk of different negative outcomes, which mainly include attention disorders and other cognitive deficits, depression and anxiety.

Children of Depressed Mothers 1 Year After the Initiation of Maternal Treatment: Findings From the STAR*D-Child Study

Pilowsky D, Wickramaratne P, Talati A, Tang M, Hughes C, Garber J, et al. (2008)

Objective: Maternal depression is a consistent and well-replicated risk factor for child psychopathology. The authors examined the changes in psychiatric symptoms and global functioning in children of depressed women 1 year following the initiation of treatment for maternal major depressive disorder. Method: Participants were 1) 151 women with maternal major depression who were enrolled in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study and 2) their eligible offspring who, along with the mother, participated in the child STAR*D (STAR*D-Child) study (mother-child pairs: N=151). The STAR*D study was a multisite study designed to determine the comparative effectiveness and acceptability of various treatment options for adult outpatients with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder. The STAR*D-Child study examined children of depressed women at baseline and involved periodic follow-ups for 1 year after the initiation of treatment for maternal major depressive disorder to ascertain the following data: 1) whether changes in children's psychiatric symptoms were associated with changes in the severity of maternal depression and 2) whether outcomes differed among the offspring of women who did and did not remit (mother-child pairs with follow-up data: N=123). Children's psychiatric symptoms in the STAR*D-Child study were assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), and maternal depression severity in the STAR*D study was assessed by an independent clinician, using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: During the year following the initiation of treatment, maternal depression severity and children's psychiatric symptoms continued to decrease over time. Decreases in the number of children's psychiatric symptoms were significantly associated with decreases in maternal depression severity. When children's outcomes were examined separately, a statistically significant decrease in symptoms was evident in the offspring of women who remitted early (i.e., within the first 3 months after the initiation of treatment for maternal depression) or late (i.e., over the 1-year follow-up interval) but not in the offspring of nonremitting women. Conclusions: Continued efforts to treat maternal depression until remission is achieved are associated with decreased psychiatric symptoms and improved functioning in the offspring.

Co-constructed talk in the conversations of people with dysarthria and aphasia

Bloch, S., & Beeke, S. (2008)

This paper uses the methodology of conversation analysis (CA) to examine the practice of co-constructed turn and utterance production in impaired communication. An investigation of the conversations between two family dyads, featuring one person with dysarthric speech and one with aphasic language, reveals one way in which single turns and utterances are produced through the collaborative activities of two people in interaction. Such a practice is shown to operate without problems for the participants or the need for explicit acceptance by the speakers. It is proposed that co-construction in disordered speech and language is one way in which communicative competence is accomplished. By drawing attention to similarities in the consequences of dysarthria and aphasia in everyday interaction, it is suggested that researchers and clinicians might profitably look across disorder-specific boundaries.

The Impact of the Picture Exhange Communication System on Requesting and Speech Development in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Similar Characteristics

Ganz, Jennifer, Simpson, Richard & Corbin-Newsome, Jawanda (2008)

By definition children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience difficulty understanding and using language. Accordingly, visual and picture-based strategies such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) show promise in ameliorating speech and language deficits. This study reports the results of a multiple baseline across participants investigating the implementation of the PECS with three preschool children with characteristics of ASD. The first four phases of PECS were taught to the participants: basic picture exchange, increasing distance use of PECS, discriminating among a variety of pictures, and communicating in sentences composed of pictures. Relative to the impact of PECS's implementation in providing the participants with a functional communication system, word approximations, and intelligible word and phrase use, results indicated that two of the three participants mastered PECS. However, participants did not significantly increase in use of word approximations and intelligible words.

The relationship between violence in the family of origin and dating violence among college students

Gover, A. R., Kaukinen, C., & Fox, K. A. (2008)

Prior research has established that violence in dating relationships is a serious social problem among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to violence during childhood has been linked to dating violence victimization and perpetration. Also known as the intergenerational transmission of violence, the link between violence during childhood and dating violence has traditionally focused on physical violence. This research examines the relationship between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence and exposure to violence in the family of origin. Specifically, the current research examines gender differences in the relationship between exposure to violence during childhood and physical and psychological abuse perpetration and victimization. Data were collected from a sample of approximately 2,500 college students at two southeastern universities. Findings indicate that childhood exposure to violence is a consistent predictor of involvement in relationships characterized by violence for males and females. The implications of the current research on policy are discussed.

The social connectedness of older adults: A national profile

Cornwell, B (2008)

For decades, scholars have wrestled with the notion that old age is characterized by social isolation. However, there has been no systematic, nationally representative evaluation of this possibility in terms of social network connectedness. In this paper, the authors develop a profile of older adults' social integration with respect to nine dimensions of connectedness to interpersonal networks and voluntary associations. The authors use new data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a population-based study of non-institutionalized older Americans aged 57-85 conducted in 2005-2006. Findings suggest that among older adults, age is negatively related to network size, closeness to network members, and number of non-primary-group ties. On the other hand, age is positively related to frequency of socializing with neighbors, religious participation, and volunteering. In addition, it has a U-shaped relationship with volume of contact with network members. These findings are inconsistent with the notion that old age has a universal negative influence on social connectedness. Instead, life course factors have divergent consequences for different forms of social connectedness. Some later life transitions, like retirement and bereavement, may prompt greater connectedness. The authors close by urging increased dialogue between social gerontological and social network research

They Won't Come": Increasing Parent Involvement in Parent Management Training Programs for At-Risk Youths in Schools

Ouellette, P. M. and D. Wilkerson (2008)

The absence of parents from schools is seen as an important factor related to the significant number of adolescents at risk of school failure. Effective parenting is known to be a key protective factor for adolescents at risk for school failure and other maladaptive developmental outcomes. While evidence-based parent management training models exist, their use has been limited by problems regarding recruitment and retention when services are offered through traditional means. We review the literature on parent involvement in schools, the effectiveness of parent education programs, and mutual aid activities. Logistical barriers to parent participation in parent management training programs and other school-related activities are examined, and a strategy using twenty-first-century technology will be described as a means to increase parent involvement in schools. (Contains 1 table.)

Three persons with multiple disabilities accessing environmental stimuli and asking for social contact through microswitch and VOCA technology

Lancioni, G. E., O'Reilly, M. F., Singh, N. N., Sigafoos, J., Oliva, D., & Severini, L. (2008)

BACKGROUND:
Direct access to environmental stimuli and opportunity to ask for social contact/attention may be considered highly relevant objectives for persons with multiple disabilities. We assessed the possibility of enabling three of these persons (two children and one adolescent) to combine two microswitches (for accessing environmental stimuli) and a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), which allowed them to ask for caregiver's attention.
METHODS:
Initially, the participants were required to use each of the two microswitches individually and then together. Thereafter, they were taught to use the VOCA. Eventually, the VOCA was available together with the microswitches, and the participants could use any of the three.
RESULTS:
The results, which support preliminary data on this topic, showed that all participants (1) were able to operate the two microswitches as well as the VOCA; and (2) used all three of them consistently when they were simultaneously available.
CONCLUSIONS:
Teaching persons with multiple disabilities to combine a VOCA with conventional microswitches may enrich their general input, emphasize their active social role and eventually enhance their social image.

Three persons with multiple disabilities accessing environmental stimuli and asking for social contact through microswitch and VOCA technology

Lancioni, G. E., O'Reilly, M. F., Singh, N. N., Sigafoos, J., Oliva, D., & Severini, L. (2008)

BACKGROUND:
Direct access to environmental stimuli and opportunity to ask for social contact/attention may be considered highly relevant objectives for persons with multiple disabilities. We assessed the possibility of enabling three of these persons (two children and one adolescent) to combine two microswitches (for accessing environmental stimuli) and a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), which allowed them to ask for caregiver's attention.
METHODS:
Initially, the participants were required to use each of the two microswitches individually and then together. Thereafter, they were taught to use the VOCA. Eventually, the VOCA was available together with the microswitches, and the participants could use any of the three.
RESULTS:
The results, which support preliminary data on this topic, showed that all participants (1) were able to operate the two microswitches as well as the VOCA; and (2) used all three of them consistently when they were simultaneously available.
CONCLUSIONS:
Teaching persons with multiple disabilities to combine a VOCA with conventional microswitches may enrich their general input, emphasize their active social role and eventually enhance their social image.

Tidig AKK : stöd för stora och små

Heister Trygg, Boel (2008)

Boken riktar sig framför allt till personal som arbetar med små och stora barn som fungerar på tidig kommunikativ nivå / tidig utvecklingsnivå.

Transitions in men's caring identities: experiences from home-based care to nursing home placement.(Report).

Eriksson, H. and J. Sandberg (2008)

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-3743.2007.00092.x Byline: Henrik Eriksson, Jonas Sandberg Keywords: caring; gender; informal care; nursing home Abstract: Objectives. The aim of this study is to describe, from a gender identity perspective, the experiences of older men involved in the process of caring for a partner at home and the placement into a nursing home. Background. Few studies have paid attention to the importance of gender when considering the social experiences of older men providing care for an ill spouse and finally placing a partner in a nursing home. Further understanding is much needed of how older men experience the process of caring for a spouse from a gender identity perspective. Design. A qualitative constructivist approach was adopted for this study. Participants. Data consists of interviews with seven men that have been informal carers and experienced the placement of their wife in a nursing home. Methods. Interviews were analysed with a constructivist approach. Results. The results indicate that men go through two transitions in their gender identity during the caregiving process and placement. From the mutual loving relationship of being a loving husband, the social responsibility of daily care of their wives changes the situation into that of being a caring husband, and finally with the move to a nursing home there is a transition from intimate care to a relationship based on friendship. Conclusions. The results show that older caregiving men undergo a process involving a reconstruction of gender identity. To formally recognize men's caring activities and to make them sustainable, we believe that men in an informal caring relationship need support. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses need to recognize the identity struggles resulting in sadness and suffering that are related to changes in men's lives during the caregiving process. Understanding the dynamics and changes that occur when men take on a caring task is important for the development of their role as carers. Article History: Submitted for publication: 21 November 2006 Accepted for publication: 25 June 2007 Article note: Henrik Eriksson, Department of Caring and Public Health Sciences, Malardalen University, Box 325, 631 05, Eskilstuna, Sweden, Telephone: +46 16 153747, E-mail: henrik.eriksson@mdh.se

Transitions into informal caregiving and out of paid employment of women in their 50s

Berecki-Gisolf J, Lucke J, Hockey R, Dobson A. (2008)

Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were used to study the order of events leading to informal caregiving and changes in labour force participation in mid-aged women, taking into account health and socioeconomic status. This analysis included 9857 women who responded to the third (2001) and fourth (2004) surveys and provided data for the caring and employment variables used. Caring was defined as providing care for an ill, frail or disabled person at least 7h/wk. Between 2001 and 2004, the proportion of women caring increased from 12 to 14%. Paid employment participation decreased from 67 to 62% in 2004. Logistic regression model results show that taking up caring between 2001 and 2004 was not statistically significantly associated with employment status in 2001. Among women who took up caring, however, hours spent in paid employment in 2001 was negatively associated with hours spent caring in 2004. Amongst women working in 2001, taking up caring between 2001 and 2004 was associated with reduced participation in paid employment. In conclusion, among mid-aged women, transitions into caregiving were irrespective of time spent in paid employment, but were followed by a decrease in labour force participation. Policies could aim to support continuing labour force participation during caregiving by creating flexible working arrangements; re-employment programs could support women who quit work in getting back to paid employment after a period of caregiving

Transitions into informal caregiving and out of paid employment of women in their 50s

Berecki-Gisolf J, Lucke J, Hockey R, Dobson A. (2008)

Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were used to study the order of events leading to informal caregiving and changes in labour force participation in mid-aged women, taking into account health and socioeconomic status. This analysis included 9857 women who responded to the third (2001) and fourth (2004) surveys and provided data for the caring and employment variables used. Caring was defined as providing care for an ill, frail or disabled person at least 7h/wk. Between 2001 and 2004, the proportion of women caring increased from 12 to 14%. Paid employment participation decreased from 67 to 62% in 2004. Logistic regression model results show that taking up caring between 2001 and 2004 was not statistically significantly associated with employment status in 2001. Among women who took up caring, however, hours spent in paid employment in 2001 was negatively associated with hours spent caring in 2004. Amongst women working in 2001, taking up caring between 2001 and 2004 was associated with reduced participation in paid employment. In conclusion, among mid-aged women, transitions into caregiving were irrespective of time spent in paid employment, but were followed by a decrease in labour force participation. Policies could aim to support continuing labour force participation during caregiving by creating flexible working arrangements; re-employment programs could support women who quit work in getting back to paid employment after a period of caregiving

Treating paternal drug abuse using Learning Sobriety Together: Effects on adolescents versus children

Kelley ML, Fals-Stewart W. (2008)

The focus of this study was whether couples-based treatment for substance abuse had comparable secondary benefits on the internalizing and externalizing behaviors of adolescent versus child siblings living in their homes. Couples took part in a couples-based treatment for substance abuse that combines Behavioral Couples Therapy and individual counseling (i.e., Learning Sobriety Together). During a 17-month assessment period, the relationship between parents' functioning (i.e., fathers' drug use as determined by percent days abstinent and parents' dyadic adjustment) as rated by mothers, fathers, and children's teachers and internalizing behavior (as rated by mothers' only) was stronger for children than their adolescent siblings, particularly in terms of children's externalizing behaviors. Interventions that reduce paternal drug use and improve couple functioning may reduce internalizing and externalizing symptoms for children in their homes; however, adolescents may need more intensive interventions to address internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Keywords: Children of drug abusers, Couples therapy

Understanding self-determination and families of young children with disabilities in home environments

Brotherson MJ, Cook CC, Erwin EJ, Weigel CJ. (2008)

This article is about emergent self-determination for young children with disabilities in their home environments. The purpose of this study was to better understand family and home characteristics and how they influence the ways in which families can support the development of self-determination for their children with disabilities. Thirty families of young children with disabilities were interviewed, and their homes were systematically observed. Using a grounded theory design, an emergent model was developed that examined family and home context and the influence of context on the strategies that families used to support self-determination. Future research and practice implications of this research for supporting families are discussed.

Understanding the construct of self-determination: Examining the relationship between the Arc´s self-determination scale and the American institutes for research self-determination scale.

Shogren KA, Wehmeyer ML, Palmer SB, Soukup JH, Little TD, Garner N, et al. (2008)

Since the early 1990s, attention has been focused on the importance of self-determination in the education of students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the construct of self-determination by examining the relationship between the Arc's Self-Determination Scale and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Self-Determination Scale student and educator versions. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the theoretical structure of the Arc's Self-Determination Scale and the AIR Self-Determination–Student Scale was supported by the data, while the proposed theoretical structure of the AIR Self-Determination–Educator Scale was not. The analyses suggested that each of the measures of self-determination was measuring a different aspect of the self-determination construct (i.e., it was not possible to create a higher order factor comprising each of the assessments); thus issues related to the goals of the research and the underlying theoretical perspective of each measure must be considered when determining the most appropriate measure of self-determination in research and practice. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Urinary incontinence and use of pads – clinical features and need for help in home care at 11 sites in Europe

Wergeland Sørbye, L., Finne-Soveri, H., Ljunggren, G., Topinkova, E., Garms-Homolova, V., Jensdóttir, A. B., & Bernabei, R. (2008)

AIM:
The aim of this study was to obtain evidenced-based knowledge about older persons in home care; we conducted a population-based study at 11 sites in Europe (2001/2002). This article focuses on urinary incontinence and need for help in home care.
METHODS:
A sample of 4010 respondents 65 years or older were assessed by the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care. Urinary incontinence was defined as leakage once a week or more including use of catheters.
RESULTS:
A total of 1478 individuals had urinary incontinence, 45% men and 47% women. The use of pads ran from 29% to 52% between the sites. The associates of urinary incontinence were: moderate or severe cognitive impairment, dependency in toileting and other activities of daily living compared with less impaired; urinary infections, obesity and faecal incontinence. Caregivers to persons with urinary incontinence reported burden or stress more often then carers to nonurinary incontinence individuals (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.8-2.7).
CONCLUSIONS:
To enable older people with incontinence to stay at home with a better quality of life, they need caring assistance during toileting on a regular basis.

Use of Writing with Symbols 2000 to Facilitate Emergent Literacy Development

Parette, H., Boeckmann, N & Hourcade, J. (2008)

This paper outlines the use of the Writing with Symbols 2000 software to facilitate emergent literacy development. The program's use of pictures incorporated with text has great potential to help young children with and without disabilities acquire fundamental literacy concepts about print, phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary development, and comprehension. The flexibility and features of the software allow early childhood professionals to create a variety of early literacy tools for the classroom, including worksheets, storybooks, and interactive activities.

Use of Writing with Symbols 2000 to Facilitate Emergent Literacy Development

Parette, H., Boeckmann, N & Hourcade, J. (2008)

This paper outlines the use of the Writing with Symbols 2000 software to facilitate emergent literacy development. The program's use of pictures incorporated with text has great potential to help young children with and without disabilities acquire fundamental literacy concepts about print, phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary development, and comprehension. The flexibility and features of the software allow early childhood professionals to create a variety of early literacy tools for the classroom, including worksheets, storybooks, and interactive activities.

Use of Writing with Symbols 2000 to Facilitate Emergent Literacy Development

Parette, H., Boeckmann, N & Hourcade, J. (2008)

This paper outlines the use of the Writing with Symbols 2000 software to facilitate emergent literacy development. The program's use of pictures incorporated with text has great potential to help young children with and without disabilities acquire fundamental literacy concepts about print, phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary development, and comprehension. The flexibility and features of the software allow early childhood professionals to create a variety of early literacy tools for the classroom, including worksheets, storybooks, and interactive activities.

Utsatt barndom – olika vuxenliv. Ett longitudinellt forskningsprojekt om barn i samhällsvård

Andersson, G. (2008)

Boken handlar om de barn som placerades på barnhem i en
storstad någon gång under en tvåårsperiod på 1980-talet och var
0–4 år vid tiden för inskrivningen och stannade där mer än en
månad. De första två uppföljningsstudierna gjordes tre och nio
månader efter det att barnen lämnat barnhemmet. Därefter har
barnen följts upp ytterligare fem gånger, 5, 10, 15, 20 och 25 år
efter den tidiga barnhemsvistelsen. Det är 26 barn och det finns
knappast något bortfall från tidig barndom till vuxen ålder.
Resultatredovisningen är uppdelad i tre kapitel. Det första
ger glimtar från socialtjänstens dokumentation och mödrarnas
berättelser om tiden före placeringen och orsakerna till barnens
placering på barnhemmet. Där framgår också barnens reaktioner
på separation och deras anknytnings- och anpassningsprocess
under tiden på barnhemmet och den närmast efteråt, hemma
eller i familjehem. Det andra resultatkapitlet handlar om barnens
placeringshistoria under hela barndomen. De flesta barnen i undersökningsgruppen
kom nämligen förr eller senare till familjehem
och några har även erfarenhet av ungdomsinstitutioner. Instabilitet
till följd av sammanbrott i placeringar eller återplaceringar
ses som ett allvarligt bekymmer för barn i samhällsvård. I de nu
vuxna barnens tillbakablick varierar erfarenheterna. Det tredje
resultatkapitlet handlar om social anpassning i vuxen ålder i
termer av utbildning, arbete och laglydighet. Liksom i annan
forskning framgår det här att färre har gymnasieutbildning än
jämnåriga i befolkningen i stort. Det framgår också att skälen
varierar, men de som klarat gymnasiet utan större problem har
också i större utsträckning en stabil arbetssituation. Kapitlet
bygger i stor utsträckning på de unga männens och kvinnornas
egna berättelser och är rikt på citat. Det är inget stort kvantitativt
material, men det går att räkna procent. Andelen som i vuxen
ålder kan räknas till de laglydiga är 70 procent och 50 procent
har en stabil arbetssituation.

Whos life am I living? Relatives Living in the Shadow of Depression

Stjernswärd, Sigrid & Östman, Margareta (2008)

BACKGROUND:
Families living with mental illness experience added burden and need information and support.
AIM:
This aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families living close to a depressed individual.
METHODS:
Eighteen persons were interviewed individually or in focus groups. Data was analysed using a grounded theory-inspired methodology.
RESULTS:
Most participants expressed a feeling of not living their own life, struggling to balance relationships, adapting to and re-evaluating their life circumstances, and struggling to voice their ill relatives' and their own needs.
CONCLUSIONS:
More can be done to help and sustain hope in the relatives of persons with depression.

Whose life am I living? Relatives living in the shadow of depression

Stjernswärd, S., & Östman, M. (2008)

BACKGROUND:
Families living with mental illness experience added burden and need information and support.
AIM:
This aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families living close to a depressed individual.
METHODS:
Eighteen persons were interviewed individually or in focus groups. Data was analysed using a grounded theory-inspired methodology.
RESULTS:
Most participants expressed a feeling of not living their own life, struggling to balance relationships, adapting to and re-evaluating their life circumstances, and struggling to voice their ill relatives' and their own needs.
CONCLUSIONS:
More can be done to help and sustain hope in the relatives of persons with depression.

Vissa psykiatrifrågor m.m.

Regeringens proposition 2008/09:193 (2008)

I propositionen föreslås ändringar i hälso- och sjukvårdslagen (1982:763,
HSL), i lagen (1998:531) om yrkesverksamhet på hälso- och sjukvårdens
område (LYHS) och i socialtjänstlagen (2001:453, SoL). Hälso- och
sjukvården och dess personal får genom ändringarna i HSL och LYHS en
skyldighet att särskilt beakta barns behov av information, råd och stöd,
bl.a. om barnets förälder eller någon annan vuxen som barnet varaktigt
bor tillsammans med har t.ex. en psykisk sjukdom eller en allvarlig
fysisk sjukdom. Vidare föreslås att kommuners och landstings skyldigheter
i fråga om gemensam individuell planering och gemensamma
överenskommelser om samarbete regleras i såväl SoL som HSL. Lagförslagen
föreslås träda i kraft den 1 januari 2010.

Våld i särskilda boenden för äldre : språk och sociala interaktioner

Sandvide, Å. (2008)

The present thesis aims to study the relationship between the violence that occurs in institutional care for older people and the language employed when this violence and the involved parties are talked and narrated. The thesis has been guided by social constructionism, and violence, victims and perpetrators have been considered as social phenomena constructed in discursive processes.Narrative interviews were conducted with 57 care providers who had been involved in social interactions in which violence occurred. The thesis comprises four studies. Study I is a qualitative description of the interactions. In study II, narrative analysis and positioning theory were used to explore the involved parties' positions. Discourse analysis was employed to investigate discursively created identities (Study III), discursive constructions and how problems related to violence are framed (Study IV).When the care providers described the interactions, they talked about mutual misunderstandings, mutual invasions of personal space and an acceptance of violence in their work. It seemed more reasonable to consider the involved parties as both victims and perpetrators as opposed to one party being exposed and the other perpetrating the violence (I). When the positions of victim and perpetrator were questioned in one care provider's narrative, they appeared to alter from perpetrator to victim to protector throughout the account by use of available discourses. The way of narrating, taking up or resisting the positions offered by the available discourses made it possible to create a preferred identity (II). These discursively created identities can be viewed as a way of defining an undesirable situation, thereby legitimizing the actions taken. The various identities led to consequences and effects such as loss of autonomy, the use of force, humiliation and exclusion. The construction of identities was connected to various beliefs about older persons (III). Beliefs define what actions are possible and legitimate in a certain context as well as forming the basis for the articulation of problems, thus studying such expressions made it possible to explore beliefs. The articulated problems were viewed as a way to create boundaries, indicating certain possible and relevant solutions. When the care providers talked about the interactions, they presented them as being due to a difficult and unavoidable problem related to the illness, caring for the body, competence and profession as well as social order (IV).The discursive struggle, competence, power, powerlessness, resistance, identity constructions, justification and quality of care are reflected upon and discussed. The analysis of the care providers' narratives has made it possible to disclose how discourses concur and compete in order to give meaning to concrete social interactions involving violence. It has also been possible to show how to describe, understand and resist as well as to legitimize and justify the actions performed in relation to such interactions. The narratives opened up possibilities to study practices that are talked about as natural. The things that the care providers narrated about have been regarded as manifestations of discourses. Discourses produce certain versions of the interactions, victims and perpetrators, but it must be borne in mind that these are just a few among many possible versions, which are constantly changing.

Äldres psykiska ohälsa -en fördjupad lägesrapport om förekomst, verksamheter och insatser. Artikelnr 2008-131-20

Socialstyrelsen (2008)

I dag lider cirka 20 procent av alla äldre personer av psykisk ohälsa. Inom en snar framtid är 25 procent av alla svenskar 65 år och äldre, vilket gör psykisk ohälsa till en av våra största folksjukdomar.

Rapporten Ökat stöd till äldres med psykisk ohälsa redovisar Socialstyrelsens aktiviteter för att stödja arbetet med att uppmärksamma och arbeta med äldres psykiska ohälsa. Rapporten ger också förslag på fortsatta åtgärder för att stödja arbetet. Som bilagor finns tre vägledningdokument för olika professioner:

Vägledning för verksamhetsansvariga inom socialtjänst, kommunal hälso- och sjukvård samt primärvård'
Vägledning till att uppmärksamma äldre med psykisk ohälsa inom primärvården
Vägledning för att uppmärksamma äldre med psykisk ohälsa inom socialtjänst och kommunal hälso- och sjukvård
Grundläggande kunskaper hos personal

Socialstyrelsen har även tagit fram allmänna råd som ska visa vilka kunskaper personal som arbetar med äldre bör ha.

Nationell satsning på baskompetens

Under 2011 – 2014 pågick en satsning, det så kallade Omvårdnadslyftet, för att stärka personalens baskunskaper om bland annat äldres psykiska ohälsa.

Socialstyrelsen publicerade även en vägledning om kunskapsområden för specialiserade arbetsuppgifter inom äldreomsorgen som bland annat behandlar kunskaper som kan krävas för att arbeta med äldre med psykisk sjukdom.

Colocating health care services: a way to improve care coordination of children’s health care

Ginsburg, S. (2008)

Pediatric practices are faced with a growing demand that they address the
healthy development of their patients. As pediatric practices strengthen their role as medical
homes for their patients, they need either to provide expanded services or enhance their
capacity to coordinate that care. One option for enhancing the existing capacity of pediatric
practices is colocation with other providers and services in the same setting. This issue
brief examines what is currently known about the use of colocation and its benefits. The
literature and interviews used as information resources for the brief suggest that colocation
of services is not a single strategy but rather a complex set of relationships, organizational
structures, and other features meant to help practices deliver effective care. However, more
thorough examination of current colocation approaches is needed before advice can be
provided to practices considering this option.

Combining work and care: carers decision-making in the context of competing policy pressures

Arksey H, Glendinning C. (2008)

Issues related to paid work and care are of global importance, reflecting the twin pressures of population ageing and efforts to increase labour market participation. Informal carers of sick, disabled or older people can experience tensions between policies aimed at support for care and support for employment. This article discusses a study of carers' decision-making around work and care, drawing on evidence from interviews with 80 working-age carers in England. Carers are not homogeneous; their circumstances and needs differ reflecting age, gender, ethnicity, labour market participation, and the condition and/or needs of the person they support. This diversity is illustrated by contrasting rural and urban carers' decisions and experiences about work and care. Key factors that impact on carers' decisions are: current and anticipated financial need; the constraints arising from receipt of carers' and other means-tested income maintenance benefits; personal identity; job opportunities and scope for flexibility; social services provision; carers' own health. Distance, travel times and transport are unique additional challenges for rural carers who (wish to) work. These difficulties are further intensified when they intersect with other factors such as the Carer's Allowance, the local labour market and social services provision. The findings are evaluated in terms of the adequacy of current government policy measures.

Comparable family burden in families of clinical high-risk and recent-onset psychosis patients

Wong C, Davidson L, McGlashan T, Gerson R, Malaspina D, Corcoran C. (2008)

Aim: Family burden is prevalent in psychotic disorders, but little is known about burden experienced by families of patients in early illness. In this exploratory study, we examined the extent of burden reported by families of patients during a putative prodromal period and in the aftermath of psychosis onset. Methods: Family burden was assessed in 23 family members of patients with emerging or early psychosis. The Family Experiences Interview Schedule was used to assess both objective and subjective burden. Objective burden is comprised of increased resource demands and disruption of routine. Subjective burden includes worry, anger/displeasure and resentment at objective burden. Results: Family burden was comparable for the clinical high-risk and recent-onset psychosis patients. Worry was as high as previously reported for more chronic patients. By contrast, there was a relative absence of displeasure/anger. Family members endorsed assisting patients in activities of daily living, although not 'minding' doing so, and reported little need to supervise or control patients' behaviour. Conclusions: Early in emerging psychotic illness, families report helping patients and worrying about them, but their lives are not yet disrupted and they do not have much anger or resentment. This may be an ideal time then for intervention with families, as worry may motivate help-seeking by families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

Conformity and resistance in Self-Management Strategies of ‘Good Girls’.

Sanders, J., & Munford, R., (2008)

This article examines how girls manage challenging encounters with non-familial adults. Drawing on a subset of qualitative data collected as part of a larger ethnographic study, it examines the ways girls maintain a strong sense of self as a good person in the face of interpersonal challenge from these non-familial adults. The discourse of the 'good girl' allows them to resist excessive demands of adults and provides opportunities to have fun. The importance of the parent—child relationship in terms of providing a safe context from which the girls can generate the good and bad girl facades is also highlighted.

Coping, Social Relations, and Communication: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Children of Parents with Cancer

Thastum, M., Johansen, M. B., Gubba, L., Olesen, L. B., & Romer, G. (2008)

The purpose of this qualitative study of families where a parent has cancer was to explore ways of informing the child of the parent's illness, how the child perceives the parent's emotional state, how the child copes with the parent's illness, and how this coping relates to the parent's coping and concerns for the child. Twenty-one children from 15 families and their parents were interviewed. In 13 families the mother was ill, in two the father. Children were aware of the facts of the illness, but there was limited emotional communication between the generations. The children were very observant of both the ill and the healthy parent's emotional condition. The children's observations and expressions led us to identify five coping strategies the younger generation used: Helping others, parentification, distraction, keeping it in the head, and wishful thinking. Both adaptive and destructive examples of parentification were found. Communication patterns and parental coping seemed to be highly related to the child's coping repertoire. Even though most children seemed to manage rather well, all children were strongly affected by the illness. The 'healthiest' adaptation related to factors within the family system, which has implications for the provision of help.

Daglig verksamhet enligt LSS – en kartläggning

Socialstyrelsen (2008)

Daglig verksamhet är en av de tio insatserna i lagen (1993:387) om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS). Det är också den insats som flest personer har. Antalet personer med daglig verksamhet har ökat från 20 500 år 2000 till 25 800 år 2006. Kostnader per person i daglig verksamhet sjönk under samma tid med tio procent. Mot denna bakgrund, och på grund av att Socialstyrelsen från enskilda personer, från brukarorganisationer och från yrkesverksamma inom området har fått signaler om brister i kvaliteten, tog Socialstyrelsen initiativ till denna kartläggning av daglig verksamhet enligt LSS.

Bilden som framträder genom kartläggningen är att utbudet av aktiviteter inom den dagliga verksamheten är stort. Trots detta finns det svårigheter för kommunerna att i vissa fall finna verksamheter som passar varje enskild person.

Traditionellt har daglig verksamhet varit organiserad som gruppverksamhet i särskilda lokaler. Utvecklingen har gått mot mer flexibla former, t.ex. utflyttade grupper som finns på olika företag. Av dem som har beslut om daglig verksamhet har i dag cirka 15 procent detta i form av en individuell placering på en ordinarie arbetsplats. Variationen är dock stor mellan olika kommuner.

Kommuner organiserar sin verksamhet på olika sätt. Vilka nämnder som har ansvaret för daglig verksamhet enligt LSS varierar. Totalt sett har cirka åtta procent av dem som har daglig verksamhet detta i enskild regi. I storstadsregionerna däremot är motsvarande siffra 21 procent. Kartläggningen har inte kunnat visa på några större skillnader mellan kommunal och enskild verksamhet, när det gäller verksamhetens innehåll.

Utmaningen för den dagliga verksamheten ligger i att vidareutveckla både innehållet och formerna för verksamheten samt att öppna vägen till arbetslivet.

Socialstyrelsen kan konstatera att det övergripande målet med daglig verksamhet, att den enskilde på sikt ska kunna få möjlighet till lönearbete, inte uppfylls. Övergångar till ett sådant arbete är näst intill obefintliga. Den dagliga verksamheten riskerar att bidra till en inlåsningseffekt då andra aktörer inom arbetsmarknadspolitikens fält inte ser denna grupp som sin målgrupp. Samverkan mellan daglig verksamhet och andra arbetsmarknadspolitiska aktörer brister. Den måste utvecklas för att målet ska nås.

Traditionellt finns det god kunskap för och erfarenhet av att ge personer med utvecklingsstörning eller med ett stort omvårdnadsbehov en daglig verksamhet med god kvalitet. Det är angeläget att även denna del av verksamheten utvecklas så att inte dessa personers behov kommer i skymundan för de nya behov som ställs på verksamheten.

Deliberate self-harm behaviour in Swedish adolescent girls reports from public assessment and treatment agencies

Holmqvist R, Carlberg M, Hellgren L. (2008)

Self-harming behaviour among adolescents, and particularly adolescent girls, has evoked much public attention. This article presents a Swedish study about what information assessment and treatment agencies have about self-harming behaviour in the form of cutting and burning in adolescent girls. The study was made on assignment by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. All public agencies assessing or treating adolescents with psychological problems in three Swedish cities were asked to deliver information about self-harming behaviour in the form of self-cutting or self-burning in girls between 13 and 18 years of age. In addition, the young offender institutions within the National Board of Institutional Care treating teenager girls were asked to deliver information about self-harming behaviour in their clients. We found that about 1% of the total population of girls in these ages were known to have cut or burnt themselves and about one third of the girls in the institutions. Attempts to distinguish subgroups among the girls were only partly successful. Although some subgroups could be identified, the overlap between them was large. The conclusion was that this behaviour may be seen as an expression of a wide variety of problems in a heterogeneous group of young persons. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Depression in men in the postnatal period and later child psychopathology: a population cohort study

Ramchandani, P.G., Stein, A., O’Connor, T.G., Heron, J., Murray, L. & Evans, J. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
Postnatal depression in women is associated with adverse effects on both maternal health and children's development. It is unclear whether depression in men at this time poses comparable risks. The present study set out to assess the association between depression in men in the postnatal period and later psychiatric disorders in their children and to investigate predisposing factors for depression in men following childbirth.
METHOD:
A population-based cohort of 10,975 fathers and their children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was recruited in the prenatal period and followed for 7 years. Paternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and later child psychiatric disorder (DSM-IV) with the Development and Well-Being Assessment.
RESULTS:
Depression in fathers in the postnatal period was significantly associated with psychiatric disorder in their children 7 years later (adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77), most notably oppositional defiant/conduct disorders (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.04-3.61), after adjusting for maternal depression and paternal educational level. A history of severe depression and high prenatal symptom scores for depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors of paternal depression in the postnatal period.
CONCLUSIONS:
Depression in fathers in the postnatal period is associated with later psychiatric disorders in their children, independently of maternal postnatal depression. Further research into the risks associated with paternal psychopathology is required because this could represent an important opportunity for public health intervention.

Depression in men in the postnatal period and later child psychopathology: a population cohort study

Ramchandani, P.G., Stein, A., O’Connor, T.G., Heron, J., Murray, L. & Evans, J. (2008)

OBJECTIVE:
Postnatal depression in women is associated with adverse effects on both maternal health and children's development. It is unclear whether depression in men at this time poses comparable risks. The present study set out to assess the association between depression in men in the postnatal period and later psychiatric disorders in their children and to investigate predisposing factors for depression in men following childbirth.
METHOD:
A population-based cohort of 10,975 fathers and their children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was recruited in the prenatal period and followed for 7 years. Paternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and later child psychiatric disorder (DSM-IV) with the Development and Well-Being Assessment.
RESULTS:
Depression in fathers in the postnatal period was significantly associated with psychiatric disorder in their children 7 years later (adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77), most notably oppositional defiant/conduct disorders (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.04-3.61), after adjusting for maternal depression and paternal educational level. A history of severe depression and high prenatal symptom scores for depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors of paternal depression in the postnatal period.
CONCLUSIONS:
Depression in fathers in the postnatal period is associated with later psychiatric disorders in their children, independently of maternal postnatal depression. Further research into the risks associated with paternal psychopathology is required because this could represent an important opportunity for public health intervention.

Developing and evaluating complex interventions: the new Medical Research Council guidance

Craig P, Dieppe P, Macintyre S, Michie S, Nazareth I, Petticrew M. (2008)

Complex interventions are widely used in the health service, in public health practice, and in areas of social policy that have important health consequences, such as education, transport, and housing. They present various problems for evaluators, in addition to the practical and methodological difficulties that any successful evaluation must overcome. In 2000, the Medical Research Council (MRC) published a framework1 to help researchers and research funders to recognise and adopt appropriate methods. The framework has been highly influential, and the accompanying BMJ paper is widely cited.2 However, much valuable experience has since accumulated of both conventional and more innovative methods. This has now been incorporated in comprehensively revised and updated guidance recently released by the MRC (www.mrc.ac.uk/complexinterventionsguidance). In this article we summarise the issues that prompted the revision and the key messages of the new guidance.

Developing the concept of family involvement and alienation questionnaire in the context of psychiatric care

Ewertzon, M., K. Lützén, et al. (2008)

Research shows that family members of people with a mental illness often experience a lack of involvement in the psychiatric care of their relative. An interpretation of the findings of these studies raises the question of whether the family members' experience of not being involved can be conceptualized in terms of alienation towards mental health services from their encounter with psychiatric care. In order to explore this possibility, the Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire (FIAQ) was constructed, guided by relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical research. The content validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by two groups of experienced researchers who had sound knowledge of the theoretical frameworks used. Validity based on the response process was evaluated by the parents of people with mental illness. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by a test-retest design with a group of 15 family members. The data were analyzed by a non-parametric statistical method. The results of the validity and reliability evaluations showed that of the 46 original items in the questionnaire, 28 would be useful in exploring the concept of family involvement and alienation in the context of psychiatric care. Further, minor modifications could make the FIAQ useful in exploring these concepts in other settings.

Dignity in the end of life care : what does it mean to older people and staff in nursing homes? Diss.

Dwyer, L-L. (2008)

The discussion of a palliative care and a dignified death has almost exclusively been applied to people dying of cancer. As people are getting older and are living longer, nursing homes have become an important place for end-of-life care and death. Dignity is a concept often used in health care documents but their meaning is rarely clarified.The main aim of this thesis was to gain a deeper understanding of what dignity meant to older people in end of life care as well as to nursing home staff. The thesis comprises four studies. The first and second study involved older people living in nursing home settings studied from a hermeneutic perspective. In the first study twelve older people in two nursing homes were interviewed two to four times over a period of 18–24 months during 2002–2003. Altogether, 39 interviews were analyzed by a hermeneutic method. Dignity was closely linked to self-image and identity. The themes of unrecognizable body, dependence and fragility constituted threats to dignity. The third theme, inner strength and sense of coherence, seemed to assist the older people in maintaining dignity of identity. In the second study the aim was to acquire a deeper understanding of how three older women from study I, created meaning in everyday life at the nursing home. A secondary analysis was carried out and showed meaning in everyday life was created by an inner dialogue, communication and relationships with others. The third study was to explore nursing home staff members' experience of what dignity in end-of –life care means to older people and to themselves.Totally 21 interviews with staff were carried out and analyzed through a qualitative content analysis. The meaning of older people's dignity was conceptualized as feeling trust, which implied being shown respect. Staff members' dignity was conceptualized as maintaining self-respect. Dignity was threatened in situations where staff experienced themselves and the older people as being ignored and thereby marginalized. The fourth study was carried out through focus groups discussions with 20 staff members about seven older peoples dying death and care. The analyses showed that conversations and discussions about death were rare. Death was surrounded by silence. It was disclosed that the older dying person's thoughts and attitudes of death were not explicitly known. A dignified death meant alleviation of bodily suffering and pain and meaningfulness. The staff's ethical reasoning mainly concerned their experience of a gap between their personal ideals of what a dignified end of life should include and what they were able to provide in reality, which could result in conscious stress. Staff members need training and support. End of life care demands competence and teamwork.A challenge for future care of older people would be to develop a nursing home environment in which human dignity is promoted.

Does Early Bereavement Counseling Prevent Ill Health and Untimely Death?

Grimby A., Johansson ÅK. (2008)

Fifty elderly bereaved men and women, who received bereavement counseling by a physician and a psychologist at 3 separate occasions during the year after loss, were followed during another 10 years in regard to morbidity and mortality, as some earlier studies have indicated increased risk during widowhood. Days of hospital care and mortality rates during 5 and 8 years, respectively, were the primary outcome variables. A group of representative married subjects was used for comparison purposes. The results showed no difference between the groups in the number of days of care before loss, nor did the days of hospital care after the loss differ. The mortality rate was similar in both groups. This may suggest that bereavement counseling has a preventive effect regarding health and survival, but this should be further evaluated in controlled studies before counseling programs can be recommended.

Early child contingency learning and detection: Research evidence and implications for practice

Dunst C, Trivette C, Raab M, Masiello T. (2008)

The types of contingency experiences infants and young children are typically exposed to are examined with a focus on the implications for early childhood intervention with young children who have developmental disabilities and delays. Studies of response-contingent child learning, the manner in which contingencies are not under direct child control, and child/caregiver reciprocal contingencies, are reviewed in terms of how they influence child learning and development. Results indicate that the different types of contingencies all positively influence child behavior. Implications for practice are described in terms of contingency-rich everyday child learning activities, child response-contingent learning in the context of those activities, and caregiver contingent responsiveness as an instructional strategy for supporting child contingency learning.

Effects of Parent Skills Training with Behavioral Couples Therapy for alcoholism on children: a randomized clinical pilot trial

Lam WK, Fals-Stewart W, Kelley ML. (2008)

This pilot study examined preliminary effects of Parent Skills Training with Behavioral Couples Therapy on children's behavioral functioning. Participants were men (N = 30) entering outpatient alcohol treatment, their female partners, and a custodial child between 8 and 12 years of age. Couples were randomly assigned to one of three equally intensive conditions: (a) Parent Skills with Behavioral Couples Therapy (PSBCT), (b) BCT (without parent training), and (c) Individual-Based Treatment (IBT; without couples-based or parent skills interventions). Parents completed measures of child externalizing and internalizing behaviors at pretreatment, posttreatment, 6- and 12-month follow up; children completed self-reports of internalizing symptoms at each assessment. Only PSBCT participants reported significant effects on all child measures throughout the 12-month follow up. PSBCT showed medium to large effects in child functioning relative to IBT, and small to medium effects relative to BCT from baseline through follow up. Effect sizes suggest clinically meaningful differences between PSBCT and both BCT and IBT that warrant further empirical evaluation of BCT with parent training for alcohol-abusing men and their partners.

Effects of Parent Skills Training with Behavioral Couples Therapy for alcoholism on children: a randomized clinical pilot trial.

Lam WK, Fals-Stewart W, Kelley ML. (2008)

This pilot study examined preliminary effects of Parent Skills Training with Behavioral Couples Therapy on children's behavioral functioning. Participants were men (N = 30) entering outpatient alcohol treatment, their female partners, and a custodial child between 8 and 12 years of age. Couples were randomly assigned to one of three equally intensive conditions: (a) Parent Skills with Behavioral Couples Therapy (PSBCT), (b) BCT (without parent training), and (c) Individual-Based Treatment (IBT; without couples-based or parent skills interventions). Parents completed measures of child externalizing and internalizing behaviors at pretreatment, post-treatment, 6-and 12-month follow-up; children completed self-reports of internalizing symptoms at each assessment. Only PSBCT participants reported significant effects on all child measures throughout the 12-month follow up. PSBCT showed medium to large effects in child functioning relative to IBT, and small to medium effects relative to BCT from baseline through follow up. Effect sizes suggest clinically meaningful differences between PSBCT and both BCT and IBT that warrant further empirical evaluation of BCT with parent training for alcohol-abusing men and their partners.

Keywords: children of alcoholics, parent training, behavioral couples therapy, alcoholism treatment, child functioning

Ensam på insidan; syskon berättar

Alwin Ann-Marie (2008)

Hur är det att ha ett syskon med funktionshinder? Ja, man lär sig ta ansvar tidigt och blir ofta mycket duktig. Men samtidigt är det många barn som känner sig ensamma. Det kan vara tungt att orka med en jobbig vardag med bråk och oväsen där man jämt måste ta hänsyn. Det kan vara svårt att förklara för vänner och skolkamrater varför ens syskon beter sig annorlunda. Därför undviker man kanske att ta hem kamrater och känner sig ännu mer ensam och utsatt.

Den här boken bygger på barns och ungdomars egna berättelser. Det är starka berättelser där många syskon med liknande erfarenheter kan känna igen sig. Alla vuxna – lärare, psykologer, läkare och andra som möter dessa barn har stor nytta av att lyssna på dessa modiga barn och ungdomar som vågar och vill berätta.

Lived experiences of being a father of an adult child with Schizofrenia

Nyström M, Svensson H. (2004)

The aim of this study is to analyze and describe lived experiences of being a father of an adult child with schizophrenia. Interpretations of interviews with seven Swedish fathers of sons or daughters with schizophrenia revealed a pattern of gradually changing existential consequences. After an initial period of shock when receiving the diagnosis, a long struggle to regain control follows. The findings are presented in a structure based on eight different aspects of this struggle, which seems to be characterized by a balance between grieving and adaptation. An important conclusion is that the fathers' life-world must be attended to in professional family interventions.

Med rätt att bestämma själv? – ”exit”, ”voice” och personlig assistans

Hugemark, Agneta (2004)

This study focuses on the influence a user may have over his or her welfare service, personal assistance.
A county, an assistance firm and a user cooperative are compared with the thesis that the organisation
that surrounds the users shapes the possibilities the user have to influence his or her personal
assistance. There are questions that try to answer if there are outspoken social goals within each
organisation. Questions regarding influence of the user when she och he is choosing the assistans
provider and the users possibility to influence and his or her power to decide who and when anyone
works as an assistant are asked.

Motivation for Money and Care that Adult Children Provide for Parents: Evidence from “Point-Blank” Survey Questions. Working Paper 2004-17

Cox, D. and B. Soldo (2004)

When adult children provide care for their aging parents, they often do so at great expense to themselves incurring psychic, monetary, emotional, and even physical costs, in conjunction with care that is labor intensive and, at the extreme, unrelenting. While the nature of parent care and the profile of care giving children are well described in the literatures of the social sciences, we still lack insight into why adult children undertake parent care without compensation or compulsion. In this paper, we adopt a novel, direct question approach using newly available data from a special module fielded in the 2000 Health and Retirement Study that included questions on motivations for, and concerns with, the provision of familial assistance. Transfers are not always provided free of pressure from other family members, for example, and familial norms of obligations and traditions appear to matter for many respondents. These findings suggest that the standard set of economic considerations—utility interdependence, budget constraints, exchange, and the like—are insufficient for a complete understanding of private transfer behavior. Though one must always be skeptical about reading too much into what people say about why they do the things they do (or think they will do) we nonetheless conclude that "point-blank" questions offer, at the very least, a worthwhile complement to the more conventional methods for unraveling motivations for private, intergenerational transfers.

Paternal postpartum depression, its relationship to maternal postpartum depression, and implications for family health

Goodman, J. (2004)

BACKGROUND:
Much attention has been paid to the problem of postpartum depression in women. However, there is some indication that men also experience depression after the birth of a child, and that paternal depression is linked to maternal depression.
AIMS:
The purpose of this integrative review was to examine current knowledge about postpartum depression in fathers. Specific aims were (1) to examine the incidence of paternal depression in the first year after the birth of a child, (2) to identify the characteristics and predictors of paternal postpartum depression, (3) to describe the relationship between maternal and paternal postpartum depression, and (4) to discuss the influence of paternal depression on the family and infant.
METHODS:
A literature search from 1980 to 2002 was carried out using the CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Medline electronic databases. Twenty research studies were identified that included incidence rates of paternal depression during the first year postpartum. These were further examined and synthesized regarding onset, severity, duration, and predictors of paternal depressive symptoms, and for information about the relationship between maternal and paternal depression.
FINDINGS:
During the first postpartum year, the incidence of paternal depression ranged from 1.2% to 25.5% in community samples, and from 24% to 50% among men whose partners were experiencing postpartum depression. Maternal depression was identified as the strongest predictor of paternal depression during the postpartum period. The implications of parental depression for family health were discussed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Postpartum depression in men is a significant problem. The strong correlation of paternal postpartum depression with maternal postpartum depression has important implications for family health and well-being. Consideration of postpartum depression in fathers as well as mothers, and consideration of co-occurrence of depression in couples, is an important next step in research and practice involving childbearing families.

The impact of hippotherapy on grieving children

Glazer, H.R., Clark, M.D. & Stein, D.S. (2004)

ABSTRACT This article looks at the use of therapeutic riding, or hippotherapy, with children who are mourning the death of a family member. Therapeutic riding is the summer program that is part of the Evergreen support group for grieving school-age children and their families. A qualitative study of the impact of the riding program is presented. The research question was whether the children, parents, and adult volunteer would view the program as encouraging the processing of grief and person development. The following themes in perceived outcomes of the program were identified: confidence, trust, and communication skills. The parents and guardians all described the therapeutic riding as a positive experience. They noted an increase in overall communication, including talk about the deceased, as well as an increase in the child's self-confidence and self-esteem. Success with the horses appeared to be important to these children, who expressed pride and joy in their accomplishments.

Training care givers of stroke patients: economic evaluation.

Patel A, Knapp M, Evans A, Perez I, Kalra L. (2004)

Background Training care givers reduces their burden and improves psychosocial outcomes in care givers and patients at one year. However, the cost effectiveness of this approach has not been investigated.

Objective To evaluate the cost effectiveness of caregiver training by examining health and social care costs, informal care costs, and quality adjusted life years in care givers.

Design A single, blind, randomised controlled trial.

Setting Stroke rehabilitation unit.

Subjects 300 stroke patients and their care givers.

Interventions Caregiver training in basic nursing and facilitation of personal care techniques compared with no caregiver training.

Main outcome measures Health and social care costs, informal care costs, and quality adjusted life years in care givers over one year after stroke.

Results Total health and social care costs over one year for patients whose care givers received training were significantly lower (mean difference -£4043 ($7249; €, 95% confidence interval -£6544 to -£1595). Inclusion of informal care costs, which were similar between the two groups, did not alter this conclusion. The cost difference was largely due to differences in length of hospital stay. The EQ-5D did not detect changes in quality adjusted life years in care givers.

Conclusion Compared with no training, caregiver training during rehabilitation of patients reduced costs of care while improving overall quality of life in care givers at one year.

Validation of the CHORES: A measure of school-aged children´s participation in household tasks

Dunn L. (2004)

The CHORES (Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports) is a clinical and research tool that measures school-aged children's participation in household tasks. Separate performance and assistance scores enable examination of changes in children's responsibilities for household tasks as they mature and the work of families to promote their participation. The Self-Care and Family-Care subscales afford study of cultural aspects of household tasks that may influence children's participation and opportunities for learning. Thirty-two parents from diverse backgrounds participated in the first part of the study. Twenty-one of these parents participated in the test–retest study. The sample was culturally diverse and included parents of 6- to 11-year-old children with and without disabilities who have average or above intellect. Results from the psychometric analyses show that the CHORES has strong reliability and validity. The variance in children's task performance and overall levels of assistance supports the utility of this measure for capturing differences among children in the extent of their participation. Stability of parents' responses over time is strong both for performance (ICC, r=0.88) and for assistance (ICC, r=0.92) scores. The validity of the CHORES is supported by the parents' judgments of the importance of involving their children in household tasks. The CHORES is easy to complete, considers the parent's perspective, and provides a way to collect information on children's participation in household tasks. The CHORES provides a mechanism to learn more about factors that influence children's participation in household tasks, changes in their responsibilities over time, and outcomes from their participation in these tasks.

Women in the Middle. Their Parent-care Years

Brody, E. (2004)

Women in the Middlewas so-named because daughters, who are the main caregivers to elderly disabled parents, most often in their middle years, are caught in the middle of multiple competing demands on their time and energy. Since the first edition, women's responsibilities and the pressures they have experienced have increased and intensified. Dr. Brody revisits this phenomenon in this new, updated edition of her ground-breaking work.

Women in the Middle, 2/e, describes and discusses the caregiving women's subjective feelings, experiences, and problems, and the effects on their mental and physical well-being, life styles, family relationships, and vocational activities. These case studies and narratives present an insider's view of the harsh and sometimes joyful experience of caregiving.

Special attention is given to the changing face of social, economic, and environmental conditions, as well as the diversity of the caregiver, in which caregiving, in which caregiving takes place.

"Depression Among Recipients of Informal Care: The Effects of Reciprocity, Respect, and Adequacy of Support."

Wolff, J. F. and Agree, E.M. (2004)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this work was to examine the relationship of perceived quality of care to depression among recipients of informal long-term care.

METHODS:
eneralized estimating equations were used to generate population-average logistic regression models of prevalent depression, using a sample of 420 disabled community-dwelling women aged 65 or older receiving informal care obtained from the Women's Health and Aging Study Caregiving Survey.

RESULTS:
Findings confirm a substantial prevalence of depression among older women with disabilities and support the hypothesis that perceived reciprocity and respect afforded by one's primary caregiver as well as adequacy of instrumental support all were associated with a lower likelihood of being categorized as depressed, even after controlling for sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial characteristics that are known to be related to depression.

DISCUSSION:
Perceived quality of informal care arrangements has a bearing on the psychological health of care recipients. Individuals in more reciprocal relationships and in relationships where they felt respected and valued were less likely to be depressed than their counterparts.

A constructionist discourse on resilience

Ungar, M. (2004)

An ecological approach to the study of resilience, informed by Systems Theory and emphasizing predictable relationships between risk and protective factors, circular causality, and transactional processes, is inadequate to account for the diversity of people's experiences of resilience. In contrast, a constructionist interpretation of resilience reflects a postmodern understanding of the construct that better accounts for cultural and contextual differences in how resilience is expressed by individuals, families, and communities. Research supporting this approach has demonstrated a nonsystemic, nonhierarchical relationship between risk and protective factors that is characteristically chaotic, complex, relative, and contextual. This article critically reviews research findings that support an ecological perspective and explores the emerging literature that informs a constructionist approach to the study of resilience. It will show that an alternate constructionist discourse on resilience greatly enhances our understanding of resilience-related phenomena and our approach to interventions with at-risk youth populations.

Att fördela bistånd. Om handläggningsprocessen inom äldreomsorgen

Lindelöf, M. and E. Rönnbäck (2004)

The aim of this dissertation is to illustrate the manner in which assistance is distributed to the elderly according to the social services law in Sweden. It will focus on the processing officers/"street-level bureaucrats" who have been assigned, based on their profession, the task of assessing and deciding about the distributing of assistance. Central issues include the manner in which process officers go about their assignement and how their actual performance appears in comparision with the prescribed course of action. The dissertation´s starting pionts are in part, the legal regulations in the form of the social service law´s material and procedural rules, and in part the role as street-level bureaucrat and the construction of the client. The data which forms the basis for the conclusions of the dissertation consists of four studies conducted during the period 1995-2001. The first investigation - The Sundsvall study - is explorative and gives a first insight into how the process officers act and document the processing of a case. The process officers study is a national investigation with process officers from 27 municipalities. This second study focuses on the various ways to organise the handling process, and how these may influence the finding for assistance. The documentation study is also a national investigation of 29 municipalities. In this third study the written documentation of the case handling process is primarily exposed. Focus groups comprise the final sorce of data in which a group of processors in tree municipalities discuss their work. The process officers in the focus group describe several usual situations. With support from the various investigations, a picture appears which does not agree with prescribed course of action according to the legislation. What appears instead is a pattern of action which probably already existed before we began this work and which likely continues. This pattern of action has as we have established two faces, one of which constitutes an informal process where the actual construction of the "help-seeker" take place. Whitin the frame for this aspect, the so-called "service catalouge" has a decisive meaning, which in it´s own way is directed towards satisfying primarely physical and medical needs. The other "face" displays the formalised expresson of the informal process. This formal expression does not reveal all that is going on, only chosen elements. The action that we have found are institutionalized as an officially sanctioned institution since the practice is widely accepted and legitimized. The public intstitution is therefore built upon a pattern of action that consists both of formal rule, but primarily standards and routines which in many regards occur outside the formal rules. The consequences of a pattern of action that has been institutionalized and legitimized affects those seeking help who do not receive the individual assessment that they have a right to according to the law.

Att möta flyktingar

Angel, B., & Hjern , A. (2004)

Boken ger grundläggande kunskaper om flyktingars livsvillkor i ursprungslandet och i exilen. Den tar upp upplevda traumatiska händelser som politisk förföljelse, förtryck, fängelse, krig och allvarliga förluster.

Mötet mellan flyktingen och Sverige och den psykologiska process som därvid uppstår – flyktingkrisen – analyseras också.

En avsevärd del av boken ägnas insatser och åtgärder för nyanlända flyktingar.

Att möta flyktingar vänder sig i första hand till studenter och personal inom vården och socialtjänsten. Även andra som möter flyktingar inom t.ex. skolor, frivilligorganisationer eller på förläggningar kan ha nytta av den.

Attachment at Early School Age and Developmental Risk: Examining Family Contexts and Behavior Problems of Controlling–Caregiving, Controlling–Punitive, and Behaviorally Disorganized Children

Moss, E., Cyr, C., & Dubois- Comtois, K. (2004)

Preschool to school-age trajectories of 242 children, including 37 with insecure-disorganized and 66 with insecure-organized attachment patterns, were examined. Child attachment and stressful life events (the latter retrospectively) were measured at ages 5-7, and mother-child interactive quality, parenting stress, marital satisfaction, and teacher-reported behavior problems were evaluated concurrently and 2 years earlier. Results indicated that all three disorganized subgroups had poorer mother-child interactive patterns and more difficult family climates than secure or insecure-organized children. The controlling-punitive group showed significant increases in maternal reports of child-related stress between preschool and school age. The controlling-caregiving group showed greater likelihood of loss of a close family member, and mothers of the insecure-other group reported lower marital satisfaction and greater likelihood of their own or a spouse's hospitalization. Controlling-punitive children had higher externalizing scores, and controlling-caregiving children higher internalizing scores, than secure children.

Attachment at Early School Age and Developmental Risk: Examining Family Contexts and Behavior Problems of Controlling-Caregiving, Controlling-Punitive, and Behaviorally Disorganized Children. (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8471077_Attachment_at_Early_School_Age_and_Developmental_Risk_Examining_Family_Contexts_and_Behavior_Problems_of_Controlling-Caregiving_Controlling-Punitive_and_Behaviorally_Disorganized_Children [accessed Jan 3, 2016].

Avoidable mortality among child welfare recipients and intercountry adoptees: a national cohort study

Hjern A, Vinnerljung B & Lindblad F (2004)

OBJECTIVE:
To compare rates of avoidable mortality in adolescence in child welfare recipients and intercountry adoptees with the general population.
DESIGN:
A register study of the entire national cohort of 989 871 Swedish residents born 1973-82 in the national census of 1990. Multivariate Cox analyses of proportional hazards were used to analyse avoidable deaths between 13 to 27 years of age during 1991-2000.
PARTICIPANTS:
12 240 intercountry adoptees, 6437 foster children, 15 868 subjected to other forms of child welfare interventions, and the remaining 955 326 children in the cohort.
RESULTS:
Intercountry adoptees had a high sex and age adjusted relative risk (RR) for suicide death only (RR 3.5; 95% CI 2.3 to 5.0) in comparison with the general population, while foster children and adolescents who had received other kinds of child welfare interventions had high sex and age adjusted RRs for suicide death; 4.3 (2.8 to 6.6) and 2.7 (1.9 to 3.9) respectively, as well as for other avoidable deaths; RRs 2.5 (1.6 to 3.7) and 2.8 (2.1 to 3.6). The RRs of avoidable deaths for foster children and other child welfare recipients decreased considerably when compared with youth brought up in homes with similar psychosocial characteristics as their original home.
CONCLUSION:
Children in substitute care in early childhood were at particular risk for suicide death in adolescence and young adulthood. Child welfare interventions were insufficient to prevent excess deaths in children at risk.

Being in the light or in the shade: persons with Parkinson's disease and their partners' experience of support

Birgersson, A. M. and A. K. Edberg (2004)

Interviews with six couples, persons with Parkinson's disease and their partners, were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed using manifest and latent content analysis. The couples' experiences could be interpreted as Being in the light and Being in the shade of support, with internal variations for the patients and their partners. The narratives also revealed that the disease meant a transition of roles in their relation seen in different patterns: From unity towards unity, From unity towards distance and From distance towards unity. The results indicate that there is a need for more specialised and individually adjusted support.

Brief family intervention effects on adolescent substance initiation: school-level growth curve analyses 6 years following baseline.

Spoth R, Redmond C, Shin C, Azevedo K. (2004)

This study examines the effects of 2 brief family-focused interventions on the trajectories of substance initiation over a period of 6 years following a baseline assessment. The 2 interventions, designed for general-population families of adolescents, were the 7-session Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP) (Molgaard & Spoth, 2001) and the 5-session Preparing for the Drug Free Years Program (PDFY) (Catalano, Kosterman, Haggerty, Hawkins, & Spoth, 1999). Thirty-three rural public schools were randomly assigned to the ISFP, the PDFY, or a minimal-contact control condition. The authors evaluated the curvilinear growth observed in school-level measures of initiation using a logistic growth curve analysis. Alcohol and tobacco composite use indices--as well as lifetime use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana--and lifetime drunkenness, were examined. Significant intervention-control differences were observed, indicating favorable delays in initiation in the intervention groups.

Caregivers dealing with stroke pull together and feel connected

Pierce LL, Steiner V, Govoni AL, Hicks B, Thompson TL, Friedemann ML. (2004)

Changes that can accompany stroke may create considerable stress for individuals caring for the affected person. This study explored the coping process for nine rural-dwelling caregivers of persons with stroke and the responses of these caregivers to a Web-based support program. The qualitative data management program QSR N 5 was used to analyze quotes from telephone interviews and computer entries. Stories of how caregivers came together and supported one another emerged from the data collected as part of a larger study that examined the experience of caring. Friedemann's framework of systemic organization guided data analysis and interpretation. Actions demonstrated by the caregivers illustrated the process of crisis resolution through family togetherness in which nurses were included. The findings of this study aided in understanding this process and gave direction for nurses working with such clients.

Caring for older people and employment. A review of literature prepared for the Audit Commission

Pickard, L. (2004)

This literature review is concerned with caring for older people and employment, with
a particular focus on the public sector. The review has been commissioned from the
Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) by the Audit Commission.
At the request of the Audit Commission, the emphasis of the review is on two main
questions. First, there is the question of the extent to which mainstream services and
employers take into account the particular circumstances and needs of carers of older
people in their provision of services or employment practices. Second, there is the
question of the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of carer-friendly services and
employment practices. The Audit Commission asked the researcher to consider
effectiveness and cost-effectiveness from the perspectives of the different interest
groups involved, that is, the carer, the employer, the person being cared for and the
public interest. The focus of the review is primarily on the role of public sector
employers in offering carer-friendly employment policie

Childhood bereavement services: issues in UK service provision

Rolls, L. & Payne, S. (2004)

This paper outlines the broad key findings from a research project on UK childhood bereavement service provision, using eight organizational case studies. Despite a shared objective of 'helping bereaved children' services were very diverse. Three organizational types were identified with differing management and administrative structures, each of which had different implications for staff. Although the overall size and employment status (paid or unpaid) of the respective workforces varied, the number of staff who worked directly with children or their families was similar. Direct and indirect services were offered within a matrix of provision that focussed either on children or on families, and involved individual and/or group work activities. Obtaining sufficient funding presented services with immense challenges. Unless they were part of a larger 'host' organization with a continued commitment to childhood bereavement service provision, services were unable to rely on regular and long-term sources of funding. This can have a detrimental impact on the core business, and on the ability of the service to develop their provision. Improving and increasing research, audit and evaluation of childhood bereavement services would contribute to supporting the case for both individual services and for the childhood bereavement sector as a whole.

Coping responses inventory: An update on research applications and validity

Moos R. (2004)

This brief self-report inventory identifies cognitive and behavioural responses the individual used to cope with a recent problem or stressful situation. The 8 scales include Approach Coping Styles (Logical Analysis, Positive Reappraisal, Seeking Guidance and Support, and Problem Solving) and Avoidant Coping Styles (Cognitive Avoidance, Acceptance or Resignation, Seeking Alternative Rewards, and Emotional Discharge). Information about reliability and validity is presented in the professional manual for each version.

The CRI can be used in in counselling, stress management education, and other settings to identify and monitor coping strategies in adults and adolescents, to develop better clinical case descriptions, and to plan and evaluate the outcome of treatment.

Two separate versions of the CRI have been developed, the CRI-Adult (older than 18 years of age) and the CRI-Youth (ages 12-18 years). Each version has its own manual and an Ideal and an Actual Form. The Ideal Form may be used to compare actual and preferred coping styles, to set treatment goals, and to monitor progress. The Actual Form surveys the individual's actual coping behaviour, whereas the Ideal Form surveys preferred coping styles. Both forms are written at a 6th-grade reading level.

Individuals complete the self-report inventory, marking answers on the answer sheet. The carbonless bottom sheet contains a scoring grid for quick and easy calculation of raw scores. The back page of the answer sheet contains a profile for determining and plotting T-scores and examining patterns of coping. Scoring and profiling take about 5 minutes.

Cortical processing of tactile language in a postlingually deaf-blind subject

Osaki Y, Doi K, Takasawa M, Noda K, Nishimura H, Ihara A, et al. (2004)

We compared neural activation detected by magnetoencephalography (MEG) during tactile presentation of words and non-words in a postlingually deaf-blind subject and six normal volunteers. The left postcentral gyrus, bilateral inferior frontal gyri, left posterior temporal lobe, right anterior temporal lobe, bilateral middle occipital gyri were activated when tactile words were presented to the right hand of the deaf-blind subject. This set of activated regions was not observed in the normal volunteers, although activation of several combinations of these regions was detected. Positron emission tomography confirmed the location of the MEG-activated areas in the deaf-blind subject. Our results demonstrated that the deaf-blind subject is heavily involved in interpreting tactile language by enhancing cortical activation of cognitive and semantic processing. © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Den fulbordade livscykeln

Eriksson, E. H., & J., E. (2004)

I Den fullbordade livscykeln blickar Erik H Erikson tillbaka på sin berömda psykosociala utvecklingsteori. Människans psykiska utveckling fortgår i åtta olika stadier livet igenom, enligt Erikson. Han betraktar här, 80 år gammal, sin tankebyggnad utifrån den sista livsfasen där han själv befinner sig – vishetens, förtvivlans och försoningens fas. Boken ger en sammanfattning av hans teorier och ett koncentrat av hans livsvisdom.
I ljuset av den sista perioden i livet får Eriksons framställning en djupt existentiell prägel. Han uppehåller sig bl a vid ritualiseringen i samspelet mellan människor och det upplyftande mötet med "den andre", vilket håller hoppet vid liv och kan ge näring åt tron på någonting bortom den fullbordade livscykeln.

I ett tillägg i denna utgåva inför Joan Erikson, hans hustru och samarbetspartner i över 60 år, ett nionde stadium, åldrandet i 80-90-årsåldern. Själv över 90 lägger hon vidare ett samhälleligt-kulturellt perspektiv på åldrandet och tar slutligen upp begreppet gerotranscendens, tendensen att gamla människor löser upp tids-rumsperspektivet på ett sätt som inte sällan vidgar det och möjliggör en fördjupad andlighet.

How family members of a person suffering from mental illness experience psychiatric care

Sjöblom L-M, Wiberg L, Pejlert A, Asplund K. (2008)

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the experience of contact with formal psychiatric care, as narrated by family members of a person suffering from mental illness. Method The study was based on a qualitative design. Focus-groups with 16 family members were transcribed and interpreted using qualitative content analysis. Findings The findings present four themes; being disappointed with formal psychiatric care, being in need of understanding from and collaboration with formal psychiatric care, being positive about the care and the own contribution to the care and being subjected to preconceived ideas. The findings were interpreted as the families relationship with formal psychiatric care being characterized by a struggle for power. Conclusion To create a healthy situation for the families and thereby improve the situation for the patient, representatives of formal care should carefully consider how the families should be involved. Key words Family, focus groups, mental health, nursing, qualitative research

I tredje åldern med funktionshinder

Taghizadeh Larsson, Annika (2008)

Vi har hittills haft begränsad kunskap om funktionshindrade människors liv över tid och om innebörden i att leva med funktionshinder under många år. Vad innebär det att åldras med funktionshinder? Hur gestaltar sig "äldreblivandet" om man redan har betydande funktionsnedsättningar sedan tidigare i livet och kanske tvingats lämna arbetslivet långt före gängse pensionsålder? Hur är det att, som en till åren kommen förälder, fortfarande vara den som hjälper sitt vuxna, funtionshindrade barn? Hur ser den formella och informella omsorgssituationen ut? Det är frågor som den här boken belyser och den fyller därmed ett viktigt kunskapsbehov. Boken utgår från ett livsloppsperspektiv. Den centrala frågan är sålunda hur livet idag gestaltar sig för funktionshindrade människor som vuxit upp och levt under vissa historiska villkor. Här ryms även ett anhörigperspektiv där denna fråga studeras på motsvarande sätt. Bokens sex kapitel diskuterar de här frågorna med olika tonvikt och med utgångspunkt från både fysiskt och psykiskt funktionshindrades förhållanden. Samtliga författare bedriver forskning med anknytning till bokens huvudfråga. Att åldras med funktionshinder riktar sig främst till högskolestuderande inom samhälls- och beteendevetenskap, socialt arbete, social omsorg och vård, liksom till yrkesverksamma inom fältet. Den kan också vara värdefull för en intresserad allmänhet.

I´m not an outsider, I´m his mother! A phenomenological enquiry into carer experiences of exclusion from acute psychiatric settings

Wilkinson, C. and S. McAndrew (2008)

Contemporary standards and policies advocate carer involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating mental health services. Critics have questioned why such standards and policies fail to move from rhetoric to reality, this particularly being applicable to carer involvement within acute psychiatric settings. As there is only limited UK research on this topic, this interpretive phenomenological study was undertaken to explore the perceived level of involvement from the perspective of carers of service users who were admitted to acute inpatient settings within the previous 2 years. Interviews were conducted with four individuals who cared for a loved one with a mental illness. The interview analysis was influenced by Van Manen, whose interpretive approach seeks to generate a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. Four main themes emerged: powerlessness, feeling isolated, needing to be recognized and valued, and a desire for partnership. The findings reflect the views expressed by carers in other studies, identifying that while carers seek to work in partnership with health-care professionals, at a clinical level they often feel excluded. The study concludes by discussing ways of improving and promoting carer involvement and advocating a partnership in care approach within acute psychiatry

Implementation, process, and preliminary outcome evaluation of two community programs for persons with stroke and their care partners

Huijbregts MPJ, Myers AM, Streiner D, Teasell R. (2008)

Purpose: This evaluation compared a new self-management program with land and water exercise (Moving On after STroke or MOST) to a standard education program (Living with Stroke or LWS). Participants: Of 30 persons with stroke (average age 68 and 2 years post stroke), 18 selected MOST and 12 chose LWS. Sixteen care partners participated. Method: Assessments at baseline, program completion, and 3-month follow-up included the Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) Index, Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, exercise participation, and goal attainment (for the MOST group). Program delivery costs were calculated and focus groups conducted to examine participant expectations and experiences. Results: Social support was an important benefit of both programs, but only MOST participants improved significantly on the RNL (p < .05) and ABC (p < .001). Seventy-eight percent of all short-term personal goals in MOST were achieved, and overall goal attainment was above the expected level. At follow-up, a higher percentage of MOST participants were enrolled in exercise programs (p < .05). Conclusion: Although self-management programs with exercise are more costly to deliver than standard educational programs, these preliminary results indicate that such programs may be more effective in helping persons with stroke and care partners deal with the challenges of living with stroke.

Implementing child-focused family nursing into routine adult psychiatric practice: hindering factors evaluated by nurses

Korhonen, T.,Vehviläinen-Julkunen,K.,& Pietilä, A-M. (2008)

Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study is to describe nurses' evaluations of factors that are hindering implementation of child-focused family nursing (CF-FN) into adult psychiatric practice. In addition, it explains the nurses' evaluations of the hindering factors related to the hospital organizational structure, the individual nurse, nursing and family.
BACKGROUND:
There is an increasing amount of families with dependent children in adult psychiatry. Although these families have long-term benefits from preventive family interventions, implementation of CF-FN is not routine mental health practice.
DESIGN AND METHODS:
Data were collected via a questionnaire-survey completed by Registered Psychiatric Nurses (n = 223) and practical Mental Health Nurses (n = 88) from 45 adult psychiatric units in five Finnish university hospitals. The response rate was 51%.
RESULTS:
Family-related factors, such as families' fears and lack of time, were considered as 'most hindering' to CF-FN. Nurses who used a family-centred approach and had further family education considered most of the factors as 'less hindering' in comparison to other nurses.
CONCLUSION:
To meet the needs of the families in mental health services, it is essential to develop nursing intervention methods such as CF-FN. There is a need for further education and use of family-centred care to develop this preventive approach.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:
The results of this study could be considered when developing mental health services and family interventions for families with parental mental illness.

Developing service to support parents caring for a technology-dependent child at home

Kirk, S., & Glendinning, C. (2004)

BACKGROUND:
A group of children with complex health care needs have emerged as a result of medical advances and government policies emphasizing the community as the arena for care. Some of these children remain dependent on the medical technology that enabled them to survive and require care of a complex and intensive nature to be carried out by their parents at home.
AIMS:
To explore the experiences of families caring at home for a technology-dependent child; to examine their needs for practical and other support; and to examine how far services are currently meeting these needs. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with the parents of 24 technology-dependent children and with 44 health, social care and other professionals.
RESULTS:
Services in the community were not sufficiently developed to support this group of families. Major problems were identified in the purchasing and provision of both short-term care/home support services and specialist equipment/therapies in the community. Service provision could be poorly planned and co-ordinated at an operational level and few families had a designated key worker. Parents felt that professionals did not always recognize either the emotional costs entailed in providing care of this nature or their expertise in caregiving. Information-giving to parents was often described as poor and participants reported that hospital professionals failed to negotiate the transfer of caregiving responsibility to parents.
CONCLUSIONS:
Services need to work in partnership with families and with each other at both strategic and operational levels, to develop integrated and co-ordinated services that can meet the needs of this group of families.

Att möta det oväntade – tidigt föräldraskap till barn med Downs Syndrom. (Avhandling)

Riddersporre, B (2003)

Avhandlingens syfte är att genom en empirisk undersökning öka förståelsen av tidigt föräldraskap till barn med Downs syndrom. Jag utgår ifrån föräldrarnas livsvärld och utvecklar ett medföljande arbetssätt. Tio familjer med nyfödda barn med Downs syndrom följs genom regelbundna hembesök under det första året med barnet. Tillsammans med en medarbetare samtalar jag med föräldrarna, lyssnar på deras egna berättelser samt observerar och upplever det som händer mellan föräldrar och barn. Arbetssättet ger en möjlighet att följa olika processer i familjen. Täta beskrivningar och återgivningar av föräldraberättelser från 125 besök utgör det empiriska material som analyseras och tolkas. Tolkningen används för att skapa begrepp som i sin tur kan medge en generalisering utanför den undersökta gruppen. Dessa begrepp förs samman till ett sätt att förstå föräldraskap till barn med Downs syndrom. Ett centralt tema i undersökningen är föräldrarnas olika sätt att förhålla sig till motstridiga känslor inför såväl barnet som föräldraskapet och relationer till släkt, vänner och professionella stödpersoner. Men utgångspunkt från de förhållningssätt som identifierats i undersökningen skapas en enkel typologi. Föräldrar med ett idealiserande förhållningssätt ger positiva känslor och reaktioner företräde. När negativa eller problematiska aspekter dominerar beskriver jag föräldrarnas förhållningssätt som kämpande, medan de som undviker starka känslor generellt har ett vardagligt sätt att förhålla sig. Begreppen är direkt förankrade i empirin och därmed i föräldrarnas livsvärld. För att gestalta min personliga förståelse av föräldrarnas livsvärld gör jag dessutom, med utgångspunkt från empirin, s k narrativa rekonstruktioner, korta berättelser i skönlitterär form. Det som utmärker alla föräldrar, oavsett hur de hanterar sina motstridiga känslor, är att de försöker skydda relationen till barnet från allt för starka negativa reaktioner. Föräldrar behöver stöd från sina närstående men kan bli besvikna över att detta är otillräckligt. Beroendet flyttas delvis över på de professionella kontakterna vilka får en stor betydelse för utvecklingen av föräldrarollen. Idealiserande föräldrar uppfattar sig som väl behandlade av de professionella, de med ett vardagligt förhållningssätt är nöjda medan kämpande föräldrar ofta känner sig missförstådda och kränkta. Detta leder till frågan om i vilken utsträckning föräldrars eget förhållningssätt påverkar kvaliteten i det professionella bemötandet. Det sätt på vilket föräldraskapet speglas av personer i det privata respektive det professionella nätvetket får betydelse för utvecklingen av föräldraidentiteten.

Effects of an Emotional Disclosure Writing Task on the Physical and Psychological Functioning of Children of Alcoholics

Gallant MD, Lafreniere KD. (2003)

This study investigated the effects of an emotional disclosure writing task on the physical and psychological functioning of pre-teen and adolescent children of alcoholics (N = 53). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: An emotional writing group, a non-emotional writing group, or a non-writing control group. Essays written by participants in both the emotional and non-emotional conditions differed significantly in content in hypothesized ways. Contradictory to what was expected, emotional disclosure failed to convey any additional health benefits. A general improvement was found for all groups over time on internalizing symptoms, affect, and physical symptoms.

Effects of an Emotional Disclosure Writing Task on the Physical and Psychological Functioning of Children of Alcoholics.

Gallant MD, Lafreniere KD. (2003)

This study investigated the effects of an emotional disclosure writing task on the physical and psychological functioning of pre-teen and adolescent children of alcoholics (N = 53). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: An emotional writing group, a non-emotional writing group, or a non-writing control group. Essays written by participants in both the emotional and non-emotional conditions differed significantly in content in hypothesized ways. Contradictory to what was expected, emotional disclosure failed to convey any additional health benefits. A general improvement was found for all groups over time on internalizing symptoms, affect, and physical symptoms.

Evaluation of a stroke family support organiser: a randomized controlled trial.

Lincoln NB, Francis VM, Lilley SA, Sharma JC, Summerfield M. (2003)

Background and Purpose— There is inconclusive evidence of the effectiveness of the Stroke Family Support Organiser (FSO) service. We report the results from a randomized controlled trial of the service.

Methods— Stroke patients admitted to hospital and their informal caregivers were randomly allocated to receive the FSO service (n=126) or standard care (n=124). Outcome assessments were undertaken 4 and 9 months after recruitment with the General Health Questionnaire 12, Carer Strain Index, Barthel Index, Extended Activities of Daily Living scale, and a specially designed questionnaire to determine knowledge of stroke and satisfaction with services.

Results— There were no significant differences between groups in patients' mood and independence in personal or instrumental activities of daily living or caregivers' mood, strain, or independence. Patients in the intervention group were significantly more knowledgeable about whom to contact for stroke information, reducing the risk of stroke, practical help, community services, and emotional support. Patients in the intervention group were also significantly more satisfied with the stroke information received. Caregivers in the intervention group were significantly more knowledgeable about whom to contact for information on stroke, reducing the risk of stroke, community services, and emotional support. Caregivers in the intervention group were also significantly more satisfied with stroke information.

Conclusions— The FSO service had no significant effect on mood, independence in activities of daily living, or reduction in caregiver strain, but it did increase knowledge of stroke and satisfaction with that knowledge. The results may not be representative of all FSO services, and the sample was small relative to the heterogeneity of the participants. However, results suggest that the policies and training procedures of FSOs need to be evaluated to ensure that a cost-effective service is being provided to stroke patients and their caregivers.

Experiences at the time of diagnosis of parents who have a child with a bone dysplasia resulting in short stature

Hill, V., Sahhar, M., Aitken, M. A., Savarirayan, R., & Metcalfe, S. (2003)

Many studies have shown that, for families who are given the diagnosis of a disability, satisfaction with disclosure is an important element. Information given and the attitudes of the disclosing health professionals during this critical period have a significant effect on the coping and adaptation of the family. While most studies dealt with conditions involving intellectual disability or cancer, this study was conducted to explore parents' experience of being told that their child had a condition, such as a bone dysplasia, that would result in significant short stature. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 families who had children diagnosed with a bone dysplasia, specifically, achondroplasia (n = 9) and pseudoachondroplasia (n = 2). Families were recruited through the Bone Dysplasia Clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia and via contact with the Short Statured People's Association of Victoria. Parents were asked about how they were told of their child's diagnosis, how they would have preferred to have been told, and what would have made the experience less distressing for them. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed, and major themes were identified relating to the parents' experiences. Our data suggest that the manner in which the diagnosis is conveyed to the parents plays a significant role in their adjustment and acceptance. Provision of written information relating to the condition, possible medical complications, positive outlook for their child's future, and how to find social services and supports were some of the most significant issues for the parents. The multidisciplinary approach of the Bone Dysplasia Clinic was important to parents in the continued management of the families.

Experiences at the time of diagnosis of parents who have a child with a bone dysplasia resulting in short stature

Hill, V., Sahhar, M., Aitken, M. A., Savarirayan, R., & Metcalfe, S. (2003)

Many studies have shown that, for families who are given the diagnosis of a disability, satisfaction with disclosure is an important element. Information given and the attitudes of the disclosing health professionals during this critical period have a significant effect on the coping and adaptation of the family. While most studies dealt with conditions involving intellectual disability or cancer, this study was conducted to explore parents' experience of being told that their child had a condition, such as a bone dysplasia, that would result in significant short stature. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 families who had children diagnosed with a bone dysplasia, specifically, achondroplasia (n = 9) and pseudoachondroplasia (n = 2). Families were recruited through the Bone Dysplasia Clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia and via contact with the Short Statured People's Association of Victoria. Parents were asked about how they were told of their child's diagnosis, how they would have preferred to have been told, and what would have made the experience less distressing for them. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed, and major themes were identified relating to the parents' experiences. Our data suggest that the manner in which the diagnosis is conveyed to the parents plays a significant role in their adjustment and acceptance. Provision of written information relating to the condition, possible medical complications, positive outlook for their child's future, and how to find social services and supports were some of the most significant issues for the parents. The multidisciplinary approach of the Bone Dysplasia Clinic was important to parents in the continued management of the families.

Experiences of parents with a son or daughter suffering from Schizophrenia

Ferriter M, Huband N. (2003)

Parents of 22 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and receiving care in a secure forensic setting, were interviewed to elicit their views on the causes of the disorder, the emotional burden and the helpfulness of others when seeking support. Pathological parenting theories of causation were rated the least important, and biological and life-event models the most. Stress, loss and fear were the most commonly reported reactions. Violence, withdrawal and verbal aggression were most often identified as behaviours causing difficulty. Many participants felt guilt, usually in the absence of being blamed. Family members and self-help groups were recalled as being of most help, and professional staff were considered to be of least help. Parenting a son or daughter with schizophrenia frequently causes considerable emotional distress, often with perception of unhelpful responses from professional staff. Parents often blame themselves for the disorder, even when not blamed by others. Guilt does not appear to arise from belief in a pathological parenting model of schizophrenia. Factors contributing to self-blame in this group are discussed, together with suggestions for appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Family-Based Interventions for Substance Use and Misuse Prevention

Kumpfer KL, Alvarado R, Whiteside HO. (2003)

Because "substance abuse" is a "family disease" of lifestyle, including both genetic and family environmental causes, effective family strengthening prevention programs should be included in all comprehensive substance abuse prevention activities. This article presents reviews of causal models of substance use and evidence-based practices. National searches by the authors suggest that there is sufficient research evidence to support broad dissemination of five highly effective family strengthening approaches (e.g., behavioral parent training, family skills training, in-home family support, brief family therapy, and family education). Additionally, family approaches have average effect sizes two to nine time larger than child-only prevention approaches. Comprehensive prevention programs combining both approaches produced much larger effect sizes. The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is the only one of these programs that has been replicated with positive results by independent researchers with different cultural groups and with different ages of children. Few research-based programs have been adopted by practitioners, partly because of technology transfer issues. Overall, research on ways to improve dissemination, marketing, training, and funding is needed to improve adoption of effective prevention programs.

Funktionshindrade 1988-1999

Statistiska centralbyrån, SCB (2003)

Funktionsnedsättningar som medför någon form av begränsningar i tillvaron utgör funktionshinder. I denna rapport redovisas levnadsförhållanden för personer med olika typer av funktionsnedsättningar. Det gäller dels ett antal medicinska sjukdomar, dels några grupper som definierats just utifrån sina funktionsbegränsningar.Rapporten är indelad i två delar där den första behandlar levnadsförhållanden för personer i normalt yrkesverksam ålder, 25-64 år, och den senare förhållanden för personer i pensionsålder, 65-84 år. I ett inledande kapitel redovisas också hur vanligt förekommande olika kombinationer av funktionsnedsättningar är. I rapporten jämförs de funktionsnedsattas förhållanden i slutet av 90-talet med förhållandena tio år tidigare, dvs. före och i slutet av ett årtionde som kännetecknades av stora problem på arbetsmarknaden och besparingar i den offentliga sektorn.

Funktionshindrade 1988-1999

Statistiska centralbyrån, SCB (2003)

Funktionsnedsättningar som medför någon form av begränsningar i tillvaron utgör funktionshinder. I denna rapport redovisas levnadsförhållanden för personer med olika typer av funktionsnedsättningar. Det gäller dels ett antal medicinska sjukdomar, dels några grupper som definierats just utifrån sina funktionsbegränsningar.Rapporten är indelad i två delar där den första behandlar levnadsförhållanden för personer i normalt yrkesverksam ålder, 25-64 år, och den senare förhållanden för personer i pensionsålder, 65-84 år. I ett inledande kapitel redovisas också hur vanligt förekommande olika kombinationer av funktionsnedsättningar är. I rapporten jämförs de funktionsnedsattas förhållanden i slutet av 90-talet med förhållandena tio år tidigare, dvs. före och i slutet av ett årtionde som kännetecknades av stora problem på arbetsmarknaden och besparingar i den offentliga sektorn.

För den jag är – om utbildning och utvecklingsstörning

SOU (2003)

Carlbeck-kommittén har till uppgift att se över utbildningen för barn, ungdomar och vuxna med utvecklingsstörning. Delbetänkandet För den jag är om utbildning och utvecklingstörning (SOU: 2003: 35), är en beskrivning och kartläggning av hur utbildningen för barn, ungdomar och vuxna ser ut i dag.

Kommitténs uppgift är att hitta vägar att stärka utbildningen för barn, ungdomar och vuxna med utvecklingstörning med det övergripande målet att åstadkomma en inkluderande skola och en inkluderande undervisning.

Föräldrastöd i Sverige 2002

Statens folkhälsoinstitut (2003)

Internet kan ge bra stöd i föräldrarollen visar ny studie från Statens folkhälsoinstitut. Delrapport från uppdraget om föräldrastöd. Under utredningstiden har flera delrapporter tagits fram. Delrapporterna är "Föräldrastöd i Sverige år 2002", "Verklig gemenskap i en virtuell värld?", "Stöd till föräldrar för att främja barns och ungdomars psykiska hälsa" och slutrapporten "Nya verktyg för föräldrar".

Group interventions for children at-risk from family abuse and exposure to violence

Johnston, J.R. (2003)

This paper describes the rationale, content, and preliminary data on outcome effectiveness of a therapeutic curriculum designed for groups of children from highly conflicted and violent families, implemented in family agency and school settings. Data for 223 children (ages 5–14 years, most of whom were from single-parent, indigent, ethnic minority families) who participated in the study indicate that the majority had been exposed to multiple types of stressful and traumatic events. These include separation and loss of a parent or caretaker, exposure to spousal and child abuse, neighborhood violence, and having a family member in trouble with the law. The absence of a control group makes it difficult to determine to what extent the positive outcomes can be attributed to the group intervention. However, a pre- and post-assessment of the children's behavioral problems and social competence by clinicians, teachers, and parents showed significant improvement in their functioning over a six-month follow-up. Conclusions are drawn as to the basic elements of group interventions that are ecologically and economically.

Ifrågasatta fäder. Olika bilder av fäder till socialt utsatta barn

Bangura Arvidsson, M. (2003)

Faderskap är en familjepolitisk angelägenhet där staten går in och intervenerar och på så sätt fostrar fäder. Tyngdpunkten ligger på att uppmuntra fadersnärvaro och att förmå frånvarande fäder att ta ansvar för sina barn. Detta ger oss en bild av vad som uppfattas som bra fäder och vad som avviker från normen. Den sociala barnavården är en kontext som verkar inom den socialpolitiska, men på ett mer direkt sätt griper in i individens liv. I litteratur och forskning inom socialt arbete framstår ifrågasatta fäder som frånvarande i dubbel bemärkelse. Att de knappast syns i litteraturen förstärker en allmän uppfattning om att fäder till socialt utsatta barn är frånvarande även för sina barn. Många fäder är förvisso frånvarande, men en annan anledning till att ifrågasatta fäder inte syns är modersfixering och kvinnodominans inom den sociala barnavården. I avhandlingen presenteras olika bilder av ett faderskap som är relativt outforskat, nämligen ifrågasatta fäder, alltså fäder vars barn utretts av sociala myndigheter. Utifrån studier av 40 barnavårdsutredningar och intervjuer med 13 socialsekreterare (på två socialkontor) och 19 pappor ges bl.a. svar på vad det står skrivet om fäder i socialtjänstens utredningar; hur socialsekreterare ser på sitt arbete vad gäller fäder; samt hur pappor till socialt utsatta barn upplever sitt eget faderskap, relationen till sina barn och kontakten med sociala myndigheter. Bilderna av ifrågasatt faderskap i de tre delstudierna, men i synnerhet de bilder som kom fram i intervjuerna med socialsekreterarna och papporna, präglas av kluvenhet och ambivalens. Det beror på olikheter mellan den familjepolitiska kontexten och den kontext som den sociala barnavården omfattas av, i tolkningarna av vad som är barns bästa när det gäller kontakt med sina fäder. Bilden av fäder i barnavårdsutredningarna framstod som fragmentarisk och bristfällig, men i den information som fanns framkom en uppfattning om att barn behöver fäder. De bilder som skymtade fram var av fäder som å ena sidan närvarande, ansvarsfulla, och till glädje för barnet, å andra sidan oansvariga, våldsamma, i konflikt med barnets mor, skrämmande, frånvarande och efterlängtade. Jag urskiljde tre teman för vad ett gott faderskap innebär. Dessa är närvaro, ansvar och gränssättning. Genom att involvera fäderna i utredningen och dokumentera det, visade socialsekreterarna att de lever upp till vad som förväntas av dem utifrån den generella socialpolitiska diskursen om fäder, nämligen att stärka fäders relation till sina barn. Å andra sidan har socialsekreterarna eget handlingsutrymme att avgöra om fäder ska kontaktas eller inte i de fall de inte är vårdnadshavare. Bilden av fäder i intervjuerna med socialsekreterarna präglades av ambivalens mellan de olika tolkningarna av barns bästa. Det handlar å ena sidan om en uppfattning om barns bästa utifrån socialpolitiska intentioner. Utifrån detta framhöll socialsekreterarna umgänge mellan barn och far som viktigt. Å andra sidan handlar det om att barn kan behöva skyddas från sina fäder, vilket är den verklighet som socialsekreterarna också möter i sitt arbete. Samtidigt visade sig också en kluvenhet mellan upprätthållandet av den traditionella respektive den moderna fadern genom att socialsekreterarna upprätthöll traditionella könsrollsmönster samtidigt som de försökte fostra moderna fäder. De hade snarlika bedömningskriterier för fäder och mödrar. Dessa baserades på föreställningar om modrande egenskaper. De ställde emellertid lägre krav på fäderna eftersom de inte förväntades uppnå dem i samma utsträckning som mödrarna. I intervjuerna med socialsekreterarna återkom de tre temana för gott faderskap, nämligen närvaro, ansvar och gränssättning. Men även ett fjärde tema blev tydligt, nämligen att barn behöver sina fäder för att ha tillgång till en manlig förebild. Socialarbetarkåren består mestadels av kvinnor. Kvinnodominansen inom den sociala barnavården sågs som ett problem samtidigt som några socialsekreterare menade att skillnader i ålder eller etniskt ursprung var lika betydelsefullt som kön i deras kontakt med fäder. Socialsekreterarna uttryckte acceptans för avvikande beteende hos fäderna. Vilka beteenden som accepterades var olika i A-by respektive B-stad beroende på vilka fäder de mötte. Socialsekreterarna i A-by hade mest frånvarande fäder att förhålla sig till. I B-stad mötte socialsekreterarna nästan bara närvarande invandrarfäder. Jag menar att socialsekreterarnas kontakt med invandrarfäder har betydelse för sättet att betrakta faderskap och att det innebär ett annat slags socialt arbete med fäder i B-stad än i A-by. B-stads möte med aktiva (i flera fall alltför aktiva) invandrarfäder och även misshandlande invandrarfäder gav en annan bild av fäder och innebar en annan verklighet att förhålla sig till än den i A-by. Pappornas bild av sitt eget faderskap präglas också av kluvenhet och ambivalens. Papporna känner sig missförstådda av sociala myndigheter. De uttryckte desperation, maktlöshet och kände sig stämplade. De måste kämpa för att få vara aktiva och närvarande fäder för sina barn och att bli sedda som det. Dessutom ifrågasätter flera av papporna sig själva som fäder. I synnerhet de pappor som missbrukar eller har missbrukat är näst intill skoningslösa i beskrivningarna av sig själva och hur de har behandlat sina barn. Flera hade erfarit att barn är oförenligt med missbruk. Det innebar antingen att de var känslomässigt frånvarande för barnen trots att de var fysiskt närvarande eller att de var fysiskt frånvarande. Pappornas bilder är färgade av stark längtan efter Svenssonliv d.v.s. kärnfamiljsliv. Jag menar att papporna i vissa avseenden kan ses som marginaliserade. Å andra sidan ger papporna en bild av sig själva som normala fäder. De beskriver gott faderskap som att vara närvarande, aktiva, manliga förebilder och att kunna sätta gränser, men de gör det i en annorlunda betydelse än socialsekreterarna. Flera av dem menar att de lever upp till det, även om det är svårt ibland. Liksom fäder i allmänhet, känner de osäkerhet i sin fadersroll och menar att relationen till sina egna fäder haft betydelse, men kanske använder papporna i större utsträckning sina egna fäder som negativt exempel. Modern hade större betydelse än väntat. De flesta var glada för att bli pappor, var med vid förlossningen och beskrev den med mycket positiva ord. De menade att de mognat med faderskapet och att livet fått en annan mening. Barnen hade en viktig plats i deras liv och de upplevde att de betyder mycket för sina barn och att de är viktiga som pappor för dem. Förutom närvaro, ansvar, gränssättning och förebilder, betonar papporna känslomässiga aspekter som viktiga för faderskapet. Bilden av det normala faderskapet betyder sannolikt mer för pappor med en fot i marginalen. Svenssonlivet framställs på ett idealiserat sätt och ett näst intill ouppnåeligt mål. Det kan uppstå svårigheter med gränssättning gentemot barnen när papporna ska ta igen tidigare brister i faderskapet. De upplever en kluvenhet mellan missbruk och barn och känner oro och skuld inför sina barn. Samtidigt ser de att deras erfarenheter som ifrågasatta fäder har fört med sig värdefulla erfarenheter som inte fäder i allmänhet har. Avhandlingen visar att bilden av fäder till socialt utsatta barn som huvudsakligen frånvarande är missvisande. Snarare finns det en variation som är svår att se utan att tala med fäderna själva. Mer kunskap om fädernas perspektiv och socialtjänstens bilder av ifrågasatt faderskap kan leda till en bättre kommunikation mellan fäder och socialtjänsten. Det kan i sin tur stärka socialt utsatta barns livssammanhang.

Just getting on with it: Exploring the service needs of mothers who care for young children with severe/profound and life-threatening intellectual disability

Redmond, B., & Richardson, V. (2003)

Background  This study interviewed mothers (n= 17) of children aged 4 years and under with severe/profound intellectual disability, some with attendant complex medical, life-limiting conditions.

Methods  The study explored the mothers' views of the usefulness of the financial, practical and emotional supports being offered to them and their suggestions for service improvements.

Results  The study reveals these mothers to be engaged in stressful but skilled care of their children with a clear wish to continue caring for their child in the family home. Mothers frequently referred to the process of gaining useful information on services as 'haphazard' and most of the services offered to them as uncoordinated, unreliable and difficult to access. The study reveals that many of these children's needs are not being adequately met by either the intellectual disability services or the acute medical services, and some families are forced to privately finance services such as physiotherapy and speech therapy.

Conclusions  The data reveal that mothers want services offered to them in their own home, particularly short home-based respite, which would offer them short breaks to rest or engage in part-time employment. The study concludes that a reliable and flexible service response, including a comprehensive information and advocacy support is indicated for these families.

Kommunernas insatser för personer med psykiska funktionshinder

Socialstyrelsen (2003)

Psykiatrireformen trädde i kraft 1995. Reformen syftade till att förbättra livssituationen för personer med psykiska funktionshinder och öka deras möjligheter till gemenskap och delaktighet i samhället. Reformen omfattar främst personer som bedöms ha långvariga och allvarliga funktionsnedsättningar p.g.a. en psykisk sjukdom och som är i behov av stöd-, vård- och rehabiliteringsinsatser för att få en bättre livssituation. De åtgärder som föreslogs i propositionen skulle inriktas på att ge ett mer effektivt och samordnat samhällsstöd till målgruppen. Kommunernas ansvar förtydligades när det gäller att planera och samordna de insatser som personer med psykiska funktionshinder behövde. Förtydligas gjorde också kommunernas ansvar för att utveckla boendeformer och verksamheter för sysselsättning.

Regeringen konstaterade dock 2003 att det fortfarande finns brister i den psykiatriska vården och den sociala omsorgen. I oktober 2003 tillkallade därför regeringen (dir. 2003:133) en nationell psykiatrisamordnare med uppgift att se över väsentliga frågor inom vård, social omsorg och rehabilitering av psykiskt sjuka och personer med psykiska funktionshinder.

Socialstyrelsens utvärdering av psykiatrireformen (1999) visade att den hade fått en god start men ännu inte "satt sig". Det ansågs dock viktigt att reformarbetet fortsatte på bred front både lokalt och nationellt. I utvärderingen konstaterades vidare att det behövdes en aktiv, tydlig och sammanhållen tillsyn för att stödja en god verksamhetsutveckling.

Inom ramen för det Nationella programmet för tillsyn över socialtjänsten togs 2001 ett första steg till en utveckling av tillsynen i denna riktning. Länsstyrelserna och Socialstyrelsen beslutade då att kraftsamla sina resurser i en gemensam tillsyn över kommunernas insatser för personer med psykiska funktionshinder. Även kommunernas ansvar för hälso- och sjukvård har ingått i tillsynen. Kraftsamlingen har genomförts i form av ett tillsynsprojekt under åren 2002–2004. Samtliga tjugoen länsstyrelser har deltagit, dock i olika omfattning. Fyra delgranskningar har genomförts:

Tillsyn av samtliga kommuners planering av verksamheten för personer med psykiska funktionshinder på ledningsnivå, våren 2002.
Tillsyn av socialtjänstens arbete med enskilda personer med psykiska funktionshinder i ett urval av kommuner, 2002–2003.
Tillsyn av kvalitet och innehåll i verksamheter för boende och sysselsättning i ett urval av kommuner, 2002–2003.
Uppföljning av den första delundersökningen på några problemområden, hösten 2004.
För att åstadkomma en kraftsamling krävs även en samverkan mellan den sociala tillsynens aktörer och tillsynen över kommunernas hälso- och sjukvård. För det senare svarar Socialstyrelsens sex regionala tillsynsenheter. Även kommunernas ansvar för viss hälso- och sjukvård ingår därför i tillsynen.

Projektet har haft expertstöd från Socialpsykiatriskt kunskapscentrum i Västerbotten. En referensgrupp till tillsynsprojektet med representanter från Riksförbundet för Social och Mental Hälsa (RSMH) och Schizofreniförbundet har följt tillsynen och deltagit i såväl planeringen av tillsynsprojektet som i analysen av resultatet.

Tillsynsfrågor
De områden som granskats i tillsynen utgår från kommunernas ansvar för personer med psykiska funktionshinder. Huvudfrågan i tillsynen har varit: Är verksamheten så beskaffad att tillräckligt goda förutsättningar skapas för att personer med psykiska funktionshinder "får möjlighet att delta i samhällets gemenskap och att leva som andra" (5 kap. 7 § SoL)? Fyra huvudfrågor har ansetts vara centrala för tillsynen. De är:

Tar kommunerna sitt ansvar för att skaffa sig kännedom om personer med psykiska funktionshinder och nå de personer som har behov av socialtjänstens insatser?
Tar kommunerna sitt ansvar att styra och planera sin verksamhet för personer med psykiska funktionshinder?
Tar kommunerna sitt ansvar att tillhandahålla ett varierat utbud av insatser med god kvalitet?
Tar kommunerna sitt ansvar för att enskilda personer med psykiska funktionshinder får ett behovsstyrt, samordnat och rättssäkert stöd?

Less is more: meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment interventions in early childhood

BAKERMANS-KRANENBURG, M. J., VAN, I. M. H. & JUFFER, F. (2003)

Is early preventive intervention effective in enhancing parental sensitivity and infant attachment security, and if so, what type of intervention is most successful? Seventy studies were traced, producing 88 intervention effects on sensitivity (n = 7,636) and/or attachment (n = 1,503). Randomized interventions appeared rather effective in changing insensitive parenting (d = 0.33) and infant attachment insecurity (d = 0.20). The most effective interventions used a moderate number of sessions and a clear-cut behavioral focus in families with, as well as without, multiple problems. Interventions that were more effective in enhancing parental sensitivity were also more effective in enhancing attachment security, which supports the notion of a causal role of sensitivity in shaping attachment.

Manual for the ASEBA Adult Forms and Profiles

Achenbach TM, Rescorla LA (2003)

Manual explains the development, standardization, applications, and profiles for the ASEBA adult forms. Also provides reliability and validity data, problem prevalence rates, scale scores, scoring instruments, and answers to common questions. 232 pages.

Mortality in parents after the death of a child in Denmark: a nationwide follow-up study

Li, J., Precht D. H., Mortensen P. B., & Olsen J. (2003)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Little is known about the effect of parental bereavement on physical health. We investigated whether the death of a child increased mortality in parents.
METHODS:
We undertook a follow-up study based on national registers. From 1980 to 1996, we enrolled 21062 parents in Denmark who had a child who had died (exposed cohort), and 293745 controls--ie, parents whose children were alive, and whose family structure matched that of the exposed cohort. Natural deaths were defined with ICD8 codes 0000-7969 and ICD10 codes A00-R99, and unnatural deaths with codes 8000-9999 and V01-Y98. We used Cox's proportional-hazards regression models to assess the mortality rate of parents up to 18 years after bereavement.
FINDINGS:
We observed an increased overall mortality rate in mothers whose child had died (hazards ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.24-1.64; p<0.0001). An excess mortality from natural causes (1.44, 1.15-1.78; p<0.0001) was noted in mothers only during the 10th-18th year of follow-up. Mothers had increased mortality rates from unnatural causes throughout follow-up, with the highest rate recorded during the first 3 years (3.84, 2.48-5.88; p<0.0001). Bereaved fathers had only an early excess mortality from unnatural causes (1.57, 1.06-2.32; p=0.04). Mothers who lost a child due to an unnatural death or an unexpected death had a hazard ratio of 1.72 (1.38-2.15; p=0.0040) and 1.67 (1.37-2.03; p=0.0037), respectively.
INTERPRETATION:
The death of a child is associated with an overall increased mortality from both natural and unnatural causes in mothers, and an early increased mortality from unnatural causes in fathers.

Mortality, severe morbidity an injury in children living with single parents in Sweden: a population-based study

Ringbäck-Weitoft, G, Hjern, A, Haglund, B & Rosén, M (2003)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Growing up with one parent has become increasingly common, and seems to entail disadvantages in terms of socioeconomic circumstances and health. We aimed to investigate differences in mortality, severe morbidity, and injury between children living in households with one adult and those living in households with two adults.
METHODS:
In this population-based study, we assessed overall and cause-specific mortality between 1991 and 1998 and risk of admission between 1991 and 1999 for 65085 children with single parents and 921257 children with two parents. We estimated relative risks by Poisson regression, adjusted for factors that might be presumed to select people into single parenthood, and for other factors, mainly resulting from single parenthood, that might have affected the relation between type of parenting and risk.
FINDINGS:
Children with single parents showed increased risks of psychiatric disease, suicide or suicide attempt, injury, and addiction. After adjustment for confounding factors, such as socioeconomic status and parents' addiction or mental disease, children in single-parent households had increased risks compared with those in two-parent households for psychiatric disease in childhood (relative risk for girls 2.1 [95% CI 1.9-2.3] and boys 2.5 [2.3-2.8]), suicide attempt (girls 2.0 [1.9-2.2], boys 2.3 [2.1-2.6]), alcohol-related disease (girls 2.4 [2.2-2.7], boys 2.2 [2.0-2.4]), and narcotics-related disease (girls 3.2 [2.7-3.7], boys 4.0 [3.5-4.5]). Boys in single-parent families were more likely to develop psychiatric disease and narcotics-related disease than were girls, and they also had a raised risk of all-cause mortality.
CONCLUSIONS:
Growing up in a single-parent family has disadvantages to the health of the child. Lack of household resources plays a major part in increased risks. However, even when a wide range of demographic and socioeconomic circumstances are included in multivariate models, children of single parents still have increased risks of mortality, severe morbidity, and injury.

Mortality, severe morbidity, and injury in children living with single parents in Sweden: a population- based study

Ringbäck-Weitoft, G. Hjern A Haglund, B. Rosén, M (2003)

Background
Growing up with one parent has become increasingly common, and seems to entail disadvantages in terms of socioeconomic circumstances and health. We aimed to investigate differences in mortality, severe morbidity, and injury between children living in households with one adult and those living in households with two adults.

Methods
In this population-based study, we assessed overall and cause-specific mortality between 1991 and 1998 and risk of admission between 1991 and 1999 for 65 085 children with single parents and 921 257 children with two parents. We estimated relative risks by Poisson regression, adjusted for factors that might be presumed to select people into single parenthood, and for other factors, mainly resulting from single parenthood, that might have affected the relation between type of parenting and risk.

Findings
Children with single parents showed increased risks of psychiatric disease, suicide or suicide attempt, injury, and addiction. After adjustment for confounding factors, such as socioeconomic status and parents' addiction or mental disease, children in single-parent households had increased risks compared with those in two-parent households for psychiatric disease in childhood (relative risk for girls 2·1 [95% CI 1·9–2·3] and boys 2·5 [2·3–2·8]), suicide attempt (girls 2·0 [1·9–2·2], boys 2·3 [2·1–2·6]), alcohol-related disease (girls 2·4 [2·2–2·7], boys 2·2 [2·0–2·4]), and narcotics-related disease (girls 3·2 [2·7–3·7], boys 4·0 [3·5–4·5]). Boys in single-parent families were more likely to develop psychiatric disease and narcotics-related disease than were girls, and they also had a raised risk of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
Growing up in a single-parent family has disadvantages to the health of the child. Lack of household resources plays a major part in increased risks. However, even when a wide range of demographic and socioeconomic circumstances are included in multivariate models, children of single parents still have increased risks of mortality, severe morbidity, and injury.

My-Elins mamma har MS

Barbro Ernemo, Nilsson-Bergman (2003)

Det här är en bok om och hennes familj. My-Elins mamma är också som mammor är mest: snäll, glad och litet tjatig. Men ibland blir mamma jättetrött. Hon har en sjukdom som kallas MS. Den gör att armar och ben inte gör som hon vill. Ibland ser hon konstiga saker och ibland glömmer hon. Sjukdomen gör att allt inte går som planerat i My-Elins familj.

Normaliseringsprincipen

Nirje, Bengt (2003)

ormaliseringsprincipen handlar om funktionshindrades rätt till livsvillkor och vardagsmönster som ligger så nära de normala som möjligt. Sedan principen formulerades av Bengt Nirje i slutet av 1960-talet har den haft ett stort inflytande på handikappolitiken både i Sverige och i andra länder. Nirje har under årens lopp i artiklar på engelska presenterat och utvecklat principen. I denna bok presenteras dessa artiklar i uppdaterat skick för första gången på svenska och samlade i ett verk.

Principen utgår från att alla individers jämlikhet med den därav följande etiken som grund under livets gång. Särskilt nyskapande blev Nirjes betoning av utvecklingsstördas rätt till självbestämmande.

Principen är tvärvetenskaplig och kan därför studeras av högskolestuderande inom pedagogik, psykologi, socialpsykologi, kulturantropologi, sociologi samt omsorgsvetenskap. Den kan även vara av intresse för yrkesverksamma samt föräldrar till funktionshindrade.

Normaliseringsprincipen sätts i ett inledande kapitel in i sitt historiska sammanhang av Mårten Söder, som i ett avslutande kapitel även diskuterar dess betydelse för handikappolitik och handikappforskning.

Outcome studies of family therapy in child and adolescent depression

Cottrell D. (2003)

There is surprisingly little good-quality evidence for the effectiveness of family systemic interventions with child and adolescent depression given the prevalence of depression and the demonstrated association with a range of family factors. What studies there are suggest the possibility of family therapy being an effective intervention but more research is needed before firm conclusions may be drawn. Family interventions may be more effective in children than in adolescents and where other family members are depressed. It is possible that family interventions continue to bring about improvement in symptoms after cessation of treatment. What research there is evaluates older structural models of therapy: there is a real need for more evaluation of newer models of practice.

Overview of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders for mental health professionals

Clarke ME, Gibbard WB. (2003)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and related disorders such as Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) are the most common form of developmental disability and birth defects in the western world. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis by mental health professionals remains a key issue. This article reviews history, mechanisms of alcohol exposure, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of FASD.

Parent and adolescent responses to non-terminal parental cancer: retrospective multi-case pilot study

Davey, M., Askew, J., och Godette, K. (2003)

This article presents the results of a retrospective multiple-case pilot study (6 families: 4 Caucasian and 2 African American) designed to uncover how parents and their adolescent children (ages 11-18) were affected by non-terminal parental cancer, and how they adjusted to and coped with cancer. Drawing from phenomenology and the collective case study approach, findings suggest that parents were often unaware of the stress and overwhelming feelings of sadness and fear their adolescent children were experiencing. Often the adolescent children tried to protect their parents by not sharing their feelings openly with them; this was particularly so for the oldest offspring in the family. These findings provide important insights for healthcare professionals in serving this often-neglected population of families more effectively.

Parenting of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The role of parental ADHD symptomatology

Harvey, E., Danforth, J. S., Eberhardt McKee, T., Ulaszek, W. R., & Friedman, J. L. (2003)

OBJECTIVE:
The present study examined the relation between parental ADHD symptomatology and parent-child behavior among 46 mothers and 26 fathers of ADHD children.

RESULTS:
Fathers' self-reports of inattention and impulsivity were strongly associated with self-reports of lax parenting both before and after parent training, and with self-reports of overreactivity after parent training. Fathers' impulsivity was also associated with more arguing during audiotaped observations of parent-child interactions prior to parent training. Mothers' self-reports of inattention were modestly associated with self-reports of laxness before and after parent training. Prior to parent training, there were non-linear relations between mothers' inattention and observations of mother-child behavior, with mothers who reported moderate levels of inattention engaging in the most negative parent-child interactions. After parent training, these relations were linear, with the mothers who reported the most inattention engaging in the most negative parent-child interactions. These results were weakened but were generally still significant when parental depression and alcohol use were controlled.

Patterns of interaction between children with physical disabilities using augmentative and alternative communication systems and their peers

Clarke, M., & Kirton, A. (2003)

Developing peer relationships in school is an essential part of growing up. Many children who have little or no functional speech are provided with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems such as speech synthesizers and books and charts of symbols/pictures/words. Such children face many barriers to communication and to developing peer relationships. To date there exists little understanding of the characteristics of interaction between children using AAC and their speaking peers. This paper reports findings from an analysis of interactions between 12 children with physical disabilities using AAC systems and their speaking peers in school. Analysis identifies the primary structures, functions, and modes of communication used by both partners in one-to-one conversation.

Play and expressive therapies to help bereaved children: individual, family and group treatment

Webb, N.B. (2003)

Different types of expressive therapies permit bereaved children to express and process their feelings through a variety of child‐friendly non‐verbal methods such as art, creative writing, and music. The selection of a particular method depends on considerations related to the particular needs of each child, the circumstances of the death, and the family/community narrative about it. This article demonstrates how expressive therapies may be used in individual, family, or group sessions which, through play and other modes of expression, provide children with an opportunity to communicate feelings about and reactions to their bereavement experiences in symbolic form.

Practitioner Review: Computerized assessment of neuropsychological function in children: clinical and research applications of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB)

Luciana M. (2003)

BACKGROUND:
Computers have been used for a number of years in neuropsychological assessment to facilitate the scoring, interpretation, and administration of a variety of commonly used tests. There has been recent interest in applying computerized technology to pediatric neuropsychological assessment, which poses unique demands based on the need to interpret performance relative to the child's developmental level.
FINDINGS:
However, pediatric neuropsychologists have tended to implement computers in the scoring, but not administration, of tests. This trend is changing based on the work of experimental neuropsychologists who frequently combine data obtained from test batteries with lesion or neuroimaging data allowing descriptions of brain-behavior relations to be made with increasing confidence. One such battery is the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB), and current studies in which the CANTAB has been used to measure executive functions in children are reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Computerized batteries of this type can record aspects of performance that are difficult for psychometrists to achieve, and these may reflect activity in developing neural networks with more sensitivity than can be achieved with traditional tests. However, before computerized test administration becomes a routine part of pediatric neuropsychological assessment, several obstacles must be overcome. Despite these limitations, it is concluded that computerized assessment can improve the field by facilitating the collection of normative and clinical data.

Psychopathology and Substance Abuse in Parents of Young Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Chronis, A. M., Lahey, B. B., Pelham, W. E., Kipp, H. L., Baumann, B. L., & Lee, S. S. (2003)

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the prevalence of psychological disorders in parents of young children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid disruptive behavior disorders (DBD).
METHOD:
Subjects included 98 three- to seven-year-old children with DSM-IV ADHD (68 with ADHD and comorbid oppositional defiant or conduct disorder [ADHD+ODD/CD]) and 116 non-ADHD comparison children recruited in 1995-96 during the first wave of a longitudinal study. Biological mothers were administered interviews to assess ADHD and DBD in their children and mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in themselves. In addition, they were queried about symptoms of childhood ADHD and DBD, and antisocial personality disorder in themselves and their children's biological fathers.
RESULTS:
Child ADHD was associated with increased rates of maternal and paternal childhood ADHD relative to comparison children. Child ADHD+ODD/CD was associated with maternal mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stimulant/cocaine dependence, and paternal childhood DBD. Mothers of children with ADHD+ODD/CD also reported increased drinking problems in their children's fathers.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings indicate that many young children with ADHD, particularly those with comorbid ODD/CD, require comprehensive services to address both their ADHD and the mental health needs of their parents.

Psychopathology and Substance Abuse in Parents of Young Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Chronis, A. M., Lahey, B. B., Pelham, W. E., Kipp, H. L., Baumann, B. L., & Lee, S. S. (2003)

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the prevalence of psychological disorders in parents of young children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid disruptive behavior disorders (DBD).
METHOD:
Subjects included 98 three- to seven-year-old children with DSM-IV ADHD (68 with ADHD and comorbid oppositional defiant or conduct disorder [ADHD+ODD/CD]) and 116 non-ADHD comparison children recruited in 1995-96 during the first wave of a longitudinal study. Biological mothers were administered interviews to assess ADHD and DBD in their children and mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in themselves. In addition, they were queried about symptoms of childhood ADHD and DBD, and antisocial personality disorder in themselves and their children's biological fathers.
RESULTS:
Child ADHD was associated with increased rates of maternal and paternal childhood ADHD relative to comparison children. Child ADHD+ODD/CD was associated with maternal mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stimulant/cocaine dependence, and paternal childhood DBD. Mothers of children with ADHD+ODD/CD also reported increased drinking problems in their children's fathers.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings indicate that many young children with ADHD, particularly those with comorbid ODD/CD, require comprehensive services to address both their ADHD and the mental health needs of their parents.

Samtal i självhjälpsgrupp – få kraft och stöd av andra i samma situation.

Essén, Charlotte (2003)

Känslan av total isolering i en krissituation kan ibland vara lika förödande som själva orsaken till krisen. Den som själv är drabbad eller har varit i samma situation kan bättre förstå hur det känns- det är grundtanken bakom fenomenet självhjälpsgrupper.
Journalisten Charlotte Essén har i sin bok samlat en mängd fakta kring självhjälpsgrupper: varför de behövs, hur de har utvecklats, hur de fungerar etc. Hon har även sammanställt en utförlig lista- den första i sitt slag- över alla de grupper som finns i Sverige idag, sorterade under ämnesrubriker, vilket gör boken till en användbar handbok för den som söker hjälp eller vill starta en ny grupp.

Socio-Communicative Variables and Behavior States in Students with Profound and Multiple Disabilities: Descriptive Data from School Settings

Arthur, M. (2003)

Assessment of student behavior states and contextual variables has emerged as a promising area for research and practice in the education of individuals with profound and multiple disabilities. This paper presents findings of an observational study of ten school-aged students in this population, with particular attention being paid to social and communicative variables operating in educational settings. Comparisons are made with other published studies of behavior state assessment and socio-communicative processes observed in special education programs. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to extant literature and avenues for further investigation in this field. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

Supporting carers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia: evaluating change in nursing practice following training

Gall, Sheena Helen, Atkinson, Jacqueline, Elliott, Lawrence, Johansen,Ron (2003)

BACKGROUND:
United Kingdom legislation and clinical standards for schizophrenia challenge nurses to re-examine the support that they provide to carers. Nurses are in a key position to provide this support but may lack the necessary skills to do so. The training programme evaluated in the present study aimed to address this problem.
STUDY AIM:
To evaluate change in clinical practice brought about by post-registration training for mental health nurses in supporting carers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
DESIGN/METHODS:
The study was undertaken in collaboration between the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow, and Tayside National Health Service (NHS) Trust (Scotland). Respondents were nine nurses who completed training and then delivered a planned programme of support to carers. Data on nursing practice were gathered through semi-structured interviews with nurses before training and after providing support. Following the support intervention, carers also commented on the nurses' practice.
FINDINGS:
Eight of the nine nurses reported changes in practice in five key areas: They built collaborative relationships with carers, developed a carer focused approach to their practice, acknowledged and supported the carer role, and made progress in identifying carer needs and accessing resources to meet these needs. Nurses experienced difficulties supporting carers who had mental health problems or previous negative experiences of services. Those who lacked community experience also found it difficult to adjust to working in a community setting. Although clinical supervision helped them to work through these difficulties, they remain largely unresolved.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings from this study indicate that appropriate training may enable nurses to improve the support provided to carers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. This study represents an important stage in determining the nature of support offered to carers by nurses. While developed to help nurses to meet clinical standards set for schizophrenia in the UK, findings may have clinical significance for nurses in other countries.

Telephone Group Intervention for Older Stroke Caregivers

Hartke RJ, King RB. (2003)

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of telephone groups for older, spousal caregivers of stroke survivors. Method: The 88 caregivers were mostly white females who were 70 years old on average and who had been providing care for an average of 3 years. Participants were randomized to treatment or control conditions, followed for 6 months, and assessed for depression, burden, loneliness, stress, and competence. Treatment participants engaged in an eight-session psychoeducational telephone group. Results: Treatment participants showed decreased stress over time but were not significantly different from control participants in the amount of change in stress. Control participants showed a significant increase in burden during the study; treatment participants showed a significant increase in competence.

The Family Bereavement Program: efficacy evaluation of a theory-based prevention program for parentally bereaved children and adolescents

Sandler, I.N., Ayers, T.S., Wolchik, S.A., Tein, J., Kwok, Q., Haine, R.A., Twohey-Jacobs, J., Suter, J., Lin, K., Padgett-Jones, S., Weyer, J.L., Cole, E., Kriege, G. & Griffin, W. (2003)

This article presents an experimental evaluation of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP), a 2-component group intervention for parentally bereaved children ages 8-16. The program involved separate groups for caregivers, adolescents, and children, which were designed to change potentially modifiable risk and protective factors for bereaved children. The evaluation involved random assignment of 156 families (244 children and adolescents) to the FBP or a self-study condition. Families participated in assessments at pretest, posttest, and 11-month follow-up. Results indicated that the FBP led to improved parenting, coping, and caregiver mental health and to reductions in stressful events at posttest. At follow-up, the FBP led to reduced internalizing and externalizing problems, but only for girls and those who had higher problem scores at baseline.

The psychosocial functioning of children and spouses of adults with ADHD

Minde, K., Eakin, L., Hechtman, L., Ochs, E., Bouffard, R., Greenfield, B., & Looper, K. (2003)

BACKGROUND:
It is unclear what the impact of parental ADHD is on the day-to-day life of the rest of the family and how it contributes to the intergenerational transmission of this disorder.

METHOD:
The psychosocial functioning of 23 spouses and 63 children of 33 families with an ADHD parent and 20 spouses and 40 children of 26 comparison families was examined. Both adults and their spouses were assessed for lifetime and current Axis I and Axis II diagnoses, present general psychiatric symptoms and their marital relationships. Children were screened for ADHD and other problems, using the C-DISC, CBLC, TRF and the Social Adjustment Inventory.

RESULTS:
Children with an ADHD parent had higher rates of psychopathology than those from comparison families. Children with ADHD had more co-morbidities than non-ADHD children. Family and marital functions were impaired in ADHD families regardless of the gender of the affected parent. Children without ADHD from families with one psychiatrically healthy parent did well while the behaviour of children with ADHD was always poor and not associated with parental mental health.

CONCLUSION:
The results underscore the strong genetic contribution to ADHD and the need to carefully assess the non-ADHD parent as they seem to influence the well-being of non-ADHD children in families with an ADHD parent.

The role of social support in well-being and coping with self-reported stressful events in adolescents

Bal, S., Crombez, G., Van Ost, P., & Debourdeayhuij, I. (2003)

Objective: This study investigated the role that social support plays in well-being and in coping after a stressful event in a group of non-clinical adolescents. Furthermore, this study aimed at replicating the finding that adolescents who reported sexual abuse reported more symptoms and less adequate coping strategies than adolescents who reported another type of stressful event or no stressful episode.

Method: Eight hundred and twenty adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age filled out questionnaires assessing social support (Social Support Questionnaire, Sarason, Shearin, Pierce, & Sarason, 1987), trauma-related symptoms (Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, Briere, 1996), behavior problems (Youth Self-Report, Achenbach, 1991), and coping (How I Cope Under Pressure Scale, Ayers, Sandler, West, & Roosa, 1996).

Results: 42% of the adolescents reported a stressful experience, and 4.4% reported sexual abuse. Sexually abused adolescents reported more stress-related symptoms and used more avoidance and fewer support-seeking coping strategies than the other adolescents. The main-effect hypothesis of social support was sustained, but social support did not moderate the relation between a stressful event and coping. Yet, a trend was found suggesting that high support from the family was associated with less avoidance coping and more support-seeking in adolescents who reported a non-sexually abusive, stressful event.

Conclusions: Our findings show that a highly perceived availability of social support is directly associated with fewer trauma-related symptoms, especially in adolescents who are non-sexually abused. For adolescents who reported a sexual or another type of stressful event, social support did not play a different role in coping.

The Shifting Balance of Long-Term Care in Sweden

Sundström, G. (2003)

Abstract

PURPOSE:
This study describes the Swedish debate on the role of family and state in care of elderly persons. It provides empirical evidence on the shifting balance of family, state, and market in the total panorama of elderly care.
DESIGN AND METHODS:
Secondary analysis of older (1954) and more recent data sources (1994 and 2000) is used to assess living arrangements and care patterns for persons 75 years or older living in the community.
RESULTS:
Total spending on aged adults has stagnated, and institutional care is shrinking in absolute and relative terms, but public Home Help for elders in the community is decreasing even more. Family members increasingly shoulder the bulk of care, but privately purchased care also seems to expand. This study calculates how public and informal care changed between 1994 and 2000: Informal care is estimated to have provided 60% of all care to elders in the community in 1994 and 70% in 2000.

The Timeline Followback Spousal Violence Interview to Assess Physical Aggression Between Intimate Partners: Reliability and Validity

Fals-Stewart W, Birchler GR, Kelley ML. (2003)

The psychometric properties of the Timeline Followback Spousal Violence interview (TLFB-SV), a calendar method used to assess daily patterns and frequency of spousal violence, were evaluated. Men (N = 104) entering a spousal violence treatment program, along with their female partners, were interviewed with the TLFB-SV at pretreatment, posttreatment, and quarterly thereafter for 1 year and asked to identify days of male-to-female and female-to-male physical aggression that had occurred between them. For posttreatment and follow-up interviews, participants maintained a weekly diary, in which they catalogued the days on which acts of spousal violence occurred. The subscale scores derived from the TLFB-SV, the proportion of days of any violence, and proportion of days of severe violence for each partner were calculated for each assessment interval. The TLFB-SV subscales had excellent temporal stability and concurrent and discriminant validity. Interpartner agreement on TLFB-SV subscale scores and agreement between partners on days when spousal violence occurred was low at pretreatment, but was high for the other assessment periods.

The use of information technology in home healthcare : Requirements and application development (Linköping studies in science and technology. Diss. 1066).

Lind, L (2003)

The population's wish to receive care in the own home instead of at a hospital fits well with the Health Services' development in the direction of increasing home healthcare even when severe illness is involved. However, when care is moved from the hospital to the home the demands for high quality care still remain. Information and telecommunication technologies used in applications which are tailored to support caregivers and patients in home healthcare, can be part of the facilitation of this development towards an increasing home healthcare service. Remote monitoring of the patient in the home can support assuring this quality of care but such monitoring involves considering several requirement areas.This thesis describes problem areas in both basic and advanced home healthcare where information technology can be a part of the solution. Further, the thesis describes requirement areas to be considered when monitoring patients in the home, both in regard to subjective and objective variables. The requirement areas, which are described in the thesis, include security, mobility, and responsibility. Network solutions for home healthcare are discussed and two information technology applications in home healthcare are described. The first application concerns diabetes care and the second application concerns the use of digital pen technology for symptom assessments in advanced palliative home healthcare.

Tillgång till habilitering och rehabilitering för barn och ungdomar med funktionshinder. Uppföljning och utvärdering, 2003-103-2.

Socialstyrelsen (2003)

Socialstyrelsen har haft regeringens uppdrag att kartl‰gga p vilket s‰ttlandstingens barn- och ungdomshabilitering ‰r tillg‰nglig fˆr barn och ung-domar i olika Âldrar med olika funktionshinder. Fˆr att skapa underlag fˆrarbetet har enk‰ter riktats till landstingen och till barn/ungdomar med fa-miljer som under fˆrsta halvÂret 2002 hade habiliteringsinsatser. En kvalita-tiv studie som omfattar tio familjer har ocks gjorts. Markˆr AB, ÷rebro haransvarat fˆr insamlingen och sammanst‰llningen av materialet, som finnspublicerat i tv rapporter.UtifrÂn den genomfˆrda enk‰ten till barn/ungdomar med familjer kan So-cialstyrelsen konstatera att mÂnga barn och ungdomar med funktionshinderfÂr en bra habilitering och rehabilitering. MÂnga ‰r nˆjda bÂde med innehÂll,omfattning, bemˆtande, inflytande och mˆjligheter att pÂverka. Men Social-styrelsen kan ocks konstatera att de brister som tidigare studier har visatfortfarande kvarstÂr. TillgÂngen till habilitering/rehabilitering ‰r oj‰mnt fˆr-delad, bÂde mellan olika delar i landet och mellan olika grupper av funk-tionshinder.Sammantaget ˆver landet tas alla grupper av barn/ungdomar med funk-tionshinder emot av landstingen fˆr habilitering, men en grupp som p ettst‰lle har god tillgÂng till habilitering kan i en annan del av landet saknaviktiga insatser. ƒven inom ett och samma landsting fˆrekommer betydandevariationer.TillgÂng till habilitering och rehabilitering. Grupper som vanligen hartillgÂng till habilitering/rehabilitering ‰r barn och ungdomar med utveck-lingsstˆrning, med rˆrelsehinder och med neurologiska skador och sjukdo-mar. Barn/ungdomar med brister i tillgÂng till habilitering ‰r framfˆr allt demed funktionsneds‰ttningar till fˆljd av ADHD, autismliknande tillstÂndoch autism. Barn med flera funktionshinder, medicinska funktionshinderoch vissa kommunikationshinder, t.ex. synskada och talsvÂrigheter, fÂr inteheller sina behov av habilitering/rehabilitering tillr‰ckligt v‰l tillgodosedda.Brist p underlag. Landstingen genomfˆr inga kartl‰ggningar fˆr attkunna redovisa och fˆlja vilka barn/ungdomar som har behov av habilite-ring/rehabilitering, hur mÂnga de ‰r, vilken Âlder de har eller vilka typer avfunktionshinder det ‰r frÂga om och hur behoven ser ut.Landstingen kan inte redovisa vilka resurser som riktas till habilite-ring/rehabilitering fˆr barn och ungdomar, varken i pengar eller personal.Inflytande och mˆjlighet att pÂverka. Den enskildes mˆjligheter att pÂ-verka sin habilitering/rehabilitering ‰r begr‰nsade. S‰rskilt tycks detta g‰llabarn vars fˆr‰ldrar inte ‰r fˆdda i Sverige, har lÂg utbildning och/eller lÂginkomst.Individuell habiliteringsplan. Individuella planer enligt h‰lso- och sjuk-vÂrdslagen anv‰nds s‰llan om man ser till landstingens alla verksamheter. Ifˆrsta hand ‰r det den verksamhet som ben‰mns barn- och ungdomshabilite-ring som arbetar med individuell habiliterings/rehabiliteringsplan.
8Samverkan. Det finns brister i samverkan, bÂde internt inom landstingenoch externt mellan landstingens olika verksamheter och t.ex. skolan.Rutiner fˆr kvalitetsutveckling saknas. MÂnga kliniker saknar doku-menterade rutiner fˆr att samla in information och synpunkter frÂn bar-nen/ungdomarna och deras familjer.Information. Familjerna anser ofta att den information som de fÂr frÂnlandstingen ‰r bristf‰llig.Bemˆtande. MÂnga fˆr‰ldrar upplever att det stˆd de fÂr ‰r otillr‰ckligt.Minst nˆjda med den habilitering de fÂr ‰r familjer d‰r barnet/ungdomen harflera funktionshinder. I undersˆkningen framtr‰der tydligt fˆr‰ldrarnask‰nsla av att sj‰lva tvingas vara drivande fˆr att f det stˆd som de behˆver.Personal. Fortfarande saknas tillgÂng till insatser frÂn flera yrkesgrupperfˆr att habilitering fˆr barn och ungdomar skall fungera v‰l, framfˆr alltlogopeder, men ocks psykologer, l‰kare, kuratorer och sjukgymnaster.Socialstyrelsen anser att habilitering/rehabilitering bˆr f en starkarest‰llning inom h‰lso- och sjukvÂrden.Socialstyrelsen bedˆmer att den lagstiftning som finns ‰r tillr‰cklig underfˆruts‰ttning att den till‰mpas. Socialstyrelsen bedˆmer att ytterligare utred-ning av omrÂdet i nul‰get inte skulle gagna barn och ungdomar med funk-tionshinder.Socialstyrelsen anseratt landstingen fˆr att kunna planera sin h‰lso- ochsjukvÂrd med utgÂngspunkt i befolkningens behov regelbundet bˆr genom-fˆra kartl‰ggning av vilka grupper av barn/ungdomar med funktionshindersom finns och hur deras behov ser ut.Landstingens olika verksamheter bˆr av ledningen ges tydliga uppdragom vilka grupper av funktionshindrade som de har ansvar fˆr.SjukvÂrdshuvudm‰nnen bˆr i forts‰ttningen redovisa vilka insatser somfinns fˆr olika grupper av funktionshinder i en s‰rskild organisationsplan.SjukvÂrdshuvudm‰nnen bˆr dessutom tydligt redovisa vilka resurser i formav pengar och personal som gÂr till habilitering/rehabilitering fˆr barn ochungdomar med funktionshinder.Enligt h‰lso- och sjukvÂrdslagen skall individuella habiliterings- och re-habiliteringsplaner erbjudas barn/ungdomar med funktionshinder och derasfamiljer. Det utvecklingsarbete som pÂgÂr n‰r det g‰ller individuell planenligt h‰lso- och sjukvÂrdslagen behˆver lyftas fram och fˆrst‰rkas.Kvalitetsarbetet bˆr ges en mera framtr‰dande st‰llning inom verksam-heter med ansvar fˆr habilitering/rehabilitering och hj‰lpmedel och huvud-m‰nnen bˆr stˆdja forskning och statistikinsamling inom omrÂdet.SjukvÂrdshuvudm‰nnen bˆr ocks verka fˆr att viktiga begrepp inom ha-bilitering och rehabilitering fˆrankras inom verksamheterna

Using Multimodal Annotation Tools in the Study of Multimodal Communication Involving Non speaking Persons

Rydeman, B. (2003)

The creation of large, richly annotated, multimodal corpora of human interactions is an expensive and time consuming task. Support from annotation tools that make the annotation process more efficient is required, especially if the annotation effort involves really large amounts of data. Therefore we investigated how different properties of specific annotation tasks can have an impact on the design of a tool focused on that general class of tasks. In this paper we present our view on the considerations that should drive the design of new tools geared to specific tasks. The main dimensions that we consider are: observation vs interpretation, explicit and implicit input layers, segmentation, feedback, constraints, relations and the content of the annotation elements.

What imitation tells us about social cognition: a rapprochement between developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience

Meltzoff, A. N., & Decety, J. (2003)

Both developmental and neurophysiological research suggest a common coding between perceived and generated actions. This shared representational network is innately wired in humans. We review psychological evidence concerning the imitative behaviour of newborn human infants. We suggest that the mechanisms involved in infant imitation provide the foundation for understanding that others are 'like me' and underlie the development of theory of mind and empathy for others. We also analyse functional neuroimaging studies that explore the neurophysiological substrate of imitation in adults. We marshal evidence that imitation recruits not only shared neural representations between the self and the other but also cortical regions in the parietal cortex that are crucial for distinguishing between the perspective of self and other. Imitation is doubly revealing: it is used by infants to learn about adults, and by scientists to understand the organization and functioning of the brain.

"Man vill ju klara sig själv". Studievardagen för studenter med Asperger syndrom i högre utbildning

Simmeborn Fleischer A (2013)

Sedan början av 2000-talet har det skett en markant ökning av studier
gällande barn och ungdomar och Autism. Dock är det så att den mesta
forskningen fortfarande är inom det medicinska området. Endast ett
fåtal av studierna rör vuxna med Asperger syndrom (AS) som studerar
på högskola/universitet. Samtidigt sker en ökning av personer med AS
som söker högre utbildning såsom högskola/universitet, vilket gör
forskning gällande personer med diagnosen AS högaktuell. Antalet studenter
med kognitiva funktionshinder, dit AS räknas, som sökt pedagogiskt
stöd på högskola/universitet i Sverige, har ökat från 1 427 studenter
2010 till 1 943 studenter 2012. När man studerar på högskola/universitet
så finns det pedagogiska stöd att tillgå, och till vardagen
finns Lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS) och
Socialtjänstlagen (SoL) som personer med AS har möjligheter att söka
stöd genom. Personer med AS kan ibland ha svårt att utnyttja stödsystem
som kräver att man själv identifierar och uttalar sina behov av stöd.
Denna avhandling fokuserar på personer med AS i högre utbildning och
stöd.
I doktorsavhandlingen ingår två studier: Studie I som är en fallstudie
och Studie II, som är en enkätstudie. Bindningspunkten för studierna är
studenter med AS som fått pedagogiskt stöd i sin utbildning vid högskola/universitet.

ADHD ur ett socioekonomiskt perspektiv

Nilsson I, Nilsson-Lundmark E. (2013)

Vi har i ett antal studier analyserat ADHD-problematiken ur ett socioekonomiskt perspektiv med hjälp av kalkylmodeller vi utvecklat under cirka 30 års tid. Tidiga insatser kring barn med ADHD ger – vid sidan av de mänskliga vinsterna - utomordentligt höga samhällsvinster. Flera miljoner kronor per barn för perioden upp till 20 års ålder. Än tydligare blir det då man följer vuxna, i det här fallet med kriminell belastning. Samhällskostnaderna för uteblivna insatser för en grupp om 30 intagna kan under en 20 års period uppgå till mer än 800 Mkr. En insats mot denna målgrupp, av det slag som gjorts vid projektet vi följt på
Norrtäljeanstalten ger på 20 års sikt sannolikt en finansiell avkastning på mer än 250 Mkr eller 80 gånger insatsen. Tidiga, samordnade och evidensbaserade insatser för denna målgrupp är en social investering med utomordentligt hög lönsamhet. Ur ett strukturellt perspektiv kan frånvaron av kloka insatser enklast beskrivas som bristen på helhetssyn och långsiktighet då beslut tas kring denna målgrupp. Priset för detta är högt, mänskligt och ekonomiskt.

Applying the ICF‐CY to identify children's everyday life situations: A step towards participation‐focused code sets

Adolfsson, M. (2013)

Adolfsson M. Applying the ICF-CY to identify children's everyday life situations: a step towards participation-focused code sets

With the long-term goal to create an interdisciplinary screening tool with code sets focusing on children's participation in everyday life situations (ELS), the purpose of the present study was to identify ELS for children 0–17 years. The views of professionals and parents in Sweden, South Africa and the USA were integrated based on ICF-CY1 linkages. The chapters Self-care and Major life areas seemed most obvious to include in ELS. At the 2nd ICF-CY level, 11 categories emerged as ELS, with Hygiene and Recreation as the most obvious. Two sets of ELS were identified for infants/preschoolers and school-aged children/adolescents. Professionals and parents agreed on ELS for the older age group. Findings suggest that ELS differ in context specificity depending on maturity and growing autonomy. The study has implications for the future screening tool that is intended to support children with disabilities in describing what matters most to them in intervention planning.

Bibliotherapy for youth and adolescents – school-based application and research

McCulliss, D. & Chamberlain, D. (2013)

Bibliotherapy in the elementary, middle, and high-school classroom is used to foster healthy social and emotional growth in children and young adults to develop insight, a deeper understanding of self, solutions to personal problems, development of life skills, or enhanced self-image. The focus of this article is on how bibliotherapy can be used to address students' specific issues ranging from mild behavioral issues to physical and psychosocial conditions. Based on an extended review of the literature on bibliotherapy, this article may serve as a guide to readers interested in developing a bibliotherapy program for youth and adolescents. Recommendations for research are also noted.

Burden of informal care giving to patients with psychoses: A descriptive and methodological study

Flyckt, L., Löthman, A., Jörgensen, L., Rylander, A., & Koernig, T. (2013)

Background: There is a lack of studies of the size of burden associated with informal care giving in psychosis.
Aims: To evaluate the objective and subjective burden of informal care giving to patients with psychoses, and to compare a diary and recall method for assessments of objective burden.
Method: Patients and their informal caregivers were recruited from nine Swedish psychiatric outpatient centres. Subjective burden was assessed at inclusion using the CarerQoL and COPE index scales. The objective burden (time and money spent) was assessed by the caregivers daily using diaries over four weeks and by recall at the end of weeks 1 and 2.
Results: One-hundred and seven patients (53% females; mean age 43 ± 11) and 118 informal caregivers (67%; 58 ± 15 years) were recruited. Informal caregivers spent 22.5 hours/week and about 14% of their gross income on care-related activities. The time spent was underestimated by two to 20 hours when assessed by recall than by daily diary records. The most prominent aspects of the subjective burden were mental problems.
Conclusion: Despite a substantial amount of time and money spent on care giving, the informal caregivers perceived the mental aspects of burden as the most troublesome. The informal caregiver burden is considerable and should be taken into account when evaluating effects of health care provided to patients with psychoses.

Community participation patterns among preschool-aged children who have received Part C early intervention services

Khetani M, Graham JE, Alvord C. (2013)

Background

We examined activity-specific patterns and child, family and environmental correlates of participation restriction in nine community-based activities among preschoolers with disabilities who have received Part C early intervention services.
Methods

Data were gathered from a subsample of 1509 caregivers whose children (mean age = 67.7 months) had enrolled in the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) and completed a 40-min computerized telephone interview or 12-page mailed survey. Data were analysed on cases with complete data on the variables of interest. Bivariate relationships were examined between variables, including patterns of co-reporting participation difficulties for pairs of community activities.
Results

Caregivers were more than twice as likely to report difficulty in one activity (20%) than difficulties in 2–3, 4–5, or 6–9 activities. Co-reporting paired difficulties was strong for activities pertaining to neighbourhood outings but less conclusive for community-sponsored activities and recreation and leisure activities. Our data show strong and positive associations between child functional limitations in mobility, toileting, feeding, speech, safety awareness, and friendships and participation difficulty in 7–9 activities. Lower household income was associated with participation difficulty in 7 out of 9 activities and difficulty managing problematic behaviour was strongly associated with participation difficulty in all 9 activities. Each of the three environmental variables (limited access to social support, transportation and respite) was associated with participation restrictions in all nine activities.
Conclusion

Results provide practitioners with detailed descriptive knowledge about modifiable factors related to the child, family and environment for promoting young children's community participation, as well information to support development of a comprehensive assessment tool for research and intervention planning to promote community participation for children enrolled in early intervention.

Early Violence Exposure and Self-Regulatory Development: A Bioecological Systems Perspective

McCoy, D. C. (2013)

Each year, thousands of American children are exposed to violence in their homes and communities. Although research in multiple fields has shown this violence to have severe and negative consequences for children's self-regulation, this work lacks a unified theoretical orientation that sufficiently captures the complexity of these relationships. Using a bioecological systems framework, the present article presents a multidimensional model of the relationship between children's exposure to violence and their self-regulatory development. Specifically, this model considers: (a) different dimensions of exposure (including chronicity, pervasiveness, and proximity); (b) child- and family-level mediating mechanisms (including biological stress-response systems and parenting); (c) the transactional, multidirectional nature of these relationships; and (d) the ways in which individual and environmental factors may contribute to multifinality. Finally, the present article also proposes a number of methodological and conceptual suggestions for strengthening future research in the area of violence, self-regulation, and psychosocial risk.

Effects of a Naturalistic Sign Intervention on Expressive Language of Toddlers With Down Syndrome

Wright, C. A., Kaiser, A. P., Reikowsky, & D. I., Roberts, M. Y. (2013)

This project was supported, in part, by Early Childhood Special Education Doctoral Leadership Training Grant H325D070075 and KIDTALK TACTICS Model Demonstration Center on Early Childhood Language Intervention Grant H326M070004.
PurposeIn this study, the authors evaluated the effects of Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT; Hancock & Kaiser, 2006) blended with Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, and Emotional Regulation (JASPER; Kasari, Freeman, & Paparella, 2006) to teach spoken words and manual signs (Words + Signs) to young children with Down syndrome (DS).

MethodFour toddlers (ages 23–29 months) with DS were enrolled in a study with a multiple-baseline, across-participants design. Following baseline, 20 play-based treatment sessions (20–30 min each) occurred twice weekly. Spoken words and manual signs were modeled and prompted by a therapist who used EMT/JASPER teaching strategies. The authors assessed generalization to interactions with parents at home.

ResultsThere was a functional relation between the therapist's implementation of EMT/JASPER Words + Signs and all 4 children's use of signs during the intervention. Gradual increases in children's use of spoken words occurred, but there was not a clear functional relation. All children generalized their use of signs to their parents at home.

ConclusionsThe infusion of manual signs with verbal models within a framework of play, joint attention, and naturalistic language teaching appears to facilitate development of expressive sign and word communication in young children with DS.

Engagement in family activities: A quantitative, comparative study of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and children with typical development

Axelsson AK, Granlund M, Wilder J. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
Participation is known to be of great importance for children's development and emotional well-being as well as for their families. In the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Children and Youth version participation is defined as a person's 'involvement in a life situation'. Engagement is closely related to involvement and can be seen as expressions of involvement or degree of involvement within a situation. This study focuses on children's engagement in family activities; one group of families with a child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) and one group of families with children with typical development (TD) were compared.
METHODS:
A descriptive study using questionnaires. Analyses were mainly performed by using Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation test.
RESULTS:
Engagement in family activities differed in the two groups of children. The children with PIMD had a lower level of engagement in most family activities even though the activities that engaged the children to a higher or lesser extent were the same in both groups. Child engagement was found to correlate with family characteristics mostly in the children with TD and in the children with PIMD only negative correlations occurred. In the children with PIMD child engagement correlated with cognition in a high number of listed family activities and the children had a low engagement in routines in spite of these being frequently occurring activities.
CONCLUSIONS:
Level of engagement in family activities in the group of children with PIMD was lower compared with that in the group of children with TD. Families with a child with PIMD spend much time and effort to adapt family living patterns to the child's functioning.

Interdisciplinary Studies of Childhood Ethics: Developing a New Field of Inquiry

Carnevale, F. A., Campbell, A., Collin-Vezina, D., & Macdonald, M. E. (2013)

The principal aim of this investigation was to help develop 'Interdisciplinary Studies of Childhood Ethics' as a new field of inquiry. We identified: (i) current intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge gaps in childhood ethics; and (ii) priorities for future research and development. A prominent problem, highlighted within and across disciplines, relates to how the best interests standard should be reconciled with the recognition of children as agents. This project makes an innovative contribution by promoting the development of interdisciplinary childhood ethics knowledge and standards, informing future improvements in childhood research and services.

Marketisation in Nordic eldercare: a research report on legislation, oversight, extent and consequences.

Meagher G, Szebehely M, editors (2013)

The Nordic countries share a tradition of universal, tax-financed eldercare services, centred on public provision. Yet Nordic eldercare has not escaped the influence of the global wave of marketisation in recent years. Marketinspired measures, such as competitive tendering and user choice models, have been introduced in all Nordic countries, and in some countries, there has been an increase of private, for-profit provision of care services. This report is the first effort to comprehensively document the process of marketisation in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The report seeks to answer the following questions: What kinds of market reforms have been carried out in Nordic eldercare systems? What is the extent of privately provided services? How is the quality of marketised monitored? What has the impact of marketisation been on users of eldercare, on care workers and on eldercare systems? Are marketisation trends similar in the four countries, or are there major differences between them? The report also includes analyses of aspects of marketisation in Canada and the United States, where there is a longer history of markets in care. These contributions offer some perhaps salutary warnings for the Nordic countries about the risks of increasing competition and private provision in eldercare. The authors of this report, representing seven countries, are all members of the Nordic Research Network on Marketisation in Eldercare (Normacare). The report has been edited by Professor Gabrielle Meagher, University of Sydney and Professor Marta Szebehely, Stockholm University. Our hope is that the report will provide both a foundation and an inspiration for further research on change in Nordic eldercare.

Self-reported exposure to intimate partner violence among women and men in Sweden: results from a population-based survey

Nybergh, L., Taft, C., Enander, V., & Krantz, G. (2013)

Background
Few population-based studies assessing IPV among randomly selected women and men have been conducted in Sweden. Hence, the aim of the current study was to explore self-reported exposure, associated factors, social and behavioural consequences of and reasons given for using psychological, physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and men residing in Sweden.

Methods
Cross-sectional postal survey of women and men aged 18–65 years. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with exposure to IPV.

Results
Past-year IPV exposure rates were similar in women and men; however, earlier-in-life estimates were higher in women. Poor to moderate social support, growing up with domestic violence and being single, widowed or divorced were associated with exposure to all forms of IPV in men and women. Women and men tended to report different social consequences of IPV.

Conclusions
Our finding that women reported greater exposure to IPV earlier-in-life but not during the past year suggests the importance of taking this time frame into account when assessing gender differences in IPV. In-depth, qualitative studies that consider masculinities, femininities power and gender orders would be beneficial for extending and deepening our understanding of the gendered matter of IPV.

The iconicity of picture communication symbols for children with English additional language and mild intellectual disability

Dada, S., Huguet, A., & Bornman, J. (2013)

The purpose of this study was to examine the iconicity of 16 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) presented on a themed bed-making communication overlay for South African children with English as an additional language and mild intellectual disability. The survey involved 30 participants. The results indicated that, overall, the 16 symbols were relatively iconic to the participants. The authors suggest that the iconicity of picture symbols could be manipulated, enhanced, and influenced by contextual effects (other PCS used simultaneously on the communication overlay). In addition, selection of non-target PCS for target PCS were discussed in terms of postulated differences in terms of distinctiveness. Potential clinical implications and limitations of the study, as well as recommendations for future research, are discussed.

The impacts of parental loss and adverse parenting on mental health: findings from the national comorbidity survey-replication

Nickerson, A., Aderka, I.M., Bryant, R.A. & Hinton, D.E. (2013)

There has been much controversy regarding the psychological impact of the death of a parent, partly arising from neglect of potential moderating factors. The present study uses data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) to investigate the relative impacts of age at death of parent, adverse parenting practices, and time since loss on mental health outcomes in 2,823 bereaved adults. Logistic regression analyses controlling for sex and race revealed that younger age at the time of parental death was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Further, adverse parenting practices during childhood were related to greater psychopathology in adulthood. Results also indicated that psychological distress following the death of a parent reduces over time. Notably, each of these factors significantly predicted psychopathology when controlling for all other variables. Findings are discussed in the context of current theories of attachment and psychopathology.

Use of eye‐pointing by children with cerebral palsy: what are we looking at?

Sargent, J., Clarke, M., Price, K., Griffiths, T., & Swettenham, J. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
Children with cerebral palsy often show significant communication impairment due to limited or absent speech. Further, motor impairment can restrict the use of movement, including pointing, to signal interest and intent. For some children, controlled gaze can be an effective 'point-substitute': such 'eye-pointing' can be used to request items, establish mutual interest in an event, or select vocabulary within an alternative or augmentative communication (ACC) system. However, in clinical practice there is a lack of clarity about how the term 'eye-pointing' is used, how 'eye-pointing' is recognized or how it relates to social development.
AIMS:
To present a clinical description of the term 'eye-pointing' with reference to children with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak or finger-point. To consider this description within a wider discussion of the importance of gaze in communication development.
METHODS & PROCEDURES:
Cumulative clinical observations during assessment of children referred to a specialist multidisciplinary communication clinic have provoked discussion between the authors on what factors precipitate use of the term 'eye-pointing' in young children with severe cerebral palsy. In particular, discussion has centred on whether use of the term is appropriate in individual cases and whether guidance is available about how gaze should be observed in this developmentally vulnerable group of children. A literature search was also conducted in order to explore whether the use and meaning of the term is established.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS:
In interactions with non-speaking children, determining whether a child is using eye-gaze communicatively requires observation and interpretation of several factors. These processes will be informed by reflection on what is known about other aspects of the child's communication and interaction skills. Within the literature, the term 'eye-pointing' is sometimes used when describing the communication functions of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and is occasionally qualified by a definition. No papers have been found that set out a clinical description universally applicable to children with severe motor impairment. Moreover, guidance is lacking on how possible episodes of 'eye-pointing' might be confidently distinguished from other episodes of directed gaze in young, developing communicators. The discussion of the term makes reference to the importance of gaze in early communication development, and explores factors that might influence gaze and its interpretation in young children with cerebral palsy. A description of eye-pointing for this group is offered. The authors suggest that this will bring practical benefits to those supporting the communication development of children with severe cerebral palsy.

"My Friends are my Family‘: an argument about the limitations of contemporary law's recognition of relationships in later life."

Westwood, S. (2013)

Current UK law and social policy privilege the conjugal couple, biological and filial relationships. Friendship remains on the margins of regulatory recognition. Yet friendship is of growing significance in contemporary social relationships. This is particularly so for older people, especially for older lesbian, gay and bisexual people. This paper explores the place of friendship in key areas of law and social policy relating to older age: pensions, benefits and inheritance; medical decision making; mental health and mental capacity legislation; and social care policy. The extent to which contemporary law is keeping up with changing relationship forms will be considered, together with its implications for equality in later life

A cluster randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a structured training programme for caregivers of inpatients after stroke: the TRACS trial

Forster A, Dickerson J, Young J, Patel A, Kalra L, Nixon J, et al. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
The majority of stroke patients are discharged home dependent on informal caregivers, usually family members, to provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), including bathing, dressing and toileting. Many caregivers feel unprepared for this role and this may have a detrimental effect on both the patient and caregiver.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate whether or not a structured, competency-based training programme for caregivers [the London Stroke Carer Training Course (LSCTC)] improved physical and psychological outcomes for patients and their caregivers after disabling stroke, and to determine if such a training programme is cost-effective.
DESIGN:
A pragmatic, multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial.
SETTING:
Stratified randomisation of 36 stroke rehabilitation units (SRUs) to the intervention or control group by geographical region and quality of care.
PARTICIPANTS:
A total of 930 stroke patient and caregiver dyads were recruited. Patients were eligible if they had a confirmed diagnosis of stroke, were medically stable, were likely to return home with residual disability at the time of discharge and had a caregiver available, willing and able to provide support after discharge. The caregiver was defined as the main person--other than health, social or voluntary care provider--helping with ADL and/or advocating on behalf of the patient.
INTERVENTION:
The intervention (the LSCTC) comprised a number of caregiver training sessions and competency assessment delivered by SRU staff while the patient was in the SRU and one recommended follow-up session after discharge. The control group continued to provide usual care according to national guidelines. Recruitment was completed by independent researchers and participants were unaware of the SRUs' allocation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The primary outcomes were self-reported extended ADL for the patient and caregiver burden measured at 6 months after recruitment. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, mood and cost-effectiveness, with final follow-up at 12 months.
RESULTS:
No differences in primary outcomes were found between the groups at 6 months. Adjusted mean differences were -0.2 points [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.0 to 2.5 points; p = 0.866; intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.027] for the patient Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living score and 0.5 points (95% CI -1.7 to 2.7 points; p = 0.660; ICC = 0.013) for the Caregiver Burden Scale. Furthermore, no differences were detected in any of the secondary outcomes. Intervention compliance varied across the units. Half of the participating centres had a compliance rating of > 60%. Analysis showed no evidence of higher levels of patient independence or lower levels of caregiver burden in the SRUs with better levels of intervention compliance. The economic evaluation suggests that from a patient and caregiver perspective, health and social care costs, societal costs and outcomes are similar for the intervention and control groups at 6 months, 12 months and over 1 year.
CONCLUSIONS:
We have conducted a robust multicentre, cluster randomised trial, demonstrating for the first time that this methodology is feasible in stroke rehabilitation research. There was no difference between the LSCTC and usual care with respect to improving stroke patients' recovery, reducing caregivers' burden, or improving other physical and psychological outcomes, nor was it cost-effective compared with usual care. Compliance with the intervention varied, but analysis indicated that a dose effect was unlikely. It is possible that the immediate post-stroke period may not be the ideal time for the delivery of structured training. The intervention approach might be more relevant if delivered after discharge by community-based teams.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49208824.
FUNDING:
This project was funded by the MRC and is managed by the NIHR (project number 09/800/10) on behalf of the MRC-NIHR partnership, and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 17, No. 46. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

A multiple-case study of a family-oriented intervention practice in the early rehabilitation phase of persons with aphasia

Blom Johansson M, Carlsson M, Östberg P, Sonnander K. (2013)

Background: Having a family member with aphasia severely affects the everyday life of the significant others, resulting in their need for support and information. Family-oriented intervention programmes typically consist of support, information, and skill training, such as communication partner training (CPT). However, because of time constraints and perceived lack of skills and routines, such programmes, especially CPT, are not common practice among speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Aims: To design and evaluate an early family-oriented intervention of persons with stroke-induced moderate to severe aphasia and their significant others in dyads. The intervention was designed to be flexible to meet the needs of each participant, to emotionally support the significant others and supply them with information needed, to include CPT that is easy to learn and conduct for SLPs, and to be able to provide CPT when the persons with aphasia still have access to SLP services.

Methods & Procedures: An evaluative multiple-case study, involving three dyads, was conducted no more than 2 months after the onset of aphasia. The intervention consisted of six sessions: three sessions directed to the significant other (primarily support and information) and three to the dyad (primarily CPT). The intervention was evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively based on video recordings of conversations and self-assessment questionnaires.

Outcomes & Results: The importance of emotional support as well as information about stroke/aphasia was clearly acknowledged, especially by the significant others. All significant others perceived increased knowledge and understanding of aphasia and related issues.

Communicative skills (as manifested in the video recordings) showed improvements from pre- to post-intervention.

Conclusions: The results corroborate the need for individualised and flexible family-oriented SLP services that are broad in content. Furthermore, the results support the early initiation of such services with recurrent contact. The usefulness of CPT this early in the rehabilitation process was indicated but is yet to be proved.

A qualitative study exploring patients’ and carers’ experiences of Early Supported Discharge services after stroke.

Cobley CS, Fisher RJ, Chouliara N, Kerr M, Walker MF. (2013)

Objective: To investigate patients' and carers' experiences of Early Supported Discharge services and inform future Early Supported Discharge service development and provision.
Design and subjects: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 27 stroke patients and 15 carers in the Nottinghamshire region who met evidence-based Early Supported Discharge service eligibility criteria. Participants were either receiving Early Supported Discharge or conventional services.
Setting: Community stroke services in Nottinghamshire, UK.
Results: A thematic analysis process was applied to identify similarities and differences across datasets. Themes specific to participants receiving Early Supported Discharge services were: the home-based form of rehabilitation; speed of response; intensity and duration of therapy; respite time for the carer; rehabilitation exercises and provision of technical equipment; disjointed transition between Early Supported Discharge and ongoing rehabilitation services. Participants receiving Early Supported Discharge or conventional community services experienced difficulties related to: limited support in dealing with carer strain; lack of education and training of carers; inadequate provision and delivery of stroke-related information; disjointed transition between Early Supported Discharge and ongoing rehabilitation services.
Conclusions: Accelerated hospital discharge and home-based rehabilitation was perceived positively by service users. The study findings highlight the need for Early Supported Discharge teams to address information and support needs of patients and carers and to monitor their impact on carers in addition to patients, using robust outcome measures.

A qualitative study exploring patients’ and carers’ experiences of Early Supported Discharge services after stroke.

Cobley CS, Fisher RJ, Chouliara N, Kerr M, Walker MF. (2013)

Objective: To investigate patients' and carers' experiences of Early Supported Discharge services and inform future Early Supported Discharge service development and provision.
Design and subjects: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 27 stroke patients and 15 carers in the Nottinghamshire region who met evidence-based Early Supported Discharge service eligibility criteria. Participants were either receiving Early Supported Discharge or conventional services.
Setting: Community stroke services in Nottinghamshire, UK.
Results: A thematic analysis process was applied to identify similarities and differences across datasets. Themes specific to participants receiving Early Supported Discharge services were: the home-based form of rehabilitation; speed of response; intensity and duration of therapy; respite time for the carer; rehabilitation exercises and provision of technical equipment; disjointed transition between Early Supported Discharge and ongoing rehabilitation services. Participants receiving Early Supported Discharge or conventional community services experienced difficulties related to: limited support in dealing with carer strain; lack of education and training of carers; inadequate provision and delivery of stroke-related information; disjointed transition between Early Supported Discharge and ongoing rehabilitation services.
Conclusions: Accelerated hospital discharge and home-based rehabilitation was perceived positively by service users. The study findings highlight the need for Early Supported Discharge teams to address information and support needs of patients and carers and to monitor their impact on carers in addition to patients, using robust outcome measures.

Acceptable and unacceptable risk: balancing every day risk by family members by older cognitively impaired adults who live alone

Cott S, Tierny M (2013)

Abstract
For individuals providing care for older people the issue of risk is a well-established concern, especially in the context of the older person's declining functional abilities and cognitive skills. Recently in expert discussions of health care, the issue of risk has been subsumed under the discourse of patient safety with the assumption that risk is intrinsic to certain situations and therefore can be measured by professionals and ultimately prevented. Less attention has been paid to the risk perceptions of older persons and their families and friends. We undertook the study on which this article is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada between 2005 and 2007. We used grounded theory to identify the process whereby family and friends recognise and balance risk of older persons with cognitive impairment who live alone. Twenty pairs of older adults with cognitive impairment and their primary family members or friends were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The model of acceptable and unacceptable risk began with family members' perceptions that the older person was living with an acceptable level of risk, but then noticing red flags that eventually led to the perception of unacceptable risk. They employed risk-balancing strategies such as making changes in the physical environment, increasing surveillance, becoming more involved in the older person's care or redefining their definitions of acceptable risk in order to return the perceived risk to an acceptable level. Meanings of risk were constantly redefined as new situations arose and risk-balancing strategies were implemented. Throughout family members constantly balanced the risks of physical harm with the risks of undermining the older person's independence and self-esteem.

Activity and participation in home rehabilitation: older people's and family members' perspectives

Randström KB, Kenneth A, Svedlund M, Paulson M. (2013)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of older people and their supporting family members in relation to home rehabilitation, with a focus on activity and participation.
METHODS: Qualitative interviews were carried out with 6 older people and 6 family members at 1 and 6 months after the older person's discharge to their home. Qualitative content analysis of the data was carried out. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health provides a guiding framework for rehabilitation.
RESULTS: Informants' experiences of home rehabilitation contributed to the formation of 6 categories: (i) living with a frail body; (ii) striving for well-being in daily life; (iii) being close at hand; (iv) feeling dependent in daily life; (v) struggling to carry on; and (vi) striving to be at home.
CONCLUSION: Older people's goals were to return to daily routines and to perform meaningful activities without feeling dependent on other people. Family members' participation was crucial. Psychosocial support and autonomy were essential for facilitating activity and participation. Healthcare professionals should consider each individual's unique experiences along with the significance of being at home

Adolescence and borderline behavior—Between personality development and personality disorder

Streeck-Fischer, A. (2013)

Background: In recent years, an increasing interest in personality disorders in childhood and adolescence has been observed. This is partly due to recent findings of temperament, personality and neurobiological research. Method: This article reviews the history of the concept of borderline conditions in children and adolescents, and presents recent evidence from developmental psychology and neurobiology to support the diagnosis in adolescents as a disorder of development. An overview of treatment based on the decades-long experience with these patients at the Tiefenbrunn Clinic in Germany is described. Results: While the term personality disorder implies enduring traits, the evidence suggests that it is relatively unstable in adults as well as adolescents. Concerns about labeling adolescents with a presumably lifelong condition have hampered research on pathogenesis and treatment. Nevertheless, some adolescents with severe impairments in functioning do meet adult criteria for BPD, and do respond to the tailored treatment approaches that have been developed for them. Conclusions: The psychopathology of adolescents with BPD is probably a result of the interaction of the adolescent developmental process and defects in attachment and mentalization similar to those in adults with BPD. The term "developmental borderline personality disorder" is suggested to reflect the fluidity of this condition. Appropriate intervention requires a comprehensive multimodal approach in which individual therapy takes place within a protective framework of boundaries and limits.

Aging in Place in a Retirement Community: 90+ Year Olds

Paganini-Hill, A. (2013)

Aging in place, an image of growing old in one's home and maintaining one's daily routine, is desired by most older adults. To identify variables promoting such independent living in the oldest-old, we examined the association between living situation of a population-based cohort of 90+ year olds with health and lifestyle variables. Of 1485 participants, 53% still lived in their home at a retirement community designed to foster wellness. Those living at home tended to be healthier, with smaller proportions having chronic diseases or hospitalizations in the preceding year and a greater proportion having normal functional ability. Dementia was the chronic disease most significantly related to living situation. In addition to not having dementia, not using a wheelchair or bath aid, receiving meals on wheels, and being married were jointly related to living at home. With the help of family and friends and with a medical and social support system, many 90+ year olds can age in place. This is often because they have a caregiving spouse or paid caregiver.

Alcohol use during pregnancy in Canada: How policy moments can create opportunities for promoting women’s health

Poole, N & Greaves, L. (2013)

This article addresses the challenge of igniting action on health promotion for women in Canada with respect to alcohol use during pregnancy. We illustrate that accelerated action on health promotion for women that engages multiple levels of players, women-centred and harm-reduction frameworks and a gendered approach to understanding women's lives can be achieved when the right policy moment occurs. We illustrate this by describing the opportunity afforded by the Olympic Games in 2010, where the BC government used the Games to encourage action on women's health promotion and the prevention of alcohol use in pregnancy. We suggest that the 2011 announcement of new low-risk drinking guidelines that recommend lower intake of alcohol for women than for men offers another, to date unused, opportunity.

Alcohol use in pregnancy: prevalence and predictors in the longitudinal study of Australian Children

Hutchinson, D., Moore, E.A., Breen, C., Burns, L., & Mattick, R.P. (2013)

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS:
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and describe the patterns of alcohol use during pregnancy among Australian mothers. The study also aimed to examine the characteristics associated with alcohol use in pregnancy.
DESIGN AND METHODS:
Data comprised two representative samples of families (infant cohort = 5107 parents of 0- to 1-year-olds; child cohort = 4983 parents of 4- to 5-year-olds) from the 2005 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
RESULTS:
Alcohol use in pregnancy was reported by 37.6% of mothers of infants aged 0-1 years and 27.6% of mothers of children aged 4-5 years. The majority of women reported low level/occasional use of alcohol but, when extrapolated to population level, this equates to 131,250 children in these two age groups exposed to alcohol in utero, with over 1000 children exposed to alcohol most days and an estimated 671 infants exposed to three or more drinks per occasion. Among mothers of infants, alcohol use in pregnancy was associated with increasing maternal age, higher education, greater economic advantage and fewer physical health problems in pregnancy. Among mothers of children, maternal drinking in pregnancy was associated with increasing maternal age and smoking in pregnancy.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
Alcohol use during pregnancy is common with around one-third of all mothers reporting use. Most women reported only occasional use, and among those who were asked, consumed one standard drink on average per occasion. Significant numbers were exposed to three or more drinks on one occasion or to alcohol most days while in utero. National guidelines recommend abstinence as no 'safe' threshold has been determined. Public health campaigns are needed to educate pregnant women regarding national guidelines.

An assessment of the relationship between informal caring and quality of life in older community-dwelling adults -- more positives than negatives

Ratcliffe J, Lester LH, Couzner L, Crotty M. (2013)

The main objective of the study was to apply the recently developed Index of Capability (ICECAP-O) instrument to measure and value the quality of life of a representative sample of the older South Australian population (aged>=65 years) according to carer status. A Health Omnibus survey including the ICECAP-O instrument, carer status (informal carer vs. non-carer) and several socio-demographic questions was administered in 2009 as a face-to-face interview to 789 individuals aged 65 years or older in their own homes. A total of 671 individuals (85%) characterised themselves as a non-carer and 115 individuals (15%) characterised themselves as an informal carer. In general, carers exhibited relatively high quality of life as measured by the ICECAP-O, with carers having comparable mean ICECAP-O scores to non-carers in the general population [carers: mean (SD) 0.848 (0.123), non-carers: mean (SD) 0.838 (0.147)]. The results of the multivariate regression model for the total sample indicated statistically significant variations in overall ICECAP-O scores according to age (with younger participants tending to have slightly higher scores on average), country of birth (with those participants who were born in Australia having higher scores on average than those who were born elsewhere) and household income (with participants with higher income levels having higher scores on average). The results of the multivariate regression model differentiated by carer status also indicated some important differences. Specifically, average ICECAP-O scores were noticeably lower for carers who are separated or divorced and for carers who lived alone and these differences were statistically significant. The study findings provide support for the existence of process utility in informal care-giving. The provision of informal care may be associated with a positive impact upon quality of life for many caregivers, which may mediate the negative aspects arising from the burden associated with informal care-giving.

Approaching the prevalence of the full spectrum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in a South African population-based study

May PA, Blankenship J, Marais AS, Gossage JP, Kalberg WO, Barnard R, De Vries M, Robinson LK, Adnams CM, Buckley D, Manning M, Jones KL, Parry C, Hoyme HE, Seedat S. (2013)

BACKGROUND:
The prevalence and characteristics of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were determined in this fourth study of first-grade children in a South African community.
METHODS:
Active case ascertainment methods were employed among 747 first-grade pupils. The detailed characteristics of children within the continuum of FASD are contrasted with randomly selected, normal controls on (i) physical growth and dysmorphology; (ii) cognitive/behavioral characteristics; and (iii) maternal risk factors.
RESULTS:
The rates of specific diagnoses within the FASD spectrum continue to be among the highest reported in any community in the world. The prevalence (per 1,000) is as follows: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-59.3 to 91.0; partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)-45.3 to 69.6; and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)-30.5 to 46.8. The overall rate of FASD is therefore 135.1 to 207.5 per 1,000 (or 13.6 to 20.9%). Clinical profiles of the physical and cognitive/behavioral traits of children with a specific FASD diagnosis and controls are provided for understanding the full spectrum of FASD in a community. The spectral effect is evident in the characteristics of the diagnostic groups and summarized by the total (mean) dysmorphology scores of the children: FAS = 18.9; PFAS = 14.3; ARND = 12.2; and normal controls, alcohol exposed = 8.2 and unexposed = 7.1. Documented drinking during pregnancy is significantly correlated with verbal (r = -0.253) and nonverbal ability (r = -0.265), negative behaviors (r = 0.203), and total dysmorphology score (r = 0.431). Other measures of drinking during pregnancy are significantly associated with FASD, including binge drinking as low as 3 drinks per episode on 2 days of the week.
CONCLUSIONS:
High rates of specific diagnoses within FASD were well documented in this new cohort of children. FASD persists in this community. The data reflect an increased ability to provide accurate and discriminating diagnoses throughout the continuum of FASD.

Are parental ADHD problems associated with a more severe clinical presentation and greater family adversity in children with ADHD?

Agha, S. S., Zammit, S., Thapar, A., & Langley, K. (2013)

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is recognised to be a familial and heritable disorder, little is known about the broader family characteristics of having a parent with ADHD problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parent ADHD problems, child clinical presentation and family functioning in a sample of children with ADHD. The sample consisted of 570 children with ADHD. Child psychopathology was assessed using a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Questionnaires were used to assess ADHD in the parents (childhood and current symptoms), family environment and mother/father-child relationship. Parental ADHD problems were associated with a range of adverse clinical outcomes in children with no difference in effects for mothers with ADHD problems compared to fathers with ADHD problems. Levels of maternal hostility were higher in families where mothers had ADHD problems, but reduced where fathers had ADHD problems. Parental ADHD problems index higher risk for more severe clinical presentation of ADHD in children and higher levels of family conflict (where there are maternal but not paternal ADHD problems). This study highlights that children with more severe behavioural symptoms are more likely to have a parent with persistent ADHD which has important implications when considering treatment and intervention strategies.

Att tala samma språk. Gemensam struktur vid bedömning av vårdbidrag

Enström Öst C, Agdalen T, Aydin E, Josephson M, Mirjam W. (2013)

Syftet med studien är att pröva om struktur och språk enligt Klassifikation av funktionstillstånd, funktionshinder och hälsa, barn- och ungdomsversionen, ICF-CY, kan användas vid handläggning av vårdbidragsärenden för att göra utredningar och beslut tydligare och mer enhetliga och därigenom förbättra rättssäkerheten. I tillämpningen av reglerna om vårdbidrag ska Försäkringskassan göra en individuell bedömning i varje enskilt ärende. Det finns också krav på likformighet och transparens i handläggningen. ICF-CY är utvecklat av Världshälsoorganisationen (WHO) och erbjuder ett universellt gemensamt språk för att underlätta dokumentation och kartläggning av barnets funktionsförmåga och hälsa i sin miljö.

Vårdbidraget är ett statligt stöd till föräldrar med barn som har en funktionsnedsättning. Syftet med vårdbidraget är att föräldrarna ska ha möjlighet att ge den tillsyn, vård och stöd som krävs för att barnet ska kunna utvecklas på bästa sätt.

Registeranalysen i rapporten visar på skillnader i vårdbidragets omfattning utifrån bland annat region, kön och mottagarens socioekonomiska tillhörighet. Tyvärr kan man inte säga om dessa skillnader är sakliga eller osakliga, det vill säga om de skillnader som observeras kan förklaras av barnens bedömda tillsyns- och vårdbehov.

Det finns inga uppgifter i register om grunderna för ett beviljat vårdbidrag, det vill säga vilken funktionsförmåga eller vilket tillsyns- och vårdbehov barnet har. I den här studien har information i 264 ärenden gällande förstagångsansökningar om vårdbidrag översatts till struktur och språk i ICF-CY. Rapporten redovisar det som finns skrivet om hur barnet fungerar i sin miljö när innehållet har översatts och tolkats.

När innehållet i utredningarna översätts, handlar merparten av utredningarna, både Försäkringskassans sammanfattningar och motiven för beslut som skickas till den sökande, om sådant som barnen kan göra och faktiskt gör, eller har svårigheter att utföra. Merparten av utredningarna berör aspekter på hur barnet genomför enstaka eller flera uppgifter och hur de hanterar krav medan endast ett fåtal utredningar handlar om hur barnet genomför dagliga sysslor och uppgifter som att ta hand om personliga föremål och att hjälpa andra.

Resultaten tyder på att en tillämpning av struktur och språk enligt ICF-CY i handläggningen av vårdbidrag skulle öka likformigheten, samtidigt som man skulle undvika att samla in irrelevant information och därigenom kunna spara tid i handläggningen. Om man klassificerar funktionsnedsättning på detta sätt, blir det också möjligt att dokumentera funktionsnedsättning i register på samma sätt som diagnos registreras idag, vilket underlättar utvärdering.

Att utveckla anhörigstöd

Matheny G. (2013)

Att utveckla anhörigstöd
Vilka är de personer som stöttar och vårdar en närstående, vilket stöd efterfrågar de och vad kan samhället och den enskilda arbetsplatsen erbjuda? Vilken värdegrund styr bilden av de anhöriga – ses de som en värdefull resurs eller är de en belastning i arbetet kring den närstående?

Ett sätt att uppfylla målen med gällande lagstiftning är att arbetsplatserna ska formulera rutiner för hur de ska stötta och samarbeta med anhöriga i det dagliga arbetet. Boken ger praktiska verktyg för hur man steg för steg, med de anhöriga själva som sakkunniga, kan utveckla arbetsplatsens anhörigstöd. Författaren beskriver den anhörigvänliga arbetsplatsen och ger ett konkret förslag till hur rutiner för anhörigstöd och anhörigsamverkan kan tas fram. Innehållet presenteras på ett lättillgängligt sätt och läsaren får många fallbeskrivningar och förslag till diskussionsämnen att utgå ifrån.

Att utveckla anhörigstöd vänder sig till arbetsgrupper/verksamheter inom vård och omsorg samt socialtjänst som vill utveckla arbetsplatsens anhörigstöd. Utvecklingsarbetet föreslås ske genom att arbetsgruppen möts vid ett antal reflektionsträffar kring bokens innehåll. Boken vänder sig både till baspersonal och ledare, och den kan dessutom utgöra ett handfast verktyg för anhörigombud och anhörigkonsulenter som utbildar och handleder arbetsgrupper inom området anhörigstöd.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication – Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs

Beukelman, D. R. och Mirenda, P. (2013)

As AAC use continues to flourish and new technology revolutionizes the field, tomorrow's service providers need current, authoritative information on AAC for children and adults with communication disorders. That's why David Beukelman and Pat Mirenda have revised and updated the bestselling Augmentative and Alternative Communication—the trusted, widely adopted graduate-level text on communication disorders and AAC. The foundational textbook for SLPs, OTs, PTs, teachers, and other professionals in clinical and educational settings, this fourth edition is a definitive introduction to AAC processes, interventions, and technologies that help people best meet their daily communication needs. Future professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on
advancing literacy skills (new chapter by Janice Light and David McNaughton)
conducting effective, culturally appropriate assessment to determine AAC needs
choosing AAC interventions appropriate for age and ability
selecting AAC vocabulary tailored to individual needs
using new consumer technologies as easy, affordable, and non-stigmatizing communication devices
understanding types of symbols and how individuals use them
promoting social competence
supporting language learning and development
providing effective support to beginning communicators
planning an inclusive education for students with complex communication needs
Readers will get a thorough overview of communication and AAC issues for people with specific developmental disabilities (including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and autism) and acquired disabilities (such as aphasia, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative cognitive and linguistic disorders). And with helpful photos, figures, and photocopiable forms, readers will be ready to collect and use important information on assessment, individual communication needs, classroom supports, and more.
An essential core text for tomorrow's professionals—and a key reference for inservice practitioners—this new fourth edition expertly prepares readers to support the communicative competence of children and adults with a wide range of complex needs.

Barn och unga med medfödda funktionsnedsättningar – Behovsanalys inklusive resultat från Brukardialogberedning 3

Sand, C. (2013)

Målgruppen för behovsanalysen är barn och unga med medfödd funktionsnedsättning, som
har behov av planerade och från flera kompetensområden sammansatta åtgärder. Det vill säga
barn och unga som ingår i habiliteringens uppdrag. Exempel på några av de större grupper
som får insatser inom habiliteringen är cerebral pares, ryggmärgsbråck, muskelsjukdomar,
flerfunktionsnedsättning, utvecklingsstörning, missbildningssyndrom och autismspektrumtillstånd.
De behov som finns inom målgruppen är många gånger komplexa och flertalet har
behov av insatser från flera olika delar av hälso- och sjukvården men också av kommunen och
Försäkringskassan. Frågeställningar som behandlas i analysen är information och stöd,
tillgången till insatser, hjälpmedel och specialistläkare, intern och extern samverkan, fast
namngiven kontaktperson, vårdgaranti och likvärdig vård.
Utgångspunkten för svensk folkhälsopolitik och funktionshinderspolitik är principen om alla
människors lika värde och lika rätt, som även återfinns i barnkonventionen och i konventionen
om rättigheter för personer med funktionsnedsättning. Sedan 1997 finns en etisk plattform
med 3 grundprinciper som ska ligga till grund för prioriteringar inom hälso- och sjukvård i
Sverige, människovärdesprincipen, behovs- och solidaritetsprincipen och kostnadseffektivitetsprincipen.
I hälso- och sjukvårdslagen anges 4 prioriteringsgrupper inom
sjukvården, där vård av sjukdomar som utan behandling leder till varaktigt invalidiserade
tillstånd eller för tidig död och habilitering är högt prioriterat.
I nuläget saknas nationella riktlinjer för behovsgruppen. Vad gäller nationella kvalitetsregister
medverkar landstinget i CPUP, uppföljningsprogram av rörelseapparaten för barn och unga
med cerebral pares och i HabQ, kvalitetsregister för habilitering. HabQ startade som ett
kvalitetsregister för barn och unga med cerebral pares, 2011 inkluderades barn med autism.
Målet är att följa alla barn och ungdomar som får insatser genom habiliteringens verksamhet.
I landstinget finns vårdprocessprogram för ryggmärgsbråck och neuropsykiatri, barn och
unga.
Cirka 2 500 personer omfattas av habiliteringens insatser i länet, varav 1 600 är barn och
unga. Inom landstinget finns 3 enheter för barn- och ungdomshabilitering, vilka är olika
uppbyggda och ingår i närsjukvården i respektive länsdel. Det ökade inflödet av barn och
unga med neuropsykiatrisk problematik de senaste åren har inneburit ett ökat tryck på
habiliteringens verksamheter. Enligt verksamhetsföreträdare har det inneburit en viss
förskjutning av resurser till förmån för utredning och behandling inom neuropsykiatri, vilket
inneburit en viss undanträngningseffekt för övriga grupper inom habiliteringen. För att
hantera det ökade behovet av neuropsykiatrisk utredning och behandling har verksamheterna
även tagit till olika lösningar i samverkan med barn- och ungdomspsykiatrin i de tre
länsdelarna.
Barn- och ungdomshabiliteringen har under flera år haft brist på specialistläkare. Hösten 2012
genomförde länets barn- och ungdomshabiliteringar och barnkliniker en riskanalys gällande
bristen på specialistläkare inom barn- och ungdomsneurologi och habilitering. Riskanalysen
har bland annat lett till att 2 strategiska block för ST-läkare med inriktning neurologi inrättas
2014 som en gemensam satsning mellan habiliteringesenheterna och barnklinikerna.
8
Under våren 2013 genomförde brukardialogberedning 3 intervjuer med barn och unga med
medfödda funktionsnedsättningar samt deras föräldrar. Som förälder till ett barn med
komplexa behov är det viktigt att bli bemött på ett bra sätt i kontakterna med hälso- och
sjukvården och andra myndigheter. Det är viktigt att få tillgång till stöd och till relevant
information om diagnosen eller funktionsnedsättningen i ett tidigt skede. Det är också viktigt
att hela familjen har tillgång till olika former av stödinsatser under lång tid.
För många föräldrar tar det lång tid att vänja sig vid den nya situationen och man ägnar
mycket tid åt saker som normalt inte ingår i föräldrarollen. Det kan handla om att barnet långt
upp i ålder behöver lika mycket omsorg och passning som när han eller hon var nyfödd.
Mycket tid och pengar läggs på träning, anpassning av miljön eller att skjutsa till olika
specialaktiviteter. Oräkneliga timmar läggs på att samordna alla kontakter kring barnet med
hälso- och sjukvården, kommunen, assistenter, försäkringskassa och så vidare.
Behovet av habiliterande insatser och hjälpmedel är ofta stort hos barn och unga som har en
funktionsnedsättning. När det gäller habiliterande insatser upplever en del att dessa tenderar
att minska i takt med barnets ålder, trots att behovet är oförändrat. Många upplever även att
det är långa väntetider för utredningar. Flera synpunkter berör brister inom hjälpmedelsområdet.
Att det är långa leveranstider på nya hjälpmedel och att det tar tid att få hjälpmedel
reparerade. Man anser också att hjälpmedelssortimentet är begränsat och att systemet med
särskild prövning är krångligt och byråkratiskt. Ytterligare synpunkter handlar om bristande
tillgång till information om vilka insatser och hjälpmedel som finns att få. Många upplever att
de får söka information själva. Men det är inte lätt att leta efter information när man inte vet
vad man ska leta efter eller fråga om. Sökprocessen blir omständig och tidsödande.
Utbudet av habiliterande insatser och metoder och hjälpmedelssortiment kan se olika ut i olika
landsting och regioner. Något som de intervjuade upplever som orättvist och föräldrarna anser
att alla barn borde ha samma förutsättningar var i landet man än bor. Bristande tillgång till
specialistläkare upplevs som ett annat problem och flera uttrycker en oro för att deras barn
inte ska få tillgång till viktiga insatser som de har behov av.
Utifrån den etiska plattformen är barn och unga med medfödda funkitonsnedsättningar en
högt prioriterad grupp i samhället. Deras behov av god vård i hela vårdprocessen behöver
säkerställas för att minska risken för komplikationer och förbättra den långsiktiga prognosen
och därmed livskvaliteten för barnen.
De utvecklingsområden som identifierats i behovsanalysen finns inom områdena: Information
och stöd, Samverkan/samordning och kontinuitet och Tillgänglig, likvärdig och säker vård.

Barn och ungas hälsa, vård och omsorg

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

Barns och ungas hälsa och sociala förhållanden i Sverige är goda, även jämfört med andra välfärdsländer. Detta gäller i synnerhet spädbarn och skolbarn. Exempelvis är barnadödligheten i dessa åldrar bland de absolut lägsta i världen. Barns och ungas fysiska miljö är god ur ett internationellt perspektiv, med låg förekomst av miljörelaterad sjuklighet, till exempel orsakad av luftföroreningar. Sverige ligger dock inte lika mycket i framkant när det gäller de lite äldre barnen. Symtom på ett nedsatt psykiskt välbefinnande (ledsenhet, sömnsvårigheter, huvudvärk med mera) är vanligare bland svenska 15-åringar än i andra länder. Narkotikabruk är mindre vanligt bland svenska unga medan alkoholkonsumtionen är på en genomsnittlig europeisk nivå.

I vårt land har hälsoutvecklingen bland unga inte sett likadan ut som för andra åldersgrupper. Exempelvis har risken att avlida i åldersspannet 15–29 år varit oförändrad de sista 15 åren, när dödligheten har minskat i alla andra åldrar. Självmorden minskar inte bland ungdomar, vilket de gör för andra åldersgrupper. Dödligheten i olycksfall har också varit oförändrad, men minskat de allra senaste åren. Trots det är dödligheten hos unga bland de lägsta i Europa, men för ungdomsgruppen ligger flera länder bättre till.

Sverige – tillsammans med andra skandinaviska länder och Nederländerna – tillhör de länder där ekonomisk utsatthet bland barnfamiljer är minst omfattande. Det är också mycket ovanligt att svenska barn saknar grundläggande nödvändigheter som nya kläder, passande skor, tre mål mat om dagen, böcker eller leksaker med mera. Några förklaringar till detta är att svenska barnfamiljer ofta har två familjeförsörjare, att ensamstående föräldrar arbetar i högre grad och på transfereringar till stöd för barnfamiljer. Av betydelse är också att många välfärdstjänster är avgiftsfria för barn, som exempelvis sjukvård, tandvård, skola och skollunch

Barn som anhöriga – Konsekvenser och behov när föräldrar har allvarliga svårigheter eller avlider

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

När föräldrar eller andra vuxna i familjen har missbruk, allvarlig sjukdom eller skada, psykisk ohälsa, psykisk funktionsnedsättning, använder våld eller avlider får det konsekvenser för barnen – i större eller mindre grad.

Denna sammanfattning av kunskapsläget syftar till att kortfattat ge ökad kunskap och insikt i barns och ungas situation och behov i familjer med dessa svårigheter.

Syftet är att vidare att belysa varför det är viktigt att anlägga ett familjeperspektiv – både när personal möter barn och unga med olika symtom på psykisk ohälsa och när den möter föräldrar med allvarliga svårigheter. Att uppmärksamma barns behov och ge det stöd som behövs kan både förbättra situationen här och nu och förebygga senare negativa konsekvenser.

Skriften riktar sig till personal inom hälso- och sjukvård, socialtjänst samt förskola och skola.

Barn som anhöriga – Konsekvenser och behov när föräldrar har allvarliga svårigheter, eller avlider

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

När föräldrar eller andra vuxna i familjen har missbruk, allvarlig sjukdom eller skada, psykisk ohälsa, psykisk funktionsnedsättning, använder våld eller avlider får det konsekvenser för barnen – i större eller mindre grad.

Denna sammanfattning av kunskapsläget syftar till att kortfattat ge ökad kunskap och insikt i barns och ungas situation och behov i familjer med dessa svårigheter.

Syftet är att vidare att belysa varför det är viktigt att anlägga ett familjeperspektiv – både när personal möter barn och unga med olika symtom på psykisk ohälsa och när den möter föräldrar med allvarliga svårigheter. Att uppmärksamma barns behov och ge det stöd som behövs kan både förbättra situationen här och nu och förebygga senare negativa konsekvenser.

Skriften riktar sig till personal inom hälso- och sjukvård, socialtjänst samt förskola och skola.

Barn som anhöriga till patienter i vården – hur många är de? Nka Linnéuniversitetet Chess, Barn som anhöriga 2013:1.

Hjern A, Manhica H. (2013)

Den 1 januari 2010 infördes en ny lagstiftning angående hälso- och sjukvården ansvar att
ge information, råd och stöd till barn vars föräldrar har en allvarig psykisk eller fysisk
sjukdom inklusive missbruk, eller oväntat avlider. Den här rapporten syftar till att ge
övergripande bild av hur många barn som direkt berörs av denna nya lag.
Rapporten baseras i första hand på anonymiserade analyser av data om sluten vård på
sjukhus från Patientregistret under 1987–2008, och dödsfall i Dödsorsaksregistret under
1973–2008. Registerdata från Statistiska Centralbyrån har använts för att koppla föräldrar
till sina biologiska barn och definiera familjers sociala karaktäristika.
Av de barn som föddes 1987–89 hade 7,8 procent minst en förälder som vårdats inneliggande
på sjukhus på grund av psykisk sjukdom och/eller missbruk av alkohol eller
narkotika under barndomen, d v s innan de hade fyllt arton år. Psykisk sjukdom hos för-
äldern var den vanligaste orsaken som berörde 5,7 procent av barnen, medan alkoholmissbruk
berörde 2,5 procent och narkotikamissbruk 1,5 procent. Under ett enskilt år
handlar det om ca 26 000 barn som har minst en förälder som vårdas på sjukhus grund
av psykisk sjukdom eller missbruk.
Betydligt fler föräldrar har indikatorer på problem med alkohol och narkotika av mildare
grad. Om man också räknar in föräldrar som haft vårdkontakter i öppen vård på
sjukhus på grund av missbruk, eller har dömts i domstol på grund av rattfylleri eller narkotikabrott,
var det totalt 17,0 procent av barnen som berördes. Psykisk ohälsa hos föräldrar
som inte är så allvarlig att den leder till sjukhusvård är också relativt vanlig. I undersökningen
av levnadsförhållanden (ULF) 2007–11 svarade t ex 18,1 procent av föräldrar
till barn i åldern 10–18 år att de led av ängslan, ångest eller oro. Psykofarmakamedicinering
är en annan indikator på psykisk ohälsa hos föräldrar. Under ett enskilt genomsnittligt
år under perioden 2006–8 använde 10,7 procent av mödrar och 5,5 procent av fäder
till barn i åldern 1–18 år ett antidepressivt läkemedel.
Något riktigt bra mått på somatisk (=fysisk) sjukdom hos förälder som är så svår att
deras barn behöver information och/eller stöd finns inte i svenska register. I denna rapport
användes definitionen somatisk sjukdom utan missbruk hos föräldrar som var så
svår att den föranledde minst en veckas inneliggande vård på sjukhus, vilket 12,6 procent
av alla barn födda 1987–89 upplevde före sin artonårsdag. Många fler föräldrar har någon
form av kronisk sjukdom, 28,4 procent av föräldrar till barn i åldern 10–18 år i ULFundersökningen
2007–11 rapporterade t ex minst en kronisk sjukdom.
3,4 procent av alla barn födda 1973–89 hade minst en förälder som avlidit innan deras
artonårsdag. Under ett enskilt år är under perioden 2006–08 berördes ca 3 500 barn. 22
procent av de avlidna fäderna och 12 procent av de avlidna mödrarna hade indikatorer på
alkohol- och/eller narkotikamissbruk. Plötslig oväntad död hos en förälder orsakad av
självmord, våld eller olycka drabbade 600–650 barn varje år. Barn som drabbas av dödsfall
på grund av olyckor och våld hos föräldrar är ofta förskolebarn, medan andra typer av
dödsfall hos föräldrar framför allt drabbar barn i tonåren.
Missbruk och psykisk sjukdom är inte sällan en bidragande orsak till separation mellan
föräldrar. En konsekvens av detta är att många föräldrar som vårdas på sjukhus på grund
av dessa problem inte bor tillsammans med sina barn och att den förälder som bor tillsammans
med barnet ofta är ensamstående. Endast ungefär en tredjedel av fäder som
vårdas på sjukhus på grund av missbruk bor tillsammans med sina barn, mot ungefär
dubbelt så många mödrar.
6
Missbruk, sjukdom och dödsfall hos föräldrar drabbar framför allt barn som befinner
sig i en utsatt social position i det svenska samhället. Det är ungefär tre gånger så vanligt
att föräldrar i barnfamiljer med låg socio-ekonomisk position vårdas på sjukhus för någon
av dessa orsaker jämfört med föräldrar i barnfamiljer med hög socio-ekonomisk position
En social gradient finns också för dödsfall hos föräldrar, där den är större för dödsfall för
fäder än för mödrar, och särskilt stor för plötsliga oväntade dödsfall som orsakas av
självmord, våld och olyckor, dödsfall som framför allt drabbar fäder.
Föräldrar födda utanför Europa vårdas betydligt mer sällan på sjukhus grund av såväl
alkohol som narkotikamissbruk jämfört med föräldrar med svenskt ursprung, men något
oftare än andra på grund av psykisk sjukdom. Föräldrar med annat nordiskt ursprung än
svenskt vårdas oftare för såväl missbruk som psykisk sjukdom, och har och har också en
högre dödlighet än barn till föräldrar med annat svenskt eller utländskt ursprung.
Föräldrars missbruk eller psykiska sjukdom är vanliga orsaker till att barn omhändertas
för samhällsvård i Sverige. För barn som vårdats mer än fem år i samhällsvård har 61
procent åtminstone en förälder som vårdats inneliggande på grund av missbruk eller psykisk
sjukdom, och 23 procent har en förälder som har avlidit före barnen fyllt arton år.
Det stora antalet barn som potentiellt berörs av den nya lagen om information och stöd
till barn som anhöriga i hälso- och sjukvården gör det angeläget med en diskussion om
prioriteringar, och ett utvecklingsarbete kring insatser med olika grad av intensitet som
kan matchas till barn med olika nivåer av behov. Här krävs ett nära samarbete mellan
hälso- och sjukvården och socialtjänsten, och särskilt viktigt är detta för att utveckla insatser
som är ändamålsenliga för de stora behov av information och stöd kring föräldrars
psykiska sjukdom, missbruk och död som rör barn i samhällsvård. Barn till föräldrar med
kroniska fysiska sjukdomar framstår som ett område där fördjupade analyser i andra
datakällor än register är särskilt viktiga för att skapa underlag för det fortsatta utvecklingsarbetet.

Barn som anhöriga: hur går det i skolan?

Hjern, A., Berg, L., Rostila, M., Vinnerljung. (2013)

Rapport 2 från projektet "Barn som anhöriga" från CHESS, Stockholms universitet/Karolinska Institutet i samarbete med Institutionen för socialt arbete vid Stockholms universitet.

Denna kartläggning av hur det går i skolan för barn som berörs av allvarliga svårigheter hos förälder eller annan vuxen i familjen, har gjorts inom ramen för ett regeringsuppdrag.

Barn som anhöriga: hur går det i skolan? Nka, Linnéuniversitetet, Chess, Barn som anhöriga 2013:3.

Hjern A, Berg L, Rostila M, Vinnerljung B. (2013)

Detta är den andra rapporten av tre i projektet "Barn som anhöriga", som genomförs
av CHESS och institutionen för socialt arbete vid Stockholms universitet i samarbete
med Nationellt kompetenscentrum anhöriga (Nka) och Linnéuniversitetet i Kalmar.
Rapportens syfte är att belysa skolprestationer i grundskolan för barn som är anhö-
riga. Vi har analyserat meritvärde och gymnasiebehörighet från årskurs 9 för 655 000
barn under 2003–2008, med fokus på barn som är anhöriga, det vill säga barn med
föräldrar som har vårdats på sjukhus på grund av missbruk, psykisk eller fysisk sjukdom
eller som har avlidit – då barnen var i åldern 0–15 år.
Bland alla barn i undersökningen var det 10,3 procent av flickorna och 13,0 procent
av pojkarna som lämnade grundskolan utan att ha uppnått gymnasiebehörighet.
Barn till föräldrar med missbruk och/eller psykisk sjukdom utgjorde tillsammans sju
procent av studiepopulationen, och framstod som den grupp bland barn som anhö-
riga som hade de minst tillfredställande skolresultaten. Av pojkar som har en förälder
som missbrukar var det 27 procent (far missbrukar) respektive 30 procent (mor
missbrukar) som lämnade grundskolan utan gymnasiebehörighet, liksom 22 respektive
23 procent av pojkar som har en förälder med psykisk sjukdom, jämfört med enbart
12 procent av pojkar från familjer utan missbruk eller psykisk sjukdom. Något
fler flickor än pojkar uppnådde gymnasiebehörighet även i dessa familjer, men
mönstret i förhållande till föräldrars missbruk och psykiska sjukdom var detsamma
som för pojkar.
Det maximala meritvärdet för en elev som går ut årskurs 9 är 320 och medianvärdet
i denna undersökning var 210. Genomsnittligt var meritvärdet, i jämförelse med
barn i familjer utan känt missbruk eller psykisk sjukdom, 45 meritpoäng lägre hos
barn till missbrukande mödrar, 39 meritpoäng lägre hos barn till missbrukande fäder
och 22 meritpoäng lägre hos barn till någon förälder med psykisk sjukdom.
Missbruk hos föräldrar, men också i viss mån psykisk sjukdom, var vanligare i familjer
som fått försörjningsstöd det år barnet avslutade årskurs 9, där föräldrarna
hade kort skolgång bakom sig och familjer där föräldrarna hade separerat. För att
undersöka betydelsen av detta för barnens skolresultat gjorde vi en analys där vi på
matematisk väg vägde in dessa faktorer tillsammans med föräldrarnas missbruk och
psykiska sjukdom. Det visade sig att så mycket som 85 procent av den ökade risken
för barn till föräldrar med missbruk och 75 procent av den ökade risken för barn till
föräldrar med psykisk sjukdom att inte uppnå gymnasiebehörighet var förknippad
med dessa tre sociala faktorer. Vår analys pekar på att det både handlar om sociala
faktorer som kan ha bidragit till uppkomsten av missbruket respektive den psykiska
sjukdomen (utbildningsbakgrund) och faktorer som troligen oftare är en konsekvens
(försörjningsstöd respektive föräldraseparation) av dessa föräldrafaktorer.
Av barnen i studiepopulationen bodde 63 procent i samma hushåll som bägge sina
biologiska föräldrar det år som de avslutade årskurs 9. Av övriga barn hade 35 procent
föräldrar som separerat och 2,1 procent en förälder som avlidit. Ungefär dubbelt
så många barn till separerade föräldrar och barn i familjer där någon förälder avlidit
lämnade grundskolan utan gymnasiebehörighet, jämfört med barn i kärnfamiljer, där
andelen var drygt åtta procent. Skillnaderna mellan barn till separerade föräldrar och
barn i familjer där någon förälder avlidit var små. Det fanns en viss skillnad mellan
könen när det gällde konsekvenserna av att ha förlorat sin mor i dödsfall, där konse-
6
kvenserna var större för flickor än för pojkar. För bägge könen var dock konsekvenserna
större av att ha förlorat en far än en mor. Sociala faktorer som föräldrars utbildningsbakgrund
och försörjningsstöd bidrog något till skillnaderna i skolresultat
mellan barn i kärnfamiljer och barn i enföräldrahushåll.
Fysisk sjukdom hos föräldrar representerades i denna studie av inflammatorisk
tarmsjukdom, multipel skleros och leukemi. Barn vars mödrar hade inflammatorisk
tarmsjukdom eller multipel skleros hade något lägre meritvärde än genomsnittet,
efter att analysen har justerats för den friska förälderns skolbakgrund, medan någon
negativ effekt av fäders sjukdom på barnens skolprestationer inte noterades. Leukemi
fick exemplifiera cancersjukdom hos föräldrar i undersökningen. Barn till föräldrar
med leukemi med dödlig utgång hade klart sämre skolprestationer än andra barn i
undersökningen, medan några skillnader från genomsnittet överhuvudtaget inte
kunde identifieras hos barn till förälder som överlevde leukemi. Det behövs dock fler
studier av barn till föräldrar som drabbas av cancersjukdom för att bekräfta dessa
resultats relevans för cancer hos föräldrar i allmänhet.
Ett genomgående mönster för samtliga grupper av barn som anhöriga var att för-
äldrars egen utbildningsbakgrund hade större betydelse för barnets skolprestationer
än förälderns sjukdom eller död, och att en lång utbildning hos föräldrar hade en viss
skyddande effekt på skolprestationerna av förälderns sjukdom eller död. Vi ser också
att barn i familjer med försörjningsstöd generellt har ett lågt meritvärde, oavsett om
föräldrarna har indikation på missbruk/psykisk sjukdom eller ej.
Resultaten från denna studie visar att föräldrars missbruk, sjukdom och död inte
sällan påverkar deras barns skolresultat på ett negativt sätt. Yrkesgrupper som möter
dessa barn bör således tänka på att hjälp med skolarbete och läxläsning kan vara en
viktig komponent i ett psykosocialt stöd. När det gäller förebyggande insatser i skolan
pekar studien i första hand på behovet av generella insatser för barn som har svårt att
få stöd i hemmet i skolarbetet oavsett orsak. Där det kan handla om barn som är anhöriga,
men likväl om barn med t ex separerade föräldrar eller föräldrar med kort
egen utbildning.
Studien pekar också på särskilt bristfälliga skolresultat hos barn där föräldrars
sjukdom och död drabbar familjer som har kontakt med socialtjänsten, antingen i
form av försörjningsstöd eller genom att barnen placerats i samhällsvård. De bristfälliga
skolprestationerna hos dessa gör socialtjänsten till en naturlig plattform för interventioner
i syfte att stödja skolarbetet hos barn i familjer med social sårbarhet,
inklusive sjukdom och död hos förälder. Både svensk och internationell forskning
pekar på att det är realistiskt att förvänta sig positiva resultat från denna typ av interventioner.
Det är därför angeläget att metoder för att stödja skolarbetet hos elever i
socialt sårbara familjer får en större spridning bland Sveriges kommuner.

Barn som flyttas i offentlig regi. En studie av förekomst och upplevelser av instabil samhällsvård för barn

Skoog, V. (2013)

Avhandling

Bristande stabilitet för barn i familjehem och på institutioner är vanligt och innebär svåra känslor för barnen. Viktoria Skoog har studerat instabilitet i samhällsvård för barn i form av sammanbrott, vilket betyder att ett barns placering avbryts plötsligt och oplanerat samt planerade byten av vårdmiljöer, vilket betyder att socialtjänsten utifrån planering låter ett barn flytta till ett nytt familjehem eller en ny institution

Barn som flyttas i offentlig regi. En studie av förekomst och upplevelser av instabil samhällsvård för barn

Skoog, V. (2013)

Avhandling

Bristande stabilitet för barn i familjehem och på institutioner är vanligt och innebär svåra känslor för barnen. Viktoria Skoog har studerat instabilitet i samhällsvård för barn i form av sammanbrott, vilket betyder att ett barns placering avbryts plötsligt och oplanerat samt planerade byten av vårdmiljöer, vilket betyder att socialtjänsten utifrån planering låter ett barn flytta till ett nytt familjehem eller en ny institution

Barn som är anhöriga till föräldrar med allvarlig fysisk sjukdom eller skada. En kunskapsöversikt om metoder för att ge stöd till barn

Järkestig Berggren, U., & Hanson, E. (2013)

Denna kunskapsöversikt tar upp metoder för att ge information, råd och stöd till barn när deras förälder är fysiskt sjuk. Syftet är att den ska vara ett stöd för professionella i hälso- och sjukvård samt socialtjänst som möter barn och ungdomar i sin yrkesutövning. I kunskapsöversikten presenteras de metoder som kunskapsöversikten identifierat, deras vetenskapliga underlag och effekter. Dessutom beskrivs de svårigheter som barn möter när en förälder blir fysiskt allvarligt sjuk.

Barn som är anhöriga till föräldrar med allvarlig fysisk sjukdom eller skada: En kunskapsöversikt om metoder för att ge stöd till barn

Järkestig Berggren Ulrika, Hanson Elizabeth (2013)

Denna kunskapsöversikt tar upp metoder för att ge information, råd och stöd till barn när deras förälder är fysiskt sjuk. Syftet är att den ska vara ett stöd för professionella i hälso- och sjukvård samt socialtjänst som möter barn och ungdomar i sin yrkesutövning. I kunskapsöversikten presenteras de metoder som kunskapsöversikten identifierat, deras vetenskapliga underlag och effekter. Dessutom beskrivs de svårigheter som barn möter när en blir förälder fysiskt allvarligt sjuk

Barns och ungas hälsa, vård och omsorg 2013

Socialstyrelsen (2013)

Barns och ungas hälsa och sociala förhållanden i Sverige är goda, även jämfört med andra välfärdsländer. Detta gäller i synnerhet spädbarn och skolbarn. Exempelvis är barnadödligheten i dessa åldrar bland de absolut lägsta i världen. Barns och ungas fysiska miljö är god ur ett internationellt perspektiv, med låg förekomst av miljörelaterad sjuklighet, till exempel orsakad av luftföroreningar. Sverige ligger dock inte lika mycket i framkant när det gäller de lite äldre barnen. Symtom på ett nedsatt psykiskt välbefinnande (ledsenhet, sömnsvårigheter, huvudvärk med mera) är vanligare bland svenska 15-åringar än i andra länder. Narkotikabruk är mindre vanligt bland svenska unga medan alkoholkonsumtionen är på en genomsnittlig europeisk nivå.

I vårt land har hälsoutvecklingen bland unga inte sett likadan ut som för andra åldersgrupper. Exempelvis har risken att avlida i åldersspannet 15–29 år varit oförändrad de sista 15 åren, när dödligheten har minskat i alla andra åldrar. Självmorden minskar inte bland ungdomar, vilket de gör för andra åldersgrupper. Dödligheten i olycksfall har också varit oförändrad, men minskat de allra senaste åren. Trots det är dödligheten hos unga bland de lägsta i Europa, men för ungdomsgruppen ligger flera länder bättre till.

Sverige – tillsammans med andra skandinaviska länder och Nederländerna – tillhör de länder där ekonomisk utsatthet bland barnfamiljer är minst omfattande. Det är också mycket ovanligt att svenska barn saknar grundläggande nödvändigheter som nya kläder, passande skor, tre mål mat om dagen, böcker eller leksaker med mera. Några förklaringar till detta är att svenska barnfamiljer ofta har två familjeförsörjare, att ensamstående föräldrar arbetar i högre grad och på transfereringar till stöd för barnfamiljer. Av betydelse är också att många välfärdstjänster är avgiftsfria för barn, som exempelvis sjukvård, tandvård, skola och skollunch.

Between 'Choice' and 'Active Citizenship': Competing Agendas for Home Care in the Netherlands

Grootegoed, E. (2013)

Choice over home care has become an important pillar in the provision of publicly financed long-term care for people of all ages. In many European welfare states, cash-for-care schemes give care recipients greater choice over home care arrangements by allowing them to pay for care provided by acquaintances, friends and even family members. Paying for such informal care, however, is increasingly contested due to growing care needs, rising costs and the perceived need to tighten access to publicly funded care. Citizens in paid care-giving roles are thus pressured to continue their care unpaid or re-divide their care-giving responsibilities with lay 'citizen-carers'. On the basis of a Dutch case study, this article examines how paid family care-givers experience this call for greater self-sufficiency in providing care. An analysis of 25 interviews and 21 letters of complaint revealed that care-givers felt trapped between their desire to derive social status from paid work and their inability to reject or re-divide previously paid care responsibilities. In a society where all citizens are expected to work, care-givers feel that their previously paid care-giving is devalued from a public to a private matter, despite the government's attempts to reframe care as an act of good citizenship.

Burden of informal care giving to patients with psychoses: a descriptive and methodological study

Flyckt L, Löthman A, Jörgensen L, Rylander A, Koernig T. (2013)

Background:

There is a lack of studies of the size of burden associated with informal care giving in psychosis.

Aims:

To evaluate the objective and subjective burden of informal care giving to patients with psychoses, and to compare a diary and recall method for assessments of objective burden.

Method:

Patients and their informal caregivers were recruited from nine Swedish psychiatric outpatient centres. Subjective burden was assessed at inclusion using the CarerQoL and COPE index scales. The objective burden (time and money spent) was assessed by the caregivers daily using diaries over four weeks and by recall at the end of weeks 1 and 2.

Results:

One-hundred and seven patients (53% females; mean age 43 ± 11) and 118 informal caregivers (67%; 58 ± 15 years) were recruited. Informal caregivers spent 22.5 hours/week and about 14% of their gross income on care-related activities. The time spent was underestimated by two to 20 hours when assessed by recall than by daily diary records. The most prominent aspects of the subjective burden were mental problems.

Conclusion:

Despite a substantial amount of time and money spent on care giving, the informal caregivers perceived the mental aspects of burden as the most troublesome. The informal caregiver burden is considerable and should be taken into account when evaluating effects of health care provided to patients with psychoses.

Keywords: Informal care giving, schizophrenia, subjective burden, objective burden, diary method, recall method

Caregiver responsiveness to the Family Bereavement Program: what predicts responsiveness? What does responsiveness predict?

Schoenfelder, E.N., Sandler, I.N., Millsap, R.E., Wolchik, C.B., Berkel, C., & Ayers, T.S. (2013)

Abstract
The study developed a multidimensional measure to assess participant responsiveness to a preventive intervention and applied this measure to study how participant baseline characteristics predict responsiveness and how responsiveness predicts program outcomes. The study was conducted with caregivers who participated in the parenting-focused component of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP), a prevention program for families that have experienced parental death. The sample consisted of 89 caregivers assigned to the intervention condition in the efficacy trial of the FBP. Positive parenting, caregiver depression, and child externalizing problems at baseline were found to predict caregivers' use of program skills outside the group, and more child internalizing problems predicted more positive perceptions of the group environment. Higher levels of skill use during the program predicted increased positive parenting at the 11-month follow-up, whereas positive perceptions of the group environment predicted decreased caregiver depressive symptoms at follow-up. Caregiver skill use mediated the relation between baseline positive parenting and improvements in positive parenting at 11-month follow-up, and skill use and perceived group environment mediated changes in caregiver depression from baseline to 11-month follow-up.

Caregivers´ experiences of caring for an elderly next of kin in Sweden

Wester, A., Larsson, L., & Pennbrant, S. (2013)

Background: Care of elderly changed in the 1990s in Sweden; treatment sessions were shortened in particular. Consequently, patients have a greater need for care when returning home from hospital. This task may seem overwhelming and caregivers can feel lonely, worn out and resigned in their situation.
Aim: Explore how caregivers experience caring for an elderly next of kin in ordinary living.
Method: Qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews with eleven Swedish caregivers.
Findings: Caregivers experienced their situation as something to be endured. In particular, they felt a need for belonging, a need for controlling everyday life, and a need for support.
Conclusion: Home care nurses, health centres and home support workers should be aware of and respect caregivers' needs in terms of support.

Carers in Sweden: The public support they receive, and the support they desire

Jegermalm, M. and G. Sundström (2013)

•This article describes and analyses public support received by unpaid carers in Sweden

•Three types of carers were identified

•Very few carers helping someone living in a different household – the large majority of carers – received or desired support aimed directly at them

•Carers mostly wanted public services for the cared-for person

•Despite legislation in 2009 mandating municipalities to offer support to carers, very few of them know about this law

•There is a wide gap between policies and their implementation, but also some reluctance among carers to use public support services for themselves

•Social policy needs to clarify the aims of the support provided and to take the needs of both carers and cared-for persons into account.

This article describes and analyses public support for Swedish unpaid carers, now mandated by law, and also the support that they desire, using surveys conducted in 2008, 2009, and later. Few carers helping someone in a different household – the large majority of the carers – received any support aimed directly at them, such as access to support groups, training, relief service, or financial support. Yet, most carers did not desire any support for themselves. They mostly wanted public services for the cared-for person, all of which may also indirectly support carers. Intra-household carers – about a tenth of all carers – have vastly larger care commitments than other carers. Some of them desire support for themselves, usually relief services of financial support. Three out of 10 of these carers used any public support, despite the new (2009) legislation that only a minority of carers know about. There is a wide gap between policies and their implementation, but also some reluctance among carers to use public support for themselves. The relationship between carers and the state is unclear in Sweden and this reflects on the aims and the forms of support. Stereotypes about 'typical' carers may have impeded adequate forms of support.

Caring for Elder Parents: A Comparative Evaluation of Family Leave Laws

Yang, Y. T. and G. Gimm (2013)

As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for laws to enhance quality of life for the elderly and meet the increasing demand for family caregivers will continue to grow. This paper reviews the national family leave laws of nine major OECD countries (Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and provides a state-by-state analysis within the U.S. We find that the U.S. has the least generous family leave laws among the nine OECD countries. With the exception of two states (California and New Jersey), the U.S. federal Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 provides no right to paid family leave for eldercare. We survey the current evidence from the literature on how paid leave can impact family caregivers' employment and health outcomes, gender equality, and economic arguments for and against such laws. We argue that a generous and flexible family leave law, financed through social insurance, would not only be equitable, but also financially sustainable.

Caring situation and provision of Web based support for young persons who support family members or close friends with mental illness

Ali, L. (2013)

Changes in psychiatric health care and increased reliance on outpatient care have resulted in the transfer of responsibility for care from psychiatric services to social networks. Young person's therefore often take responsibility during their own sensitive phase of emerging adulthood for the care of a loved one who suffers from mental illness. The overall aim of this study was to learn how young persons who provide care and support to a person with mental illness handle their everyday lives. This study also aimed to evaluate web-based versus folder support for these young informal carers. The papers in this thesis use qualitative descriptive (I), comparative (II), mixed methods (III), and experimental (IV) design approaches. Participants were recruited twice: first, 12 participants were recruited for the qualitative papers and interviewed; then 241 participants were included in the interventions and sent self-administered questionnaires by email or the regular postal service at the start of the intervention (T1), after 4 months (T2), and after 8 months (T3) during 2010 and 2011. Young informal carers (YIC) managed their everyday lives and unexpected stressors from their perceived responsibility for the supported person by relying on their own abilities and their social networks and by maintaining a constant state of readiness in case something should happen to the supported person. Supporting a person in the family can have higher positive subjective value than supporting a friend. Although friends perceived that they received more support. They often did not share their situation with others and felt that others did not understand what they were going through; even when YIC did share their burden with their social networks, they felt either that they were ignored or that others did not know how to act or what to say. YIC often experienced a lack of appropriate, available, and serious professional support. They thought that support from professionals might improve their caring situation and that it might ease their burden if the person with mental illness had more professional care and support. Baseline stress levels were high in both intervention groups (web-based support versus informational folder), but decreased in the folder group. The folder group showed more improvement in their caring situation than the web group, and improvements in general selfefficacy, well-being, and quality of life. The web group also showed improved well-being. Non-significant differences between the groups indicate that each intervention could be useful depending upon the individual's preference. This highlights the importance of adopting a person-centred approach to offer young persons the appropriate support.

Caring situation and provision of web-based support for young persons who support family members or close friends with mental illness

Ali, L. (2013)

Changes in psychiatric health care and increased reliance on outpatient care have resulted in the transfer of responsibility for care from psychiatric services to social networks. Young person's therefore often take responsibility during their own sensitive phase of emerging adulthood for the care of a loved one who suffers from mental illness. The overall aim of this study was to learn how young persons who provide care and support to a person with mental illness handle their everyday lives. This study also aimed to evaluate web-based versus folder support for these young informal carers. The papers in this thesis use qualitative descriptive (I), comparative (II), mixed methods (III), and experimental (IV) design approaches. Participants were recruited twice: first, 12 participants were recruited for the qualitative papers and interviewed; then 241 participants were included in the interventions and sent self-administered questionnaires by email or the regular postal service at the start of the intervention (T1), after 4 months (T2), and after 8 months (T3) during 2010 and 2011. Young informal carers (YIC) managed their everyday lives and unexpected stressors from their perceived responsibility for the supported person by relying on their own abilities and their social networks and by maintaining a constant state of readiness in case something should happen to the supported person. Supporting a person in the family can have higher positive subjective value than supporting a friend. Although friends perceived that they received more support. They often did not share their situation with others and felt that others did not understand what they were going through; even when YIC did share their burden with their social networks, they felt either that they were ignored or that others did not know how to act or what to say. YIC often experienced a lack of appropriate, available, and serious professional support. They thought that support from professionals might improve their caring situation and that it might ease their burden if the person with mental illness had more professional care and support. Baseline stress levels were high in both intervention groups (web-based support versus informational folder), but decreased in the folder group. The folder group showed more improvement in their caring situation than the web group, and improvements in general selfefficacy, well-being, and quality of life. The web group also showed improved well-being. Non-significant differences between the groups indicate that each intervention could be useful depending upon the individual's preference. This highlights the importance of adopting a person-centred approach to offer young persons the appropriate support

Akad. avh.

Childhood exposure to violence and lifelong health: Clinical intervention science and stress-biology research join forces

Moffitt, T. E., & Klaus-Grawe Think, Tank. (2013)

Many young people who are mistreated by an adult, victimized by bullies, criminally assaulted, or who witness domestic violence react to this violence exposure by developing behavioral, emotional, or learning problems. What is less well known is that adverse experiences like violence exposure can lead to hidden physical alterations inside a child's body, alterations that may have adverse effects on life-long health. We discuss why this is important for the field of developmental psychopathology and for society, and we recommend that stress-biology research and intervention science join forces to tackle the problem. We examine the evidence base in relation to stress-sensitive measures for the body (inflammatory reactions, telomere erosion, epigenetic methylation, and gene expression) and brain (mental disorders, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological testing). We also review promising interventions for families, couples, and children that have been designed to reduce the effects of childhood violence exposure. We invite intervention scientists and stress-biology researchers to collaborate in adding stress-biology measures to randomized clinical trials of interventions intended to reduce effects of violence exposure and other traumas on young people.

Childhood socio-economic status, school failure and drug abuse: a Swedish national cohort study

Gauffin K, Vinnerljung B, Fridell M, Hesse M, Hjern A. (2013)

AIM: To investigate whether socio-economic status (SES) in childhood and school failure at 15 years of age predict illicit drug abuse in youth and young adulthood. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Register study in a Swedish national cohort born 1973-88 (n = 1,405,763), followed from age 16 to 20-35 years. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for any indication of drug abuse. MEASUREMENTS: Our outcomes were hospital admissions, death and criminality associated with illicit drug abuse. Data on socio-demographics, school grades and parental psychosocial problems were collected from censuses (1985 and 1990) and national registers. School failure was defined as having mean school grades from the final year in primary school lower than -1 standard deviation and/or no grades in core subjects. FINDINGS: School failure was a strong predictor of illicit drug abuse with an HR of 5.87 (95% CI: 5.76-5.99) after adjustment for age and sex. Childhood SES was associated with illicit drug abuse later in life in a stepwise manner. The lowest stratum had a HR of 2.28 (95% CI: 2.20-2.37) compared with the highest stratum as the reference, when adjusted for other socio-demographic variables. In the fully adjusted model, the effect of SES was greatly attenuated to an HR of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.19-1.28) in the lowest SES category, while the effect of school failure remained high with an HR of 4.22 (95% CI: 4.13-4.31). CONCLUSIONS: School failure and childhood socio-economic status predict illicit drug abuse independently in youth and young adults in Sweden.

Childhood socioeconomic status, school failure, and drug abuse - a Swedish national cohort study

Gauffin, K., Vinnerljung, B., Fridell, M., Hesse, M., Hjern, A. (2013)

We examined prevalence of parental deaths among former out-of-home care youths at age 18 and 25, and odds of parental loss compared with peers from similar socio-economic childhood backgrounds. The study utilized Swedish national register data for 12 entire birth cohorts (1972–1983), 35 550 former out-of-home care youths and 1 138 726 cohort peers without out-of-home care experiences. Logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios for parental loss through death.

It was especially common among former residents of long-term out-of-home care to be motherless (11%), fatherless (11–13%) or orphaned (3–4%) at age 18, compared with non-foster care peers (1%, 3% and 0.03%). Twenty-six per cent had lost at least one parent (4% among non-foster care peers). At age 25, the figures had increased considerably; 36% had lost at least one parent, compared with 7% in the majority population. Adjusted odds ratios for parental loss among long-term care youth were strikingly high, particularly for having a deceased mother. In short-term and intermediate care, most youths with deceased parents had suffered parental loss before entering foster care. For youth from long-term care, parental death after start of placement was most common.

Children’s voices – Differentiating a child perspective from a child’s perspective. Developmental Neurorehabilitation

Nilsson S, Björkman B, Almqvist A-L, Almqvist L, Björk-Willén P, Donohue D, et al. (2013)

Objective: The aim of this paper was to discuss differences between having a child perspective and taking the child's perspective based on the problem being investigated.
Methods: Conceptual paper based on narrative review.
Results: The child's perspective in research concerning children that need additional support are important. The difference between having a child perspective and taking the child's perspective in conjunction with the need to know children's opinions has been discussed in the literature. From an ideological perspective the difference between the two perspectives seems self-evident, but the perspectives might be better seen as different ends on a continuum solely from an adult's view of children to solely the perspective of children themselves. Depending on the research question, the design of the study may benefit from taking either perspective. In this article, we discuss the difference between the perspectives based on the problem being investigated, children's capacity to express opinions, environmental adaptations and the degree of interpretation needed to understand children's opinions.
Conclusion: The examples provided indicate that children's opinions can be regarded in most research, although to different degrees.

Code sets for everyday life situations of children aged 0-6: Sleeping, mealtimes, and play.A study based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth

Adolfsson M, Björck-Åkesson E, Lim C-I. (2013)

Introduction: The complexity of the Child and Youth version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the ICF-CY, is a challenge for occupational therapists and other professionals in clinical work. Code sets including only essential categories help to make it more user-friendly. Thus far, code sets have been developed to reflect functioning for children in different developmental periods. However, there are no code sets that support screening of participation in everyday life situations and can be used across diagnoses. This exploratory study is the first attempt to develop code sets for preschoolers' (age 0–6 years) everyday life situations.
Method: Using sequential Delphi processes with expert panels consisting of 35 professionals in five interdisciplinary early intervention teams and six parents of children, the study identified content in three code sets: Sleeping, Mealtimes and Play.
Results: A limited number of relevant categories were identified for three code sets: Sleeping (12), Mealtimes (21) and Play (30). Findings suggested a professional focus on Environmental factors compared with a parental focus on Body functions.
Conclusion: It is important to consider the opinions of all involved when developing code sets to provide a common framework for screening of children's everyday functioning.

Combined individual cognitive behavior therapy and parent training for childhood depression: 2- to 3-year follow-up

Eckshtain, D. and S. T. Gaynor (2013)

Fourteen children with significant depressive symptoms from an open clinical trial of Primary and Secondary Control Enhancement Training augmented with Caregiver–Child Relationship Enhancement Training, participated in a 2- to 3-year follow-up assessment. The results suggested that the significant decreases in depressive symptoms observed at posttreatment were maintained at 2- to 3-year follow-up. Mothers' reports of significant improvement of child psychosocial functioning were also maintained, providing social validation of the effects. Pretreatment child-rated mother-child relations predicted depressive symptoms at 2- to 3-year follow-up. These long-term data support the use of the combined intervention and suggest the need for further research on caregiver involvement in treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

Combining paid work and family care

Kroger T., Yeandle, S. (Eds) (2013)

As populations around the world age, increasing efforts are required from families and governments to secure care and support for older and disabled people. Furthermore, both women and men are expected to work later into life. Taken together, these two facts have made the relationship between work and care a burning issue for social and employment policy as well as for those working toward economic sustainability. Emphasizing the lessons that can be learned from individual experiences, this book widens current debates on these topics, bringing the experiences of individuals who support older, disabled, or chronically ill partners, relatives, or children to the discussion table.

Commentary on in-home monitoring support for dementia caregivers: Feasibility study

Aud, M. A. (2013)

Comments on an article by Kristine Williams, Anne Arthur, Michelle Niedens, Lois Moushey, Lewis Hutfles (see record 2013-14270-001). Williams et al. assessed the feasibility of a telehealth intervention to support family caregivers of persons with dementia in home settings. The authors identify two major concerns of family caregivers: how to best communicate with the person with dementia and how to cope with disruptive behaviors. They list three types of disruptive behaviors: vocalizations, wandering, and physical aggression. Both communication problems and coping with disruptive behaviors are potential sources of increased caregiver stress and increased caregiver burden. William et al. describe an individualized approach using telehealth technologies to connect the family caregiver to an interdisciplinary team with expertise in dementia care. The use of technology as described by the authors facilitates provision of timely information to the family caregiver. The family caregiver does not have to wait until a visit to the healthcare provider to discuss issues with communication and behavior management; weekly feedback is provided.

Commentary on in-home monitoring support for dementia caregivers: Feasibility study

Aud, M. A. (2013)

Comments on an article by Kristine Williams, Anne Arthur, Michelle Niedens, Lois Moushey, Lewis Hutfles (see record 2013-14270-001). Williams et al. assessed the feasibility of a telehealth intervention to support family caregivers of persons with dementia in home settings. The authors identify two major concerns of family caregivers: how to best communicate with the person with dementia and how to cope with disruptive behaviors. They list three types of disruptive behaviors: vocalizations, wandering, and physical aggression. Both communication problems and coping with disruptive behaviors are potential sources of increased caregiver stress and increased caregiver burden. William et al. describe an individualized approach using telehealth technologies to connect the family caregiver to an interdisciplinary team with expertise in dementia care. The use of technology as described by the authors facilitates provision of timely information to the family caregiver. The family caregiver does not have to wait until a visit to the healthcare provider to discuss issues with communication and behavior management; weekly feedback is provided.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition

American Psychiatric Association (2013)

This new edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5®), used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders, is the product of more than 10 years of effort by hundreds of international experts in all aspects of mental health. Their dedication and hard work have yielded an authoritative volume that defines and classifies mental disorders in order to improve diagnoses, treatment, and research.

The criteria are concise and explicit, intended to facilitate an objective assessment of symptom presentations in a variety of clinical settings—inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, consultation-liaison, clinical, private practice, and primary care. New features and enhancements make DSM-5® easier to use across all settings:

The chapter organization reflects a lifespan approach, with disorders typically diagnosed in childhood (such as neurodevelopmental disorders) at the beginning of the manual, and those more typical of older adults (such as neurocognitive disorders) placed at the end. Also included are age-related factors specific to diagnosis.
The latest findings in neuroimaging and genetics have been integrated into each disorder along with gender and cultural considerations.
The revised organizational structure recognizes symptoms that span multiple diagnostic categories, providing new clinical insight in diagnosis.
Specific criteria have been streamlined, consolidated, or clarified to be consistent with clinical practice (including the consolidation of autism disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder into autism spectrum disorder, the streamlined classification of bipolar and depressive disorders, the restructuring of substance use disorders for consistency and clarity, and the enhanced specificity for major and mild neurocognitive disorders).
Dimensional assessments for research and validation of clinical results have been provided.
Both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes are included for each disorder, and the organizational structure is consistent with the new ICD-11 in development.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is the most comprehensive, current, and critical resource for clinical practice available to today's mental health clinicians and researchers of all orientations. The information contained in the manual is also valuable to other physicians and health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, nurses, and occupational and rehabilitation therapists, as well as social workers and forensic and legal specialists.

Differences in social support of caregivers living with partners suffering from COPD or dementia

Nordtug B, Krokstad S, Sletvold O, Holen A. (2013)

BACKGROUND: Future patients with chronic diseases will probably remain longer in their homes. To enable family caregivers to meet these challenges, public services and informal support are essential. OBJECTIVES: This study compared social support between home-dwelling caregivers of partners with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or dementia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 206 caregivers. Professional aid was quantified by the services utilised. Informal support from family and friends was rated by the number of helping persons and the degree of social withdrawal. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey Form captured perceived social support. RESULTS: For both diseases, increased severity correlated with more utilisation of professional aid. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group perceived more social support, reported less social withdrawal and higher numbers of helping persons. Ill partners' aggressive behaviour reduced perceived support. The use of professional aid was negatively associated with the ill partner's level of self-care, and positively correlated with social withdrawal. Professional aid was more utilised by the dementia group and by men. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in caregivers' needs for social support were related to their partner's disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Counteracting social withdrawal, considering type of illness and gender differences may increase the quality of informal care.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an internet intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia: Design of a randomized controlled trial

Blom MM, Bosmans JE, Cuijpers P, Zarit SH, Pot AM. (2013)

Background: The number of people with dementia is rising rapidly as a consequence of the greying of the world population. There is an urgent need to develop cost effective approaches that meet the needs of people with dementia and their family caregivers. Depression, feelings of burden and caregiver stress are common and serious health problems in these family caregivers. Different kinds of interventions are developed to prevent or reduce the negative psychological consequences of caregiving. The use of internet interventions is still very limited, although they may be a cost effective way to support family caregivers in an earlier stage and diminish their psychological distress in the short and longer run. Methods/design: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 'Mastery over Dementia', an internet intervention for caregivers of people with dementia. The intervention aims at prevention and decrease of psychological distress, in particular depressive symptoms. The experimental condition consists of an internet course with 8 sessions and a booster session over a maximum period of 6 months guided by a psychologist. Caregivers in the comparison condition receive a minimal intervention. In addition to a pre and post measurement, an intermediate measurement will be conducted. In addition, there will be two follow-up measurements 3 and 6 months after post-treatment in the experimental group only. To study the effectiveness of the intervention, depressive symptoms are used as the primary outcome, whereas symptoms of anxiety, role overload and caregiver perceived stress are used as secondary outcomes. To study which caregivers profit most of the internet intervention, several variables that may modify the impact of the intervention are taken into account. Regarding the cost-effectiveness, an economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal perspective. Discussion: This study will provide evidence about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an internet intervention for caregivers. If both can be shown, this might set the stage for the development of a range of internet interventions in the field of caregiving for people with dementia. This is even more important because future generations of caregivers will be more familiar with the use of internet.

Effectiveness of the Incredible Years parent training to modify disruptive and prosocial child behavior: A meta-analytic review

Menting, A. T. A., de Castro, B. O., & Matthys, W. (2013)

The present meta-analytic review examined effectiveness of the Incredible Years parent training (IYPT) regarding disruptive and prosocial child behavior, and aimed to explain variability in intervention outcomes. Fifty studies, in which an intervention group receiving the IYPT was compared to a comparison group immediately after intervention, were included in the analyses. Results showed that the IYPT is an effective intervention. Positive effects for distinct outcomes and distinct informants were found, including a mean effect size of d=.27 concerning disruptive child behavior across informants. For parental report, treatment studies were associated with larger effects (d=.50) than indicated (d=.20) and selective (d=.13) prevention studies. Furthermore, initial severity of child behavior revealed to be the strongest predictor of intervention effects, with larger effects for studies including more severe cases. Findings indicate that the IYPT is successful in improving child behavior in a diverse range of families, and that the parent program may be considered well-established.

Effects of a Naturalistic Sign Intervention on Expressive Language of Toddlers With Down Syndrome

Wright, C. A., Kaiser, A. P., Reikowsky, & D. I., Roberts, M. Y. (2013)

PurposeIn this study, the authors evaluated the effects of Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT; Hancock & Kaiser, 2006) blended with Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, and Emotional Regulation (JASPER; Kasari, Freeman, & Paparella, 2006) to teach spoken words and manual signs (Words + Signs) to young children with Down syndrome (DS).

MethodFour toddlers (ages 23–29 months) with DS were enrolled in a study with a multiple-baseline, across-participants design. Following baseline, 20 play-based treatment sessions (20–30 min each) occurred twice weekly. Spoken words and manual signs were modeled and prompted by a therapist who used EMT/JASPER teaching strategies. The authors assessed generalization to interactions with parents at home.

ResultsThere was a functional relation between the therapist's implementation of EMT/JASPER Words + Signs and all 4 children's use of signs during the intervention. Gradual increases in children's use of spoken words occurred, but there was not a clear functional relation. All children generalized their use of signs to their parents at home.

ConclusionsThe infusion of manual signs with verbal models within a framework of play, joint attention, and naturalistic language teaching appears to facilitate development of expressive sign and word communication in young children with DS.

Vara anhörig: bok för anhöriga till psykiskt sjuka

Moberg, Åsa (2005)

Hur är det att vara anhörig till en psykiskt sjuk människa? Var finner jag hjälp och stöd?

Det finns oändliga mängder kunskap, också hos behandlare och ansvariga myndigheter, om hur viktigt det är att lyssna till de anhöriga. Gång på gång betonas vikten av ett gott samarbete mellan psykiatrin och de sjukas sociala nätverk. Ändå fungerar detta samarbete sällan bra i praktiken.

I Vara anhörig beskriver Åsa Moberg, författare till den mycket uppmärksammade Adams bok, med utgångspunkt i enskilda fallbeskrivningar och lokala vårdformer, olika förhållningssätt för patienter, anhöriga och närstående. Här finns också berättelser om nytänkande och fungerande vårdformer.

Depression är den vanligaste psykiska sjukdomen i Sverige.Det är en sjukdom som i hög grad påverkar alla närstående. Förändringar i vården är nödvändiga och för det behövs gemensamma mål. Ändå glöms de anhöriga ofta bort.

Idag tycks de psykiatriska diagnosernas antal tillväxa i ungefär samma takt som mängden människor med psykiska lidanden. Sker allt detta diagnosticerande på bekostnad av det stöd, som behövs för att människor med psykiska funktionshinder och deras anhöriga ska klara vardagen? Det tror Åsa Moberg.

1900-talet var det århundrade när de sjukas, "brukarnas", röster började höras. 2000-talet måste bli den tid när de anhöriga äntligen tas på allvar.

Varför söker inte anhörigvårdare stöd? Rapport från FoU-Jämt, 2005:1.

Göransson, S. (2005)

Trots att anhörigvården synliggjorts under senare år är det fortfarande många anhörigvårdare som inte är kända av kommunen och många som inte söker stöd. För att ta reda på orsaken till ovanstående förhållande har jag djupintervjuat sexton anhörigvårdare. Informationsbrist är en orsak, många vet inte att det finns hjälp att få, vadsom finns eller hurman ansöker. Att det är omständligt, att man inte orkar eller att den som vårdas inte vill ha hjälp från någon utomstående är annat som framkommit. Främst handlar det dock om att man vill klara sig själv. Anhörigvård handlar om två parter, den vårdbehövande och den friske parten – anhörigvårdaren – båda parter måste vara beredda att "öppna upp" hemmet för vårdpersonal för att hjälp i hemmet ska kunna påbörjas. Den personliga integriteten påverkas. Stöd utanför hemmet eller från den egna familjen är följaktligen det som anhörigvårdare främst önskar. Lojalitet mot den närstående gör många gånger att anhörigvårdaren utstår mer än vad som verkar vara rimligt att klara men... " – hur långt sträcker sig egentligen det äktenskapliga löftet? "Anhörigvårdare behöver sökas upp och motiveras till att söka avlösning. Givetvis bör också utbudet anpassas efter vad anhörigvårdarna verkligen efterfrågar." – Vad är då ett bra anhörigstöd? "Kanske inte bara det som erbjuds av det offentliga. När en make/maka drabbas av sjukdom kan den friske parten bli väldigt ensam om alltansvar i hemmet. Att då få hjälp med diverse praktiska vardagsgöromål kan vara ett stöd så gott som något annat. För att tillgodose detta är en utveckling av frivilligarbete liknande "Väntjänst" önskvärd.

When more is not better: the role of cumulative risk in child behavior outcomes

Appleyard, K., Egeland, B., van Dulmen, M. H. M., & Sroufe, L. A. (2005)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Cumulative risk research has established the deleterious effects of co-occurring risk factors on child behavior outcomes. However, extant literature has not addressed potential differential effects of cumulative risk at different points in development and has left open questions about whether a threshold model or a linear risk model better describes the impact of cumulative risk on behavior outcomes. The current study examined the impact of cumulative risk factors (i.e., child maltreatment, inter-parental violence, family disruption, low socioeconomic status, and high parental stress) in early and middle childhood on child behavior outcomes in adolescence.
METHODS:
Using data from an ongoing longitudinal study of at-risk urban children (N=171), the cumulative effects of these five risk factors across early and middle childhood were investigated.
RESULTS:
The findings support the cumulative risk hypothesis that the number of risks in early childhood predicts behavior problems in adolescence. Evidence for a linear but not a threshold model of cumulative risk was found; the more risks present, the worse the child outcome. Moreover, the presence of multiple risks in early childhood continues to explain variations in predicting adolescent behavior outcomes even after including the effects of risk in middle childhood.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results support the need for comprehensive prevention and early intervention efforts with high-risk children, such that there does not appear to be a point beyond which services for children are hopeless, and that every risk factor we can reduce matters.

Vingklippt ängel

Berny Pålsson (2005)

I denna sjävbiografiska boken berättar Berny om sin uppväxt med en alkoholiserad pappa och de psykiska problem hon själv drabbades av. Man får följa hennes liv på olika behandlingshem och sjukhus och hennes kamp för att bli frisk.

Writing for recovery: A manual for structured writing after disaster and war

Yule, W., Dyregrov, A., Neuner, F., Pennebaker, J., Raundalen, M. & Van Emmerik, A. (2005)

This manual is easy to administer and group instructors with some basic knowledge of human responses to trauma and disaster can be selected and trained to instruct the adolescents on their writing. Together with UN organizations such as UNICEF or UNHCR, and/or with NGOs, local personnel can reach out to many adolescents by using this manual.

A meta-analysis of parent training: Moderators and follow-up effects

Lundahl, B., Risser, H. J., & Lovejoy, C. M. (2006)

A meta-analysis of 63 peer-reviewed studies evaluated the ability of parent training programs to modify disruptive child behaviors and parental behavior and perceptions. This analysis extends previous work by directly comparing behavioral and nonbehavioral programs, evaluating follow-up effects, isolating dependent variables expressly targeted by parent training, and examining moderators. Effects immediately following treatment for behavioral and nonbehavioral programs were small to moderate. For nonbehavioral programs, insufficient studies precluded examining follow-up effects. For behavioral programs, follow-up effects were small in magnitude. Parent training was least effective for economically disadvantaged families; importantly, such families benefited significantly more from individually delivered parent training compared to group delivery. Including children in their own therapy, separate from parent training, did not enhance outcomes.

Att ge syskon utrymme

Granat, Tina, Nordgren, Ingrid & Rein, George (2006)

Rapport från barn och ungdomshabiliteringen

Being the next of kin of an adult person with muscular dystrophy

Boström, K., Ahlström, G., & Sunvisson, H. (2006)

A chronic disorder affects all members of the family in various ways. The aim of this study is to elucidate the next of kin's (N= 36) experiences when an adult family member has muscular dystrophy. The relationships were partner (36%, n= 14), parent (18%, n= 7), child (21%, n= 8), sibling (15%, n= 6), and other relative (3%, n= 1). Latent content analysis is employed and involves an interpretation of the interviewtext. The results showthe meaning of being close to a person with muscular dystrophy through the themes that emerged: exposure of the family; the span between obligation and love; being vigilant, protective, and supportive; and striving for an ordinary life. This study reveals a need for healthcare staff to understand the next of kin's narrated meaning of changes when a family member has a progressive disease.

Childhood bereavement: psychopathology in the 2 years postparental death

Cerel, J., Fristad, M.A., Verducci, J., Weller, R.A., & Weller, E.B. (2006)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Although the death of a parent is one of the most significant stressors a child can experience, the psychiatric sequelae of parental death are not fully understood.
METHOD:
A total of 360 parent-bereaved children (ages 6-17) and their surviving parents were directly interviewed four times during the first 2 years following the death (at 2, 6, 13, and 25 months). Data collection occurred from 1989 to 1996. Psychiatric symptomatology was compared among the bereaved children, 110 depressed children, and 128 community control children and their informant parents. Additional analyses examined simple bereavement without other stressors versus complex bereavement with other stressors and anticipated versus unanticipated death.
RESULTS:
Bereavement following parental death is associated with increased psychiatric problems in the first 2 years after death. Bereaved children are, however, less impaired than children diagnosed with clinical depression. Higher family socioeconomic status and lower surviving parents' level of depressive symptoms are associated with better outcomes. Complex bereavement was associated with a worse course, but anticipation of the death was not.
CONCLUSIONS:
Childhood bereavement from parental death is a significant stressor. Children who experience depression in combination with parental depression or in the context of other family stressors are at the most risk of depression and overall psychopathology.

Children´s experiences of Hospitalization

Coyne, I. (2006)

Abstract
This article reports on children's experiences of hospitalization. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 11 children aged between seven and 14 years from four paediatric units in England. The children identified a range of fears and concerns, which included: separation from parents and family; unfamiliar environment; investigations and treatments; and loss of self-determination. The children's loss of self-determination over personal needs exacerbated their fears and concerns. It needs to be recognized that compliance with hospital routines is a variable, which influences children's reaction to hospitalization. The findings clearly indicate that children need adequate information tailored to their needs, that their views are sought in the planning and delivery of their care and that hospital environments need to be made more child-centred. Interventions designed to reduce children's stress during hospitalization are not only likely to decrease their stress at the time, but also likely to influence how future experiences are appraised and managed.

Does individual treatment for alcoholic fathers benefit their children? A longitudinal assessment

Andreas JB, O'Farrell TJ, Fals-Stewart W. (2006)

Psychosocial adjustment in children of alcoholics (COAs; N = 125) was examined before and at 3 follow-ups in the 15 months after their fathers entered alcoholism treatment. Before their fathers' treatment, COAs exhibited greater overall and clinical-level symptomatology than children from the demographically matched comparison sample, but they improved significantly following their fathers' treatment. Children of stably remitted fathers were similar to their demographic counterparts from the comparison sample and had fewer adjustment problems than children of relapsed fathers, even after accounting for children's baseline adjustment. Thus, COAs' adjustment improved when their fathers received treatment for alcoholism, and fathers' recovery from alcoholism was associated with clinically significant reductions in child problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Everyday activity settings, natural learning environments, and early intervention practices

Dunst CJ, Bruder MB, Trivette CM, Hamby DW. (2006)

Findings from two studies examining the parent and child outcomes associated with different ways of conceptualizing natural learning environment early intervention practices are presented. One sample in each study was asked to indicate the extent to which early intervention practitioners implemented their interventions in everyday family or community activities, and one sample in each study was asked to indicate the extent to which everyday family or community activities were used as sources of child learning opportunities. Results from both studies showed that using everyday activities as sources of children's learning opportunities were associated with positive benefits, whereas practitioners' implementing their interventions in everyday activities showed little or no positive benefits, and in several cases, had negative consequences. Results are discussed in terms of the need to carefully consider how and in what manner natural learning environment practices are operationalized by early intervention practitioners.

Key worker services for disabled children: what characteristics of services lead to better outcomes for children and families?

Sloper, P., Greco, V., Beecham, J., & Webb, R. (2006)

Background  Research has shown that families of disabled children who have a key worker benefit from this service and recent policy initiatives emphasize the importance of such services. However, research is lacking on which characteristics of key worker schemes for disabled children are related to better outcomes for families.

Methods  A postal questionnaire was completed by 189 parents with disabled children who were receiving a service in seven key worker schemes in England and Wales. Path analysis was used to investigate associations between characteristics of the services and outcomes for families (satisfaction with the service, impact of key worker on quality of life, parent unmet need, child unmet need).

Results  The four path models showed that key workers carrying out more aspects of the key worker role, appropriate amounts of contact with key workers, regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers, and having a dedicated service manager and a clear job description for key workers were associated with better outcomes for families. Characteristics of services had only a small impact on child unmet need, suggesting that other aspects of services were affecting child unmet need.

Conclusions  Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers and negotiated time and resources for them to carry out the role. These influence the extent to which key workers carry out all aspects of the key worker's role and their amount of contact with families, which in turn impact on outcomes.

Mediation of the effects of the Family Bereavement Program on mental health problems of bereaved children and adolescents

Tein, J., Sandler, I.N., Ayers, T.S., & Wolchik, S.A. (2006)

This study presents an analysis of mediation of the effects of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) to improve mental health outcomes of girls at 11 months following program participation. The FBP was designed based on a theory that program-induced change in multiple child and family level mediators would lead to reductions in children's mental health problems. Mediational models were tested using a three wave and a two wave longitudinal design. Using a three wave longitudinal design, FBP effects on three variables at T2 (increased positive parenting, decreased negative events, and decreased inhibition of emotional expression) were found to mediate the effects of the FBP on mental health problems at 11-month follow-up. Using a two-wave longitudinal design, support was found for FBP effects on three additional variables at 11-month follow-up (increased positive coping, decreased negative thoughts about stressors, and decreased unknown control beliefs) to mediate program effects to reduce mental health problems at 11-month follow-up. The discussion focuses on theoretical explanations for the mediational effects and on implications for identifying "core components" of the FBP that are responsible for its effects to reduce mental health problems of girls.

Personlighetsstörningar. Kliniska riktlinjer för utredning och behandling. Svensk Psykiatri nr 9.

Svenska Psykiatriska Föreningen (2006)

Kliniska riktlinjer för personlighetsstörningar som nu presenteras är
nummer 9 i en serie av riktlinjer som framtagits i Svenska Psykiatriska
Föreningens regi sedan 1996. Tidigare har riktlinjer publicerats
med titlarna Schizofreni och schizofreniliknande tillstånd, Förstämningssjukdomar,
Ångestsyndrom, Alkoholproblem, Självmordsnära
patienter, Tvångsvård, Äldrepsykiatri och Ätstörningar. Dessa riktlinjer
kan beställas från Förlagshuset Gothia (www.gothia.verbum.se,
sök "psykiatri").
Människor med personlighetsstörningar har länge betraktats som
en svår patientgrupp då interaktionen med omgivningen ofta blir problematisk
och konfliktfylld. Personlighetsstörningar är vanligt förekommande
i den vuxna befolkningen. Prevalensen i vården är hög –
inte minst bland psykiatriska patienter – och samsjuklighet med andra
psykiatriska tillstånd är vanlig. Det finns ett stort behov av kunskap
om personlighetsstörningar, vilket gör att de kliniska riktlinjer
som nu presenteras är mycket angelägna och välkomna. Arbetsgruppen
med Lisa Ekselius i spetsen har på ett mycket förtjänstfullt sätt
åskådliggjort personlighetsstörningarnas kliniska uttryck, komplexitet
och drabbade personers subjektiva lidande. Ett av huvudsyftena
med de nu presenterade riktlinjerna är att göra personlighetsstörningarna
igenkännbara för oss alla som möter patienter med dessa tillstånd
i vår kliniska vardag. Genom att tidigt kunna identifiera personlighetsstörningar
hos patienter, kan man formulera realistiska behandlingsmål
och minska risken för att de hamnar i ofruktsamma
behandlingskontakter. Detta gäller inte minst många patienter som
behandlas för ett axel-I-syndrom. Idag finns en rad diagnostiska
5
hjälpmedel som kan underlätta identifiering av personlighetsstörningar.
Trots att det fortfarande råder brist på empirisk forskning inom
området finns det belägg för att dessa störningar går att behandla
framgångsrikt. Tydlig struktur samt värnande om den terapeutiska alliansen
mellan patient och behandlare är väsentliga för all form av behandling
av patienter med personlighetsstörningar.
Personlighetsstörningsproblematiken leder många gånger till funktionella
svårigheter i livet, känsla av utanförskap och subjektivt lidande.
Inte minst gäller det patienter med borderline personlighetsstörning,
där även risken för självskadebeteende och suicid är hög. Det är
hoppfullt att behandlingsmetoder som dialektisk beteendeterapi
(DBT) har visat sig vara effektiv för dessa patienter. Andra personlighetsstörningar,
främst antisocial personlighetsstörning, åsamkar
framför allt omgivningen lidande och problem. Ofta förvärras detta
av koppling till missbruk och leder inte sällan till våld och kriminalitet.
I dagens samhällsklimat är riskbedömning av upprepat våld en viktig
men grannlaga uppgift. Inom rättspsykiatrin, där många av dessa
patienter finns, används idag bedömningsinstrument som har visat sig
kunna bidra till säkrare bedömning av återfallsrisk. För patienter
utanför den rättspsykiatriska vården är riskbedömningsinstrumentet
osäkrare och det finns för närvarande inget som kan ersätta en samlad
klinisk bedömning. Det är dock viktigt att riskbedömningar görs
på ett så strukturerat sätt som möjligt av patienter med personlighetsstörning,
särskilt vid samtidig förekomst av missbruk.

Positive parenting as a protective resource for parentally bereaved children

Haine, R.A., Wolchik, S.A., Sandler, I.N., Millsap, R.E. & Ayers, T.S. (2006)

Positive parenting was examined as a protective resource against the adverse effects of negative life events on parentally bereaved children's mental health problems. The sample consisted of 313 recently bereaved children ages 8 to 16 and their current caregiver. Both the compensatory (direct effect independent of negative life events) and the stress-buffer (interactive effect with negative life events) protective resource models were examined and child gender was explored as a moderator of both models. Results revealed evidence for the compensatory protective resource model for both child and caregiver reports of mental health problems. No evidence of the stress-buffer model or child gender as a moderator was found. Implications for the understanding of children's responses to the death of a parent and the development and implementation of preventive interventions are discussed.

The definition of disability: what is in a name

Leonardi M, Bickenbach J, Ustun TB, Kostanjsek N, Chatterji S. (2006)

The definition of the word disability has been debated for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the final draft will soon be submitted to the UN General Assembly for approval.1 WHO has been mandated to produce a world report on disability and rehabilitation by 2009 to collate the best evidence about the prevalence, distribution, and trends of disability and recommend action.2

Use of safe-laser access technology to increase head movement in persons with severe motor impairment: a series of case reports

Fager, S., Beukelman, D., Karantounis, R., & Jakobs, T. (2006)

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of an intervention involving safe-laser pointing technology on six persons with locked-in syndrome. When these individuals were invited to participate in this project (4 weeks to 18 years post onset), none were able to speak and none were able to access an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. All communicated using eye movements (e.g., looking up or down), eye blinks, dependent scanning strategies with eye movement signals, or eye linking. Following intervention with the Safe-Laser Access System, three of the six participants developed head movement sufficient to control AAC technology. Two participants continue to develop head control; however, their progress has been slowed by repeated illnesses. One participant has discontinued his involvement with the project because of medical and psychological concerns. These six participants represent consecutive referrals to the project.

Use of safe-laser access technology to increase head movement in persons with severe motor impairment: a series of case reports

Fager, S., Beukelman, D., Karantounis, R., & Jakobs, T. (2006)

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of an intervention involving safe-laser pointing technology on six persons with locked-in syndrome. When these individuals were invited to participate in this project (4 weeks to 18 years post onset), none were able to speak and none were able to access an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. All communicated using eye movements (e.g., looking up or down), eye blinks, dependent scanning strategies with eye movement signals, or eye linking. Following intervention with the Safe-Laser Access System, three of the six participants developed head movement sufficient to control AAC technology. Two participants continue to develop head control; however, their progress has been slowed by repeated illnesses. One participant has discontinued his involvement with the project because of medical and psychological concerns. These six participants represent consecutive referrals to the project.

Workforce capacity to respond to children whose parents have a mental illness

Maybery, D., & Reupert , A. (2006)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The first of the three objectives of this study was to identify the core barriers that impede adult mental health and other clinicians from working with patients about parenting and child-related issues. The second and third objectives were to rate the importance of these barriers and to compare barriers for adult mental health workers with other workers.
METHOD:
There were two data collection phases; the first, qualitative phase involved collecting verbatim responses from 60 mental health and welfare workers, regarding barriers about working with mentally ill patients about their parenting role as well as with their children. The second involved 32 participants, including 20 adult mental health workers and 12 other workers, responding to the scaled questionnaire items based on the qualitative barriers identified at phase one.
RESULTS:
The most important barriers highlighted by workers were patients not identifying their illness as a problem for their children and patients denying that they had a mental health problem. All workers reported that it was part of their role to get involved with issues regarding their patient's children. In comparison to other workers, adult mental health workers reported time and resource limitations, as well as skill and knowledge deficits regarding parenting and working with children.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings are discussed in relation to adult mental health policy and ongoing professional development, particularly for adult mental health workers.

A family perspective for substance abuse: implications from the literature

Gruber KJ, Taylor MF (2006)

This paper calls for researchers and treatment providers to increase their recognition of the role
that family and family functioning has for understanding the incidence and impact of substance
abuse. Substance abuse is identified as a family problem by exploring its occurrence within
families as well as its impact on marital relationship, family violence, and child abuse and
neglect. The impact of substance abuse on the roles of spouses and parents are examined, as is
the impact of substance abuse on children at various developmental stages. The role of the family
as participant in active substance abuse as well as a valuable treatment resource is also explored.
Finally, the authors present recommendations for increasing the focus on family in substance
abuse research.

A family perspective for substance abuse: implications from the literature.

Gruber KJ, Taylor MF. (2006)

This paper calls for researchers and treatment providers to increase their recognition of the role
that family and family functioning has for understanding the incidence and impact of substance
abuse. Substance abuse is identified as a family problem by exploring its occurrence within
families as well as its impact on marital relationship, family violence, and child abuse and
neglect. The impact of substance abuse on the roles of spouses and parents are examined, as is
the impact of substance abuse on children at various developmental stages. The role of the family
as participant in active substance abuse as well as a valuable treatment resource is also explored.
Finally, the authors present recommendations for increasing the focus on family in substance
abuse research.
Keywords: family | substance abuse | family functioning | parental alcohol use | parental drug
use | substance abuse research

A pilot study of adjunctive family psychoeducation in adolescent major depression: Feasibility and treatment effect

Sanford, M., Boyle, M., McCleary, L., Miller, J., Steele, M., Duku, E., et al. (2006)

Objective: To obtain preliminary evidence of the feasibility and effectiveness of adjunctive family psychoeducation in adolescent major depressive disorder. Method: Participants were from outpatient clinics in Hamilton and London, Ontario. Over 24 months, 41 adolescents ages 13 through 18 years meeting major depressive disorder criteria were recruited (31 in Hamilton, 10 in London). Participants were randomized to usual treatment or usual treatment plus family psychoeducation. Outcome measures were readministered at 2 weeks, mid-treatment, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses used χ2 and t tests and growth curve analysis. Standardized effects based on growth curve estimates were calculated for continuous outcomes. Results: The London site was withdrawn because of poor participant retention. In Hamilton, no participant missed more than one assessment and there was good family psychoeducation adherence. Compared to controls, participants in the experimental group showed greater improvement in social functioning and adolescent-parent relationships (with medium standardized effect size >0.5), and parents reported greater satisfaction with treatment. Conclusions: There were positive treatment effects on family and social functioning processes postulated to mediate the clinical course of major depressive disorder. The study provides support for further evaluation of family psychoeducation in this clinical population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

An intervention program for university students who have parents with alcohol problems: a randomized controlled trial

Hansson, H., Rundberg, J., Zetterlind, U., Johnsson, KO., & Berglund, M. (2006)

Aim: To study the effects of alcohol and coping intervention among University students who have parents with alcohol problems. Methods: A total of 82 university students (56 women and 22 men, average age 25) with at least one parent with alcohol problems were included. The students were randomly assigned to one of three programs: (i) alcohol intervention program, (ii) coping intervention program, and (iii) combination program. All programs were manual based and individually implemented during two 2-h sessions, 4 weeks apart. This assessment contained both a face-to-face interview and six self-completion questionnaires; AUDIT, SIP, EBAC, coping with parents' abuse questionnaire, SCL-90 and ISSI. Follow-up interviews were conducted after 1 year. Results: All participants finished the baseline assessment, accepted and completed the intervention, while 95% of the students completed the 12-month follow-up assessment. The two groups that received alcohol intervention improved their drinking pattern significantly more than the group that did not receive alcohol intervention [change of standardized scores -0.27 (CI -0.53 to -0.03)]. The groups receiving coping intervention did not differ from the group not receiving coping intervention concerning their ability to cope with their parents' alcohol problems. Nor did they differ regarding changes in their own mental health or in their social interaction capacity. Conclusion: The intervention improved drinking patterns in adult children of alcoholics.

Anhörigvård [elektronisk resurs] : Arbete, ansvar, kärlek, försörjning

Sand, A.-B. M. (2006)

Hur påverkas livet om barnet föds med utvecklingsstörning, om tonåringen får livslångt hjälpbehov efter en trafikolycka, om den medelålders maken får stroke eller om en gammal förälder drabbas av demenssjukdom? Det var några av frågorna bakom ett omfattande forskningsprojekt om anhörigvård. I Sverige har samhället ansvaret för att äldre, sjuka och funktionshindrade ska få den hjälp de behöver. Ändå utförs merparten av all vård och omsorg av närstående, ibland under mycket svåra förhållanden. Resultaten som denna bok bygger på belyser anhörigvårdarnas situation ur ett socialt, ekonomiskt och arbetsmässigt perspektiv.

I dagens Sverige pågår en mycket tydlig förskjutning av arbete och ansvar från det offentliga till familjen. Med utgångspunkt i lagstiftningen diskuteras därför samhällets respektive individens ansvar för hjälpbehövande människor. En sådan diskussion är viktig eftersom konsekvenserna av ett minskande samhällsengagemang är outforskade när det gäller familjens och de anhörigas situation.

Boken vänder sig till de som på något sätt kommer i kontakt med frågor om anhörigvård. Den kan läsas av omsorgs- och sjukvårdspersonal, studerande vid utbildningar inom välfärdstjänstområdet, politiker samt övriga som är intresserade av frågor kring samhällsförändringar, välfärdsstat, jämställdhetsfrågor och framtida omsorgsproblematik. Även omsorgsbehövande och anhöriga kan ha glädje av boken.

Anknytningsteori: Betydelsen av nära känslomässiga relationer

BROBERG, A., GRANQVIST, P., IVARSSON, T. & RISHOLM, M., P. (2006)

I denna första breda kursbok på svenska ges en heltäckande presentation av anknytningsteorin.

Ur innehållet:

Evolution och anknytning

Separation och anknytning

Betydelsen av förälderns lyhördhet i samspelet

Äldre barns och vuxnas nära känslomässiga relationer

Barnets biologiska förutsättningar och hur de påverkar anknytningsrelationen.

Anknytningsteori (del 1) riktar sig till studenter och verksamma inom psykologi och psykiatri, samt barn- och ungdomsrelaterade yrken och utbildningar. Författarna kommer också hösten 2007 ut med Anknytning i praktiken, där de presenterar praktiska och kliniska tillämpningar med anknytningsteoretisk grund.
(Seelig)

Assessment of everyday functioning in young children with disabilities: An ICF-based analysis of concepts and content of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory

Östensjö S, Bjorbäkmo W, Brogren Carlberg E, Völlestad NK. (2006)

BACKGROUND:
Assessment of everyday functioning in children may depend to a considerable extent on the framework used to conceptualise functioning and disability. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) has incorporated the mediating role of the environment on disability, using different measurement scales. The construction of the Functional Skills scales, which measure capability, and the Caregiver Assistance scales, which measure performance, was based on the Nagi disablement scheme. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) represents a new framework of functioning and disability that could be used to compare the measurement constructs and the content of different outcome measurements.
PURPOSE:
To examine the conceptual basis and the content of the PEDI using the ICF.
METHOD:
Phrases that describe the conceptual basis of the PEDI scales and of the ICF classifications were systematically collected and compared. Two researchers classified the item content of the Functional Skills scales independently before consensus was reached.
RESULTS:
The analyses indicate that the conceptual basis of the PEDI scales to a large extent match the ICF concepts of activity, participation and environmental factors. Both the PEDI and the ICF use the constructs of capacity and performance, but differ in how to operationalise these constructs. The classification of the Functional Skills scales shows that the PEDI primarily is a measure of activities and participation. The frequently use of environmental codes to classify the context of the requested functions demonstrates that the PEDI has incorporated the environment into the assessment.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our analyses indicate that the ICF could serve as a conceptual framework to clarify the measurement construct of the PEDI scales, and as taxonomy to describe and clarify the item content of the Functional Skills scales. Both as framework and taxonomy the ICF showed limitations in covering functioning in early childhood.

Association of environmental factors with levels of home and community participation in an adult rehabilitation cohort

Keysor JJ, Jette AM, Coster WJ, Bettger JP, Haley SM. (2006)

Keysor JJ, Jette AM, Coster W, Bettger JP, Haley SM. Association of environmental factors with levels of home and community participation in an adult rehabilitation cohort.

Objective

To examine whether home and community environmental barriers and facilitators are predictors of social and home participation and community participation at 1 and 6 months after discharge from an acute care or inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Postacute care.

Participants

Adults (N=342) age 18 years or older with a diagnosis of complex medical, orthopedic, or neurologic condition recruited from acute care and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. The mean age ± standard deviation of participants was 68±14 years; 49% were women and 92% were white.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Participation in social, home and community affairs as assessed with the Participation Measure for Post-Acute Care.

Results

Adjusting for covariates, 1 month after discharge a greater presence of home mobility barriers (P<.01) was associated with less social and home participation; whereas greater community mobility barriers (P<.01) and more social support (P<.001) were associated with greater participation. At 6 months, social support was the only environmental factor associated with participation after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

This study provides new empirical evidence that environmental barriers and facilitators do influence participation in a general rehabilitation cohort, at least in the short term.

Key Words
Disabled persons; Environment; Outcome assessment (health care); Rehabilitation
Supported by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education (grant no. H133B990005), the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (grant no. 5 K12 HD043444-02), and the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis investigator award).

No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.

Att släppa taget om den andre och att greppa tag om sig själv

Wiberg, Maria (2006)

Upplands Väsby kommun tillhör en av de få kommuner i landet som bedriver ett strukturerat
anhörigprogram. Trots att det funnits någon form av anhörigarbete i ca 15 år, de senaste 5 åren
med tydligare struktur, har verksamheten hittills inte dokumenterats.

Syftet med denna rapport är att ge en utförlig beskrivning av anhörigprogrammets innehåll,
struktur och förutsättningar. Rapporten vill också skapa en förståelse för den anhöriges
livssituation och behov av egen hjälp. "Vad familjen behöver är undervisning om drogen alkohol,
vilka problem det kroniska missbruket ger upphov till samt sjukdomen alkoholism. Familjen
behöver dessutom lära sig hur sjukdomssymtomen påverkar familjen. Familjen behöver även
hjälp med att kartlägga det egna beteendet för att förstå hur det kan överensstämma med, eller till
och med befrämja alkoholistens drickande. De måste också komma till insikt om sina egna
känslor för att realistiskt kunna förstå problemets dimensioner och vad som krävs av dem. Till
följd av detta måste de undersöka vilka alternativ de har att välja mellan för att lösa problemet.
Framför allt behöver familjemedlemmarna stöd och uppmuntran för att kunna leva sina egna liv
trots alkoholismen. Genom att göra det ökar, paradoxalt nog, chanserna att avbryta den
alkoholistiska processen" (Kinney o Leaton 1997).
Ytterligare ett syfte med rapporten är att mäta om programmet ökar den anhöriges psykiska
välbefinnande, och om programmet påverkar den anhörige beteendemönster och känslor i
relation till den beroende.
Metoden jag använt för att hitta svaren på den första frågan har varit att sammanställa det
material som finns runt de olika temana.
För att få svar på de två andra frågeställningarna har jag använt en självskattningsenkät. Dvs.
deltagarna har själva uppskattat sitt mående utifrån en enkät med 4 svarsalternativ. Mätningen har
skett vid tre tillfällen, före programmet, vid programmets slut och en månad efter programmets
slut. Antal deltagare i utvärderingen är 15 personer, uppdelat på tre olika anhörigprogram.
En svaghet med denna metod är att utvärderingen sträcker sig under en relativt kort tid. Från
första till sista mättillfället är det ca 12 veckor. Förändringsprocesser tar lång tid och för att få en
mer rättvis bild av programmets påverkan skulle en mätning efter ytterligare ett år behövas.
En ytterligare svaghet är att deltagarantalet i utvärderingen är litet. Det går därför inte att dra
några stora slutsatser av resultatet, utan snarare tendenser. Det är dock en god ansats till ett
fortsatt arbete med utvärdering av programmet. Självskattningsenkät har visat sig vara ett
fungerande kvalitetsmätningsinstrument.
Dispositionen på rapporten är följande: Del 1 innehåller den beskrivande delen av
anhörigprogrammet med en historisk tillbakablick. Del 2 är den utvärderande delen av rapporten,
där undersökningsmetoden och sammanställningen av enkätundersökningarna redovisas.
Resultaten visar att det psykiska välbefinnandet tydligt ökar för alla tre grupper över tid. Takten
för ökningen ser olika ut och det kan härledas till deltagarnas olika livssituationer under
programmet. Där deltagarna fortfarande lever med partner i ett aktivt missbruk är den anhöriges
förändring långsammare. Resultatet visar också att deltagarna upplever en förändring i huruvida
de påverkats av sin anhöriges missbruk i såväl känslor som beteendemönster. Denna förändring
är mindre samstämmig och visar ganska stora variationer i de olika grupperna.

Att vara förälder till barn med funktionsnedsättning – erfarenheter av stöd och av att vara professionell stödjare

Lindblad, B.-M. (2006)

Avhandlingens övergripande syfte är att tolka och beskriva innebörder av stöd,
utifrån att vara förälder till barn med funktionsnedsättning och att vara professionella
stödjare. Datainsamling har skett i form av berättande intervjuer med
39 föräldrar (23 mödrar och 16 fäder) och 9 professionella (7 kvinnor, 2 män)
från olika verksamheter. Samtliga intervjuer har analyserats med hjälp av fenomenologisk
hermeneutisk metod.
Innebörder av att vara förälder till barn med funktionsnedsättning (studie I)
har tolkats som en medvetenhet om viktiga värden i livet. Barnet har ett inneboende
värde som en unik person och föräldrarna strävar efter att göra sitt
bästa för barnet. Denna strävan innebär att konfrontera oro, osäkerhet och
rädsla i vården av barnet och andra personers nedvärdering av barnet. I föräldrarnas
strävan att tillmötesgå barnets olika behov, ingår också att anpassa egna
behov efter barnets. Den fördjupade förståelsen av studiens resultat är, att det
handlar om en strävan att möjliggöra för barnet att leva ett gott liv.
Innebörder av att få stöd av professionella (studie II) har tolkats som att
föräldrar och barn blir bekräftade som värdefulla personer och att föräldrarna
uppnår trygghet och kompetens i föräldraskapet och får ett hopp för barnets
framtid. Erfarenheter av att inte få stöd, medför en kamp mot de professionella,
för att kräva det stöd som föräldrarna anser att de och barnet behöver.
Innebörder av att vara professionell stödjare (studie III), består av att ha
personlig filosofi, som är integrerat i sättet att vara och handla som stödjare.
Det innebär att vara trygg i hoppet om att det alltid går att göra något för att
hjälpa, genom att söka unika lösningar i den aktuella situationen. Tillit till för-
äldrar som partners och att få deras tillit, samt att möjliggöra för föräldrarna att
uppnå kompetens och trygghet i vården av sina barn är andra innebörder. Detta
har tolkats som en frihet från att vara bunden av byråkrati och prestige och en
möjlighet att vara äkta, följa sin filosofi och att vara i samklang med barn och
föräldrar.
Innebörder av informellt stöd (studie IV) har tolkats som en livsberikande
gemenskap, där barnet, innefattas i kärleksfulla relationer med närstående och
har en naturlig plats i samhället. Att som föräldrar kunna dela glädje, oro och
sorg med andra personer och att få möjlighet att uppleva lättnad och spontanitet
i det dagliga livet, är andra innebörder av informellt stöd. Helhetsförståelsen
av de fyra studierna är, att stöd av professionella i sin tur är ett stöd i föräldrars
etiska förpliktelse i deras strävan att möjliggöra för barnet att leva ett gott liv.
Informellt stöd betyder att föräldrar och barn är inneslutna i trofasta och berikande
relationer med andra.

Frightened, threatening, and dissociative parental behavior in low-risk samples: Description, discussion, and interpretations

Hesse, E., & Main, M. (2006)

In 1990 we advanced the hypothesis that frightened and frightening (FR) parental behavior would prove to be linked to both unresolved (U) adult attachment status as identified in the Adult Attachment Interview and to infant disorganized/disoriented (D) attachment as assessed in the Ainsworth Strange Situation. Here, we present a coding system for identifying and scoring the intensity of the three primary forms of FR behavior (frightened, threatening, and dissociative) as well as three subsidiary forms. We review why each primary form may induce fear of the parent (the infant's primary "haven of safety"), placing the infant in a disorganizing approach-flight paradox. We suggest that, being linked to the parent's own unintegrated traumatic experiences (often loss or maltreatment), FR behaviors themselves are often guided by parental fright, and parallel the three "classic" mammalian responses to fright: flight, attack, and freezing behavior. Recent studies of U to FR, as well as FR to D relations are presented, including findings regarding AMBIANCE/FR+. Links between dissociation, FR, U, and D are explored. Parallel processing and working memory are discussed as they relate to these phenomena.

Funktionshinder och strategival. Om att hantera sig själv och sin omvärld

Peterson, G., Ekensteen, W & Rydén, O (2006)

Hur upplever och hanterar vuxna personer med stora rörelsehinder sin situation och sig själva? Hur hanterar funktionshindrade sina kontakter med vårdbyråkratin och med allmänheten? Hur påverkas självbild och livssyn av att leva med stora rörelsehinder? Det bärande temat i Funktionshinder och strategival är en kritik av den medikalisering som beskriver och formar funktionshindrade människors tillvaro; sjukförklaringen, omyndigförklaringen samt dikotomin i starka och svaga. Boken vänder sig emot ett utbrett grundantagande om funktionshindrade människors tragedi och speglar både ett inifrån- och ett utifrånperspektiv så att både de läsare som lever med funktionshinder och de som möter funktionshindrade kan känna igen sig.
Boken vänder sig till universitets- och högskolestuderande inom beteendevetenskap, vård, medicin och sociala områden samt yrkesverksamma som kommer i kontakt med människor med omfattande funktionshinder. Den kan med stor behållning också läsas av personer med funktionshinder och deras anhöriga.

ICF - en grund för tvärprofessionell journaldokumentation

SoS (2006)

När IT-stöden i vården utvecklas blir behovet av enhetliga begrepp och termer mera påtagligt. Detta betonas särskilt i såväl InfoVU-projektets slutrapport som i regeringens Nationella IT-strategi för vård och omsorg.

Flera landsting, sjukhus, kliniker och privata vårdgivare har under de senaste åren valt att använda Världshälsoorganisationen WHOs International Classification of Functioning, Disabilty and Health (ICF) som utgångspunkt för gemensamma termer och begrepp, vid införande av elektroniska journalsystem. ICF ingår i WHOs Family of International Classifications med det uttalade syftet att dels komplettera sjukdomsklassifikationen ICD, dels tillhandahålla ett tvärprofessionellt språk för att beskriva hälsa.

Syftet med förstudien är att få besked om ICF kan ligga till grund för fortsatt arbete med struktur och terminologi för ändamålsenlig vård- och omsorgsdokumentation och tydliggöra likheter och skillnader i dagens användning av ICF i e-journaler.

En enkät med förfrågan om man använder ICF skickades till Socialstyrelsens kontaktnätverk för terminologifrågor. Totalt inkom 36 svar varav 29 fördelade sig på 17 olika landsting, två svar kom från kommuner, fyra svar kom från privata företag och ett svar från en yrkesorganisation. I 13 av svaren angavs att man på något sätt använde, eller planerade att använda, ICF som underlag för struktur och innehåll i e-journalen. Ett kontaktnätverk för erfarenhetsutbyte etablerades och två arbetsseminarier genomfördes med syftet att besvara förstudiens frågeställningar.

I Danmark och Norge har man baserat på ICF utvecklat underlag för insamling av individbaserad vård- och omsorgsstatistik.

Inom ramen för InfoVU-projektet genomfördes tre olika försök baserade på ICF: webbaserad checklista för vårdplanering och överföring av information mellan olika vård- och omsorgsgivare, formulering av behov inom kommunal äldreomsorg samt individbaserad verksamhetsuppföljning.

De professionella organisationerna för arbetsterapeuter, sjukgymnaster och sjuksköterskor har, baserat på ICF, utarbetat förslag till en tvärprofessionell klassifikation för insatser och åtgärder, som ska ingå i Socialstyrelsens Klassifikation av vårdåtgärder (KVÅ).

I landstinget i Värmland och i Västmanlands läns landsting har man tagit beslut på att basera e-journalens struktur och innehåll på ICF. I vårdföretaget Kvalita AB är e-journalen sedan flera år tillbaka baserad på ICF. Inom andra landsting och regioner har man tagit delar av ICF som grund för dokumentationen. Rehabmedicin i Jönköping är ett exempel där ICF ligger till grund för den tvärprofessionella rehabiliteringsplanen.

Vid Karolinska Institutet och vid Örebro universitet används ICF i utbildningen av sjukgymnaster och arbetsterapeuter och som ramverk till forskningen inom respektive område.

Socialstyrelsen har beskrivit vård- och omsorgsassistenternas kvalifikationer med hjälp av ICFs struktur och innehåll.

Det råder konsensus, bland representanterna för de olika verksamhetsområden och professioner som deltagit i förstudien, om att ICF är en bra utgångspunkt för att uppnå en tvärprofessionell vård- och omsorgsdokumentation - en dokumentation som språkligt och innehållsmässigt kan vara en brygga mellan socialtjänst och hälso- och sjukvård.

Erfarenheter från drift, försök och andra tester visar att ICF behöver kompletteras. ICF saknar bl.a. begrepp för att beskriva vårdförlopp, t.ex. kontaktorsak och sjukhistoria. Ärftlighet och tidigare erfarenheter av vård och omsorg är annat som inte finns i ICF.

Språkliga anpassningar måste göras för att ICF ska bli användbar i vård och omsorgsdokumentationen, t.ex. genom att långa och otympliga begreppsbenämningar ges enklare, mera hanterbara s.k. "trivialnamn".

Det finns likheter och skillnader i användandet. Omfattningen av ICF begrepp som förts in i journaldokumentationen varierar. I några fall använder man i princip bara ICF-komponenterna på en övergripande nivå, medan andra byggt upp detaljerade sökordsstrukturer (ca 1000 begrepp). Några använder ICF mycket konsekvent medan andra blandar ganska friskt mellan traditionella sökord och ICF.

Förstudien pekar på följande områden som utgångspunkt för fortsatt arbete med ICF som grund för ändamålsenlig vård- och omsorgsdokumentation:

samordna arbetet inom ramen för den nationella informationsstrukturen och det nationella terminologiarbetet
tillvarata erfarenheterna av praktiska tillämpningar och försök
rikta information, utbildning och förankring till vård- och omsorgens huvudmän och deras personal
tillvarata de berörda yrkesorganisationernas kunskap och intresse att medverka till den tvärprofessionella dokumentationen.
Om Sverige beslutar om att gå med i SNOMED CTs internationella utvecklingsarbete och samtidigt väljer att basera den tvärprofessionella dokumentationen på ICF, är det viktigt att se till att ICFs struktur och terminologi införlivas i SNOMED CT

Oberoende av vilken begreppsstruktur som väljs för den tvärprofessionella e-journalen måste det finnas en etablerad organisation för förvaltning och underhåll. Socialstyrelsens termbank kan vara en del av denna resurs.

Identifying expressions of pleasure and displeasure by persons with profound and multiple disabilities

Petry, K., & Maes, B. (2006)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The aim of this study was to explore a procedure for drafting individualised profiles of how people with profound multiple disabilities express pleasure and displeasure.
METHOD:
There were 6 participants with profound multiple disabilities. The procedure involved an observational analysis of videotaped critical incidents by a researcher and a questionnaire for parents and support workers.
RESULTS:
The procedure is useful for making an individualised profile of the ways a person with profound multiple disabilities expresses his/her pleasure and displeasure. Despite the significant correlation between parents, support workers and the researcher, each has a complementary contribution to make in identifying affective expressions. People with profound multiple disabilities especially use sounds and facial expressions to express pleasure and displeasure and positive or negative moods.
CONCLUSIONS:
The procedure may be useful in services or schools for learning more about the affective communication of these individuals, to determine their specific interests, and to evaluate the effects of living and support characteristics on their wellbeing.

Interaction between the teacher and the congenitally deafblind child

Vervloed MPJ, Van Dijk RJM, Knoors H, Van Dijk JPM. (2006)

EMPIRICAL DATA on the development of interaction, communication, and language in deafblind children is very rare. To fill this gap, a case study was conducted in which the interaction between a teacher and a deafblind boy age 3 years 4 months was analyzed. Sequential analysis of their interaction confirmed some general clinical impressions about interaction with deafblind children, and provided the basis for suggestions on how the interaction pattern might be changed.

Jag vill säga något

Helena Alvesalo (2006)

Filmen vänder sig till den som vill inspireras till att använda TAKK, tecken som alternativ och kompletterande kommunikation. Vi får följa fyra barn i deras vardag. De är i olika åldrar och i olika behov av att kunna kommunicera. Gemensamt är att de och deras omgivning använder TAKK varje dag, i alla sammanhang.

Julie-Om att växa upp med en förälder som inte räcker till.

Gunilla O. Wahlström (2006)

En bok som har romanens form men som bygger på verkliga händelser och ger en inblick i hur barn kan ha det idag. Julie växer upp med en psykiskt sjuk mamma.Boken bygger på autentiska händelser som några personer valt att berätta om och beskriver på ett bra sätt hur det kan vara att växa upp med en förälder som är psykiskt sjuk.

Key worker services for disabled children: the views of staff

Greco, V., Sloper, P., Webb, R., & Beecham, J. (2006)

Service Framework. This study investigated the views of staff of key worker services concerning the organisation and management of the services. Interviews were carried out with key workers (N = 50), managers (N = 7) and members of multi-agency steering groups (N = 32) from seven key worker services in England and Wales. A response rate of 62% was obtained. Major themes emerging from the interviews were identified, a coding framework was agreed upon, and data were coded using the qualitative data analysis programme Max QDA. Results showed that although the basic aims of the services were the same, they varied widely in the key workers' understanding of their role, the amount of training and support available to key workers, management and multi-agency involvement. These factors were important in staff's views of the services and inform recommendations for models of service.

Key worker services for disabled children: what characteristics of services lead to better outcomes for children and families?

Sloper, P., Greco, V., Beecham, J., & Webb, R. (2006)

Background  Research has shown that families of disabled children who have a key worker benefit from this service and recent policy initiatives emphasize the importance of such services. However, research is lacking on which characteristics of key worker schemes for disabled children are related to better outcomes for families.

Methods  A postal questionnaire was completed by 189 parents with disabled children who were receiving a service in seven key worker schemes in England and Wales. Path analysis was used to investigate associations between characteristics of the services and outcomes for families (satisfaction with the service, impact of key worker on quality of life, parent unmet need, child unmet need).

Results  The four path models showed that key workers carrying out more aspects of the key worker role, appropriate amounts of contact with key workers, regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers, and having a dedicated service manager and a clear job description for key workers were associated with better outcomes for families. Characteristics of services had only a small impact on child unmet need, suggesting that other aspects of services were affecting child unmet need.

Conclusions  Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers and negotiated time and resources for them to carry out the role. These influence the extent to which key workers carry out all aspects of the key worker's role and their amount of contact with families, which in turn impact on outcomes.

Komet för föräldrar. En randomiserad effektutvärdering av ett föräldraprogram för barns beteende problem.

Kling Å, Sundell K, Melin L, Forster M. (2006)

En av de viktigaste riskfaktorerna för våldsbrottslighet är tidiga beteendeproblem. Barn som är okoncentrerade och bråkiga riskerar i högre utsträckning att misslyckas inlärningsmässigt och få kamratproblem. Det ökar i sin tur risken för mer allvarliga former av antisociala aktiviteter som alkohol- och drogmissbruk, kriminalitet samt psykisk ohälsa. Det finns alltså påtagliga fördelar med att så tidigt som möjligt försöka hjälpa barn som ofta bråkar och bryter mot normer. Föräldraträning är den bästa metoden för att minska dessa problem hos barn. Ingen annan metod har bättre forskningsstöd. I denna rapport undersöks om det i Sverige utvecklade föräldraträningsprogrammet Komet kan hjälpa föräldrar att bättre hantera beteendeproblem hos det egna barnet. Utvärderingen omfattar Komet i ordinarie verksamhet och har genomförts i form av en randomiserad kontrollerad studie med 159 föräldrar till barn i åldrarna tre till tio år som av föräldrarna bedömdes vara bråkiga och trotsiga. Familjerna lottades till ett av tre alternativ: den ordinarie versionen av Komet, en kortversion av Komet samt en grupp som fick vänta en termin på behandling (väntelista). Data samlades in före interventionernas start samt efter fyra respektive tio månader. Den sista mätningen omfattade endast familjer som fått någon av Komet-versionerna. De familjer som ej deltagit i datainsamlingen vid fyra respektive tio månader (13%) har inte tillåtits snedvrida randomiseringen. I stället har deras sista mätvärde flyttats fram och använts för bortfallet. Detta sätt att hantera bortfall är det rekommenderade. Resultaten visar att Komet ökat föräldrarnas föräldrakompetenser vid fyramånadersmätningen samt minskat barnens beteendeproblem och ökat deras sociala kompetenser. Jämfört med gruppen som befunnit sig på väntelista hade den ordinarie versionen av Komet starka effekter på föräldrakompetenser (ES =.89) och beteendeproblem (ES =.68) och medelstarka på sociala kompetenser (ES =.41). För kortversionen av Komet var motsvarande effekter svaga till medelstarka (ES =.39,.35 resp.14). Effekterna av Komet förefaller stabila eller ökande efter i genomsnitt tio månader. Efter kompensation för väntelistans resultat efter fyra månader (motsvarande resultat efter tio månader saknas) har det ordinarie Komet mycket starka effekter för föräldrakompetenser (ES = 1.05) och barns beteendeproblem (ES =.92) samt starka för sociala kompetenser (ES =.69). För kortversionen av Komet var effekterna något lägre (.61,.55 resp.38). De positiva effekterna av den ordinarie versionen av Komet är enligt två meta-analyser i nivå med eller överträffar de genomsnittliga effekterna i andra föräldraträningsprogram. Barnens minskade beteendeproblem kunde kopplas till de förändrade föräldrabeteendena; ju bättre föräldrakompetens föräldrarna visade desto färre beteendeproblem hos barnen. Sökord. Föräldraträning, bråkiga barn,

Kompisboken om sorg

Lotta Polfeldt (2006)

För de allra flesta händer det inte. Men varje år mister fler än 3 000 barn och ungdomar en förälder eller ett syskon. Då är det viktigt att ha bra kompisar. Men hur ska en bra kompis vara när något så svårt händer? Finns det saker man helst inte ska göra eller säga? Törs man fråga om dödsfallet? Kan man vara precis som vanligt och skratta och skoja? I den här boken får du träffa några barn och ungdomar som förlorat en nära anhörig. Hur var deras kompisar då? Vad var bra och vad var kanske inte lika bra? Du får också träffa några kompisar.

Kvarboende eller flyttning på äldre dar. En kunskapsöversikt

Larsson K. (2006)

Rapporten sammanställer aktuell kunskap om de äldres boende, både ordinärt (det vill säga att bo "hemma") och särskilt boende. Syftet är också att beskriva faktorer som leder till flyttning respektive kvarboende på äldre dagar

Den så kallade kvarboendeprincipen, att samhället ska möjliggöra för den enskilde att kunna bo kvar i sitt eget hem, har varit den officiella policyn i decennier. Äldre personers faktiska möjlighet att bo kvar påverkas av en mängd faktorer som hälsa, familjeförhållanden, ekonomi samt bostädernas tillgänglighet för dem med funktionsnedsättning

Levnadsförhållanden

Statistiska Centralbyrån (2006)

Statistiken beskriver levnadsförhållanden för olika grupper i befolkningen 16 år och äldre i olika avseenden: boende, ekonomi, hälsa, fritid, medborgerliga aktiviteter, sociala relationer, sysselsättning och arbetsmiljö, trygghet och säkerhet.

Life events and peer substance use and their relation to substance use problems in college students

Taylor, J. (2006)

Substance use disorders among college students are not well understood, and the present study examined the relationship of two environmental factors to alcohol and drug use problems in 616 (316 women) college students. Participants completed measures assessing substance use problems, life events, and substance use among peers. Alcohol use problems were significantly associated with higher drug use problems and regular use of illicit drugs among friends. Drug use problems were significantly associated with male gender, higher alcohol use problems, regular use of alcohol and drugs among friends, illicit drug use among romantic partners, and higher numbers of negative life events. Results extend previous research and suggest that college students who experience multiple negative life events and/or affiliate with substance using friends and romantic partners may be at risk for developing a substance use problem.

Long-term effects of the intensification of the transition between inpatient neurological rehabilitation and home care of stroke patients.

Gräsel E, Schmidt R, Biehler J, Schupp W. (2006)

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate an intensified transition concept between neurological inpatient rehabilitation and home care for long-term effects on the care situation two and a half years after stroke patients' discharge.
DESIGN:
Controlled clinical trial allocating patients to intervention group (intensified transition on ward II) or control group (standard transition on ward I); patients were allocated to whichever ward had a vacancy. The last follow-up assessment was carried out on average 31 months after discharge.
INTERVENTION:
The intensified transition concept consisted of therapeutic weekend care, bedside teaching and structured information for relatives during the second phase of the rehabilitation.
SUBJECTS:
Seventy-one patients and their family carers were included, of which one case dropped out. Therefore 70 family carers--35 individuals in each group-- were available for assessment at long-term follow-up.
DATA COLLECTION:
Family carers were asked via telephone whether the patient was still alive and if so, where he or she is living--at home or in a nursing home.
STATISTICAL METHODS:
Binary logistic regression analysis with the care situation (home care versus institutionalized care or deceased) as dependent variable.
RESULTS:
Two and a half years after discharge (T3) in the intervention group significantly fewer patients were institutionalized (2 versus 5) or deceased (4 versus 11) (P = 0.010). Multivariate analysis showed that besides a higher functional life quality at discharge and lower patient's age, the participation in the intensified transition programme is the third significant predictor for home care at T3.
CONCLUSION:
Effects of an intensified transition programme can persist over a long-term period. They can sustain home care by reducing institutionalization and mortality.

Masculine gender roles associated with increased sexual risk and intimate partner violence perpetration among young adult men

Santana, M. C., Raj, A., Decker, M. R., Marche, A. L., & Silverman, J. G. (2006)

This study sought to assess the association between traditional masculine gender role ideologies and sexual risk and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration behaviors in young men's heterosexual relationships. Sexually active men age 18–35 years attending an urban community health center in Boston were invited to join a study on men's sexual risk; participants (N=307) completed a brief self-administered survey on sexual risk (unprotected sex, forced unprotected sex, multiple sex partners) and IPV perpetration (physical, sexual and injury from/need for medical services due to IPV) behaviors, as well as demographics. Current analyses included men reporting sex with a main female partner in the past 3 months (n=283). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographics were used to assess significant associations between male gender role ideologies and the sexual risk and IPV perpetration behaviors. Participants were predominantly Hispanic (74.9%) and Black (21.9%); 55.5% were not born in the continental U.S.; 65% had been in the relationship for more than 1 year. Men reporting more traditional ideologies were significantly more likely to report unprotected vaginal sex in the past 3 months (ORadj = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.6) and IPV perpetration in the past year (ORadj = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2–3.6). Findings indicate that masculine gender role ideologies are linked with young men's unprotected vaginal sex and IPV perpetration in relationships, suggesting that such ideologies may be a useful point of sexual risk reduction and IPV prevention intervention with this population.

Mental health professional support in families with a member suffering from severe mental illness: a grounded theory model

Gavois, Helena, Paulsson, Gun, & Fridlund, Bengt (2006)

The aim of this study was to develop a model of mental health professional (MHP) support based on the needs of families with a member suffering from severe mental illness (SMI). Twelve family members were interviewed with the focus on their needs of support by MHP, then the interviews were analyzed according to the grounded theory method. The generated model of MHP support had two core categories: the family members' process from crisis to recovery and their interaction with the MHP about mental health/illness and daily living of the person with SMI. Interaction based on ongoing contact between MHP and family members influenced the family members' process from crisis towards recovery. Four MHP strategies--being present, listening, sharing and empowering--met the family members' needs of support in the different stages of the crisis. Being present includes early contact, early information and protection by MHP at onset of illness or relapse. Listening includes assessing burden, maintaining contact and confirmation in daily living for the person with SMI. Sharing between MHP and family members includes co-ordination, open communication and security in daily living for the person with SMI. Finally, the MHP strategy empowering includes creating a context, counselling and encouraging development for the family members. The present model has a holistic approach and can be used as an overall guide for MHP support in clinical care of families of persons with SMI. For future studies, it is important to study the interaction of the family with SMI and the connection between hope, coping and empowerment.

Missbrukande föräldrar, utsatta barn och socialt arbete

Andersson, G., Bangura Arvidsson, M., Rasmusson, B., & Trulsson, K. (2006)

Starting university is associated with major academic, personal and social opportunities. For many people, university entrance is also associated with increased stress and alcohol consumption. At the start of the autumn term 2002, all students entering educational programmes at two comparable middle-sized Swedish universities were invited to participate in a comparative intervention study. This included both primary and secondary interventions targeting hazardous drinking and stress. The overall aim was to improve alcohol habits and stress patterns in university freshmen at an intervention university in comparison with a control university.

A total of 2,032 (72%) freshmen responded to the baseline assessment. Half of them scored above traditional AUDIT cut-off levels for hazardous alcohol use. Factors associated with hazardous use were age below 26, male gender, family history of alcohol problems, and not being in a serious relationship. The Arnetz and Hasson Stress Questionnaire was evaluated and used to study a selection of freshmen at high riskof stress. It was easy to use and offered sufficient internal consistency and construct validity. In the freshman year, 517 students (25%) dropped out from university education. A multivariate analysis established that high stress and university setting was associated with dropout from university studies, while symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as hazardous drinking were not.

Outcome was analysed in students remaining at university at one-year follow-up. The primary interventions offered to freshmen at the intervention university reduced alcohol expectancies and mental symptoms compared with freshmen at the control university. Secondary stress interventions were effective in reducing mental symptoms and alcohol expectancies. Secondary alcohol interventions were effective in reducing AUDIT scores, alcohol expectancies, estimated blood alcohol concentrations, as well as stress and mental symptoms.

In conclusion, both primary and secondary alcohol and stress interventions have one-year effects in university freshmen and could be used in university settings.

Morbidity and mortality among foreign-born Swedes

Albin, B. (2006)

Det svenska samhället har under senare delen av 1900-talet påverkats och förändrats på grund av en ökad internationell migration. År 1950 var 2,8 % av den svenska befolkningen utrikesfödd; idag utgör de utrikesfödda 12,0 % av totalbefolkningen. Om även andragenerationens migranter (de som har en eller båda föräldrar utrikesfödda) räknas med utgör första och andragenerationens migranter tillsammans 20 % av Sveriges befolkning. Tidigare studier har visat att migration kan påverka hälsa och hälsoutveckling på både positiva och negativa sätt. Ett accepterat sätt att mäta hälsa och hälsoutveckling är att studera morbiditet och mortalitet i en befolkning. Ett fåtal studier har återfunnits som har undersökt morbiditet och mortalitet bland migranter. Ingen av dessa har haft en longitudinell design och undersökt en total population av migranter i ett land. Det övergripande syftet var att beskriva och jämföra hälsa och hälsoutveckling över tid mellan svenskfödda och utrikesfödda och genom detta att studera migrationens påverkan på hälsa. De fyra i avhandlingen ingående delarbetena bygger på analys av data från Statistiska Centralbyrån och Socialstyrelsens Centrum för Epidemiologi. I databasen har ingått samtliga utrikesfödda, 16 eller äldre som fanns i Sverige 1970. Till varje utrikesfödd person finns en svensk kontroll matchad vad gäller kön, ålder, sysselsättning, yrke och bosättningslän. För 20 518 utrikesfödda personer kunde inte en kontroll skapas på grund av matchningskriterierna; dessutom exkluderades de personer som under den studerade tiden (1970?1999) hade emigrerat från Sverige. Totalt kom databasen som användes för analys att omfatta 723 948 personer, 50 % utrikesfödda och 50 % svenska kontroller. Den första delstudiens syfte var att beskriva och jämföra mortalitet mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda under perioden 1970?1999. Resultaten visade en generellt högre dödlighet bland utrikesfödda (OR 1,08) och en lägre medelålder vid tidpunkten för dödsfallet. Speciellt hög mortalitetsrisk återfanns bland män från Finland (OR 1,21), Danmark (OR 1,11) och Norge/Island (OR 1,07). Två ålderskohorter jämfördes, personer födda 1901?1920 respektive personer födda 1921?1944, och analysen visade en högre mortalitet för personer i den äldsta ålderskohorten. Personer som hade invandrat ?sent? till Sverige visade större skillnader i medelålder vid död än de som hade invandrat ?tidigt?; personer som kommit till Sverige under perioden 1941?1970 hade en 2,5 år lägre medelålder vid tiden för dödsfallet. Syftet för den andra delstudien var beskriva, jämföra och analysera dödsorsaksmönster bland utrikesfödda och svenskfödda under perioden 1970?1999. Studiens resultat visade ett större antal avlidna i sex olika ICD-huvuddiagnosgrupper och en lägre medelålder vid tiden för dödsfallet bland utrikesfödda. Födelselandet hade betydelse för dödsorsaksmönstret. Vid jämförelse med de svenska kontrollerna återfanns bland migranter från Danmark ett större antal avlidna i diagnosgruppen ?Neoplasm?, bland migranter från Finland och Polen var skillnaden stor i gruppen ?Diseases of the circulatory system? och personer från tidigare Jugoslavien särskilde sig mot kontrollerna framför allt med ett större antal avlidna i gruppen ?Symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions?. Över tid fanns en tendens till en utjämning av skillnaderna i diagnosmönstret mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda. Då de två tidigare studierna hade visat på skillnader i mortalitet och morbiditet mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda kom den tredje studien att som syfte ha att beskriva, jämföra och analysera konsumtion av hälso- och sjukvård i fyra olika ICD-diagnosgrupper. Som mått på sjukvårdskonsumtion användes antal inläggningar på sjukhus, totalt antal vårddagar och vårddagar under de två sista inläggningstillfällena på sjukhus bland avlidna utrikesfödda och svenskfödda 1987?1999. Resultatet visade en tendens till mindre sjukvårdskonsumtion bland utrikesfödda, särskild vad gäller utrikesfödda män. Mindre sjukvårdskonsumtion för utrikesfödda återfanns i två av de fyra använda diagnosgrupperna (?Symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions? och ?Injury and poisoning ?). Att vara utrikesfödd, justerat för ålder, var en oberoende bestämmande faktor för inläggning på sjukhus. Den nollhypotes som formulerats vid studiens start, att skillnader mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda beträffande sjukvårdkonsumtion inte fanns, kunde tillbakavisas. Det sista delarbetets syfte var att beskriva och jämföra skillnader i mortalitet i olika landsting mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda med en formulerad nollhypotes att inga mortalitetsskillnader fanns mellan olika landsting. Studiens resultat kunde tillbakavisa nollhypotesen, det fanns skillnader i mortalitet mellan utrikesfödda och svenskfödda framför allt i de län som kunde karaktäriseras som mera ?landsbygds?-dominerade. Landsbygdsdominerade län hade också gemensamt att deras populationer av migranter var förhållandevis små. Medelåldern vid tiden för avlidande var för män mellan 1,0?4,3 år lägre för utrikesfödda personer. Resultaten av de i avhandlingen ingående fyra olika studierna visar högre dödlighet, annorlunda sjukdomsmönster och tendens till lägre konsumtion av vård bland utrikesfödda än bland svenskfödda personer under perioden 1970?1999. Flera faktorer, såsom ekonomisk situation, arbete, arbetsmiljö, arbetslöshet, sociala nätverk och situationen före migrationen kan ha påverkat de utrikesföddas sämre hälsoläge. Den fysiska och sociala miljön och eventuella ojämlikheter i sjukvårdsresurser och tillgång till vård spelar också en viktig roll. Migrationen har haft en negativ inverkan på de utrikesföddas hälsa och är en viktig faktor att ta hänsyn till vid studier av hälsa och hälsoutveckling bland befolkningen i ett land

Mänskliga rättigheter - Konventionen om barnets rättigheter

Regeringskansliet (2006)

Den 20 november 1989 antog Förenta nationernas generalförsamling konventionen om barnets rättigheter. Det innebar ett viktigt tillskott till skyddet för de mänskliga rättigheterna. För första gången samlades de rättigheter som tillkommer alla barn och ungdomar upp till 18 år i ett folkrättsligt bindande dokument. Denna skrift innehåller bl.a. konventionens budskap, förteckning över konventionens artiklar och konventionstexten.

OBS! När FN antog och Sverige ratificerade konventionen om barnets rättigheter låg ansvaret inom UD. Därför tog UD fram en skrift om konventionen, samt en lättläst version. Ansvaret finns nu sedan flera år i Socialdepartementet, med Barnombudsmannen som ansvarig myndighet för att sprida information om Barnkonventionen. Därför hänvisar UD till Barnombudsmannen för information och beställning av trycksaker om Barnkonventionen. UD:s skrifter som tidigare distribuerades i tryckt form, finns fortfarande att ladda ner i pdf-format.

Omsorg människor emellan. En översikt av omsorgsgivande i den svenska befolkningen. (förf. Malmberg B. & Sundström G.).

Socialstyrelsen (2006)

Omsorg som ges av anhöriga och närstående är omfattande i alla åldrar och regioner i Sverige, men allra mest bland personer i gruppen 45-64 år, då denna omfattar tre av tio personer. Det finns tecken på att omsorg ökar generellt, men omfattningen beror delvis på hur frågorna ställs: från cirka 10 till väl över 20 procent av befolkningen ger omsorg, beroende på hur man definierar vård och omsorg. Omkring 7 procent ger mer omfattande och in¬tensiv omsorg, med dagliga insatser och med inslag av personlig omvårdnad.

Den exakta nivån för omsorgen är svår att fastställa, men den är i varje fall hög och väl i nivå med den informella omsorgen i andra länder. Intensiteten - tidsinsatsen - är dock möjligen mindre än i t.ex. Spanien. En viktig skillnad är också att nordisk omsorg mest sker mellan hushåll, den kontinentalsydeuropeiska mer inom hushållen.

En stor men ingalunda total del av omsorgen riktar sig till äldre personer. Intressant är att även äldre ofta är omsorgsgivare, för partner och andra. Omsorgsgivandet förefaller vara något mer jämställt i Sverige än på kontinenten, dvs. svenska män är omsorgsgivare nästan lika ofta som kvinnor, om än inte lika intensivt, och partneromsorg är ganska jämställd i Sverige. Anhörigomsorg tycks i Sverige vara klasslös, dvs. ungefär lika vanlig i alla samhällsskikt.

Arbete och omsorg låter sig ofta förenas, både för män och för kvinnor. Orsaken är troligen att omsorgsgivande är vanligast i åldrar då många av andra skäl "trappat ned" förvärvsarbetet och att omsorgen mer sällan är omfattande, daglig och "tung" - för de flesta.

Konsekvenser för arbetslivet får omsorgen ibland, men i stort sett endast när det handlar om omsorg för partner, föräldrar eller vuxna barn. Totalt är cirka var femte yrkesverksam också omsorgsgivare. Dessa tycks inte generellt ha sämre hälsa än de som inte har ett sådant åtagande. Om något gäller det motsatta, dvs. att omsorgsgivare har bättre hälsa än de som inte är omsorgsgivare. I en mindre grupp som vårdar partner eller annan nära anhörig kan dock hälsoproblem förekomma.

Anhörigomsorg i Sverige och offentlig omsorg, främst hemtjänst, överlappar ofta varandra. Detta gäller särskilt hjälp till ensamboende äldre, en stor mottagargrupp. Många anhöriga klarar på egen hand sitt åtagande, men åtskilliga uttrycker också behov av offentligt stöd. Sådant stöd måste troligen ta sig olika former å ena sidan för dem som hjälper någon de bor tillsammans med och å andra sidan för dem - majoriteten - som hjälper någon i ett annat hushåll. Där är sannolikt en utbyggd och välfungerande hemtjänst och annan öppen omsorg ofta en lämplig stödform.

Mer än en miljon svenskar är i dag omsorgsgivare för närstående. En del av den ökning man iakttagit beror troligen på ökande behov, men avspeglar nog också allmänt växande sociala nätverk: fler anhöriga betyder mer omsorgsgivande. Till en del kan ökande anhörigomsorg nog också härledas till att den offentliga omsorgen krympt i relation till hjälpbehoven i befolkningen.

On health, ability and activity: Comments on some basic notions in the ICF

Nordenfelt L. (2006)

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to highlight and at the same time criticize the holistic view of health expressed in the "International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)". Particular attention will be paid to the idea suggested in the ICF that not only the ability to perform a specified action but also its actual performance is included in the person's health. My argument intends to show that this is an untenable position.
Method. The theoretical platform of this paper is philosophical action theory. My argument makes particular use of the distinctions between ability, opportunity, activity and will. My analysis also uses some insights from the contemporary philosophical discussion of health concepts.
Conclusions. Ability (or capacity) and its opposite disability (or incapacity) are essential ingredients in the implicit philosophy of health of the ICF. However, the ICF also puts an emphasis on the actual performance of actions. This is entailed by the performance qualifier that is included in the ICF. I give some arguments for questioning the relevance of this qualifier if it is intended to have a place in the concept of health or have a general function for decisions in health care or rehabilitation. Instead I suggest the introduction of an opportunity qualifier, which could fulfill some of the purposes intended for the performance qualifier.

Online counselling: The motives and experiences of young people who choose the Internet instead of face to face or telephone counselling

King, R., Bambling, M., Lloyd, C., Gomurra, R., Smith, S., Reid, W., & Wegner, K. (2006)

This study used a Consensual Qualitative Research methodology to explore the motivations and experiences of young people who utilize the Internet for counselling over other counselling media. Semi-structured online group interviews (focus groups) were conducted with 39 participants from the Kids Help Line, a 24-hour national telephone and counselling service located in Australia. Analysis revealed five domains relevant to the adolescents' motives and experiences and the frequency of categories within and across cases were analyzed to generate and understand themes and patterns. Specific motivators and barriers are identified and discussed, as are implications for practice and continued research.

Participation and disability - a study of participation in school for children and youth with disabilities.

Eriksson L. (2006)

Participation in everyday life is vital to a child's development and well-being and is a basic human right. One definition of participation is engagement in life areas. The objective of this study is to investigate participation in school activities of children and adolescents with disabilities; the study focus on personal factors and factors in the environment, which are closely related to participation. Data were collected in a large survey and a smaller observational study. In the survey, students, parents, teachers, and special education consultants responded to statements about participation and factors related to participation such as autonomy, interaction, availability, support, and environment. In the observational study, participation was observed during various school activities during an entire school day and after school. Children were interviewed about their school day, friendships, and autonomy. The results revealed that participation is multidimensional, with an emphasis on personal experiences, interactions, and context. The theoretical assumption of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) states that the body, participation, and the environment are related. The research results proved this assumption and support the multidimensionality of the participation construct. As indicated in previous research, children and adolescents with disabilities show a lower degree of participation in school than their peers. Participation seems to be more related to autonomy and interactions with significant others than to disability type and general environment. A closer look at various school activities reveals that children with disabilities primarily have a lower degree of participation in math, practical subjects, and science. Being included and having many friends, who provide emotional support, facilitate participation. While, frequently receiving support from teachers and assistants lowered participation. This indicates that there is a relation between support and participation: providing too much support during class can be detrimental to class participation, whereas a good social support network of other children is vital. In this thesis, participation is measured in two ways: by participation frequency and by participation intensity. By counting the number of activities that children participate in, and how often they participate in these activities, a measure of an individual's average participation is obtained, that is, participation frequency. This measure depends more on internal rather than contextual factors, and it changes more often because of internal rather than contextual changes. Intensity measures of participation refer to the amount of involvement within a specific situation, and are contextually dependent. Involvement change based on the situation and the individual's present state. Participation is personal-it is about feeling good about what you are doing and feeling competent in using available opportunities. Participation is dependent on interaction with significant others. Participation for children with disabilities also depends on being provided with necessary support. Participation frequency seems to be less dependent on support than participation intensity. The fact that intensity seem to be more dependent on support and context, shortterm interventions facilitating participation within situations are probably the most fruitful way to enhance participation.

Positive family environment predicts improvement in symptoms and social functioning among adolescents at imminent risk for onset of psychosis

O'Brien MP, Gordon JL, Bearden CE, Lopez SR, Kopelowicz A, Cannon TD. (2006)

This study investigated whether family factors, such as criticism, emotional over-involvement (EOI), warmth, and positive remarks, as measured by the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI), predict symptom change and social outcome for individuals identified as at imminent risk for conversion to psychosis. Twenty-six adolescent patients were administered the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes and the Strauss-Carpenter Outcome Scale at baseline and follow-up assessment approximately three months later. Patients' primary caregivers were administered the CFI at baseline. After controlling for symptom severity at baseline, there were significant associations between caregivers' EOI at baseline and improvement in high-risk youths' negative symptoms and social functioning at follow-up. Similarly, caregivers' positive remarks at baseline were associated with improvement in negative and disorganized symptoms at follow-up, and warmth expressed by caregivers was associated with improved social functioning at follow-up. Although family members' critical comments were not related to patients' symptoms, the majority of critical remarks were focused on patients' negative symptoms and irritability/aggression, which may be important targets for early intervention. These preliminary results provide a first glimpse into the relationship between family factors and symptom development during the prodrome and suggest that positive family involvement predicts decreased symptoms and enhanced social functioning at this early stage. The finding that four-fifths of the youth enrolled in this early intervention clinical research program have shown symptomatic improvement by the three-month assessment point is very encouraging from an early detection/early intervention standpoint.

Preventing preschool externalizing behavior problems through video-feedback intervention in infancy

VELDERMAN, M. K., BAKERMANS-KRANENBURG, M. J., JUFFER, F., VAN IJZENDOORN, M. H., MANGELSDORF, S. C. & ZEVALKINK, J. (2006)

In the present study (1) intervention effects on children's preschool behavior problems were evaluated in a high risk sample with an overrepresentation of insecure adult attachment representations in 77 first-time mothers, and (2) predictors and correlates of child problem behavior were examined. Early short-term video-feedback intervention to promote positive parenting (VIPP) focusing on maternal sensitivity and implemented in the baby's first year of life significantly protected children from developing clinical Total Problems at preschool age. Also, compared with the control group, fewer VIPP children scored in the clinical range for Externalizing Problems. No intervention effects on Internalizing clinical problem behavior were found. The VIPP effects on Externalizing and Total clinical Problems were not mediated by VIPP effects on sensitivity and infant attachment or moderated by mother or child variables. Maternal satisfaction with perceived support appeared to be associated with less children's Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems. More research is needed to find the mechanisms triggered by VIPP, but the outcomes could be considered as promising first steps in the prevention of disturbing, externalizing behavior problems in young children.

Promoting Positive Adolescent Development for At-Risk Students with a Student Assistance Program

Apsler R, Formica S, Fraster B, McMahan R. (2006)

This study evaluated the psycho-educational small-group component of the CASPAR Youth Services Student Assistance Program with a randomized-controlled trial. Two cohorts of at-risk sixth graders from six schools in two communities were randomly assigned to intervention or control conditions and tested one and a half years later at the end of the seventh grade. A generalized estimating equations model yielded a significant intervention effect on all three composite outcome variables. The results support the effectiveness of prevention strategies aimed at promoting positive youth development and a social influence process for adolescents that creates trusting relationships as the foundation for helping youth improve key skills, exert greater control over their lives, and make informed decisions about substances. EDITOR'S STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: School administrators should be aware of this promising approach (pending replication) of using student assistance counselors to promote children's intrinsic motivation and potential for positive decision making.

På andras villkor – skolans möte med elever med funktionshinder

Skolverket (2006)

I studien undersöks och analyseras vad som är väsentligt för tillgängligheten i grund- och gymnasieskolan och vad som kan ses som hindrande. Slutsatserna handlar inte i första hand om de tekniska och materiella lösningarna utan snarare om sådant som kan sammanfattas i kompetens, kreativitet och professionalism. Sådant som bidrar till att göra eleverna delaktiga i sin egenutveckling.

Quality of Care in the Psychiatric Setting: Perspective of the Patient, Next of Kin and Care staff

Schröder, A. (2006)

The overall aim of this thesis was to describe quality of care from different perspectives in the psychiatric setting, to develop an instrument for measuring quality of care from the in-patient perspective and to use this instrument empirically. A qualitative descriptive design involving a phenomenographic analysis was used in Studies I, III and IV, and a descriptive and comparative design with statistical analysis in Study II.In Study I, 20 patients were interviewed. The results showed that quality of care was perceived as a positive, normative concept namely as good quality of care. Five descriptive categories emerged: the patient's Dignity is respected; the patient's sense of Security with regard to care; the patient's Participation in care; the patient's Recovery; and the patient's care Environment. In addition, two conceptions that had not explicitly emerged in previous studies on quality of care were identified: Being helped to reduce the shame and Being looked upon as like anyone else.In Study II a definition of quality of care from a patient perspective was formulated on the basis of the results in Study I. A two-part instrument the Quality in Psychiatric Care (QPC) was developed for measuring the patients' expectations regarding quality of care (QPC-1) and their subsequent experience of it (QPC-2). One hundred and sixteen patients answered both parts of the instrument. Overall, the quality of care was rated high in both parts. However, experienced quality of care was significantly lower than the patient's expectations in all the dimensions of the instrument: Total dimension, Dignity, Security, Participation, Recovery and Environment. Patients who perceived that the time of discharge was consistent with the stage of their illness experienced significantly higher Recovery; patients with good psychiatric health also experienced this, but had in addition significantly higher levels of Participation. This new instrument exhibited too high Cronbach's alpha values (QPC-1 0.87–0.98, QPC-2 0.85–0.98), which means the instrument needs to be further tested in order to improve its psychometric properties.Twelve next of kin were interviewed in Study III. The next of kin described quality of care mainly from their own perspective, but also to a large extent from the patient's perspective as well. They described it in both positive and negative terms. Five descriptive categories resulted: Dignity, Security, Participation, Recovery and Health-promoting surroundings. Good relations and communication between staff, patients and next of kin emerged as the central factors regarding the quality of care. The next of kin asked for information about mental illnesses and wanted to co-operate and participate in the patient's care. They avoided telling others about their family member's psychiatric illness because of a feeling of shame and guilt.In Study IV, 20 care staff and care associates were interviewed. They described quality of care both from the patient's perspective and from a professional perspective. They perceived the concept as a positive one and as being of great importance for the patient's health and life situation. Four descriptive categories resulted: the patient's Dignity is respected; the patient's Participation in the care; the patient's Recovery; and the patient's care Environment plays an important role.The main contribution of this thesis with regard to the concept of quality of care in the psychiatric setting is its emphasis on the significance of the different perspectives described above, as such knowledge is vital when planning and implementing and evaluating quality of psychiatric care. In addition, the descriptive categories that emerged in this thesis clearly highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships in the care situation. The new instrument (QPC) needs psychometric testing before it routinely can be used as a self-rating instrument for the purpose of improving psychiatric inpatient care and help guide the proper allocation of care resources.

Randomized trial of parent management training in children with tic disorders and disruptive behavior. Journal of child neurology

Scahill L, Sukhodolsky DG, Bearss K, Findley D, Hamrin V, Carroll DH, et al. (2006)

Oppositional, defiant, and disruptive behaviors are common in clinical samples of children with tic disorders. In this study, we sought to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a structured parent training program in children with tic disorders accompanied by disruptive behavior. Children with tic disorders and at least a moderate level of disruptive behavior were randomly assigned to a 10-session structured parent management training program or to continue treatment as usual. Twenty-four children (18 boys and 6 girls) between the ages of 6 and 12 years (mean 8.9 +/- 2.0 years) were enrolled; 23 subjects completed the study. At baseline, subjects showed moderate to severe levels of oppositional and defiant behavior. Twenty subjects (83%) were on stable medication. The parent-rated Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale score decreased by 51% in the parent management training group compared with a decrease of 19% in the treatment as usual group (P < .05). On the Improvement scale of the Clinical Global Impression, a rater masked to treatment assignment classified 7 of 11 subjects who completed parent management training as much improved or very much improved compared with 2 of 12 subjects in the treatment as usual group (Fisher exact test, P < .05). These results suggest that parent management training is helpful for short-term improvement in disruptive behavior problems in children with tic disorders. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed.

Reducing Conduct Problems Among Children Brought to Women’s Shelters: Intervention Effects 24 Months Following Termination of Services

McDonald, R., Jouriles, E. N., & Skopp, N. A. (2006)

This study evaluated the long-term effects of Project SUPPORT, an intervention designed to reduce conduct problems among children in domestically violent families. Participating mothers had sought shelter because of domestic violence and had at least one child (4-9 years old) exhibiting clinical levels of conduct problems. Results indicated that at 2 years posttreatment, 15% of children in families in the Project SUPPORT condition exhibited clinical levels of conduct problems compared with 53% of those in the existing services condition. In addition, mothers of children in the Project SUPPORT condition reported their children to be happier, to have better social relationships, and to have lower levels of internalizing problems, relative to children in the comparison condition. Mothers in the Project SUPPORT condition were less likely to use aggressive child management strategies and were less likely to have returned to their partners during the follow-up period.

Relations between parent and adolescent problems among adolescents presenting for family-based marijuana abuse treatment

Kamon JL, Stanger C, Budney AJ, Dumenci L. (2006)

Family-based treatments for adolescent substance abuse demonstrate efficacy and are becoming a treatment of choice. Family risk factors for substance abuse may present barriers to or suggest targets for modification during treatment. The sample included 149 adolescents presenting for substance abuse treatment and their parents. Structural equation modeling tested the hypothesis that parent psychological problems, parent substance use, and parenting behaviors influence adolescent psychological problems and substance use. This study is among the first to examine the unique impact of maternal and paternal variables on adolescent problems within one analytical model. Results indicated that parental psychological problems were directly associated with adolescent psychological problems after controlling for parent substance use and parenting behaviors. Paternal positive involvement and poor monitoring were also independently associated with adolescent substance use. Results suggest that both mothers' and fathers' symptoms of psychopathology play an important role in the symptoms of adolescents in treatment for substance abuse. Findings highlight the need for family-based assessment in adolescent treatment populations to address important clinical and research questions.

Relations between social support, appraisal and coping and both positive and negative outcomes for children of a parent with multiple sclerosis and comparisons with children of healthy parents

Pakenham, K. I. and S. Bursnall (2006)

Objective: To examine adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis within a stress and coping framework and compare them with those who have 'healthy' parents. Subjects: A total of 193 participants between 10 and 25 years completed questionnaires; 48 youngsters who had a parent with multiple sclerosis and 145 youngsters who reported that they did not have a parent with an illness or disability. Method: A questionnaire survey methodology was used. Variable sets included caregiving context (e.g. additional parental illness, family responsibilities, parental functional impairment, choice in helping), social support (network size, satisfaction), stress appraisal, coping (problem solving, seeking support, acceptance, wishful thinking, denial), and positive (life satisfaction, positive affect, benefits) and negative (distress, health) adjustment outcomes. Results: Caregiving context variables significantly correlated with poorer adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis included additional parental illness, higher family responsibilities, parental functional impairment and unpredictability of the parent's multiple sclerosis, and less choice in helping. As predicted, better adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis was related to higher levels of social support, lower stress appraisals, greater reliance on approach coping strategies (problem solving, seeking support and acceptance) and less reliance on avoidant coping (wishful thinking and denial). Compared with children of 'healthy' parents, children of a parent with multiple sclerosis reported greater family responsibilities, less reliance on problem solving and seeking social support coping, higher somatization and lower life satisfaction and positive affect. Conclusions: Findings delineate the key impacts of young caregiving and support a stress and coping model of adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis.

Relations between social support, appraisal, and coping and both positive and negative outcomes for children of a parent with MS and comparisons with children of a parent with MS and comparisons with children of healthy parents

Pakenham, K.I.. & Bursnall, S. (2006)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To examine adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis within a stress and coping framework and compare them with those who have 'healthy' parents.
SUBJECTS:
A total of 193 participants between 10 and 25 years completed questionnaires; 48 youngsters who had a parent with multiple sclerosis and 145 youngsters who reported that they did not have a parent with an illness or disability.
METHOD:
A questionnaire survey methodology was used. Variable sets included caregiving context (e.g. additional parental illness, family responsibilities, parental functional impairment, choice in helping), social support (network size, satisfaction), stress appraisal, coping (problem solving, seeking support, acceptance, wishful thinking, denial), and positive (life satisfaction, positive affect, benefits) and negative (distress, health) adjustment outcomes.
RESULTS:
Caregiving context variables significantly correlated with poorer adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis included additional parental illness, higher family responsibilities, parental functional impairment and unpredictability of the parent's multiple sclerosis, and less choice in helping. As predicted, better adjustment in children of a parent with multiple sclerosis was related to higher levels of social support, lower stress appraisals, greater reliance on approach coping strategies (problem solving, seeking support and acceptance) and less reliance on avoidant coping (wishful thinking and denial). Compared with children of 'healthy' parents, children of a parent with multiple sclerosis reported greater family responsibilities, less reliance on problem solving and seeking social support coping, higher somatization and lower life satisfaction and positive affect.

Risk and resilience. Adaptation in changing times

Schoon, I. (2006)

What factors enable individuals to overcome adverse childhoods and move on to rewarding lives in adulthood? Drawing on data collected from two of Britain's richest research resources for the study of human development, the 1958 National Child Development Study and the 1970 British Cohort Study, this 2006 book investigates the phenomenon of 'resilience' - the ability to adjust positively to adverse conditions. Comparing the experiences of over 30,000 individuals born twelve years apart, Schoon examines the transition from childhood into adulthood and the assumption of work and family related roles among individuals born in 1958 and 1970 respectively. The study focuses on academic attainment among high and low risk individuals, but also considers behavioural adjustment, health and psychological well-being, as well as the stability of adjustment patterns in times of social change. This is a major work of reference and synthesis, that makes an important contribution to the study of lifelong development.

Risk factors for preschool depression: the mediating role of early stressful life events.

Luby J, Belden A, Spitznagel E. (2006)

Background:  Family history of mood disorders and stressful life events are both established risk factors for childhood depression. However, the role of mediators in risk trajectories, which are potential targets for intervention, remains understudied. To date, there have been no investigations of mediating relationships between risk factors and very early onset depression, a developmental period during which intervention may be more effective. The current study used regression analyses to examine the relationships between family history of mood disorders and stressful life events as risk factors for depression in a preschool sample.

Method:  Preschoolers 3.0 to 5.6 years of age participated in a comprehensive mental health assessment. Caregivers were interviewed about their children using a structured diagnostic measure to derive DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnoses and dimensional depression severity scores. Family history of psychiatric disorders and preschoolers' stressful life events was obtained.

Results:  Both family history and stressful life events predicted depression severity scores 6 months later. Analyses examining the influence of family history of mood disorders and stressful life events on preschoolers' depression severity demonstrated that stressful life events mediated the relationship between family history and preschoolers' depression.

Conclusions:  Findings outline the key role of exposure to early stressful life events as a mediator of familial mood disorder risk in preschool onset depression. This finding in a preschool sample provides support for the hypothesis that psychosocial factors may have increased importance as mediators of risk in younger age groups. Findings suggest that psychosocial factors should be considered key targets for early intervention in depression.

Speech, language and aided communication: connections and questions in a developmental context

Smith, M. (2006)

PURPOSE:
This discussion paper focuses on four potential complexities in the language development of children with severe congenital speech impairments, who use graphic symbols as a primary means of expression.
METHOD:
Some of the literature in relation to language development in aided communication is reviewed.
RESULTS:
Four potentially significant connections are discussed, relating to: (i) the features of graphic symbols; (ii) the complexity of multi-modal communication; (iii) the impact of selection and production on the process of developing a language system; and (iv), the connection between development and learning.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is proposed that the connections outlined are of fundamental significance in guiding intervention planning and in supporting language development in ways that have theoretical coherence.

Speech, language and aided communication: connections and questions in a developmental context

Smith, M. (2006)

Abstract
PURPOSE:
This discussion paper focuses on four potential complexities in the language development of children with severe congenital speech impairments, who use graphic symbols as a primary means of expression.
METHOD:
Some of the literature in relation to language development in aided communication is reviewed.
RESULTS:
Four potentially significant connections are discussed, relating to: (i) the features of graphic symbols; (ii) the complexity of multi-modal communication; (iii) the impact of selection and production on the process of developing a language system; and (iv), the connection between development and learning.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is proposed that the connections outlined are of fundamental significance in guiding intervention planning and in supporting language development in ways that have theoretical coherence.

Standing guard - Being a relative to a hospitalised, elderly person

Lindhardt, T., Bolmsjö, I. A., & Rahm Hallberg, I. (2006)

Caregiving relatives continue to feel primarily responsible for the care and well-being of elderly persons, when they are admitted to hospital. Although involvement of relatives in decision-making is rare, and the hospitalisation therefore may be a frustrating experience, little is known of relatives' experience of the hospitalisation of elderly persons from a life-world perspective. In this phenomenological study, hospital admission was a time of crisis and possible transition for the relatives, and the encounter with the professional system added to the relatives' emotional and physical burden. They felt responsible for protecting the elderly person and ensuring they received sufficient care. The history of the relationship and care was the frame of reference in which the hospital stay of the elderly person was reflected and understood. Feelings, roles and experiences were brought into the hospital setting and formed the basis for the relatives' expectations, values and conducts there.

Keywords
Relatives; Family attitudes; Family role; Family relations; Aged hospitalised; Elderly; Caregivers psychosocial factors; Adult children; Aging parents; Decision making; Professional–family relations; Collaboration; Lived experience; Phenomenology

Standing guard - Being a relative to a hospitalised, elderly person

Lindhardt, T., Bolmsjö, I. A., & Rahm Hallberg, I. (2006)

Caregiving relatives continue to feel primarily responsible for the care and well-being of elderly persons, when they are admitted to hospital. Although involvement of relatives in decision-making is rare, and the hospitalisation therefore may be a frustrating experience, little is known of relatives' experience of the hospitalisation of elderly persons from a life-world perspective. In this phenomenological study, hospital admission was a time of crisis and possible transition for the relatives, and the encounter with the professional system added to the relatives' emotional and physical burden. They felt responsible for protecting the elderly person and ensuring they received sufficient care. The history of the relationship and care was the frame of reference in which the hospital stay of the elderly person was reflected and understood. Feelings, roles and experiences were brought into the hospital setting and formed the basis for the relatives' expectations, values and conducts there.

Keywords
Relatives; Family attitudes; Family role; Family relations; Aged hospitalised; Elderly; Caregivers psychosocial factors; Adult children; Aging parents; Decision making; Professional–family relations; Collaboration; Lived experience; Phenomenology

Stress and well-being among parents of children with rare diseases: a prospective interventions study.

Dellve, Lotta, Samuelsson, Lena, Tallborn, Andreas, Fasth, Anders & Hallberg, Lillemor (2006)

This paper reports a study to assess stress, well-being and supportive resources experienced by mothers and fathers of children with rare disabilities, and how these variables were affected by an intensive family competence intervention.
BACKGROUND:
Despite diagnosis-specific studies, little overall knowledge exists about life-consequences for families of children with rare disorders.
METHOD:
We used a prospective design with baseline data and two follow-ups (at 6 and 12 months) after an intervention. The intervention aimed at empowering parents in managing their child's disability. Parents from all parts of Sweden visiting a national centre for families of children with rare disabilities were consecutively selected (n = 136 mothers, 108 fathers). Instruments of parental stress, social support, self-rated health, optimism and life satisfaction and perceived physical or psychological strain were used. Stratified analyses were carried out for mothers and fathers, and related to parental demands: single mothers, full-time employment, participation in a parent association, child's age and type of disability.
RESULTS:
We found high parental stress, physical and emotional strain among mothers, especially among single mothers. Fathers showed high stress related to incompetence, which decreased after the intervention. Decreased strain was found among full-time working mothers and fathers after the intervention. Parents' perceived knowledge and active coping and mothers' perceived social support were increased at follow-up. Factors related to parents' overall life satisfaction (57-70% explained variance) changed after the intervention, from being more related to internal demands (perceived strain, incompetence and social isolation) to other conditions, such as problems related to spouse, paid work and social network.
CONCLUSION:
Parents, especially fathers and full-time working parents, may benefit from an intensive family competence programme.

Stressors, quality of the child-caregiver relationship, and children’s mental health problems after parental death: the mediating role of self-system beliefs

Wolchik, S.A., Tein, J., Sandler, I.N. & Ayers, T.S. (2006)

Abstract
Investigated whether three self-system beliefs, fear of abandonment, coping efficacy, and self-esteem, mediated the relations of stressors and caregiver-child relationship quality with concurrent and prospective internalizing and externalizing problems in a sample of children who had experienced parental death in the previous 2.5 years. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 340 children ages 7-16 and their surviving parent/current caregiver; the longitudinal analyses employed a subset of this sample that consisted of 100 children and their parents/caregivers who were assessed at three time points. A multirater, multimethod measure of caregiver-child relationship quality and a multirater measure of children's mental health problems were used. The cross-sectional model supported a mediational relation for fear of abandonment, coping efficacy, and self-esteem. The three-wave longitudinal model showed that fear of abandonment at Time 2 mediated the relation between stressors at Time 1 and internalizing and externalizing problems at Time 3. Implications of these findings for understanding the development of mental health problems in parentally bereaved children and designing interventions for this at-risk group are discussed.

Suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity among former child welfare clients – a national cohort study

Vinnerljung B, Hjern A & Lindblad F (2006)

BACKGROUND:
Few large sample studies have examined psychiatric morbidity among former child welfare/protection clients. In this study, risks for suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity in younger years were assessed for former child welfare clients in ten national birth cohorts, comparing them with general population peers and inter-country adoptees.
METHODS:
We used national register data for almost one million people: 22,305 former child welfare clients who had experienced interventions before their teens, 955,326 general population cohort peers and 12,240 inter-country adoptees. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate risks of hospitalisation for suicide attempts and psychiatric disorders from age 13 to age 18-27.
RESULTS:
Former child welfare clients were in year of birth and sex standardised risk ratios (RRs) four to five times more likely than peers in the general population to have been hospitalised for suicide attempts. They were five to eight times more likely to have been hospitalised for serious psychiatric disorders in their teens, four to six times in young adulthood. High excess risks were also found for psychoses and depression. Individuals who had been in long-term foster care tended to have the most dismal outcome. Adjusting for birth parents' hospitalisations with a psychiatric diagnosis or for substance abuse, and for birth-home-related socio-economic factors, reduced excess risks to around twofold.
CONCLUSIONS:
Irrespective of issues of causality, findings suggest that former child welfare/protection clients should be considered a high-risk group for suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity. Results have substantial practice implications for mental health and social agencies serving this group in adolescence and/or young adulthood.

Suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity among former child welfare clients- A national cohort study

Vinnerljung, B., Hjern, A., & Lindblad, F. (2006)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Few large sample studies have examined psychiatric morbidity among former child welfare/protection clients. In this study, risks for suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity in younger years were assessed for former child welfare clients in ten national birth cohorts, comparing them with general population peers and inter-country adoptees.
METHODS:
We used national register data for almost one million people: 22,305 former child welfare clients who had experienced interventions before their teens, 955,326 general population cohort peers and 12,240 inter-country adoptees. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate risks of hospitalisation for suicide attempts and psychiatric disorders from age 13 to age 18-27.
RESULTS:
Former child welfare clients were in year of birth and sex standardised risk ratios (RRs) four to five times more likely than peers in the general population to have been hospitalised for suicide attempts. They were five to eight times more likely to have been hospitalised for serious psychiatric disorders in their teens, four to six times in young adulthood. High excess risks were also found for psychoses and depression. Individuals who had been in long-term foster care tended to have the most dismal outcome. Adjusting for birth parents' hospitalisations with a psychiatric diagnosis or for substance abuse, and for birth-home-related socio-economic factors, reduced excess risks to around twofold.
CONCLUSIONS:
Irrespective of issues of causality, findings suggest that former child welfare/protection clients should be considered a high-risk group for suicide attempts and severe psychiatric morbidity. Results have substantial practice implications for mental health and social agencies serving this group in adolescence and/or young adulthood.

Symptoms of internalizing and externalizing problems: modeling recovery curves after the death of a parent

Schmiege, S.J., Khoo, S.T., Sandler, I.N., Ayers, T.S. & Wolchik, S.A. (2006)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The death of a parent is a major family disruption that can place children at risk for later depression and other mental health problems.
DESIGN:
Theoretically based randomized controlled trial for parentally bereaved children.
SETTING/PARTICIPANTS:
Two-hundred and forty-four children and adolescents and their caregivers from 156 families were randomly assigned to the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) intervention condition (90 families; 135 children) or to a control condition (66 families; 109 children). Data collection occurred from 1996 to 1998.
INTERVENTION:
Children and caregivers in the intervention condition met separately for 12 two-hour weekly sessions. Skills targeted by the program for children included positive coping, stress appraisals, control beliefs, and self-esteem. The caregiver program targeted caregiver mental health, life stressors, and improved discipline in the home. Both child and caregiver programs focused on improved quality of the caregiver-child relationship.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Child and caregiver reports of internalizing and externalizing symptoms.
RESULTS:
Longitudinal growth curve modeling was performed to model symptoms over time from the point of parental death. The rate of recovery for girls in the program condition was significantly different from that of girls in the control condition across all outcomes. Boys in both conditions showed reduced symptoms over time.
CONCLUSIONS:
The methodology offers a conceptually unique way of assessing recovery in terms of reduced mental health problems over time after an event and has contributed to further understanding of FBP intervention effects. The intervention program facilitated recovery among girls, who did not show reduction in behavior problems without the program, while boys demonstrated decreased symptoms even without intervention.

Symptoms of internalizing and externalizing problems: modeling recovery curves after the death of a parent

Schmiege, S.J., Khoo, S.T., Sandler, I.N., Ayers, T.S., & Wolchik, S.A. (2006)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The death of a parent is a major family disruption that can place children at risk for later depression and other mental health problems.
DESIGN:
Theoretically based randomized controlled trial for parentally bereaved children.
SETTING/PARTICIPANTS:
Two-hundred and forty-four children and adolescents and their caregivers from 156 families were randomly assigned to the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) intervention condition (90 families; 135 children) or to a control condition (66 families; 109 children). Data collection occurred from 1996 to 1998.
INTERVENTION:
Children and caregivers in the intervention condition met separately for 12 two-hour weekly sessions. Skills targeted by the program for children included positive coping, stress appraisals, control beliefs, and self-esteem. The caregiver program targeted caregiver mental health, life stressors, and improved discipline in the home. Both child and caregiver programs focused on improved quality of the caregiver-child relationship.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Child and caregiver reports of internalizing and externalizing symptoms.
RESULTS:
Longitudinal growth curve modeling was performed to model symptoms over time from the point of parental death. The rate of recovery for girls in the program condition was significantly different from that of girls in the control condition across all outcomes. Boys in both conditions showed reduced symptoms over time.
CONCLUSIONS:
The methodology offers a conceptually unique way of assessing recovery in terms of reduced mental health problems over time after an event and has contributed to further understanding of FBP intervention effects. The intervention program facilitated recovery among girls, who did not show reduction in behavior problems without the program, while boys demonstrated decreased symptoms even without intervention.

Så länge jag minns finns du. En minnesbok för barn

Ida Gamborg Nielsen (2006)

En minnesbok för barn som förlorat en förälder, ett syskon eller någon annan närstående.

I boken finns frågor att skriva svar på, och svaren blir en hjälp att minnas. Här finns också plats att rita bilder och klistra in foton. Och många värdefulla tips, till exempel om att prata med andra som kände den saknade och kanske be någon av dem att skriva något.

Att arbeta med boken innebär att arbeta med sina minnen - både glada och svåra - och sin sorg över den man saknar. Boken innehåller texter och illustrationer från personer som själva förlorat någon närstående, t ex Barbro Lindgren, Pernilla Stalfelt och Ilon Wikland.

The Effective Family Program: Preventative Services for the Children of Mentally Ill Parents in Finland

Solantaus, T. & Toikka, S. (2006)

The Effective Family Programme was initiated in Finland in 2001 to provide methods for health and social services to support families and children of mentally ill parents. The methods are implemented and clinicians are trained in psychiatric services and primary health care. The methods include the Beardslee Preventive Family Intervention, a parent-focused Let's Talk about Children Discussion and the Network Meeting. The Effective Family Programme represents large-scale implementation of a promotive and preventative child-centred approach in adult psychiatry. The first five years have been successful. Two thirds of health districts have initiated training. However, big challenges lie ahead. While the work was initiated in psychiatric services, it needs to be extended to primary health care and social services as well. Institutionalisation of the methods is still in progress, as well as incorporation of the work into the basic training of all mental health professionals.

The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology

Anda RF, Felitti VJ, Bremner JD, Walker JD, Whitfield C, Perry BD, et al. (2006)

The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood. A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology .
Anda R.F., Felitti V.J., Bremner J.D., Walker J.D., Whitfield C., Perry B.D., Dube S.R. & Giles W.H. ( 2005 ) European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience , ePub, posted online 29 November 2005 .

Background Childhood maltreatment has been linked to a variety of changes in brain structure and function and stress–responsive neurobiological systems. Epidemiological studies have documented the impact of childhood maltreatment on health and emotional well-being.

Methods After a brief review of the neurobiology of childhood trauma, we use the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study as an epidemiological 'case example' of the convergence between epidemiological and neurobiological evidence of the effects of childhood trauma. The ACE Study included 17 337 adult HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) members and assessed eight adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and serious household dysfunction. We used the number of ACEs (ACE score) as a measure of cumulative childhood stress and hypothesized a 'dose–response' relationship of the ACE score to 18 selected outcomes and to the total number of these outcomes (comorbidity).

Results Based upon logistic regression analysis, the risk of every outcome in the affective, somatic, substance abuse, memory, sexual, and aggression-related domains increased in a graded fashion as the ACE score increased (P < 0.001). The mean number of comorbid outcomes tripled across the range of the ACE score.

Conclusions The graded relationship of the ACE score to 18 different outcomes in multiple domains theoretically parallels the cumulative exposure of the developing brain to the stress response with resulting impairment in multiple brain structures and functions.

The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology

Anda RF, Felitti VJ, Bremner JD, Walker JD, Whitfield C, Perry BD, et al. (2006)

Background

Childhood maltreatment has been linked to a variety of changes in brain structure and function and stress-responsive neurobiological systems. Epidemiological studies have documented the impact of childhood maltreatment on health and emotional well-being.

Methods

After a brief review of the neurobiology of childhood trauma, we use the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study as an epidemiological "case example" of the convergence between epidemiologic and neurobiological evidence of the effects of childhood trauma. The ACE Study included 17,337 adult HMO members and assessed 8 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and serious household dysfunction. We used the number of ACEs (ACE score) as a measure of cumulative childhood stress and hypothesized a "dose-response" relationship of the ACE score to 18 selected outcomes and to the total number of these outcomes (comorbidity).

Results

Based upon logistic regression analysis, the risk of every outcome in the affective, somatic, substance abuse, memory, sexual, and aggression-related domains increased in a graded fashion as the ACE score increased (P < 0.001). The mean number of comorbid outcomes tripled across the range of the ACE score.

Conclusions

The graded relationship of the ACE score to 18 different outcomes in multiple domains theoretically parallels the cumulative exposure of the developing brain to the stress response with resulting impairment in multiple brain structures and functions.

The Enhancing Connections Program: Pilot study of a cognitive behavioral intervention for mothers and children affected by breast cancer

Lewis, F.M., Casey, S.M., Brandt, P. A., Shands, M.E., & Zahlis, E.H. (2006)

In 2005, approximately 211,240 women in the US will be diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and an estimated 22% will be child rearing. Research reveals that both mothers and children have elevated distress attributed to the cancer; struggle with how to talk about and deal with the impact of the cancer; and both fear the mother will die. The Enhancing Connections Program (EC) was developed to reduce this cancer-related distress and morbidity. The program involves five, 1-hour educational counseling sessions delivered at 2-week intervals by specially trained clinicians. This study reports on the program's short-term impact on mothers' and children's adjustment. Thirteen households were recruited within 7.5 months of the mother's diagnosis with early stage breast cancer. Impact was evaluated within a single group design using data obtained from standardized questionnaires with established reliability and validity. Results revealed significant improvements in the mother's depressed mood, anxiety, and self-confidence to assist her child (mother report). There were also significant decreases in the child's behavioral problems (mother and father report); the child's cancer-related worries (child report); and the child's anxiety/depressed mood (mother and father report). Further evaluation is warranted within a clinical trial.

The enhancing connections program: Pilot study of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for mothers and children affected by breast cancer

Lewis FM, Casey SM, Brandt PA, Shands ME, Zahlis EH (2006)

In 2005, approximately 211,240 women in the US will be diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and an estimated 22% will be child rearing. Research reveals that both mothers and children have elevated distress attributed to the cancer; struggle with how to talk about and deal with the impact of the cancer; and both fear the mother will die. The Enhancing Connections Program (EC) was developed to reduce this cancer-related distress and morbidity. The program involves five, 1-hour educational counseling sessions delivered at 2-week intervals by specially trained clinicians. This study reports on the program's short-term impact on mothers' and children's adjustment. Thirteen households were recruited within 7.5 months of the mother's diagnosis with early stage breast cancer. Impact was evaluated within a single group design using data obtained from standardized questionnaires with established reliability and validity. Results revealed significant improvements in the mother's depressed mood, anxiety, and self-confidence to assist her child (mother report). There were also significant decreases in the child's behavioral problems (mother and father report); the child's cancer-related worries (child report); and the child's anxiety/depressed mood (mother and father report). Further evaluation is warranted within a clinical trial

The kaleidoscope of communication: Different perspectives on communication involving children with severe multiple disabilities.

Olsson, C. (2006)

Avhandlingen består av sex publikationer om kommunikation och grava funktionsnedsättningar. Publikationerna presenterar ett teoretiskt ramverk, metodförslag och empiriska studier. Det teoretiska ramverket gäller generella aspekter på kommunikation och funktionsnedsättning medan de empiriska studierna fokuserar på barn i förskoleåldern vilka har utvecklingsstörning kombinerat med synnedsättning och/eller rörelsehinder. Syftet med avhandlingen är att samla kunskaper om hur barnen kommunicerar med sina vårdgivare, att analysera hur olika forskningsstrategier kan tillföra kunskaper från olika perspektiv och att utveckla modeller för att analysera och beskriva den dyadiska interaktionen.
Den teoretiska ramen tar upp hur barnets kommunikativa utveckling påverkas av multipla funktionsnedsättningar men också kommunikationspartners roll och vad som är betydelsefullt i åtgärdsarbetet. Den metodologiska ramen presenterar och jämför olika forskningsansatser och ett nytt sätt att studera och analysera kommunikation baserat på systemteori föreslås. I de empiriska studierna undersöks först sambanden mellan användning av kommunikativa funktioner och barnets funktionsnedsättningar samt hur situationen påverkar. Detta görs genom en kombinerad analysmodell som är både variabel- och person-inriktad. Sedan testas den föreslagna systemteoretiska analysen på två fallstudier av samspel mellan barn och vårdare.
Resultaten visar att användning av olika kommunikativa funktioner hade vissa samband med typ och grad av funktionsnedsättning hos de undersökta barnen men att det också fanns individuella mönster som skiljde sig från gruppresultatet. Det framkom dessutom att användningen av olika kommunikativa funktioner hade starkare samband med hur situationen såg ut än med vilka funktionsnedsättningar barnen hade. När det gällde undersökningarna av själva kommunikationsprocessen mellan barnet och den vuxne visade det sig att de båda kontinuerligt samordnande sig och att själva processen bestod av att tillsammans konstruera gemensamma ramar av samförstånd. Denna process genomgick kvalitativt olika faser som växlade mellan instabilitet och stabilitet. Användandet av systemteori som ett analysverktyg, gav upphov till tre modeller. Den första visar uppbyggnaden av en hierarkisk ordning av de gemensamma ramarna, den andra gäller dynamiken i processen och den tredje hur skiftet mellan olika faser sker i processen.
Diskussionen koncentreras kring hur resultaten från studierna tillsammans med de teoretiska aspekterna som framförts kan bidra till en erfarenhetsbaserad praxis. De huvudsakliga slutsatserna är att i ett kommunikativt samspel som involverar en person med flera grava funktionshinder så är kommunikationens mening något som konstrueras tillsammans av de båda parterna och därför kan kommunikation inte betraktas som en individuell kompetens kompetensen finns i dyaden.

The MetLife caregiving cost study: productivity losses to US business

MetLife (2006)

Since the release of the 1997 MetLife Study of Employer Costs for Working Caregivers, new research has helped us better understand the issues facing employed caregivers and their employers, new workplace programs have been developed and
more employees are reporting involvement in eldercare. In 2004, the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP issued the findings of a survey of U.S. caregivers which forms the basis of this update of the costs to employers of caregiving employees.1 Findings are based on a Level of Burden Index, with Level 1 being the lowest in caregiving intensity and level 5 being the highest. Intense caregivers (Levels 3 – 5) are defined as doing personal care tasks (such as bathing, dressing, feeding as well as other tasks) for an average of 12 to 87 hours per week; levels 1 and 2 are caregivers providing, on average, fewer than 10 hours of care per week of less intense tasks, such as taking someone to a doctor's appointment or doing housework for them. This study estimates the productivity losses to U.S. business of employees who must make workplace accommodations as a result of caregiving responsibilities. These include costs associated with replacing employees, absenteeism, crisis in care, workday interruptions, supervisory time, unpaid leave, and reducing hours from full-time to part time.Since the release of the 1997 MetLife Study of Employer Costs for Working Caregivers, new research has helped us better understand the issues facing employed caregivers and their employers, new workplace programs have been developed and more employees are reporting involvement in eldercare. In 2004, the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP issued the findings of a survey of U.S. caregivers which forms the basis of this update of the costs to employers of caregiving employees.1 Findings are based on a Level of Burden Index, with Level 1 being the lowest in caregiving intensity and level 5 being the highest. Intense caregivers (Levels 3 – 5) are defined as doing personal care tasks (such as bathing, dressing, feeding as well as other tasks) for an average of 12 to 87 hours per week; levels 1 and 2 are caregivers providing, on average, fewer than 10 hours of care per week of less intense tasks, such as taking someone to a doctor's appointment or doing housework for them. This study estimates the productivity losses to U.S. business of employees who must make workplace accommodations as a result of caregiving responsibilities. These include costs associated with replacing employees, absenteeism, crisis in care, workday interruptions, supervisory time, unpaid leave, and reducing hours from full-time to part time.

The Strengthening Washington D.C. Families Project: A Randomized Effectiveness Trial of Family-Based Prevention.

Gottfredson D, Kumpfer K, Polizzi-Fox D, Wilson D, Puryear V, Beatty P, et al. (2006)

The Strengthening Washington DC Families Project (SWFP) examined implementation fidelity and effectiveness when a selective, evidence-based prevention program was implemented with a sample of 715 predominantly African American families across multiple settings in an urban area. Using a true experimental design, this study reports on the differential effectiveness of four conditions (child skills training only, parent skills training only, parent and child skills training plus family skills training, and minimal treatment controls) in reducing child antisocial behavior and its precursors. Major challenges with recruitment and retention of participants and uneven program coverage were documented. No statistically significant positive effects for any of the program conditions were observed, and a statistically significant negative effect on child reports of Negative Peer Associations was observed for children of families assigned to the family skills training condition. Two marginally significant findings were observed: Child's positive adjustment favored families assigned to family skills training condition relative to minimal treatment and child training only, and family supervision and bonding was lower for children in family skills training than in the other three conditions. Hypotheses about potential explanations for the weaker than expected effects of this program are offered, as are thoughts about the infrastructure necessary to successfully implement family strengthening programs and the future of prevention science.

The incidence and course of depression in bereaved youth 21 months after the loss of a parent to suicide, accident, or sudden natural death

Brent, D., Melhem, N., Donohoe, M.B., & Walker, M. (2009)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
This study examined effects of bereavement 21 months after a parent's death, particularly death by suicide.
METHOD:
The participants were 176 offspring, ages 7-25, of parents who died by suicide, accident, or sudden natural death. They were assessed 9 and 21 months after the death, along with 168 nonbereaved subjects.
RESULTS:
Major depression and alcohol or substance abuse 21 months after the parent's death were more common among bereaved youth than among comparison subjects. Offspring with parental suicide or accidental death had higher rates of depression than comparison subjects; those with parental suicide had higher rates of alcohol or substance abuse. Youth with parental suicide had a higher incidence of depression than those bereaved by sudden natural death. Bereavement and a past history of depression increased depression risk in the 9 months following the death, which increased depression risk between 9 and 21 months. Losing a mother, blaming others, low self-esteem, negative coping, and complicated grief were associated with depression in the second year.
CONCLUSIONS:
Youth who lose a parent, especially through suicide, are vulnerable to depression and alcohol or substance abuse during the second year after the loss. Depression risk in the second year is mediated by the increased incidence of depression within the first 9 months. The most propitious time to prevent or attenuate depressive episodes in bereaved youth may be shortly after the parent's death. Interventions that target complicated grief and blaming of others may also improve outcomes in symptomatic youth with parental bereavement.

The influence of fracture on activity, social participation and quality of life among older adults. Results from the population study Good Ageing in Skåne.

Ekström, H. (2009)

The aims of this thesis where the target population has been older adults suffering from osteoporosis related fractures were firstly to study the association between functional impairment due to pain, and activity expressed as walking speed (WS) and Timed Get up and-Go (TUG), and to examine the associations between functional impairment and social participation (SP) and quality of life (QoL). Secondly, to study the association between activity and SP and QoL. Thirdly, to study the effect of informal and/or formal support on SP.
In study I activity 3 years after trauma and stratified for pain was examined. For fractured, both with and without pain, higher WS was noted for subjects with the last fracture more than 3 years ago compared to subjects fractured less than 3 years ago. The median time for fractured in pain and a trauma more than 3 years ago walking 15m at a self selected speed was 14 s compared to 20 s (p = 0.04) for subjects in pain and fractured less than 3 years ago. Both fracture and pain independently explained levels of WS.
In study II the association between functional impairment and SP and QoL was investigated. QoL included Life satisfaction index A (LSI- A) and SF-12 consisting of a mental component (MCS) and a physical component (PCS). Fractured with and without pain were compared to non-fractured controls and in 12 out of 21 activities fewer fractured in pain took part compared to controls. Regarding QoL, fractured in pain scored lower for MCS, PCS and LSI-A, compared to controls.
In study III the association between WS, TUG and QoL and SP was examined. In a logistic regression model adjusting for confounders, significant associations remained between SP and WS, TUG where an increased probability of taking part increased with a faster performance.
In study IV the extent of SP due to formal and/or informal care was examined. Adjusted odds ratios for SP using non support as a reference, showed that subjects with informal support did not have a lower probability for participating while subjects with informal and/or formal support had a significant lower probability for SP.
In conclusion, fractured had a limitation in activity. For both fractured with and without pain a limitation in WS was observed up to three years after trauma suggesting that there is rehabilitation potential the first years after fracture. A health condition with fracture and a functional impairment due to pain, or a deterioration WS or TUG are associated with a restriction in SP and a lowered QoL. The results also substantiate the influence of informal support i.e. care given by relatives and friends have decisive influence to maintain SP and thereby an active lifestyle.

The inter-relationship between formal and informalcare: a study of France and Israel

Litwin, H. and C. Attias-Donfut (2009)

This study examined whether formal care services delivered to frail older people's homes in France and Israel substitute for or complement informal support. The two countries have comparable family welfare systems but many historical, cultural and religious differences. Data for the respondents aged 75 or more years at the first wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were analysed. Regressions were examined of three patterns of care from outside the household: informal support only, formal support only and both formal and informal care, with the predictor variables including whether informal help was provided by a family member living in the household. The results revealed that about one-half of the respondents received no help at all (France 51%, Israel 55%), about one-tenth received care from a household member (France 8%, Israel 10%), and one-third were helped by informal carers from outside the household (France 34%, Israel 33%). More French respondents (35%) received formal care services at home than Israelis (27%). Most predictors of the care patterns were similar in the two countries. The analysis showed that complementarity is a common outcome of the co-existence of formal and informal care, and that mixed provision occurs more frequently in situations of greater need. It is also shown that spouse care-givers had less formal home-care supports than either co-resident children or other family care-givers. Even so, spouses, children and other family care-givers all had considerable support from formal home-delivered care.

The Mood Disorder Burden Index: A scale for assessing the burden of caregivers to adults with unipolar or bipolar disorder

Martire, L. M., Hinrichsen, G. A., Morse, J. Q., Reynolds, C. F., Gildengers, A. G., Mulsant, B. H., . . . Kupfer, D. J. (2009)

We present a brief measure of caregiver burden, the Mood Disorder Burden Index (MDBI), for use with family members and close friends of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). The MDBI assesses burden in three core domains (patients' mood symptoms, caregivers' worry about the future, and caregivers' interpersonal difficulties with the patient) and includes an optional module that assesses caregiver burden associated with patients' pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy. The MDBI was administered to caregivers of older individuals (i.e., 58 years and older) with MDD (n=123) or BD (n=38) who were receiving treatment through a research study. Analyses indicated evidence of convergent and discriminant validity of the new measure well as internal consistency within both caregiver groups. It will be important for future research to administer the MDBI to caregivers of middle-aged and older patients as well as those receiving treatment through inpatient settings or community outpatient clinics.

The social capital of older people

Gray, A. (2009)

How can the 'social capital' inherent in social networks provide contacts through which older people access practical and emotional support? What is the relative importance of kin and non-kin, and of participation in organisations and informal ties such as contacts with neighbours? Following a brief contextualisation that draws on previous literature, this paper addresses these questions through analysis of British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) data. It examines the extent to which people feel they can count on emotional and practical support from friends and relatives. A dependent variable was created that measures the outcome of the 'social capital' residing in a respondent's social network. Relatively poor support was found amongst elders who were childless or had been continuously without a partner; relatively rich support was found amongst those who had frequent contact with other people, who interacted frequently with neighbours, and who regarded their neighbourhood as a positive social environment. Being active in organisations had less effect on social support than informal social contacts. Amongst many different forms of organisational activity, the only ones that had a positive association with social support were being in contact with others through religious activities, and engaging in sports clubs. The social support of working-class elders, even those 'well networked' in formal or informal ways, was strengthened less by their social capital than was that of the professional and managerial occupational groups.

Tourette syndrome in children and adolescents: Special considerations

Eapen, V. and R. Črnčec (2009)

Tourette syndrome (TS) affects people of all ages, with onset in early childhood and continuing through the different stages of the life cycle into adolescence and adults. This review focuses on barriers to diagnosis and challenges in the management of young patients with TS. Barriers to identification occur at multiple levels, including detection in the community setting (including schools), parents' help-seeking behavior, and cultural influences on such behavior, as well as diagnosis by the medical provider. Challenges to management include unfamiliarity of primary care providers, inconsistencies in the diagnosis and management plan, and failure to recognize comorbid conditions, as well as inadequate knowledge and lack of resources to effectively deal with comorbidities. In addition to the complexities posed by pharmacological interactions, there are unique psychosocial challenges experienced by young people with TS and their families. Effective communication and collaboration between families, health care providers, and school personnel, as well as supportive communities, are essential components of comprehensive management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)

Translucency and learnability of Blissymbols in Setswana-speaking children: an exploration

Bornman, J., Alant, E., & Du Preez, A. (2009)

Although the importance of iconicity in the learning of symbols has been widely acknowledged, there have been few systematic investigations into the influence of culture on the ratings of symbol iconicity. The purposes of this study were two-fold: to determine (a) the translucency ratings of specific Blissymbols as rated by 6- to 7-year-old Setswana-speaking children (one of South Africa's 11 official languages); and (b) whether the ratings changed after second and third exposures in order to determine the learnability of these symbols. This study is partially based on the study by Quist et al. (1998), which utilized Dutch and American participants. Thirty-four Setswana children were exposed to 93 selected Blissymbols. A 3-point semantic differential scale consisting of three faces accompanied each Blissymbol, without the written gloss. This procedure was repeated over a period of 3 days. The results indicated that the majority of Blissymbols were rated as having high translucency ratings. The research further demonstrated significant differences in translucency between first and second exposures, suggesting that learning of the symbols had occurred. The comparison between the results of the current study and the results reported in the Quist et al. study reveal that the translucency ratings of the majority of the selected Blissymbols ranged from moderate to high for all three studies, but that the distribution of symbols across the ratings appears to be different.

Using Internet to provide cognitive behavior therapy

Andersson G. (2009)

A new treatment form has emerged that merges cognitive behaviour therapy with the Internet. By delivering treatment components, mainly in the form of texts presented via web pages, and provide ongoing support using e-mail promising outcomes can be achieved. The literature on this novel form of treatment has grown rapidly over recent years with several controlled trials in the field of anxiety disorders, mood disorders and behavioural medicine. For some of the conditions for which Internet-delivered CBT has been tested, independent replications have shown large effect sizes, for example in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. In some studies, Internet-delivered treatment can achieve similar outcomes as in face-to-face CBT, but the literature thus far is restricted mainly to efficacy trials. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence, comments on the role of the therapist and for which patient and therapist this is suitable. Areas of future research and exploration are identified.

Using research evidence to inform and evaluate early childhood intervention practices

Dunst, C. and C. Trivette (2009)

This article includes descriptions of a process used to conduct practice-based research syntheses and the manner in which synthesis findings are used to inform and evaluate early childhood intervention practices. The main focus of a practice-based research synthesis is the unbundling of an intervention practice to identify those practice characteristics that are associated with desired outcomes and benefits. Also described are how the characteristics identified as most important are used to develop evidence-based practices and how the characteristics can be used as benchmarks to assess the likelihood that an untested practice will be effective. The article concludes with a discussion of the tension between research and practice and how that tension might be mitigated.

Using the Internet to provide cognitive behaviour therapy

Andersson, G. (2009)

A new treatment form has emerged that merges cognitive behaviour therapy with the Internet. By delivering treatment components, mainly in the form of texts presented via web pages, and provide ongoing support using e-mail promising outcomes can be achieved. The literature on this novel form of treatment has grown rapidly over recent years with several controlled trials in the field of anxiety disorders, mood disorders and behavioural medicine. For some of the conditions for which Internet-delivered CBT has been tested, independent replications have shown large effect sizes, for example in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. In some studies, Internet-delivered treatment can achieve similar outcomes as in face-to-face CBT, but the literature thus far is restricted mainly to efficacy trials. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence, comments on the role of the therapist and for which patient and therapist this is suitable. Areas of future research and exploration are identified.

Utvärdering av anhörigstöd i Skåne län

Andersson, H., & Holmgren, A. (2009)

Ramböll Management Consulting har på uppdrag av Länsstyrelsen i Skåne län
utvärderat anhörigstödet i Skåne utifrån ett anhörigperspektiv. Tio stycken
representativt utvalda kommuner i Skåne län har ingått i utvärderingen. Följande
frågor har analyserats;
 Hur har anhörigstödet vidareutvecklats?
 Hur har kvaliteten på anhörigstödet som erbjuds förbättrats?
 Hur har tillgängligheten till anhörigstödet förbättrats?
 Hur har stöd som efterfrågas av anhörigvårdare utvecklats?
 Hur har anhörigvårdarnas livskvalitet förbättrats?
 Hur har samverkan med andra frivilliga/ideella krafter påverkat
anhörigstödets utveckling?
Datainsamlingen har genomförts med hjälp av; intervjuer, fokusgrupper och
dokumentstudier. Flera av utvärderingens frågeställningar har kunnat belysas med
hjälp av två eller flera datainsamlingsmetoder samtidigt. Härigenom åstadkommer
vi en stabil grund för analysen och våra slutsatser.
Rambölls bedömning är att anhörigstödet har vidareutvecklats som följd av de
statliga stimulansmedlen. Fler kommuner erbjuder idag träffpunkter jämfört med
tidigare och fler må-bra-aktiviteter erbjuds. Anhörigsamordnare har inrättats i
samtliga kommuner som ingått i vårt urval och det förekommer allt fler nätverk
och erfarenhetsutbyten mellan kommunerna.
Kvaliteten i anhörigstödet har förbättrats under de åren som staten betalat ut
stimulansmedel. Fokus i flera kommuner har varit att bygga en verksamhet av god
kvalitet som är hållbar. Med anledning av detta har utvecklingen och utformandet
av verksamheten varit relativt likartad mellan kommunerna. I samtliga kommuner
som varit föremål för utvärderingen finns anhörigsamordnare samt ett brett utbud
av aktiviteter för anhörigvårdare.
Vad gäller tillgängligheten så bedömer Ramböll att den delvis har förbättrats.
Samtliga kommuner erbjuder en träffpunkt och har en anhörigsamordnare.
Information om stödet finns tillgängligt via broschyrer på exempelvis apotek och
vårdcentraler. Flera av anhörigsamordnarna, liksom biståndshandläggarna,
informerar även om stödet. Däremot upplever både kommunala tjänstemän och
anhörigvårdare att stödet inte når ut till alla som kan tänkas ha behov av det. Till
exempel är uppslutningen på träffpunkterna inte så stor som man önskat och man
vet att det finns fler i kommunen som är i behov av stödet. Vad detta beror på
finns det olika teorier om. En återkommande förklaring är att de i målgruppen inte
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själva identifierar sig som vårdare av en anhörig utan i första hand som
make/maka där det är en plikt att man tar hand om sin sjuka närstående. Flera
anhörigvårdare beskriver hur svårt det är att ta klivet till att se bortom sin
närståendes situation och även börja tänka på och ta hand om sig själv.
Anhörigvårdare får det stöd de efterfrågar, inom ramen för vad som är rimligt. Det
är vanligt att anhörigsamordnare ordnar träffar och fokusgrupper där
anhörigvårdare lämnar förslag på hur de vill att exempelvis aktiviteterna och
träffpunkterna ska utformas och vad de ska innehålla. Som exempel efterfrågar
vissa anhörigvårdare utbildningar och information om exempelvis lyftteknik eller
demenssjukdomens olika stadier som kan ske i samband med träffpunkterna. Det
är också vanligt att andra föreningar och kommunala verksamheter bjuds in för att
prata om vilket stöd de kan bidra med.
Vad gäller livskvaliteten menar anhörigvårdare som deltar i verksamheten att den
definitivt har ökat. Man upplever trygghet och gemenskap. Avlastningen gör att
man känner sig spontan och fri. Dessutom upplever man mindre stress och oro då
man vet att man har någonstans att vända sig när det känns jobbigt. De anhöriga är
överens om att kommunens åtgärder leder till ökad livskvalitet för dem.
Samverkan med andra organisationer och föreningar varierar från kommun till
kommun och har delvis ökat. Svenska kyrkan och Röda Korset är de vanligaste
samverkanspartnerna. Andra man samverkar med är exempelvis pensionärs-,
demens- och invandrarföreningar. Att samverkan inte har ökat i högre
utsträckning kan bero på att det finns en viss konkurrens mellan föreningarna då
varje förening bevakar sitt medlemsantal. Rambölls bedömning är alltså att en
bristande samverkan inte beror på att anhörigsamordnaren underlåtit att försöka
etablera en samverkan.
Avslutningsvis har det förts resonemang dels om framgångsfaktorerna sett ur ett
organisatoriskt och verksamhetsperspektiv, dels om kommunen hade genomfört
åtgärderna utan statligt stöd.
Sett ur ett organisatoriskt perspektiv har speciellt viktiga framgångsfaktorer varit
inrättandet av anhörigsamordnare vars uppdrag varit att initiera verksamheten för
de anhöriga. Rambölls bedömning är att anhörigvårdarna själva inte hade orkat
starta en liknande verksamhet. Förutom att anhörigsamordnare har bidragit till att
skapa ett socialt nätverk för anhörigvårdare har de även arbetat aktivt med att
förankra anhörigperspektivet i alla delar av organisationen för att anhörigstödet
ska vara hållbart.
Sett ur ett verksamhetsperspektiv har en viktig framgångsfaktor för anhörigstödet
varit att de anhöriga själva har kunnat påverka utformningen av stödet. Dock har
den önskade effekten av information och kartläggningar, att nå hela målgruppen,
uteblivit.
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Rambölls bedömer även att flera av aktiviteterna inte hade kunnat genomföras
utan statligt stöd. Anhörigstödet har delvis finansierats av kommunala medel men
med hjälp av statliga stimulansmedel har stödet kunnat prioriteras och fokuseras.

Utvärdering av den avgiftsfria avlösningen inom äldreomsorgens Öppna och förebyggande verksamhet

Ericsson, U.-B., Henriksson, K., & With Broné, U. (2009)

Syftet med utvärderingen är att ta reda på om den avgiftsfria avlösningen har underlättat
situationen för anhöriga som hjälper eller vårdar någon närstående i hemmet, samt att inhämta
synpunkter och förslag på olika former av stöd kommunen bör vidareutveckla och satsa på.
En första utvärdering gjordes för perioden september 2005 t.o.m. februari 2006, den andra för
perioden mars 2006 t.o.m. december 2007.
Utvärderingen för perioden januari 2008 t.o.m. december 2008 genomfördes som tidigare i
enkätform och sändes till de 69 anhöriga i Uppsala kommun som erbjudits avgiftsfri
avlösning i hemmet eller i gruppverksamhet. De flesta anhöriga är maka/make men fyra är
barn samt ett syskon. Svar erhölls från 47 personer, varav 34 kvinnor och 13 män.
Den vanligaste orsaken till närståendes behov av hjälp är nedsatt fysisk och psykisk oförmåga
i kombination med annan sjukdom såsom demenssjukdom och stroke. Även hjärtkärlsjukdom
och nedsatt syn- och hörsel uppges som orsak till hjälpbehov.
Majoriteten av de anhöriga tycker att avlösningen har fungerat mycket bra. De är nöjda med
att få tid till att uträtta ärenden och att få ägna sig åt egna intressen. Samtidigt är den
närståendes välbefinnande och möjlighet till aktivitet och omväxling viktig. För dem som har
avlösning i hemmet skapar det trygghet att det är samma person som kommer.
När det gäller önskemål om stöd och hjälpinsatser handlar det främst om att få mer tid avsatt
för avlösning.

Validation of an inventory of best practices in the provision of augmentative and alternative communication services to students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms

Calculator, S. N. and T. Black (2009)

Purpose: To compile and then validate a set of evidence-based best practices related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and its role in fostering the inclusion of students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms and other inclusive settings. Method: A comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to AAC and inclusive education for students with severe disabilities in inclusive classrooms resulted in an inventory of possible best practices. Reliability testing was conducted to verify levels of evidence assigned to each source and corresponding practice. Practices were reviewed and validated by a panel of 8 experts. Statistical analysis revealed a high level of internal consistency across items composing the inventory. Results: An inventory of 91 practices, each assigned to 1 of 8 predetermined categories, was uncovered. Themes arising in experts' comments related to items in the inventory are discussed. Conclusions: Possible uses of the inventory are discussed along with suggestions for future research. © American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Decreasing the risk of complicated bereavement and future psychiatric disorders in children

Kirwin, K.M. & Hamrin, V. (2005)

Abstract
TOPIC:
Decreasing the risk of complicated bereavement and future psychiatric disorders in children.
PURPOSE:
This literature will determine what major factors influence a child's response to death and to understand how children react to the death of a parent at different developmental stages. It will evaluate the following: a) What are children's emotional responses to the death of a parent? b) How can a surviving parent help the grieving child complete the tasks of grieving? c) What skills are important for a parent to learn in order to help the grieving child through the tasks of grieving and d) How can mental health providers help the grieving family and the grieving child?
SOURCES:
Relevant literature from child psychiatry, child psychology, and nursing.
CONCLUSIONS:
The death of a parent is a major stressful event for children and their families. This traumatic event can bring serious psychological and social distress to bereaved children and their families. Children who are not supported in the early phases of grieving can develop serious emotional and behavioral problems that can lead to the development of some major psychiatric disorders. Providing early prevention support programs for surviving parents and bereaved children can help both the parents and the children adapt to their losses. These structured programs can decrease the risk of complicated grief in bereaved families. More research studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of these early prevention program interventions.

Från psykiskt sjuk till psykiskt funktionshindrad

Hydén, Lars-Christer (red) (2005)

Från psykiskt sjuk till psykiskt funktionshindrad belyser de förändrin gar som ägt rum inom den svenska psykiatrin sedan början av 1990-talet , med speciell tyngdpunkt på psykiatrireformen 1994 och dess konsekven ser. Denna reform har bland annat lett till att den kommunala socialtj änsten fått ett allt större ansvar för omsorgen om personer med långva riga och svåra psykiska funktionshinder. Teman som lyfts fram är försk jutningen från begreppet ?psykisk sjukdom? till ?psykiskt funktionshin der?, vår kunskap kring psykiska funktionshinder och hur drabbade pers oner hanterar dessa i sin vardag. Vidare diskuteras de nya roller som anhöriga och frivilligorganisationer fått efter avvecklingen av de gam la mentalsjukhusen; de krav på delaktighet och inflytande över det egn a livet som psykiskt funktionshindrade ställer, något som också föränd rar villkoren för dem som arbetar med dessa frågor. Boken vänder sig s peciellt till personer som utbildar sig inom vård och omsorg

Parent management of attendance and adherence in child and adolescent therapy: A conceptual and empirical review

Nock, M. K., & Ferriter, C. (2005)

There have been impressive, recent advances in the development of efficacious treatments for child and adolescent behavior problems. However, specific methods for delivering these treatments in a way that amplifies their efficacy have not been well articulated. Although many factors may be involved, attendance and adherence to treatment are arguably the most basic necessities for effective treatment delivery. We provide a conceptual and empirical review of past research on attendance and adherence to child and adolescent therapy, with a special focus on the importance of parents/guardians in managing treatment participation. Our review demonstrates that attendance and adherence are associated with a range of significant methodological, clinical, and financial outcomes. Several pretreatment predictors of attendance and adherence have been identified; however, to date only 12 controlled, clinical trials have evaluated strategies for enhancing attendance and adherence to child therapy. We conclude with an agenda for advancing research on the prediction and enhancement of attendance and adherence to child therapy as a means of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of child treatments.

Relatives of psychiatric inpatients – do physical violence and suicide attempts of patients influence family burden and participation in care?

Kjellin, Lars & Östman, Margareta (2005)

A common concern of psychiatric patients' relatives is that patients might be a danger to themselves or others. The aim of this study was to investigate family burden and relatives' participation in care in relation to physical violence towards others and suicide attempts by psychiatric inpatients before admission. Information concerning violence and suicide attempts by the patients prior to admission was collected from the medical records of 155 acutely voluntarily and involuntarily admitted psychiatric inpatients. Relatives were interviewed a month after admission, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Violence towards other persons and suicide attempts were recorded in 16% and 17% of the cases, respectively. There were no differences between relatives of patients who had been violent and other relatives regarding burden and participation in care. Relatives of patients with suicide attempts more often stated they had been prevented from having own company, worried about suicide attempts by the patient, had mental health problems of their own, and had own need for care and support. It was concluded that violence of acutely admitted psychiatric patients, targeted at other people, was not associated with burden of family, but the results corroborate the need for psychiatric services to involve and support relatives of psychiatric patients with suicidal behaviour.

Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework

Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005)

This paper focuses on scoping studies, an approach to reviewing the literature which to date has received little attention in the research methods literature. We distinguish between different types of scoping studies and indicate where these stand in relation to full systematic reviews. We outline a framework for conducting a scoping study based on our recent experiences of reviewing the literature on services for carers for people with mental health problems. Where appropriate, our approach to scoping the field is contrasted with the procedures followed in systematic reviews. We emphasize how including a consultation exercise in this sort of study may enhance the results, making them more useful to policy makers, practitioners and service users. Finally, we consider the advantages and limitations of the approach and suggest that a wider debate is called for about the role of the scoping study in relation to other types of literature reviews.

Siblings of Children With Disabilities: Research Themes

Stoneman, Zolinda (2005)

Until the early 1980s, most researchers paid little attention to sibling relationships. Studies of mothers dominated the research agenda, to the almost total exclusion of fathers, extended families, and siblings. Although in early classic studies of families of children with disabilities, investigators embraced a family systems approach that included siblings (i.e., Farber & Jenne, 1963), this emphasis did not take root until recently. There has been an impressive growth in the number of published studies focusing on siblings of children with disabilities. In this paper, my goal is to examine themes in this research and reflect on our state of knowledge.

Spouses' quality of life 1 year after stroke: prediction at the start of clinical rehabilitation

Visser-Meily A, Post M, Schepers V, Lindeman E. (2005)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
The purpose of this prospective study was to identify early predictors of spouses' quality of life at 1 year after stroke.
METHODS:
At the start of clinical rehabilitation patient and caregiver characteristics, psychological factors, harmony in the relationship and social support were assessed. One year after stroke, caregiver burden (Caregiver Strain Index), life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Checklist) and depressive symptoms (Goldberg Depression Scale) were assessed in 187 participants. Multiple regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS:
About 80% of the spouses reported low quality of life on one or more of the measures; 52% reported depressive symptoms, 54% significant strain and only 50% was satisfied with life as a whole. The regression analysis identified 'passive coping strategy of the caregiver' as the most important predictor. ADL dependency was the only baseline patient characteristic significantly related to burden and life satisfaction, but explained just 0-4% of the variance.
CONCLUSIONS:
A large proportion of caregivers perceive impaired quality of life 1 year after stroke. Caregivers at risk should be identified at the start of rehabilitation by means of coping measurement instruments or selected anamneses on coping.
2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

Striving to survive: Families’ lived experiences when a child is diagnosed with cancer

Björk, Maria, Wiebe, Thomas, Hallström Inger (2005)

When a child is ill with cancer, this affects the whole family for long periods. The aim of this study was to elucidate the family's lived experience when a child in the family was diagnosed with cancer. A descriptive inductive design with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach including interviews with 17 families (parents, children, and siblings) was chosen. The families' lived experience was described as a 2-fold essential theme comprising "a broken life world" and an immediate "striving to survive." The families' secure everyday life disappeared and was replaced by fear, chaos, and loneliness. When striving to make the child and the family survive, family members strove to feel hope and have a positive focus, to gain control, and to feel close to other people. Phenomenological human science research can deepen the understanding of the meaning of being a family with a child who is ill with cancer and can help pediatric oncology staff become increasingly thoughtful, and thus better prepared to take action to diminish the chaos occurring in the family.

“Generalised anxiety disorder in elderly patients: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment options”

Flint, A. J. (2005)

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by at least 6 months of excessive uncontrollable worry accompanied by symptoms of motor tension and vigilance and scanning. As with other anxiety disorders, GAD is less prevalent in older adults than younger adults. GAD has a high level of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders and this has a bearing on estimates of its prevalence. GAD that is comorbid with another psychiatric disorder has a period prevalence of approximately 4% in community-dwelling older people. On the other hand, 'pure' GAD is less common, with a period prevalence of approximately 1%. Pure GAD in late life is a fairly even mix of chronic cases that began earlier in life and cases starting for the first time in later life. The most frequent and consistent finding regarding late-life generalised anxiety is its high level of comorbidity with major depression. There are few longitudinal data pertaining to the temporal association of generalised anxiety and major depression in late life, but the data that do exist suggest that the anxiety is frequently symptomatic of the depression. If generalised anxiety occurs exclusively during episodes of major depression, a separate diagnosis of GAD is not warranted. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is the most frequently studied psychological treatment for GAD. Although CBT is more effective than a wait-list control condition, it is not more effective than nondirective therapies in late-life GAD. Furthermore, a standard course of CBT appears to be less efficacious for GAD in older adults than younger adults. Further research is needed to develop more efficacious and specific forms of psychotherapy for late-life GAD. The three classes of medications that are most commonly used for GAD are: (i) antidepressants; (ii) benzodiazepines; and (iii) buspirone. Antidepressant medication is the pharmacological treatment of choice for most older adults with generalised anxiety. When generalised anxiety is secondary to an episode of major depression, the selection of an antidepressant is guided by the same principles that apply to treatment of nonanxious depression. Antidepressant medication is also effective for GAD in the absence of an episode of major depression. In this situation, citalopram and venlafaxine have been found to be efficacious in older people. Data from studies of mixed-aged patients suggest that escitalopram, paroxetine and trazodone may also be beneficial in late-life GAD. Despite their widespread use in older persons with anxiety, benzodiazepines have a limited role in the treatment of GAD in the elderly. If a benzodiazepine is initiated, pharmacokinetic considerations favour the use of either lorazepam or oxazepam. Buspirone also has a more limited role than antidepressants in the treatment of late-life GAD.

A cross general comparison of alcohol challenges at about age 20 in 40 father-offspring pairs

Schuckit, MA., Smith, TL., Kalmijn, J., & Danko, GP. (2005)

Abstract: Background: A low level of response (LR) to alcohol is one of several genetically-influenced phenotypes associated with an elevated risk for heavy drinking and alcoholism. While most studies support the influence of genes for this characteristic, no data to date have addressed how LR established from alcohol challenges performs in similarly aged subjects across generations

Methods: Between 1978 and 1988, 18-to-25-year-old non-alcohol-dependent Caucasian male drinkers participated in the San Diego Prospective Study alcohol challenges. The paradigms included self-reports of feelings of "High" and "Intoxication," as well as alcohol-related changes in body sway. In recent years, 40 18-to-29-year-old offspring of 25 of these original probands were tested using a similar protocol

Results: Despite the passage of two decades between laboratory sessions across generations, for family history positive (FHP) subjects, significant positive correlations were observed for subjective feelings of intoxication and body sway after alcohol. Parent-offspring correlations were in the predicted direction for subjective feelings for family history negatives (FHNs), but were not significant. Across offspring, LR values were lower for FHPs overall, with significant differences at 60 or 90 min for five items

Conclusions: The similarities in LR across generations, while not proving heritability, are consistent with prior reports regarding genetic influences in the LR to alcohol. The significant correlations across generations and over two decades support the reliability of the alcohol challenge results.

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis of Ageing with a Childhood Onset Disability

Harrison, T. C. & Stuifbergen, A. (2005)

In this qualitative study, we combined multiple interviews, field notes, life history review charts, and demographic questions to explore the life course experiences of 25 women, ages 55 to 65 years, who developed impairments due to paralytic polio during childhood. Based on a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology using thematic analysis, multiple themes emerged that traced their lives from childhood to later adulthood. The women described how they pushed their bodies and dismissed their physical decline as long as possible. The women's early experiences combined with the culturally defined role expectations for women to influence their perceptions of how to react to changing physical abilities with age.

Adolescent drug abuse: helping families survive. International journal of mental health nursing

Usher K, Jackson D, O'Brien L. (2005)

Drug use and abuse carries risk in people of all ages. However, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to substance misuse. Adolescent drug use continues to be an area of concern with a number of adolescents developing problems associated with the use of various drugs. Negative sequelae associated with adolescent drug use include areas such as schooling, health, and family relationships. Difficulties with the legal system, schooling, or within the family are commonly the triggers for recognition of substance misuse problems in a young person. However, problems are usually well-established before they are recognized. The challenge of dealing with these problems will fall on families, particularly parents. This is a crisis for families, and ongoing support is needed if they are to overcome the challenges. Health workers (including nurses) are well-positioned to support families who are dealing with adolescent drug problems. In this paper we propose the adoption of a strengths approach as a strategy for developing resilience in families.

An exploration of different models of multi-agency key worker services for disabled children: Effectiveness and costs. Research report 656

Greco, V., Sloper, P., Webb, R., & Beecham, J. (2005)

A key worker has been described as a named person whom the family can approach
for advice about, and practical help with, any problem related to the disabled child.
Provision of 'key workers' or 'care coordinators' for disabled children and their families, working across health, education and social services, has often been recommended in policy guidance, most recently in the Children's National Service Framework. Up to now, research has shown that less than a third of families with severely disabled children have a key worker, but compared to those who do not have a key worker, those who do show benefits in terms of relationships with and access to services and overall quality of life. However, as more key worker services have been developed, different models of service and ways of working have proliferated and there has been no research on the outcomes for families of different types of services. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of different models of multi-agency key worker services.

An exploration of different models of multi-agency key worker services for disabled children: Effectiveness and costs. Research report 656.

Greco, V., Sloper, P., Webb, R., & Beecham, J. (2005)

A key worker has been described as a named person whom the family can approach
for advice about, and practical help with, any problem related to the disabled child.
Provision of 'key workers' or 'care coordinators' for disabled children and their families, working across health, education and social services, has often been recommended in policy guidance, most recently in the Children's National Service Framework. Up to now, research has shown that less than a third of families with severely disabled children have a key worker, but compared to those who do not have a key worker, those who do show benefits in terms of relationships with and access to services and overall quality of life. However, as more key worker services have been developed, different models of service and ways of working have proliferated and there has been no research on the outcomes for families of different types of services. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of different models of multi-agency key worker services.

An investigation into parent perceptions of the needs of siblings of children with cancer

Sidhu, Reena, Passmore, Anne, Baker, D. (2005)

Although more is understood about childhood cancer's impact on the often forgotten siblings in the family, developing empirically tested interventions that support positive health outcomes is only just emerging. As family support is of key importance in sibling adjustment, further knowledge about their needs is crucial to the development of effective interventions. This investigation focused on examining parental perceptions regarding the concerns and issues for siblings of children with cancer and explored what support is helpful. Focus group methods were used to gather the data with probe questions developed from the literature and from clinical experience. Emergent topics generated were further analyzed using content analysis with 3 major topics identified: the universality of losses arising from the illness experience, behavioral challenges and adaptation, and parent-sibling communication. Parents also discussed helpful interventions. These are described and discussed in relation to the literature. The information obtained will contribute to developing interventions for siblings, specifically to produce a protocol for a therapeutic peer-support camp.

Anhörigvård [elektronisk resurs].

Bergh, A. (2005)

Boken handlar om vad som händer när de anhöriga, aktiva som passiva, och sjukhemmets eller hemtjänstens personal på olika sätt konfronteras med varandra.

Anticipated support from neighbors and physical functioning during later life

Shaw, B. A. (2005)

This study has two main objectives: (1) to assess age variations in perceived support from neighbors among a nationally representative sample of adults aged 25 to 74 and (2) to examine the association between anticipated support from neighbors and physical functioning within a subsample of older adults. The findings suggest that anticipated support from neighbors is stronger among older adults, primarily because of more frequent contact with neighbors and residential stability. Within the older subsample, an inverse association between perceived support from neighbors and functional limitations is evident. Further analyses show that this association is strongest among those with infrequent contact with family members. No differences in this association were found with respect to marital status. Taken together, it appears that anticipated support from neighbors facilitates the maintenance of functional ability among some older adults. Interventions aiming to promote successful aging by enhancing this source of support should be developed and evaluated.

Livstillfredsställelse hos äldre, särskilt med nedsatt funktionsförmåga samt informella vårdare. I relation till hälsa, självkänsla, sociala och ekonomiska resurser i ett svenskt och europeiskt perspektiv (Akad. Avh.)

Borg, C (2005)

I relation till hälsa, självkänsla, sociala och ekonomiska resurser i ett svenskt och europeiskt perspektiv. Knowledge of factors contributing to life satisfaction among older people is needed, both in the context of those with reduced self-care capacity and among healthy older people and those providing help to others. Such knowledge may be helpful in developing primary and secondary interventions. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate life satisfaction and its relation to factors such as physical and mental health and social and financial resources among people (60?89 years old) with and without reduced self-care capacity in six European countries, and among informal caregivers (50?89 years old) in Sweden. The aim was further to investigate the extent, need and type of support provided or desired among informal caregivers. This is part of the cross-national European Study of Adults? Wellbeing (ESAW) including six European countries N=12 478 (the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Italy, Austria, UK and Sweden). The Older Americans? Resources Schedule (OARS), Life Satisfaction Index Z (LSIZ) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used. Study I comprised 522 people (65?89 years old) with reduced self-care capacity, study II comprised 151 informal caregivers with a high caregiving extent, 392 with a low caregiving extent and 1258 non-caregivers from the Swedish sample. In study III 2195 people with reduced self-care countries. The data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics using non-parametric statistics, logistic and linear regression. Low life satisfaction (LSIZ) was related to higher age, being a woman, high degree of reduced self-care capacity, living in special accommodations, feeling lonely and poor financial resources. Feeling lonely, reduced self-care capacity, feeling worried, poor health and poor financial resources in relation to needs predicted low life satisfaction (Paper I). Frequent caregivers with a high extent of caregiving had lower LSIZ than those with less frequent caregiving and noncaregivers, while no differences were found between less frequent caregivers and non-care caregivers in LSIZ. Lower LSIZ was associated with not being employed, low social resources, not refreshed after a night's sleep, poor health, and frequent caregiving (Paper II). In paper III it was found that there were differences as well as similarities in factors predicting LSIZ in that self-esteem and overall health were important in all countries among older people with reduced self-care capacity and reduced self care capacity in three of six countries, whilst in paper IV four factors were found to be common in all ESAW countries. The factors were social resources, financial resources, feeling greatly hindered by health problems and low self-esteem. Factors of importance for life satisfaction thus seem to differ depending on the personal situation and social and political system. These differences should be taken into account when outlining and providing preventive, rehabilitative and support for these groups.

Maternal Unresolved Attachment Status Impedes the Effectiveness of Interventions With Adolescent Mothers

MORAN, G., PEDERSON, D. R. & KRUPKA, A. (2005)

Children of adolescent mothers are at risk for a variety of developmental difficulties. In the present study, the effectiveness of a brief intervention program designed to support adolescent mothers' sensitivity to their infants' attachment signals was evaluated. Participants were adolescent mothers and their infants who were observed at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. The intervention conducted by clinically trained home visitors consisted of eight home visits between 6 and 12 months in which mothers were provided feedback during the replay of videotaped play interactions. At 12 months, 57% of the mother–infant dyads in the intervention group and 38% of the comparison group dyads were classified as secure in the Strange Situation. Seventy-six percent of the mothers in the intervention group maintained sensitivity from 6 to 24 months compared with 54% of the comparison mothers. Further analyses indicated that the intervention was effective primarily for mothers who were not classified as Unresolved on the Adult Attachment Interview.

Minding the money: A growing responsibility for informal carers.

Tilse C, Setterlund D, Wilson J, Rosenman L. (2005)

Managing the assets of older people is a common and potentially complex task of informal care with legal, financial, cultural, political and family dimensions. Older people are increasingly recognised -as having significant assets, but the family, the state, service providers and the market have competing interests in their use. Increased policy interest in self-provision and user-charges for services underline the importance of asset management in protecting the current and future health, care and accommodation choices of older people. Although 'minding the money' has generally been included as an informal care-giving task, there is limited recognition of either its growing importance and complexity or of care-givers' involvement. The focus of both policy and practice have been primarily on substitute decision-making and abuse. This paper reports an Australian national survey and semi-structured interviews that have explored the prevalence of non-professional involvement in asset management. The findings reveal the nature and extent of involvement, the tasks that informal carers take on, the management processes that they use, and that 'minding the money' is a common informal care task and mostly undertaken in the private sphere using some risky practices. Assisting informal care-givers with asset management and protecting older people from financial risks and abuse require various strategic policy and practice responses that extend beyond substitute decision-making legislation. Policies and programmes are required: to increase the awareness of the tasks, tensions and practices surrounding asset management; to improve the financial literacy of older people, their informal care-givers and service providers; to ensure access to information, advice and support services; and to develop better accountability practices.

Childhood bereavement and peer support: epidemiology, identification of evaluation constructs, and the promotion of resilience

Hulsey, E.G. (2009)

Akad. Avh.

The death of a close family member is a profound insult to a child's developmental course. Though early research assumed that childhood bereavement was a risk factor for mental and behavioral disorders in childhood and adult life, recent research has taken an ecological view of childhood development and considers a child's exposures to risk and protective factors. Yet, it remains unclear as to how many children are affected by the death of a close family member each year and how peer support groups can help children to adapt to such an adverse event. This dissertation represents three distinct stages in the development of a comprehensive evaluation for an agency that provides a peer support service for bereaved children and their families. First, a primary question that arose during initial consultations with the agency was to determine how many children are affected annually within Pennsylvania. This led to an exploration of the epidemiology of childhood bereavement. The methods and data sources used to produce these estimates were critically evaluated and modified to offer a new interpretation of available data. Second, it was important to identify constructs that could be used in an outcomes evaluation of the peer support program. Focus groups were used to explore the perceived benefits of attending peer support groups among caregivers and teens who had attended a spring session at the center. The intention to use focus groups was to increase the validity of constructs and, ultimately, the results of an outcomes evaluation.Third, after identifying evaluation constructs a feasibility study was conducted to pilot an outcomes evaluation instrument. The study involved 30 families who attended the spring 2007 sessions at the center. Results suggested that peer support programs can improve children's coping efficacy while helping to improve their caregivers' perception of social support. The program also improved both children and caregivers' sense that they are not alone in their grief.As demonstrated in this dissertation, including the loss of siblings and primary caregiving grandparents in prevalence estimates of childhood bereavement and applying resilience theory to peer support research is of public health relevance.

Couples' provision of informal care for parents and parents-in-law: far from sharing equally?

Henz, U (2009)

This study examines whether and how couples share the provision of informal care for their parents. Four waves of the British General Household Survey contain cross-sectional information about caring for parents and parents-in-law. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on 2214 couples that provided parent care. The findings emphasise married men's contribution to informal caring for the parental generation and at the same time demonstrate the limits of their involvement. Spouses share many parts of their care-giving but this arrangement is less common with respect to personal and physical care. The more care is required the more likely are people to participate in care for their parents-in-law. More sons-in-law than daughters-in-law provide care but, once involved, daughters-in-law provide on average more hours of care than sons-inlaw. Own full-time employment reduces both men's and women's caring for their parents-in-law, and men's caring drops further if their wife is not in the labour market. The findings suggest that daughters-in-law often take direct responsibility whereas sons-in-laws' care-giving depends more on their wives' involvement. Children-in-laws' informal care-giving might decrease in the future because of women's increasing involvement in the labour market and rising levels of nonmarital cohabitation in mid-life.

De kan, de vill och de orkar, men …: studier av närstående till personer drabbade av stroke samt granskning av informationsmaterial från svenska strokeenheter

Gustafsson Wallengren, Catarina (2009)

Akademisk avhandling nr 17

Syfte: Det övergripande syftet med denna avhandling var att öka förståelsen för närstående i deras föränderliga livssituation under de sex första månaderna efter en persons strokeinsjuknande, med särskild fokus på lärande. Vidare var syftet att utvärdera de skriftliga informationsmaterial som erbjuds närstående vid svenska strokeenheter. Metod: I delstudie I, intervjuades 16 närstående om vad det innebar att bli närstående till en person drabbad av stroke. I delstudie II, återintervjuades 9 närstående om vad det innebar att vara närstående till en person drabbad av stroke. Intervjuerna skedde sex månader efter den drabbades strokeinsjuknande. Data från de båda studierna analyserades med hjälp av Lindseth och Norbergs fenomenologiska hermeneutiska analysmetod som är inspirerad av Ricoeur. I delstudie III, intervjuades 16 respektive 9 närstående om vad de ville veta och förstå under de sex första månaderna efter den drabbades strokeinsjuknande. Krippendorffs metod för kvalitativ innehållsanalys användes för att analysera data. I delstudie IV, granskades 42 skriftliga informationsmaterial från 21 svenska strokeenheter. Data analyserades med hjälp av beskrivande statistik och Krippendorffs metod för kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Att bli närstående till en person drabbad av stroke innebar att uppleva kaos men också att nå en vändpunkt. Den var startskottet för en febril aktivitet som visade att närstående hade en beredskap att söka ordning i kaoset (I). Att vara närstående till en person drabbad av stroke innebar en kamp för frihet. Närstående ville inte anpassa sig till den drabbades ohälsa eller dess konsekvenser. De ville välja sitt eget levnadssätt och skriva sin egen historia och därför integrerade de ohälsan och dess konsekvenser i sina liv (II). Den information som närstående ville ha handlade om den strokedrabbade, de professionella och om sig själva. Dessutom visade resultatet att deras sökande efter information var relaterat till personlig involvering, situationella faktorer, olika kunskapsbehov och sätt att skaffa sig information (III). De skriftliga informationsmaterialen höll adekvat kvalitet gällande inre och yttre struktur. Dessutom höll de samma nivå när det gällde läsbarhet. Däremot varierade informationsinnehållet mellan de olika strokeenheterna (IV). Konklusion: Att bli närstående till en person som drabbats av stroke innebär att hamna i kaos men också att ganska snart nå en vändpunkt (I). Vid denna är personen beredd att ordna livet utifrån de nya förutsättningarna och därför behöver sjuksköterskor lära sig att identifiera vändpunkter och inkludera stöd till närstå8 ende i de nya och ovana livssituationerna. Att vara närstående under de sex första månaderna efter den drabbades insjuknande innebär att kämpa för frihet, dock utan att överge den drabbade (II). I denna process är det viktigt att den närstående får stöd i att hitta balansen mellan frihet och ansvar, mellan eget liv och omsorg om den drabbade och i relation till andra anhöriga. Närstående är kapabla att hantera sin föränderliga livssituation då de är aktiva, engagerade och framåtriktade personer (I, II, III). Därför behöver alternativa pedagogiska metoder och förhållningssätt utvecklas och testas. Sjuksköterskor behöver tränas i att använda sådana alternativa metoder. Innehållet i de skriftliga informationsmaterial som erbjuds närstående vid svenska strokeenheter varierar stort mellan olika enheter (IV). Därför vore det värdefullt att etablera ett elektroniskt informationscentrum på nationell nivå. Den svenska Hälso- och sjukvårdslagen värnar enbart om den drabbade och berör inte alls de närståendes behov eller situation. Med ett ökande antal äldre, och därmed ökat tryck på familjen, är det kanske hög tid att se över lagen för att undvika att närstående blir "den andra patienten i familjen".

De kan, de vill och de orkar, men… Studier av närstående till personer drabbade av stroke samt granskning av informationsmaterial från svenska strokeenheter

Wallengren Gustafsson, C. (2009)

Syfte: Det övergripande syftet med denna avhandling var att öka förståelsen för
närstående i deras föränderliga livssituation under de sex första månaderna efter
en persons strokeinsjuknande, med särskild fokus på lärande. Vidare var syftet
att utvärdera de skriftliga informationsmaterial som erbjuds närstående vid
svenska strokeenheter.
Metod: I delstudie I, intervjuades 16 närstående om vad det innebar att bli närstående
till en person drabbad av stroke. I delstudie II, återintervjuades 9 närstående
om vad det innebar att vara närstående till en person drabbad av stroke.
Intervjuerna skedde sex månader efter den drabbades strokeinsjuknande. Data
från de båda studierna analyserades med hjälp av Lindseth och Norbergs fenomenologiska
hermeneutiska analysmetod som är inspirerad av Ricoeur. I delstudie
III, intervjuades 16 respektive 9 närstående om vad de ville veta och förstå
under de sex första månaderna efter den drabbades strokeinsjuknande. Krippendorffs
metod för kvalitativ innehållsanalys användes för att analysera data. I
delstudie IV, granskades 42 skriftliga informationsmaterial från 21 svenska
strokeenheter. Data analyserades med hjälp av beskrivande statistik och Krippendorffs
metod för kvalitativ innehållsanalys.
Resultat: Att bli närstående till en person drabbad av stroke innebar att uppleva
kaos men också att nå en vändpunkt. Den var startskottet för en febril aktivitet
som visade att närstående hade en beredskap att söka ordning i kaoset (I). Att
vara närstående till en person drabbad av stroke innebar en kamp för frihet.
Närstående ville inte anpassa sig till den drabbades ohälsa eller dess konsekvenser.
De ville välja sitt eget levnadssätt och skriva sin egen historia och därför integrerade
de ohälsan och dess konsekvenser i sina liv (II). Den information som
närstående ville ha handlade om den strokedrabbade, de professionella och om
sig själva. Dessutom visade resultatet att deras sökande efter information var relaterat
till personlig involvering, situationella faktorer, olika kunskapsbehov och
sätt att skaffa sig information (III). De skriftliga informationsmaterialen höll
adekvat kvalitet gällande inre och yttre struktur. Dessutom höll de samma nivå
när det gällde läsbarhet. Däremot varierade informationsinnehållet mellan de
olika strokeenheterna (IV).
Konklusion: Att bli närstående till en person som drabbats av stroke innebär att
hamna i kaos men också att ganska snart nå en vändpunkt (I). Vid denna är personen
beredd att ordna livet utifrån de nya förutsättningarna och därför behöver
sjuksköterskor lära sig att identifiera vändpunkter och inkludera stöd till närstå-
8
ende i de nya och ovana livssituationerna. Att vara närstående under de sex första
månaderna efter den drabbades insjuknande innebär att kämpa för frihet,
dock utan att överge den drabbade (II). I denna process är det viktigt att den
närstående får stöd i att hitta balansen mellan frihet och ansvar, mellan eget liv
och omsorg om den drabbade och i relation till andra anhöriga. Närstående är
kapabla att hantera sin föränderliga livssituation då de är aktiva, engagerade och
framåtriktade personer (I, II, III). Därför behöver alternativa pedagogiska metoder
och förhållningssätt utvecklas och testas. Sjuksköterskor behöver tränas i
att använda sådana alternativa metoder. Innehållet i de skriftliga informationsmaterial
som erbjuds närstående vid svenska strokeenheter varierar stort mellan
olika enheter (IV). Därför vore det värdefullt att etablera ett elektroniskt informationscentrum
på nationell nivå. Den svenska Hälso- och sjukvårdslagen värnar
enbart om den drabbade och berör inte alls de närståendes behov eller situation.
Med ett ökande antal äldre, och därmed ökat tryck på familjen, är det kanske
hög tid att se över lagen för att undvika att närstående blir "den andra patienten
i familjen".
Sökord: Närstående, stroke, strokeenheter, skriftliga informationsmaterial,
lärande.

Depression care need among low-income older adults: views from aging service providers and family caregiver

Choi NG, Kimbell K. (2009)

This study reports findings from focus group discussions with aging service providers and family caregivers about low-income ambulatory or homebound older adults' depressive symptoms and barriers to seeking treatment. It also reports the participants' suggestions about interventions for depression that can be integrated into existing aging service settings or implemented in older adults' homes, as well as the type of training the aging service providers need if they are to provide services for depression. Participants identified social isolation, loneliness, and loss and grief as major correlates of depression in older adults. Barriers to seeking treatment included older adults' denial of or lack of understanding about depression, a sense of stigma, financial worries, and lack of mobility. Suggested depression treatments included brief cognitive behavioral interventions, friendly visitors, and physical exercise. Bachelor's-level service providers expressed their need and desire for training in mental health assessment and brief psychotherapy.

Depression in Parents, Parenting and Children

National Research Council and Institute of Medicin. (2009)

Research Challenges in Confronting Depression in Parents

The challenges for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers in attempting to address the problems associated with the care of depression in parents include the integration of knowledge, the application of a developmental framework, conceptualizing the problems in a two-generation nature, and acknowledging the presence of the constellation of risk factors, context, and correlates associated with depression.
Issues Considered in Searching the Literature

To fully understand the linkages among depression, parenting, and the child health outcomes, researchers should consider issues surrounding (but not limited to) the definition and measurement of depression and parenting, the etiology of depression, timing and use of appropriate screening interventions, the process of risk and resilience in children of depressed parents, correlates of depression, and developmental processes and time points.
Challenges in Evaluating the Literature

Researchers face multiple methodological challenges studying depression in parents and its effects on parenting practices and child health outcomes that need to be addressed in order to provide recommendations for the development of future research, interventions, and policy—including conceptual frameworks, sampling designs, data analysis, and integration of research findings across literatures.
In this chapter, the committee describes their approach to the literature on the effects of parental depression on parenting practices and child outcomes and its evaluation. The chapter is organized in three sections, relating to the challenges that researchers face in confronting the problem of parental depression, the wide range of issues that we considered relevant, and standards of evidence and methodological issues that are important to keep in mind in reading this report. Some topics are addressed in more than one section, but they are focused on different aspects of the topic. For example, in the section on research challenges, we show that a conceptual framework relating to the effects of parental depression on families should be guided by a developmental psychopathology perspective. Later, in the section on research standards, we mention what the literature has shown in this regard and that research relating to any psychopathology should address questions "across generations and across time" (Hinshaw, 2008).

The type of evidence and criteria used to judge the importance of that evidence vary from area to area. This chapter does not attempt to explicitly summarize the specific criteria used for the evaluation of the evidence in each area, but instead offers a guideline of the general areas of interest and inquiry that the committee used when the committee searched and evaluated the literature. For example, studies of screening for parental depression are different from studies of treatment and intervention, and these are different from studies of prevention programs. These are also different from inquiries relating to changes in policy at the macro level or the available studies on the effects of parental depression. Thus, in this overview on standards of evidence and methodology, we present general guidelines that the reader should apply when appropriate in the subsequent chapters. Recommendations based on the evaluation of the evidence in each area are presented.

Designing online support for families living with depression

Stjernswärd, S. (2009)

Families living with mental illness experience an added burden and may experience such psychological distress that they require therapeutic intervention. The Internet is used as a daily tool by a growing share of the population worldwide, including for health related matters. Its potential as a health care tool, including advantages and drawbacks, should be explored. The overall aim of the present thesis was to explore the relatives' experiences of living close to a person with depression and the Internet's potential to address their needs. Explorative qualitative research has been used to map the e-health field in relation to depression, to explore what the Internet offers the families living with depression, as well as the relatives' experiences of living with a person with depression. An iterative design process was used in the development of a digitally based tool aimed at supporting the relatives in their daily life with depression. Users' experiences of the tool were explored using qualitative explorative research. A vast array of different organizations and initiatives are represented within the e-health field. However, initiatives that are targeted and tailor-made for families living with depression are scarce. Research in the e-health field with focus on depression illuminates health seekers' and online community users' profiles, effects of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a number of strengths (i.e. accessibility) and weaknesses (i.e. reliability) related to the Internet as a health care tool. Living close to a person with depression can strongly affect the private, social and professional areas of the relatives' daily life. A growing feeling of not living one's own life may arise, due to the difficulties of balancing relationships, a process of adaptation and re-evaluation of life circumstances, and a struggle to act as advocate and voice for the person with depression within the health care system and society. Relatives often come in contact with health professionals on 12 behalf of their ill kin and need information and support; needs that are rarely addressed by the health care system. A digitally based tool aimed at supporting the relatives in their daily life with depression was developed using an iterative design process. The tool's development was carried out in close cooperation with users with the help of focus groups and prototypes. Motivations and obstacles to using online self-help tools were illuminated. Privacy stood out as an important factor when developing online tools. The study resulted in a website, www.sommarregn.se, entailing an online diary (private and encrypted), including scales, and a forum (members only access), including an e-mail function. Users' experiences of the website over a 10 weeks test period were illuminated. The diary and forum appeared to fill a number of valuable functions, although a further development of the tool may enhance its usability, which was good. The tool promoted communication with the self and others. The Internet as a technology offered a number of advantages, such as convenience of use and perceived anonymity, and disadvantages, such as qualitative issues. The relatives' needs ought to be addressed in order to support them in a daily life with depression. Empowered relatives are in a better position to help their ill kin and support may prevent ill health in the relatives themselves, and subsequently additional costs to society. Health care professionals meet patients that are also online health seekers. Professionals must be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of e-health when meeting patients. In an economically pressured society, alternative support options have to be explored in order to address the needs of target groups at risk.

Developmental effects of exposure to Intimate Partner Violence in early childhood: A review of the literature

Carpenter, G. L., & Stacks, A. M. (2009)

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a prevalent social problem in the United States and women of childbearing age are the most likely victims. The young children born to these women are impacted, however, women are not routinely asked about IPV even when there is evidence that their child has been abused. To highlight the importance of routinely screening for IPV in child welfare and other social service agencies this article reviews typical social-emotional development and physiological/neurological development in early childhood and the impact that IPV and trauma have on these domains of development. Early intervention with young children and caregivers living with IPV provides a significant buffer to the negative effects that witnessing IPV have on children's development and their relationships with caregivers.

Difficult to measure constructs: Conceptual and methodological issues concerning participation and environmental factors

Whiteneck G, Dijkers MP. (2009)

Whiteneck G, Dijkers MP. Difficult to measure constructs: conceptual and methodological issues concerning participation and environmental factors.

For rehabilitation and disability research, participation and environment are 2 crucial constructs that have been placed center stage by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). However, neither construct is adequately conceptualized by the ICF, and both are difficult to measure. This article addresses conceptual and methodologic issues related to these ICF constructs, and recommends an improved distinction between activities and participation, as well as elaboration of environment. A division of the combined ICF categories for activity and participation into 2 separate taxonomies is proposed to guide future research. The issue of measuring participation from objective and subjective perspectives is examined, and maintaining these distinct conceptual domains in the measurement of participation is recommended. The methodological issues contributing to the difficulty of measuring participation are discussed, including potential dimensionality, alternative metrics, and the appropriateness of various measurement models. For environment, the need for theory to focus research on those aspects of the environment that interact with individuals' impairments and functional limitations in affecting activities and participation is discussed, along with potential measurement models for those aspects. The limitations resulting from reliance on research participants as reporters on their own environment are set forth. Addressing these conceptual and methodological issues is required before the measurement of participation and environmental factors can advance and these important constructs can be used more effectively in rehabilitation and disability observational research and trials.

Discharge Planning of Stroke Patients: the Relatives´ Perceptions of Participation.

Almborg, A.-H., Ulander, K., Thulin, A., & Berg, S. (2009)

Aims.  To describe relatives' perceived participation in discharge planning for patients with stroke and identify correlates to perceived participation.

Background.  Stroke affects both patients and their relatives and previous research shows that relatives were often dissatisfied with their perceived involvement in discharge planning and the information they get.

Design.  Prospective cross-sectional study.

Methods.  The study comprised 152 consecutively enrolled relatives (mean age = 60·8 years) of acute stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit in southern Sweden during 2003–2005. Data were collected through interviews 2–3 weeks after discharge using 'Relative's Questionnaire about Participation in Discharge planning'. This instrument measures perceived participation in three subscales: R–Information–Illness, R–Information–Care/support, and R–Goals and Needs. The Overall Rating of Relative's Perceived Participation in Discharge Planning was measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) (1–10 score).

Results.  Among the relatives, 56–68% reported positively according to R–Information–Illness, but 46–53% perceived that they did not receive any information about care/medication/rehabilitation/support. About 80% perceived no participation at all in goals and needs. The mean value of the VAS was 3·89 (SD 3·40) score. Regression analyses revealed that longer stay at hospital, patients with higher education, and relatives of female patients and female relatives were associated with relatives' perceptions of higher participation in discharge planning.

Conclusions.  Relatives perceived that they needed more information and knowledge about stroke and care/medication/rehabilitation/support. They also needed to be more involved in goal-setting and in identifying patient needs. Professionals should take into consideration these associated variables to improve relatives' perceived participation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinicians should give more attention to the altered situation of stroke patients' relatives when planning for continuing care and when setting postdischarge goals for the patients. The professionals need to develop strategies to involve relatives in sharing information, goal-setting and needs assessment in discharge planning.

Diskriminerad, trakasserad och kränkt

Skolverket (2009)

I denna rapport redovisas den första delen av regeringsuppdraget om diskriminering. Den omfattar en undersökning om barns, elevers och studerandes uppfattningar om och upplevelser av situationer där diskriminering och trakasserier förekommer i förskolan, grundskolan, obligatoriska särskolan, gymnasiesärskolan, särvux och gymnasieskolan samt i den kommunala vuxenutbildningen/SFI. De övriga delarna i detta regeringsuppdrag finns redovisade dels i Skolverkets rapport "Tillgänglighet till skolors lokaler och valfrihet för elever med funktionsnedsättning", dels i Skolverkets rapport "Barn- och elevskyddslagen i praktiken. Förskolors, skolors och vuxenutbildningens tillämpning av lagen"

Does parent management training for children with externalizing problem behavior in routine care result in clinically significant changes?

Hautmann C, Stein P, Hanisch C, Eichelberger I, Plück J, Walter D, et al. (2009)

The clinical significance of a parent management training that is part of the Prevention Program for Externalizing Problem Behavior (PEP) was assessed in an effectiveness trial. Parent management training was offered under routine care conditions in a setting where a high proportion of children were expected to show clinically relevant symptoms of externalizing problem behavior. At the beginning of the study, 32.6% to 60.7% of children were classified as clinical cases (dysfunctional) on three outcome measures of child behavior problems. Three months after treatment, 24.8% to 60.4% of children were judged to be recovered. Parent management training can result in clinically significant changes in children with externalizing behavior problems.

Emotional and cardiovascular sensitization to daily stress following childhood parental loss

Luecken, L., Kraft, A., Appelhans, B., & Enders, C. (2009)

Adverse childhood events can influence the development of emotional and physiological self-regulatory abilities, with significant consequences for vulnerability to psychological and physical illness. This study evaluated stress sensitization and inoculation models of the impact of early parental death on stress exposure and reactivity in late adolescence/young adulthood. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and diary reports of minor stress were collected every 30 min during waking hours over a 24-hr period from 91 late adolescents/young adults (43 early bereaved, 48 nonbereaved). Across the sample, minor stressors were associated with elevated BP and negative affect. The bereaved group had lower BP than did the nonbereaved group. Within the bereaved group, higher perceived caring from the surviving parent was associated with fewer reports of minor stress and lower stress-related negative affect. Higher perceived parental caring during childhood was associated with lower BP across the sample and more frequent hassles in the nonbereaved group. Findings support both the stress inoculation and sensitization models, suggesting that childhood parental loss and parental caring exert important influences on children's development of stress sensitivity.

Estimating the ‘impact’ of out-of-home placement on child well-being. Approaching the problem of selection bias

Berger L, Bruch S, Johnson E, James S & Rubin D (2009)

This study used data on 2,453 children age 4 to 17 from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being and 5 analytic methods that adjust for selection factors to estimate the impact of out-of-home placement on children's cognitive skills and behavior problems. Methods included ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and residualized change, simple change, difference-in-difference, and fixed effects models. Models were estimated using the full sample and a matched sample generated by propensity scoring. Although results from the unmatched OLS and residualized change models suggested that out-of-home placement is associated with increased child behavior problems, estimates from models that more rigorously adjust for selection bias indicated that placement has little effect on children's cognitive skills or behavior problems.

Ett ögonblick i sänder - mötet vid akut förvirringstillstånd, äldre patienters, närståendes och professionella vårdares perspektiv

Stenwall, E. (2009)

One older patient out of ten develops an acute confusional state (ACS) during their stay at an emergency care hospital, but there is little knowledge about encountering patients in an ACS. The overall aim of this thesis was to describe the complexity within the encounter between older patients in an ACS and relatives or professional carers, to gain a deeper understanding and increased knowledge about what takes place in the encounter and how this is experienced. The thesis is grounded in a qualitative research approach and a lifeworld perspective. Four empirical studies have been conducted at two geriatric wards at an emergency care hospital. The studies have been examined and approved by the Regional Board of Research Ethics. The aim of study I, II and III was to increase knowledge about how the encounter is experienced in retrospect, by interviewing professional carers (I), relatives (II) and patients who had suffered an ACS (III) about their experiences of encounters during the period of the patient being in an ACS. The fourth study (IV) aimed at increasing knowledge about the encounter from the viewpoint of the patient by focusing on dialogue and actions in the framework of the encounter with professional carers and relatives using a case study. A phenomenological approach was used for gathering and analysing data in studies I and II. In studies III and IV a latent content analysis was used for data analysis.
The results from study I show that professional carers experience the encounter with the patient as an encounter with a person, whose actions and words are unfamiliar and give rise to a lack of immediate trust. The encounter is experienced as unpredictable and the professional carers experience a need to always be on guard and use themselves as tools to reach out to, understand and create contact with the patient in the encounter. Relatives (II) experience the encounter with the patient as encountering a familiar person who has rapidly become unfamiliar, experiencing insecurity in how the patient in turn experiences the encounter and will react to the relative s words and actions. The relatives have to face this new situation with feelings of insecurity and sadness, find themselves exposed and the whole situation laborious. The patients (III) experience the encounter with professional carers and relatives as representing difficulties in connecting with and understanding the other. The patients experience difficulties in understanding what is happening and search for answers within themselves and from others. But the patients also experience a mutual understanding and trust between themselves and the other participants. The patients in the fourth study (IV) rely on professional carers and relatives to understand what is happening and why, to receive help in the encounter and are acknowledged with both understanding and suspicion. In the encounter each tries to convince the other about what is right, which reality is the true one, and there are often misunderstandings in time, place and foci.
The conclusion of the studies (I-IV) is that the professional carers, relatives and patients experience the encounter as something that places them in a vulnerable and arduous situation. In the encounter the feelings of lack of understanding, lack of trust and insecurity are mutual, but there is also a mutual wish to reach out to and understand the other. The character of the encounter changes frequently and rapidly and it is as if it takes place a split second at a time.

Factors discriminating among profiles of resilience and psychopathology in children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV)

Graham-Bermann, S. A., Gruber, G., Howell, K. H., & Girz, L. (2009)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the social and emotional adjustment of 219 children in families with varying levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) using a model of risk and protection. To explore factors that differentiate children with poor adjustment from those with resilience.
METHODOLOGY:
Mothers who experienced IPV in the past year and their children ages 6-12 were interviewed. Standardized measures assessed family violence, parenting, family functioning, maternal mental health, and children's adjustment and beliefs.
RESULTS:
Using cluster analysis, all cases with valid data on the Child Behavior Checklist, Child Depression Inventory, General Self-Worth and Social Self-Competence measures were described by four profiles of children's adjustment: Severe Adjustment Problems (24%); children who were Struggling (45%); those with Depression Only (11%); and Resilient (20%) with high competence and low adjustment problems. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed children in the Severe Problems cluster witnessed more family violence and had mothers higher in depression and trauma symptoms than other children. Resilient and Struggling children had mothers with better parenting, more family strengths and no past violent partner. Parents of children with Severe Problems were lacking these attributes. The Depressed profile children witnessed less violence but had greater fears and worries about mother's safety.
CONCLUSION:
Factors related to the child, to the mother and to the family distinguish different profiles of adjustment for children exposed to IPV who are living in the community. Resilient children have less violence exposure, fewer fears and worries, and mothers with better mental health and parenting skills, suggesting avenues for intervention with this population.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:
Findings suggest that child adjustment is largely influenced by parent functioning. Thus, services should be targeted at both the child and the parent. Clinical interventions shaped to the unique needs of the child might also be tested with this population.

Factors related to Alcohol and Drug Consumption in Swedish Widows.

Grimby A, Johansson ÅK. (2009)

The use of alcohol and medications among Swedish widows was analyzed in relation to various background variables. In Total, 1053 widows (640 widows younger than 65 years and 413 widows older than 65 years) answered the questionnaire. Many reported increased fatigue and sleeping problems. Around one-third of the widows reported drinking alcohol for relief of grief and inadequate support. Association existed between grief and increased intake of sedatives and sleeping pills, and between grief and drinking for relief of grief, as well as increase in intake of sedatives. In widows older than 65 years, perception of bad health, negative outlook for the future, and insufficient support seemed to increase the risk of more sedatives and sleeping pills. Negative outlook for the future also tended to lead to a heightened risk for increased intake of alcohol. There seems to be remaining health problems a long time after bereavement, and counseling may be needed especially when drugs and alcohol are extensively used.

Facts and Figures on Long-Term Care – Europe and North America

Huber, M (2009)

This book displays new data on up to 56 countries of the UN-European region (comprising North America, Europe including Russia, Central Asia and Israel).

Despite growing concerns over ageing and its social and fiscal impact, surprisingly scarce information is available on basic indicators concerning long-term care for dependent older people. The present publication seeks to fill this gap of knowledge as it searches for answers to queries and puzzles such as?

What exactly do we mean by long-term care? Where to set the boundaries between family or informal and formal care, between home and residential / institutional care, between public and privately financed care?

Will demographic ageing further accelerate? How much gain in life ahead at retirement age and during the decades of third age are actually observed and to be expected in the future? To what an extent will longer lives correspond to healthier ones? Are there limits in shifting the oldest-old threshold - and correspondingly increased dependency risks - upwards?

What are the typical living arrangements of older people? How do they differ across countries, or between women and men? What are the social implications of living alone, in couples, with children or others? How much mobility is there in later life? And how much of it is preferred, expected, or involuntary?

Who provides care for dependent older people within the family? Is care-giving always a women?s world? How do adult children and dependent parents feel about care arrangements? Who shares which burdens? Can work and family duties be balanced? What are people?s preferences?

What are the differences between cash for care and attendance allowances or care leaves? How do the roles of residential care change? Is care provided mostly in institutions or at home? Where is formal care most widely available? Why are there so many more women than men in residential care?

Which countries spend the most in long-term care? Most people are cared for at home? is that where most money is spent? What are the public / private mixes in long-term care spending? What does a closer look at country differences in expenditure levels, spending patterns and forms of generosity disclose? What trade-offs are there between different forms of generosity ? and which ones are fiscally or socially sustainable?

Are cash benefits one effective way to keep expenditure under control? What if....all countries would spend up to the EU-15 level? Demographics alone are the main driving force behind expenditure in long-term care? or not? How much can it cost to be cared for in an institution?

Familjeliv

Johansson T. (2009)

Det inte längre självklart vad en familj är för något. "Kärnfamiljen" förändras och det skapas nya sätt att "göra familj". Därmed uppstår nya frågor om familjen: Hur ser dagens familjer egentligen ut?

Läs mer
Den här boken tar ett grepp om det moderna familjelivet och behandlar olika typer av familjekonstellationer - vilka visar familjens inplacering i en ny politisk, social och emotionell tid. Boken ger en inträngande bild av familjeliv i Sverige, men presenterar också utblickar mot mer globala bilder av familjeliv.

Om författarna
Thomas Johansson är professor i socialpsykologi på Institutionen för kultur, estetik och medier vid Göteborgs universitet.

FIB-projektet i Uppsala län. Föräldrar med intellektuella begränsningar. Kartläggning av målgruppen 2005-2008

Pistol, Sven-Erik (2009)

FIB-projektet är ett 3-årigt samverkansprojekt i Uppsala län som syftar till att
utveckla stöd till barn och deras föräldrar i familjer där någon av föräldrarna har
en utvecklingsstörning eller andra kognitiva svårigheter, som kan förekomma
vid t.ex. svagbegåvning eller neuropsykiatriska funktionsnedsättningar.
För att kunna bedöma omfattningen av stödbehov och planera utifrån det, är det
viktigt att veta hur många familjer det finns som tillhör målgruppen och hur
många barn de har. En del i projektet har därför varit att göra en kartläggning av
målgruppens storlek i Uppsala län.
En bred förankring på olika nivåer i Landstingets och kommunernas
organisationer har krävts för att kunna genomföra kartläggningen.
Olika grupper av professionella, som möter familjerna i sin yrkesutövning, har
gjort bedömningen av vilka som tillhör målgruppen och som är i behov av
anpassat stöd.
Resultatet av kartläggningen bekräftar det som yrkesverksamma i olika
sammanhang omtalat, nämligen att det finns ett stort antal barn och föräldrar
med behov av stöd på grund av kognitiva svårigheter hos någon av föräldrarna.
Totalt handlar det om 602 familjer med sammanlagt 1092 barn som bedöms vara
i behov av stöd på grund av föräldrarnas kognitiva svårigheter. Mer än 50 % av
barnen har egna kognitiva svårigheter.
Den variation vi kan konstatera mellan länets olika kommuner kan bero på
befolkningsstruktur, förekomst av särskola, tidigare befintliga institutioner och
tillgång på bostäder och sysselsättning.
Kartläggningen ger ett underlag för planeringen av insatser till familjerna. Den
visar hur många familjer och barn det finns och kan hos olika verksamheter
ställas i relation till de riktade insatser som görs. Kartläggningen ger också ett
underlag för ökad samverkan och samplanering mellan olika samhällsinstanser
då många professionella arbetar med samma familjer utan varandras kännedom.

Folkhälsorapport

Socialstyrelsen (2009)

Folkhälsorapport 2009 visar bland annat att risken att dö i hjärtinfarkt och stroke har minskat väsentligt, medan dödligheten i bröstcancer däremot har minskat endast marginellt, och dödligheten i lungcancer fortfarande ökar bland kvinnor, medan den sjunker bland män. Psykisk ohälsa är vanligt hos yngre kvinnor; självmordsförsöken ökar.

Foster children: a longitudinal study of placements and family relationships

Andersson, G. (2009)

Foster children's family relationships have been one of the themes in a longitudinal study, starting with a disadvantaged group of children, 0–4 years of age when taken into care and placed in a children's home in Sweden. Seven rounds of data collection were carried out; the last two when the children were young adults. This article is about those 20 children in the study group who, in addition to temporary residential care at an early age, have experiences from foster care, either for the remainder of their childhood or before or after a period of reunion. Placement history is put in relation to family relationships, i.e. relationships to birth family and foster family. The categorisation in secure and insecure relationships or attachment patterns is based on interviews with the young adults, with a retrospect of previous relationships. The connection between placement history and family relationship is not obvious in this high-risk group. However, inclusive attitudes from the foster family towards the child's family promote continuity and a sense of security, also in periods of reunion or re-placement, and facilitate foster children's hard work in coming to terms with their family background and finding their own way.

To maintain control: negotiations in the everyday life of older people who can no longer manage on their own

Dunér, A. (2007)

The general aim of this thesis is to reach a more insightful understanding of how help is actually worked out in the everyday life of older people when they can no longer manage on their own. The overall research question is how individuals, representing different perspectives in the help arrangement process, think and act in order to organise needed help as well as how they may themselves apprehend the functions of the help. It is a qualitative study, containing four papers looking at this issue from different perspectives: the older persons themselves, their next of kin who provide help and the municipal care managers who make decisions on formal help. The empirical material consists of qualitative interviews and participant observations with care managers, qualitative interviews with older people applying for formal eldercare, follow-up interviews with some of them and qualitative interviews with next of kin who provide help. The analysis of the material adopts an empirically oriented approach, involving several steps from open to focused coding. Earlier research and theory guided the analysis. The results show that older people strive to maintain control over their everyday life (Paper I). When they can no longer manage unaided, they use various strategies to maintain control and the feeling of autonomy. Well-functioning formal and informal networks (Paper III) allow individuals to sustain autonomy and control in old age even when they have to depend on help from others. The care managers endeavour to make both ends meet in the decision process (Paper II). They develop various techniques and struck a balance between diverse demands and expectations. Helping an older relative is connected with a multiplicity of motives and experiences (Paper IV). The next of kin act both as bridges and buffers between their older relative and formal eldercare. This thesis emphasises the important functions of both formal and informal help to older people. To outline the working forms and methods of collaboration between older people and their informal and formal support networks is an important challenge that needs further attention.

To maintain control: negotiations in the everyday life of older people who can no longer manage on their own

Dunér, A. (2007)

The general aim of this thesis is to reach a more insightful understanding of how help is actually worked out in the everyday life of older people when they can no longer manage on their own. The overall research question is how individuals, representing different perspectives in the help arrangement process, think and act in order to organise needed help as well as how they may themselves apprehend the functions of the help. It is a qualitative study, containing four papers looking at this issue from different perspectives: the older persons themselves, their next of kin who provide help and the municipal care managers who make decisions on formal help. The empirical material consists of qualitative interviews and participant observations with care managers, qualitative interviews with older people applying for formal eldercare, follow-up interviews with some of them and qualitative interviews with next of kin who provide help. The analysis of the material adopts an empirically oriented approach, involving several steps from open to focused coding. Earlier research and theory guided the analysis. The results show that older people strive to maintain control over their everyday life (Paper I). When they can no longer manage unaided, they use various strategies to maintain control and the feeling of autonomy. Well-functioning formal and informal networks (Paper III) allow individuals to sustain autonomy and control in old age even when they have to depend on help from others. The care managers endeavour to make both ends meet in the decision process (Paper II). They develop various techniques and struck a balance between diverse demands and expectations. Helping an older relative is connected with a multiplicity of motives and experiences (Paper IV). The next of kin act both as bridges and buffers between their older relative and formal eldercare. This thesis emphasises the important functions of both formal and informal help to older people. To outline the working forms and methods of collaboration between older people and their informal and formal support networks is an important challenge that needs further attention.

To pay or not to pay: examining underlying principles in the debate on financial support for family caregivers

Keefe J, Rajnovich B. (2007)

In many countries one approach to supporting family-and-friend caregivers is direct financial or monetary support. Debates about the benefits and consequences of such policies pervade the literature. Building on the premise that values underlie public policy, the paper examines four policy paradoxes in the literature and uses selected examples from an international policy analysis to illustrate the underlying objectives and values upon which many of the policies were developed. These include the responsibility to care, economic or social objectives, gender equity, and the autonomy of care receivers. The authors conclude that policy makers need to be cautious about the unintended effects of financial support policy and develop a menu of policies and services to support caregivers. Future policy development in Canada must enable legitimate choice across the life course and ensure that neither the caregiver nor the care receiver will experience short- or long-term financial consequences of his or her choice.

Toward a Definition of Mixed Methods Research

Johnson, R.B., Onwuegbuzie, AJ., & Turner, L. (2007)

The purpose of this article is to examine how the field of mixed methods currently is being defined. The authors asked many of the current leaders in mixed methods research how they define mixed methods research. The authors provide the leaders' definitions and discuss the content found as they searched for the criteria of demarcation. The authors provide a current answer to the question, What is mixed methods research? They also briefly summarize the recent history of mixed methods and list several issues that need additional work as the field continues to advance. They argue that mixed methods research is one of the three major "research paradigms" (quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research). The authors hope this article will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how mixed methods research is defined and conceptualized by its practitioners.

Towards common principles of flexicurity: More and better jobs through flexibility and security

European Commission (2007)

The Commission presents a set of guidelines as a framework for the Member States' flexicurity strategies.
The principles of flexicurity contribute to the modernisation of the European social models.
Concept of flexicurity
To be effective, labour market modernisation strategies must take into account the needs of employees and employers alike. The concept of flexicurity is therefore a global approach which favours:
•flexibility of employees, who must be able to adapt to labour market developments and achieve their professional transitions. Similarly, this approach must improve the flexibility of enterprises and work organisation in order to meet the needs of employers and to improve the balance between work and family life;
•security for employees, who must be able to progress in their professional careers, develop their skills and be supported by social security systems when they are not working.
Flexicurity strategies aim to reduce unemployment and poverty rates in the European Union (EU). In particular, they help to facilitate the integration of the most underprivileged groups on the labour market (such as the young, women, older workers and the long-term unemployed).

Treating paternal alcoholism with learning sobriety together: Effects on adolescents versus preadolescents

Kelley ML, Fals-Stewart W. (2007)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Learning Sobriety Together, a treatment for substance abuse that combines behavioral couples therapy and individual counseling, had comparable secondary benefits on the internalizing and externalizing behaviors of adolescent versus preadolescent siblings living in homes with their alcoholic fathers (N = 131) and their non-substance-abusing mothers. During a 17-month assessment period, the association between parents' functioning (i.e., fathers' drinking as determined by percentage of days abstinent and parents' dyadic adjustment) and children's adjustment (as rated by mothers, fathers, and children's teachers) was stronger for preadolescents than for their adolescent siblings, particularly in terms of children's externalizing behaviors. Interventions that reduce paternal drinking and improve couple functioning may serve as an important preventative intervention for preadolescents in these homes, whereas adolescents may need more intensive interventions to address internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Two-year outcome of an intervention program for university students who have parents with alcohol problems: a randomized controlled trial

Hansson, H., Rundberg, J., Zetterlind, U., Johnsson, KO., & Berglund, M. (2007)

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Only a few intervention studies aiming to change high-risk drinking behavior have involved university students with heredity for alcohol problems. This study evaluated the effects after 2 years on drinking patterns and coping behavior of intervention programs for students with parents with alcohol problems.
METHOD:
In total, 82 university students (57 women and 25 men, average age 25 years) with at least 1 parent with alcohol problems were included in the study. The students were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 programs: (i) alcohol intervention program, (ii) coping intervention program, or (iii) combination program. All the 3 intervention programs were manual based and individually implemented during 2 2-hour sessions, 4 weeks apart. Before the participants were randomly assigned, all were subjected to an individual baseline assessment. This assessment contained both a face-to-face interview and 6 self-completion questionnaires: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, estimated Blood Alcohol Concentration, Short Index of Problems, the Symptom Checklist-90, Coping with Parents' Abuse Questionnaire, and The Interview Schedule for Social Interaction (ISSI). Follow-up interviews were conducted after 1 and 2 years, respectively. The results after 1 year have previously been reported.
RESULTS:
All participants finished the baseline assessment, accepted and completed the intervention. Ninety-five percent of the students completed the 24-month follow-up assessment. Only the group receiving the combination program continued to improve their drinking pattern significantly (p < 0.05) from the 12-month follow-up to the 24-month follow-up. The improvements in this group were significantly better than in the other 2 groups. The group receiving only alcohol intervention remained at the level of improvement achieved at the 12-month follow-up. The improvements in coping behavior achieved at the 12-month follow-up remained at the 24-month follow-up for all the 3 groups, i.e., regardless of intervention program.
CONCLUSION:
Positive effects of alcohol intervention between 1 and 2 years were found only in the combined intervention group, contrary to the 1-year results with effects of alcohol intervention with or without a combination with coping intervention.

Two-year outcome of an intervention program for university students who have parents with alcohol problems: a randomized controlled trial

Hansson H, Rundberg J, Zetterlind U, Johnsson KO, Berglund M. (2007)

BACKGROUND:
Only a few intervention studies aiming to change high-risk drinking behavior have involved university students with heredity for alcohol problems. This study evaluated the effects after 2 years on drinking patterns and coping behavior of intervention programs for students with parents with alcohol problems.
METHOD:
In total, 82 university students (57 women and 25 men, average age 25 years) with at least 1 parent with alcohol problems were included in the study. The students were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 programs: (i) alcohol intervention program, (ii) coping intervention program, or (iii) combination program. All the 3 intervention programs were manual based and individually implemented during 2 2-hour sessions, 4 weeks apart. Before the participants were randomly assigned, all were subjected to an individual baseline assessment. This assessment contained both a face-to-face interview and 6 self-completion questionnaires: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, estimated Blood Alcohol Concentration, Short Index of Problems, the Symptom Checklist-90, Coping with Parents' Abuse Questionnaire, and The Interview Schedule for Social Interaction (ISSI). Follow-up interviews were conducted after 1 and 2 years, respectively. The results after 1 year have previously been reported.
RESULTS:
All participants finished the baseline assessment, accepted and completed the intervention. Ninety-five percent of the students completed the 24-month follow-up assessment. Only the group receiving the combination program continued to improve their drinking pattern significantly (p < 0.05) from the 12-month follow-up to the 24-month follow-up. The improvements in this group were significantly better than in the other 2 groups. The group receiving only alcohol intervention remained at the level of improvement achieved at the 12-month follow-up. The improvements in coping behavior achieved at the 12-month follow-up remained at the 24-month follow-up for all the 3 groups, i.e., regardless of intervention program.
CONCLUSION:
Positive effects of alcohol intervention between 1 and 2 years were found only in the combined intervention group, contrary to the 1-year results with effects of alcohol intervention with or without a combination with coping intervention.

Unjustly neglected: Siblings of people with a schizophrenic psychosis

Schrank B, Sibitz I, Und MS, Amering M. (2007)

Objective: Siblings of individuals suffering from schizophrenia are an underrepresented group in research focussing on the needs of carets and relatives of psychiatric patients. The present study aims to investigate differences between siblings and parents as well as spouses, as regards help seeking, utilisation of an open group for relatives, their subjective burden and quality of life. Methods: 147 relatives of in-patients and patients attending a day hospital where assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Family Problem Questionnaire (FPQ), the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and a questionnaire inquiring about the relatives' utilisation of various sources of information and help throughout the course of the illness. Results: Siblings reported less contact to the patients compared to the two other groups. However, their subjective burden was comparable to that Of Spouses, who were the group with the highest amount of contact. Siblings' quality of life showed by far less impairment than that of spouses and parents. They reported significantly less utilisation of any source of information and help and were far less likely to be invited to the group for relatives. Conclusions: Siblings of patients with schizophrenia are a particularly neglected group regarding support aimed at relatives. They are heavily distressed, yet there is little offer of professional support for them. It seems indicated to draw increased attention to this specific group of relatives.

Article: Specialized substance abuse treatment for women and their children. An analysis of program design

Uziel-Miller ND, Lyons JS (2000)

In the present study, 36 specialized substance abuse treatment programs for women and their children were identified and chosen for review. These programs provide a wide range of services including substance abuse, mental health and medical treatment, life skills training (i.e. vocational and parenting training), and social services (i.e. child care and transportation). A cluster analysis was conducted, and three distinct patterns of program design were identified. Results suggest that programs vary considerably regarding the extent to which comprehensive services are provided and to whom they are offered. Many programs that appear to be comprehensive fail to provide the full range of services to all those who need them. In particular, many programs for pregnant women seem to focus almost exclusively on pregnancy-related issues. As such, specialized substance abuse treatment for women may be at risk for becoming too specialized. Recommendations are made for future substance-related program planning for women and their children.

Violence against women in intimate relationships: Explanations and suggestions for interventions as perceived by healthcare workers, local leaders, and trusted community members in a northern district of Vietnam

Jonzon, R., Vung, N. D., Ringsberg, K. C., & Krantz, G. (2007)

Abstract
AIM:
This study explored professionals' and trusted community inhabitants' explanations of the violence between intimate partners and their suggestions for preventive activities. It was performed in a rural district in northern Vietnam.
METHODS:
A total of 20 men and 20 women were strategically selected for focus-group discussions and the analyses followed the procedure for qualitative thematic content analysis.
RESULTS:
It was pointed out that violence against women was not discussed openly in the community and women subjected to violence kept silent and avoided seeking help in order not to reveal what was happening in the family. The informants perceived the violence as an interplay between individual and family-related factors and sociocultural norms and practices where Confucian ideology exerted a strong influence. When it came to prevention, there was a strong belief in educating the people and in enforcing policy and law.
CONCLUSIONS:
As described by the informants, traditional attitudes to gender roles and women's power disadvantage are found to be behind most of the explanations for intimate partner violence. Collaboration between sectors at local level, between the health sector and other bodies, and with community leaders as spokesmen would help to improve openness and reduce society's tolerance of violence against women. The mass media also have an important role to play.

Caregivers of relatives with dementia: experiences encompassing social support and bereavement

Almberg BE, Grafström M, Winblad B. (2000)

Caregivers who suffer grief after the death of a family member with dementia have received little attention in research. In this Swedish study, 30 caregivers were interviewed less than 6 months after the death of a family member with dementia. The study explored the caregivers' experiences of bereavement and social support in two stages: during the caregiving period and following death, and examined any links between the two stages. Findings showed that a central dynamic in caregiver bereavement seemed to be the support experienced, as well as the possibility of having continued support from family and/or friends. Caregivers who reported more positive appraisals during the caregiver period were likely to feel relieved after the death of a relative. They also tended to be more satisfied with their social support. (AKM).

Connecting Children: Care and Family Life in Later Childhood.

Brannen J, Heptinstall E, Bhopal K. (2000)

Connecting Children focuses on children's understandings of care and their views of different family lives. It portrays the lives of children aged 11-12 and shows how families connect children in different ways both in the household but also in their wider kinship networks. The children studied reflect upon family life and especially upon situations where their own family lives change dramatically, such as when parents divorce or are unable to care for them.
This book will be of interest to those working in education, social work, child care, counselling, social policy and childhood studies.

Coping efficacy and psychological problems of children of divorce

Sandler, I.N, Tein, J., Mehta, P., Wolchik, S. & Ayers, T. (2000)

Three models of the relations of coping efficacy, coping, and psychological problems of children of divorce were investigated. A structural equation model using cross-sectional data of 356 nine- to twelve-year-old children of divorce yielded results that supported coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between both active coping and avoiding coping and psychological problems. In a prospective longitudinal model with a subsample of 162 of these children, support was found for Time 2 coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between Time 1 active coping and Time 2 internalizing of problems. Individual growth curve models over four waves also found support for coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between active coping and psychological problems. No support was found for alternative models of coping as a mediator of the relations between efficacy and symptoms or for coping efficacy as a moderator of the relations between coping and symptoms.

Current and residual functional disability associated with psychopathology: Findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS).

Bijl AV, Ravelli A. (2000)

Background. Few population studies have investigated the functional disabilities that accompany specific psychiatric diagnoses. This study assesses the nature and strength of current and residual impairments in various functional domains of life.
Methods. Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS), a prospective study in the Dutch general population aged 18 to 64 (N = 7147). Psychiatric diagnoses were based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview; functional disability was assessed on the basis of the Short-Form-36 and the number of disability days.
Results. Psychopathology was associated with increased disability in social, emotional and physical domains of life. Disability levels varied by psychiatric diagnosis, with mood disorders showing the poorest levels of functioning, especially for vitality and social functioning; alcohol-related disorders were associated with few disabilities. Co-morbidity strongly aggravated the disability. The effect of contextual factors on disability was limited, although somatic ill health, unemployment and adverse youth history increased the likelihood of functional disability. The findings indicate that psychopathology can also have residual debilitating effects.
Conclusions. Mental health care providers should be aware that the extent and the type of disability may vary with the different types of disorders and among different groups within the population. Since recovery from functional limitations may not be complete or may take more time than the remission of the psychiatric symptomatology, non-psychiatric follow-up care is needed. The high number of lost work days is relevant from an economic perspective. There is a need for illness-specific disability assessment instruments.

Depression - en vanlig sjukdom symtom orsaker och behandlingsmöjligheter

Wasserman, Danuta (2000)

Depression - en vanlig sjukdom är en grundlig, saklig och lättillgänglig bok den sjukdom som drabbar alltfler människor under något skede i livet. Boken är indelad i tre huvudavsnitt: symtom, orsaker och behandling.

Författaren tar upp hur sjukdomen depression skiljer sig från den helt naturliga nedstämdhet som kan drabba alla då och då. Vidare behandlas ett antal specialteman - t ex årstidsbundna depressioner, förhållandet mellan kön och depressionsbenägenhet, äldre och depression, depression vid missbruk, ätstörningar och sömnproblem.

I avsnittet om orsaker redogörs för olika teorier, både biologiska, sociala och psykologiska förklaringsmodeller, som söker förklara depressionens uppkomst. Boken avslutas med ett omfattande avsnitt om olika aktuella behandlingsvägar. Författaren tar också upp hur man kan hjälpa sig själv vid nedstämdhet samt ger råd till anhöriga. Ett varsamt skrivet sista kapitel behandlar självmord och självmordsförsök i samband med depression.

När Depression - en vanlig sjukdom utkom första gången 1998 blev den mycket uppskattad för det direkta och lättillgängliga tilltalet och den stora respekt för de drabbade som genomsyrar texten. Flera anmälare betonade att boken vänder sig till både yrkesfolk inom vården och till "vanliga" människor - den beskrevs som en verklig bok för alla.

Ätstörningar och ADHD kan ha samband : Hetsätning kan lindra ADHD-symtom, centralstimulantia ger god hjälp

Ersson, G., A. R. Klanger, et al. (2007)

[Possible connection between eating disorders and ADHD. Bulimia can relieve ADHD symptoms, central nervous stimulants are of good help]In Sweden the risk for female Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa is estimated to 1%. Females have ten times higher prevalence than males. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the contrary has a male 2-3 times dominante. Among adults aprox. 3% has ADHD. ADHD is complex with at least one major associated psychiatric diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether clinical findings, not just related to Eating Disorder (ED), could match ADHD as a co-existing diagnosis, as well as to follow the patients the first months after treatment with Methylfenidate had been induced. Five patients, one male and four females, age 18-43, with a history of Eating Disorder (ED) of 5-35 years, were clinically described with DSM-IV diagnoses, treatment regimen and therapeutic outcome. They suffered from disability in normal social functioning, i.e. education, professional career and family life. All of them had symptoms matching ADHD. In this case report the assumtion is made that treatment with Methylfenidate lead to an decrease of ADHD-symptoms as well as typical ED-symptoms, better social functioning and increased quality of life.

Tidigare forskning har visat på en koppling mellan bulimia nervosa och uppmärksamhets- och hyperaktivitetsstörningar (ADHD). Det har föreslagits att ätstörningspatienter med långvarig psykosocial ohälsa och flera samtidigt förekommande psykiatriska tillstånd bör utredas för att utesluta/bekräfta samexisterande, tidigare odiagnostiserad ADHD.Under de senaste åren har studier redovisats där sambandet mellan bulimia nervosa och ADHD diskuteras. Positiv effekt på såväl ätstörningsrelaterade som ADHD-relaterade symtom vid behandling med centralstimulantia har kunnat konstateras.De fall som beskrivs här ger ytterligare stöd för betydelsen av att låta patienter med bulimia nervosa och andra svåra psykiatriska problem genomgå neuropsykiatrisk utredning och i förekommande fall av ADHD få behandling med centralstimulantia.

A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of Parent Management Training With Varying Degrees of Therapist Support

Kling, Å., Forster, M., Sundell, K., & Melin, L. (2010)

This study examined the effectiveness of a Swedish parent management training (PMT) intervention for parents of children aged 3 to 10 within the context of regular social service. Self-referred parents of 159 children (aged 3 to 10) with conduct problems were randomly assigned to either 11 practitioner-assisted group sessions (PMT-P), or a single instructional workshop followed by self-administration of the training material (PMT-S), or a waitlist control group. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that both PMT-P and PMT-S improved parent competence and reduced child conduct problems compared to the waitlist at posttest. Both training conditions showed further significant improvements at the 6-month follow-up. In direct comparison, PMT-P was superior to PMT-S on measures of child conduct problems at both posttest and follow-up. Improvement in child conduct was mediated by improvement in parent competencies and homework fidelity. The findings in this study have implications for large-scale dissemination of parent management training through different means of delivery.

A Unified Theory of Development: A Dialectic Integration of Nature and Nurture

Sameroff, A. (2010)

The understanding of nature and nurture within developmental science has evolved with alternating ascendance of one or the other as primary explanations for individual differences in life course trajectories of success or failure. A dialectical perspective emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual and context is suggested to interpret the evolution of developmental science in similar terms to those necessary to explain the development of individual children. A unified theory of development is proposed to integrate personal change, context, regulation, and representational models of development.

Anhörigas erfarenheter av att leva nära en person med psykossjukdom

Gyllin, Sanela & Rosenberg, Catarina (2010)

Inte bara den som är sjuk utan även de anhöriga drabbas av psykossjukdomen. Psykiatrireformen som delvis tillkom för att stärka den psykiskt funktionshindrade individens rätt till självbestämmande, blev för många anhöriga en tung börda. De anhöriga känner sig ensamma och utan stöd, med den stress och oro som psykossjukdom innebär. Problemet har emellertid uppmärksammats och år 2009 tillkom en ny lag om utökat stöd för anhöriga till psykiskt funktionshindrade.

Ett liv som andra. Livsvillkor för personer med funktionshinder.

Brusén, Peter & Hydén, Lars-Christer (2000)

Denna bok belyser några centrala frågor i den handikappolitiska utvecklingen under de senaste åren. Vad var det som dolde sig bakom de goda intentionerna och strävan efter välfärd för personer med funktionshinder? Klienter och patienter är inte längre nöjda med enbart anonym planläggning utan vill själva bestämma över sina liv. Ett genomgående tema i boken är därför att lyfta fram och belysa handikappolitikens konsekvenser ur de funktionshindrade personernas eget perspektiv.
Boken vill ge några bilder av funktionshindrade personers levnadsförhållanden och hur deras möte med den offentliga vården och omsorgen ser ut. Den visar på gränser och möjligheter i dagens handikappolitik och hur den i praktiken verkställs. Svensk handikappomsorg är bra men det finns också samtidigt en praktisk vardag som inte alltid stämmer med lagarnas bild av möjligheter och rättigheter. Bakgrunden till boken är främst handikappreformen från 1994, men även psykiatrireformen ett år senare.
Boken är i första hand tänkt för undervisning inom högskolans sociala utbildningar och vårdutbildningar. Boken vänder sig också till verksamhetspersonal, handläggare och beslutsfattare, liksom till anhöriga och funktionshindrade personer.
Mer information om våra bokserier och övriga böcker inom ämnesområdet finns på webbplatsen Handikapp och funktionshinder.

Experience of caregiving: Relatives of people experiencing a first episode of psychosis

Tennakoon L, Fannon D, Doku V, O'Ceallaigh S, Soni W, Santamaria M, et al. (2000)

Investigated the dimensions of caregiving and morbidity in caregivers of people with first-episode psychosis. Caregivers (aged 16–68 yrs) of 40 people with first-episode psychosis (aged 18–39 yrs) were interviewed at home about their experience of caregiving, coping strategies, and distress. Results found that caregivers used emotional and practical strategies to cope with participants' negative symptoms and difficult behaviors and experienced more worry about these problems. They increased supervision when the participants displayed difficult behaviors. 12% of caregivers were suffering from psychiatric comorbidity as defined by the General Heath Questionnaire (D. P. Goldberg and V. F. Hillier, 1979). Those living with the participant had more frequent visits to their general practitioner. It is concluded that at first-episode psychosis caregivers are already having to cope with a wide range of problems and are developing coping strategies. Caregivers worried most about difficult behaviors and negative symptoms in participants. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Efficacy trial of a brief cognitivebehavioral depression prevention program for high-risk adolescents: effects at 1- and 2-year follow-up

Stice, E., Rohde, P., Gau, J. & Wade, E. (2010)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effects of a brief group cognitive-behavioral (CB) depression prevention program for high-risk adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms at 1- and 2-year follow-up.
METHOD:
In this indicated prevention trial, 341 at-risk youths were randomized to a group CB intervention, group supportive expressive intervention, CB bibliotherapy, or educational brochure control condition.
RESULTS:
Significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms were shown by group CB participants relative to brochure control participants by 1-year follow-up and bibliotherapy participants by 1- and 2-year follow-up but not relative to supportive expressive participants. Supportive expressive participants showed greater symptom reduction than CB bibliotherapy participants did at 2-year follow-up. Risk for onset of major or minor depression over the 2-year follow-up was significantly lower for group CB participants (14%; odds ratio = 2.2) and CB bibliotherapy participants (3%; odds ratio = 8.1) than for brochure controls (23%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Results indicate that this group CB intervention reduces initial symptoms and risk for future depressive episodes, although both supportive expressive therapy and CB bibliotherapy also produce intervention effects that persist long term. Indeed, CB bibliotherapy emerged as the least expensive method of reducing risk for future episodes of depression.

Family Support and Empowerment: Post Autism Diagnosis Support Group for Parents.

Banach M, Iudice J, Conway L, Couse LJ (2010)

Receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder often elicits strong emotional reactions from parents of the diagnosed child. Follow-up services and continued support for these families is a necessary component to help families adapt and meet their and their children's needs. This pilot study measured the effects of a six-session, co-facilitated, support group on the advocacy skills and self-efficacy of parents coping with a child's diagnosis. Statistically significant increases in the average mean scores for the three subscales of the Family Empowerment Scale were found. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Family burden, participation in care and mental health – an 11 year comparison of the situation of relatives to compulsorily and voluntarily admitted patients

Östman, Margareta, Hansson, Lars & Andersson, K. (2000)

The changes in family burden and participation in care of relatives to both voluntarily and compulsorily admitted patients were investigated as part of a longitudinal study of the quality of the mental health services in a Swedish county performed between 1986 and 1997. The relationship between the relative's mental health and family burden, participation in care and need of own support was also investigated. The results showed similar and high levels of burden and a non-sufficient participation in care in both periods investigated despite the ongoing changes in the delivery of psychiatric services and a change in the compulsory legislation in Sweden during the period. More relatives experienced an own need of care and support from the psychiatric services in the 1997 investigation. Relatives who experienced mental health problems of their own more often experienced other forms of burden, experienced less participation in the patient's treatment and also more often had own needs of care and support. It is concluded that interventions in families where relatives experience mental health problems will be useful, since a well-functioning network around the mentally ill person has shown to reduce relapse.

A clinical trial of an individualised intervention programme for family caregivers of older stroke victims in Taiwan

Shyu YI, Kuo LM, Chen MC, Chen ST. (2010)

Aim and objective.  To explore the long-term effects of a discharge-preparation programme targeting Taiwanese family caregivers of older patients with stroke.

Background.  Little is known about the effects of interventions for caregivers of patients with stroke in Asian and Chinese families.

Design.  A randomised experimental design was used.

Method.  Participants included 158 older patients with stroke (72 in the experimental group and 86 in the control group) and their family caregivers. A caregiver-oriented intervention programme was designed to increase caregiver preparedness, to enhance caregiver perception of balance between competing needs and to satisfy specific needs during the transition between hospitalisation and discharge. Long-term outcomes were measured by caregiver's health-related quality of life, quality of care, stroke patient's self-care ability, patient's health-related quality of life and service utilisation. Longitudinal data were analysed by the generalised estimating equation approach.

Results.  During the 12 months following discharge of older patients with stroke, caregivers in the experimental group provided significantly better quality of care (β = 0·45; p = 0·03) than the control group. Between the sixth–twelfth months following discharge, patients in the control group were more likely to be institutionalised than those in the experimental group (χ2 = 5·11; p = 0·03).

Conclusion.  Using a sample from Taiwan, this intervention programme succeeded in improving quality of care provided by family caregivers to older patients with stroke and in decreasing the likelihood of their institutionalisation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Older Chinese patients with stroke and their family caregivers can benefit from an individualised programme that prepares caregivers for patient discharge. Similar programmes may be applicable to other countries with Chinese populations.

The impact of leisure options on the frequency and spontaneous communication production of a young child with multiple disabilities

Chan, J. B. and D. T. May (1999)

Leisure options were used to facilitate the communication development of a young child with severe multiple disabilities who used augmentative communication. The intervention consisted of selecting a number of leisure options through consultation with the child's mother and teacher about the child's leisure preferences and making available the leisure options at each intervention session. Twelve intervention sessions were carried out over a three month period. The results of this descriptive study showed that with the introduction of leisure options as part of intervention, the child demonstrated increased vocalisations, words and word approximations, communicative gestures and use of signs. The child also showed an increased desire to communicate. The findings indicate the usefulness and efficacy of leisure options as a potential intervention procedure in promoting the communication development of children with disabilities.

The role of community mental health nurses in educating clients and families about schizophrenia

Fung, Carl & Fry, Anne (1999)

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of community mental health nurses in educating clients and families about schizophrenia. A random sample of community mental health nurses was surveyed using a postal questionnaire. Results showed that most nurses did not use a specific approach for education. Families were educated when clients were admitted to hospital and clients were included when they regained the ability to process information. All nurses provided practical advice to families coping with clients' unpredictable behaviours. The client's home was mostly used for education. Clients and families were often in denial of the illness. Time constraints restricted the nurses' role of providing education. Nurses reported that psycho-educational theories or models were not incorporated into their basic professional education. Nurses require the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to competently perform this role

Use of the pediatric symptom checklist to screen for psychosocial problems in pediatric primary care: A national feasibility study.

Jellinek MS, Murphy J, Little M, Pagano ME, Comer DM, Kelleher KJ. (1999)

Background

Routine use of a brief psychosocial screening instrument has been proposed as a means of improving recognition, management, and referral of children's psychosocial morbidity in primary care.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of routine psychosocial screening using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) in pediatrics by using a brief version of the check-list in a large sample representative of the full range of pediatric practice settings in the United States and Canada. We evaluated large-scale screening and the performance of the PSC in detecting psychosocial problems by (1) determining whether the prevalence of psychosocial dysfunction identified by the PSC was consistent with findings in previous, smaller samples; (2) assessing whether the prevalence of positive PSC screening scores varied by population subgroups; and (3) determining whether the PSC was completed by a significant proportion of parents from all subgroups and settings.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-one thousand sixty-five children between the ages of 4 and 15 years were seen in 2 large primary care networks: the Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network and the Pediatric Research in Office Settings network, involving 395 pediatric and family practice clinicians in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and 4 Canadian provinces. Parents were asked to complete a brief questionnaire that included demographic information, history of mental health services, the 35-item PSC, and the number of pediatric visits within the past 6 months.

Results

The overall prevalence rates of psychosocial dys-function as measured by the PSC in school-aged and preschool-aged pediatric outpatients (13% and 10%, respectively) were nearly identical to the rates that had been reported in several smaller samples (12%–14% among school-aged children and 7%–14% among preschoolers). Consistent with previous findings, children from low-income families were twice as likely to be scored as dysfunctional on the PSC than were children from higher-income families. Similarly, children from single-parent as opposed to those from 2-parent families and children with a past history of mental health services showed an elevated risk of psychosocial impairment. The current study was the first to demonstrate a 50% increase in risk of impairment for male children. The overall rate of completed forms was 97%, well within an acceptable range, and at least 94% of the parents in each sociodemographic subgroup completed the PSC form.

Conclusions

Use of the PSC offers an approach to the recognition of psychosocial dysfunction that is sufficiently consistent across groups and locales to become part of comprehensive pediatric care in virtually all out-patient settings. In addition to its clinical utility, the consistency and widespread acceptability of the PSC make it well suited for the next generation of pediatric mental health services research, which can address whether earlier recognition of and intervention for psychosocial problems in pediatrics will lead to cost-effective outcomes.

Strenghtening effective parenting practices over the long term: effects of a preventive intervention for parentally bereaved families

Hagan, M.J., Tein, J., Sandler, I.N., Wolchik, S.A., Ayers, T.S. & Luecken, L.J. (2012)

This study tested the effect of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP), a preventive intervention for bereaved families, on effective parenting (e.g., caregiver warmth, consistent discipline) 6 years after program completion. Families (n = 101; 69% female caregivers; 77% Caucasian, 11% Hispanic) with children between ages 8 and 16 who had experienced the death of one parent were randomized to the FBP (n = 54) or a literature control condition (n = 47). Multiple regression analyses conducted within a multilevel framework indicated that the FBP had a significant positive impact on a multirater, multimeasure assessment of parenting at 6-year follow-up, controlling for pretest levels of parenting and child mental health problems. Mediation analyses showed that short-term program effects on parenting, including caregiver warmth and effective discipline, significantly mediated the impact of the FBP on effective parenting 6 years later. These findings indicate that a relatively cost-effective brief intervention for families who experienced a major stressor resulted in sustained effects on caregiver warmth and consistent discipline 6 years following the program.

Stöd till anhöriga – erfarenheter från åtta kommuner 2010-2012

Nationellt kompetenscentrum Anhöriga, Nka (2012)

Ett omfattande arbete har utförts i landets kommuner sedan slutet av 1990-talet för att utveckla stödet till anhöriga. I maj 2009 beslutade riksdagen att kommunerna ska "erbjuda stöd för att underlätta för de personer som vårdar en närstående som är långvarigt sjuk eller äldre eller som stödjer en närstående som har funktionshinder."

Studiens syfte är att kartlägga innehållet i stödet till anhöriga, hur stödet organiseras, planeras, följs upp och utvärderas inom äldre-, funktionshinder- och individ- och familjeområdet samt samverkan mellan kommun, landsting, ideella organisationer och andra aktörer inom området. I kartläggningen ingår även att undersöka hur de olika huvudintressenterna bedömer kvaliteten på stödet till anhöriga.

I undersökningen kartläggs och följs stödet till anhöriga under tre år i åtta kommuner. De studerade kommunerna är Borås, Härjedalen, Hässleholm, Malmö, Skara, Strängnäs, Uppsala och Västervik. I rapporten presenteras resultatet av kartläggningen för år 2010.

Rapporten är ett samarbete mellan FoU Sjuhärad Välfärd, FoU-stöd Regionförbundet Uppsala län, Fokus Kalmar län, FoU i Sörmland, Kommunförbundet Skåne, Malmö stad, Skaraborgs kommunalförbund, FoU Jämt, Nationellt kompetenscentrum anhöriga.

Stöd till barn och unga med funktionsnedsättning. Handbok för rättstillämpning vid handläggning och utförande av LSS-insatser.

Socialstyrelsen (2012)

I den nya handboken om stöd till barn och unga med funktionsnedsättning får du som handläggare och personal svar på frågor om hur stödet kan utformas.

Hur gör du som LSS handläggare när det ser ut som att lag och verklighet inte går ihop? Vad får föräldrar respektive personalen bestämma och vad får den unge själv bestämma i ett boende? Vad har kommunen för ansvar för planering och uppföljning?

Viktigt att tänka förebyggande
I boken får du exempel på olika stöd som kan ges till barn och familjer. Här framhålls vikten av att tänka förebyggande och vilka risker det kan innebära när familjer inte får tillräckligt stöd. Du som handläggare får också information om vad en personkretsbedömning omfattar och hur barn kan bli delaktiga i handläggningsprocessen.

Stöd för att orka med sitt föräldraskap
– Även om inte LSS ska kompensera för bristande föräldraförmåga, kan LSS-insatserna verka förebyggande så att föräldrarna orkar med sitt föräldraskap. Föräldrarna till ett barn som till exempel behöver vändas flera gånger om natten kan både bli uttröttade och tappa tålamodet. Genom att bevilja avlösning på ett sätt som passar föräldrarna ökar förutsättningarna för att de ska orka med situationen och få utrymme även för syskon och egna intressen, säger projektledaren Ylva Branting.

Viktigt stöd i olika åldrar
Du som förestår eller jobbar på ett boende får exempel på vilka behov omvårdnaden är tänkt att tillgodose. Här görs en koppling till barnens utveckling och vad som är viktigt stöd i olika åldrar. I boendet ställs många frågor på sin spets, till exempel hur en bra bostad bör utformas fysiskt och vad av vårdnadshavarens ansvar som kan tas över av personal. Många av dessa frågor är också aktuella i samband med andra stödformer.

Grund i lagstiftning och forskning
Handboken bygger på lagstiftning, förarbeten, konventioner och rättsfall samt Socialstyrelsens föreskrifter och allmänna råd. Men vissa delar bygger också på källor från psykologisk och pedagogisk forskning.

Stöd till barn och unga med funktionsnedsättning. Handbok för rättstillämpning vid handläggning och utförande av LSS-insatser.

Socialstyrelsen (2012)

I den nya handboken om stöd till barn och unga med funktionsnedsättning får du som handläggare och personal svar på frågor om hur stödet kan utformas.

Hur gör du som LSS handläggare när det ser ut som att lag och verklighet inte går ihop? Vad får föräldrar respektive personalen bestämma och vad får den unge själv bestämma i ett boende? Vad har kommunen för ansvar för planering och uppföljning?

Viktigt att tänka förebyggande
I boken får du exempel på olika stöd som kan ges till barn och familjer. Här framhålls vikten av att tänka förebyggande och vilka risker det kan innebära när familjer inte får tillräckligt stöd. Du som handläggare får också information om vad en personkretsbedömning omfattar och hur barn kan bli delaktiga i handläggningsprocessen.

Stöd för att orka med sitt föräldraskap
– Även om inte LSS ska kompensera för bristande föräldraförmåga, kan LSS-insatserna verka förebyggande så att föräldrarna orkar med sitt föräldraskap. Föräldrarna till ett barn som till exempel behöver vändas flera gånger om natten kan både bli uttröttade och tappa tålamodet. Genom att bevilja avlösning på ett sätt som passar föräldrarna ökar förutsättningarna för att de ska orka med situationen och få utrymme även för syskon och egna intressen, säger projektledaren Ylva Branting.

Viktigt stöd i olika åldrar
Du som förestår eller jobbar på ett boende får exempel på vilka behov omvårdnaden är tänkt att tillgodose. Här görs en koppling till barnens utveckling och vad som är viktigt stöd i olika åldrar. I boendet ställs många frågor på sin spets, till exempel hur en bra bostad bör utformas fysiskt och vad av vårdnadshavarens ansvar som kan tas över av personal. Många av dessa frågor är också aktuella i samband med andra stödformer.

Grund i lagstiftning och forskning
Handboken bygger på lagstiftning, förarbeten, konventioner och rättsfall samt Socialstyrelsens föreskrifter och allmänna råd. Men vissa delar bygger också på källor från psykologisk och pedagogisk forskning.

Supporting hospice volunteers and caregivers through community-based participatory research

MacLeod A, Skinner MW, Low E. (2012)

Drawing on the results of community-based research with a local hospice organisation, this article addresses the need to enhance social support for caregivers of people with life-threatening illnesses. The goal of the research was to involve palliative care stakeholders in the identification, prioritisation and implementation of social support interventions for caregivers who provide palliative care support as hospice volunteers and as family members of those at end-of-life. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, primary data were collected from 39 volunteer and family member caregivers through four focus groups and nine personal diaries in July 2008. Content analysis and modified constant comparison techniques resulted in emergent themes and priorities relating to challenges, existing coping strategies and resources, and potential support interventions. The findings revealed communication, emotional support, education, advocacy and personal fatigue as the most important challenges to be addressed through support interventions at the organisational (professional support, volunteer mentoring and continuing education) and household levels (caregiver assessments, telephone support and follow-up). There was convergence in how caregivers perceived and access existing social supports, yet a crucial divergence in the availability of resources among volunteers and family members. The findings are discussed in the light of the capacity for hospices to implement social supports and the potential efficacy of the community-based participatory research approach for enhancing social support for caregivers in other parts of health-care and social care.

Supporting the communication, language, and literacy development of children with complex communication needs: State of the science and future research priorities

Light, J. and D. McNaughton (2012)

Children with complex communication needs (CCN) resulting from autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other disabilities are severely restricted in their participation in educational, vocational, family, and community environments. There is a substantial body of research that demonstrates convincingly that children with CCN derive substantial benefits from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in their development of communication, language and literacy skills, with no risk to their speech development. Future research must address two significant challenges in order to maximize outcomes for children with CCN: (1) investigating how to improve the design of AAC apps/technologies so as to better meet the breadth of communication needs for the diverse population of children with CCN; and (2) ensuring the effective translation of these evidence-based AAC interventions to the everyday lives of children with CCN so that the possible becomes the probable. This article considers each of these challenges in turn, summarizing the state of the science as well as directions for future research and development. © 2012 Copyright 2012 RESNA.

Supporting the Communication, Language, and Literacy Development of Children with Complex Communication Needs: State of the Science and Future Research Priorities

Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2012)

Children with complex communication needs (CCN) resulting from autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other disabilities are severely restricted in their participation in educational, vocational, family, and community environments. There is a substantial body of research that demonstrates convincingly that children with CCN derive substantial benefits from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in their development of communication, language and literacy skills, with no risk to their speech development. Future research must address two significant challenges in order to maximize outcomes for children with CCN: (1) investigating how to improve the design of AAC apps/technologies so as to better meet the breadth of communication needs for the diverse population of children with CCN; and (2) ensuring the effective translation of these evidence-based AAC interventions to the everyday lives of children with CCN so that the possible becomes the probable. This article considers each of these challenges in turn, summarizing the state of the science as well as directions for future research and development.

Teen dating violence:co-occurence with other victimizations in the national survey of children's exposure to violence (NatSCEV)

Hamby, S., Finkelhor, D., & Turner, H. (2012)

Objective: To examine the co-occurrence of physical teen dating violence (TDV) with other forms of victimization. Method: The sample includes 1,680 youth aged 12 to 17 from the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV), a nationally representative telephone survey of victimization experiences. Results: Every victim of physical TDV (100%) reported at least one other type of victimization. Physical TDV is very closely associated with several other forms of victimization in this sample, with adjusted odds ratio ranging from 1.48 to 17.13. The lifetime rate of TDV was 6.4% for all youth, but TDV rates reached 17% for youth who had been physically abused by a caregiver, 25% for youth who had been raped, and 50% for youth (<16 years) who had experienced statutory rape or sexual misconduct by a partner more than 5 years older. Victims of TDV reported, on average, twice as many other types of victimizations as those with no history of TDV. Conclusions: These data indicate that physical TDV is especially closely associated with some forms of child maltreatment, sexual victimization, and polyvictimization. Universal dating violence prevention programs designed for youth who have not yet, or just recently, started dating will typically include a large number of youth who have already been victimized by other forms of violence. Prevention curricula may be more effective if they address the needs of victimized youth, for example, by teaching skills for coping with prior victimization experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)

Teknikstöd för yrkesverksamma anhöriga – resultat från utvärdering av tre projekt inom programmet Teknik för äldre II

Stefan Andersson, Lennart Magnusson, Elizabeth Hanson (2012)

Nationellt kompetenscentrum anhöriga fick i uppdrag av Hjälpmedelsinstitutet att under 2012 utvärdera tre projekt inom programmet, "Teknik för äldre II" som fokuserar på tekniskt stöd till anhöriga "Mitt i livet" som kombinerar förvärvsarbete med anhörigomsorg. Det första projektet, "Teknikstöd – ökad social interaktion mellan anhöriga mitt i livet", i Alingsås kommun implementerade det internetbaserade IT systemet "Gapet" för yrkesverksamma anhöriga. Det andra projektet, "Modell för virtuellt anhörigstöd" i Gävle kommun, utvecklade en modell och struktur för ett enhetligt virtuellt anhörigstöd som riktade sig till yrkesverksamma anhöriga vilket inkluderade den IT-baserade stödtjänsten "Anhörigstödsportalen". Det tredje projektet, "Teknikstöd för yrkesverksamma anhöriga – en behovsstudie, fokuserade på att utföra en inventering av yrkesverksamma anhörigas behov av ny teknik, utveckla en modell för teknikstöd riktat till yrkesverksamma anhöriga samt hitta vägar för att sprida kunskap för att öka målgruppens möjlighet att nås av teknikstöd. Detta område är särskilt viktigt därför att det i nuläget finns få stödtjänster, i Sverige men även internationellt, som är speciellt anpassade till yrkesverksamma anhöriga som hjälper, stödjer och/eller vårdar en äldre närstående. Många yrkesverksamma anhöriga uttrycker att de vill hjälpa sin förälder/sina föräldrar, men att det är svårt att uppnå en balansgång mellan arbetsliv och familjeliv samtidigt som man hjälper, stödjer och/eller vårdar en äldre närstående. Det är inte ovanligt att egen tid för avkoppling och välbefinnande blir alltmer sällan och prioriteras bort. Som en följd av detta upplever de yrkesverksamma anhöriga ofta stress för att de inte räcker till och ständigt behöver bolla mellan olika sfärer av sina liv. Den senaste statistiken från Socialstyrelsen visar att närmare 100 000 anhöriga har behövt minska sin arbetstid eller sluta arbeta pååtta procent män. Yrkesverksamma anhörigas behov kan sammanfattas med information, rådgivning och/eller utbildning/ träning, praktiskt samt känslomässigt stöd som är flexibelt och passar de egna rutinerna och den egna situationen. Mot denna bakgrund, utvecklades och diskuterades en utvärderingsplan med projektledarna tillsammans med den övergripande koordinatorn för initiativet "Teknik för Äldre II" vid det första gemensamma projektmötet och utvärderingen var en återkommande nyckelfråga vid efterföljande gemensamma projektmöten som hölls under året. Utvärderingen av projekt 1 och 2 genomfördes under hösten 2012 med en liknande utformning för båda projekten där en kvalitativ utvärdering genomfördes med hjälp av fokusgruppsintervjuer och individuella intervjuer och en kvantitativ utvärdering utfördes med hjälp av ett standardiserat frågeformulär om användbarhet. Utvärderingen av projekt 3 genomfördes kontinuerligt från starten till slutet av projektet. Detta berodde på att projektet var en behovsstudie som omfattade anhörigvårdare i en kontinuerlig utvecklingsprocess vilket betyder att det var olämpligt att genomföra en utvärdering under en specifik period vilket var fallet i de två första projekten. Resultaten från utvärderingarna av de första två projekten visar att teknikstöd har en stor potential avseende yrkesverksamma anhöriga då det erbjuder ett flexibelt sätt för anhöriga att få tillgång till information och en möjlighet för anhöriga att kunna utbyta erfarenheter med andra i samma situation och själva skapa stödnätverk. På samma gång erbjuder teknikstöd personalen att arbeta på ett systematiskt sätt med stöd till anhöriga. Men, för att teknikstöd ska användas av fler anhörigvårdare och för att det ska bli mer allmänt accepterat av personalen behövs det grundläggande datorutbildning för både anhöriga och vård- och omsorgspersonal samt kontinuerlig tillgång till handledning och stöd i användningen. Resultat som härrör från en utvärdering från behovsstudien (projekt 3) visar att utbudet av kreativa och sekventiella metoder som användes under utvecklingsprocessen möjliggjorde en genuin brukarmedverkan av yrkesverksamma anhöriga så att deras röster blev hörda gällande teknikstöd. Samtidigt kan dessa innovativa metoder bilda en användbar modell för vård- och omsorgs personal gällande hur anhöriga kan nås av stöd genom produkter, tjänster och ny teknik.

Terapi som anhörigstöd : fördjupat anhörigstöd : stöd till anhöriga på Östermalm vars närstående flyttat till vård och omsorgsboende. Rapport 2012:6.

Norman, E., & Hjalmarson, E. (2012)

För att stödja anhöriga med behov av extra stöd i samband med en närståendes
flytt till äldreboenden erbjöd Östermalms stadsdelsförvaltning under 2011 anhörigstöd
i form av gruppsamtal, så kallat fördjupat anhörigstöd. Målet med det
fördjupade anhörigstödet var att stödja anhöriga som gått igenom den svåra
processen att fatta beslutet om närståendes flytt. En terapeut ledde sammankomsterna
och stadsdelsförvaltningens anhörigkonsulent var behjälplig i detta arbete.
Stiftelsen Äldrecentrum fick i uppdrag av Östermalms stadsdelsförvaltning att
göra en deskriptiv studie av deltagarnas erfarenheter av att vara med i pilotprojektet
med fördjupat anhörigstöd. Syftet var att beskriva vad det fördjupade
anhörigstödet innebär samt att redogöra för deltagarnas erfarenheter. De fem
anhöriga, samtliga kvinnor, som deltog i det fördjupade anhörigstödet intervjuades.
Intervjuer genomfördes även med ledarna för gruppsammankomsterna.
Ett fördjupat anhörigstöd är terapi, där det handlar om att få verktyg för att
kanske välja en annan väg och att gå vidare. Man berör tidigare upplevelser i livet
och kopplar dessa till den anhöriges nuvarande situation. I ett fördjupat anhörigstöd
får den anhörige hjälp att bearbeta sin situation, vilket möjliggör för deltagarna
att komma ur sin kris.
Inom ramen för det fördjupade anhörigstödet genomfördes totalt tio gruppsammankomster.
Deltagarnas erfarenheter av sammankomsterna visade bland
annat att:
 Samtliga deltagare var mycket nöjda med det fördjupade anhörigstödet
Träffarna beskrevs som innehållsrika och intensiva.
 Deltagarna lyfte fram det positiva med sammankomsterna dels den goda
sammanhållningen i gruppen dels ledarnas engagemang och stöd.
 Tre av deltagarna ansåg att de hade fått ut det de hoppades på av det
fördjupade anhörigstödet, en visste inte och en deltagare sa att hon tyckte att
det var positivt att gå dit och att hon hade mått bra i stunden.
När det fördjupade anhörigstödet avslutades erbjöds deltagarna att fortsätta sina
sammankomster själva. Samtliga deltagare har också möjlighet till fortsatt kontakt
med anhörigkonsulenten.
Möjligheten för anhöriga att få hjälp att bearbeta sorg och förlust behöver uppmärksammas
i större utsträckning i det anhörigstöd som ges. Pilotprojektet
"Fördjupat anhörigstöd" är en intressant stödform som visar att behov finns av
stöd till anhöriga i en svår och utsatt situation. Stödformen behöver prövas och utvecklas
ytterligare. Ett område att få mer kunskap om är hur stort behovet av
terapi är för att stödja anhöriga. Intressant vore att prova olika terapiformer. En
annan intressant utveckling skulle vara att genomföra ett fördjupat anhörigstöd i
samverkan mellan kommun och landsting.

The Caregiver-Provider Relationship Assessment: Measuring Family Caregivers' Perceptions of Relationship Quality With Health Care Providers

Moore, C. D. (2012)

This article summarizes the development of the caregiver-provider relationship assessment (CPRA) designed to measure family caregivers' perceptions of relationship quality with health care providers. Using an online sample of family caregivers (n = 156), the patient reactions assessment (PRA) was adapted for use with family caregivers and subjected to principal component and reliability analyses. Analyses indicate that the CPRA factor structure is analogous to the original PRA scale, and Cronbach's BFGR181|END for the three CPRA subscales range from .85 to .91. The tool can be used by clinicians and researchers in efforts to help family caregivers become more effective communicators in health care contexts.

The effectiveness of home-based individual tele-care intervention for stroke caregivers in South Korea

Kim SS, Kim EJ, Cheon JY, Chung SK, Moon S, Moon KH. (2012)

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to develop effective intervention programmes that can reduce family caregiver burden as they provide care to stroke patients so that family caregivers can adapt to and deal with the new circumstances from the early stages of stroke. We also intended to verify the effectiveness of the developed programme.

Methods:  This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a repeated-measures analysis. We included five hospitals specialized in stroke care in Seoul Metropolitan areas. Seventy-three patients from these hospitals agreed to participate in this study.

Results:  The score of family caregiver burden decreased by 8.07 (±18.67) in the experimental group and increased by 1.65 (±7.47) in the control group, which was a significant difference (t = 2.257, P = 0.027) between pre- and post-intervention. The family caregiver burden of experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (F = 3.649, P = 0.033).

Conclusions:  The home-based individual tele-care intervention, in addition to the hospital-based group programme, was cost-effective and supportive in reducing family caregivers' burden by providing relevant information for their needs in timely manner.

The effectiveness of telehealth care on caregiver burden, mastery of stress, and family function among family caregivers of heart failure patients: A quasi-experimental study

Chiang L-C, Chen W-C, Dai Y-T, Ho Y-L. (2012)

Background: Telehealth care was developed to provide home-based monitoring and support for patients with chronic disease. The positive effects on physical outcome have been reported; however, more evidence is required concerning the effects on family caregivers and family function for heart failure patients transitioning from the hospital to home. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing-led transitional care combining discharge plans and telehealth care on family caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function in family caregivers of heart failure patients compared to those receiving traditional discharge planning only. Design: This is a quasi-experimental study design. Methods: Sixty-three patients with heart failure were assessed for eligibility and invited to participate in either telehealth care or standard care in a medical centre from May to October 2010. Three families refused to participate in data collection. Thirty families who chose telehealth care after discharge from the hospital to home comprised the experimental group; the others families receiving discharge planning only comprised the comparison group. Telenursing specialist provided the necessary family nursing interventions by 24-h remote monitoring of patients' health condition and counselling by telephone, helping the family caregivers successfully transition from hospital to home. Data on caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function were collected before discharge from the hospital and one month later at home. Effects of group, time, and group×time interaction were analysed using Mixed Model in SPSS (17.0). Results: Family caregivers in both groups had significantly lower burden, higher stress mastery, and better family function at one-month follow-up compared to before discharge. The total score of caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function was significantly improved for the family caregivers in the experimental group compared to the comparison group at posttest. Two subscales of family function—Relationships between family and subsystems and Relationships between family and society were improved in the experimental group compared to the comparison group, but Relationships between family and family members was not different. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that telehealth care combined with discharge planning could reduce family caregiver burden, improve stress mastery, and improve family function during the first 30 days at home after heart failure patients are discharged from the hospital. Telenursing specialists cared caregivers with the concepts of providing transitional care to help them successful cross the critical transition stage.

The effectiveness of telehealth care on caregiver burden, mastery of stress, and family function among family caregivers of heart failure patients: A quasi-experimental study

Chiang L-C, Chen W-C, Dai Y-T, Ho Y-L. (2012)

Background: Telehealth care was developed to provide home-based monitoring and support for patients with chronic disease. The positive effects on physical outcome have been reported; however, more evidence is required concerning the effects on family caregivers and family function for heart failure patients transitioning from the hospital to home. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing-led transitional care combining discharge plans and telehealth care on family caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function in family caregivers of heart failure patients compared to those receiving traditional discharge planning only. Design: This is a quasi-experimental study design. Methods: Sixty-three patients with heart failure were assessed for eligibility and invited to participate in either telehealth care or standard care in a medical centre from May to October 2010. Three families refused to participate in data collection. Thirty families who chose telehealth care after discharge from the hospital to home comprised the experimental group; the others families receiving discharge planning only comprised the comparison group. Telenursing specialist provided the necessary family nursing interventions by 24-h remote monitoring of patients' health condition and counselling by telephone, helping the family caregivers successfully transition from hospital to home. Data on caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function were collected before discharge from the hospital and one month later at home. Effects of group, time, and group×time interaction were analysed using Mixed Model in SPSS (17.0). Results: Family caregivers in both groups had significantly lower burden, higher stress mastery, and better family function at one-month follow-up compared to before discharge. The total score of caregiver burden, stress mastery and family function was significantly improved for the family caregivers in the experimental group compared to the comparison group at posttest. Two subscales of family function—Relationships between family and subsystems and Relationships between family and society were improved in the experimental group compared to the comparison group, but Relationships between family and family members was not different. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that telehealth care combined with discharge planning could reduce family caregiver burden, improve stress mastery, and improve family function during the first 30 days at home after heart failure patients are discharged from the hospital. Telenursing specialists cared caregivers with the concepts of providing transitional care to help them successful cross the critical transition stage.

The effects of family therapies for adolescent delinquency and substance abuse: a meta-analysis

Baldwin SA, Christian S, Berkeljon A, Shadish WR. (2012)

This meta-analysis summarizes results from k = 24 studies comparing either Brief Strategic Family Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, Multidimensional Family Therapy, or Multisystemic Therapy to either treatment-as-usual, an alternative therapy, or a control group in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse and delinquency. Additionally, the authors reviewed and applied three advanced meta-analysis methods including influence analysis, multivariate meta-analysis, and publication bias analyses. The results suggested that as a group the four family therapies had statistically significant, but modest effects as compared to treatment-as-usual (d = 0.21; k = 11) and as compared to alternative therapies (d = 0.26; k = 11). The effect of family therapy compared to control was larger (d = 0.70; k = 4) but was not statistically significant probably because of low power. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the various models differed in their effectiveness relative to each other. Influence analyses suggested that three studies had a large effect on aggregate effect sizes and heterogeneity statistics. Moderator and multivariate analyses were largely underpowered but will be useful as this literature grows.

The effects of family therapies for adolescent delinquency and substance abuse: a meta-analysis

Baldwin SA, Christian S, Berkeljon A, Shadish WR. (2012)

This meta-analysis summarizes results from k = 24 studies comparing either Brief Strategic Family Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, Multidimensional Family Therapy, or Multisystemic Therapy to either treatment-as-usual, an alternative therapy, or a control group in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse and delinquency. Additionally, the authors reviewed and applied three advanced meta-analysis methods including influence analysis, multivariate meta-analysis, and publication bias analyses. The results suggested that as a group the four family therapies had statistically significant, but modest effects as compared to treatment-as-usual (d = 0.21; k = 11) and as compared to alternative therapies (d = 0.26; k = 11). The effect of family therapy compared to control was larger (d = 0.70; k = 4) but was not statistically significant probably because of low power. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the various models differed in their effectiveness relative to each other. Influence analyses suggested that three studies had a large effect on aggregate effect sizes and heterogeneity statistics. Moderator and multivariate analyses were largely underpowered but will be useful as this literature grows.

The impact of sociodemographic factors on the utilisation of support services for family caregivers of elderly dependents—Results from the German sample of the EUROFAMCARE study

Lüdecke D, Mnich E, Kofahl C. (2012)

Objectives: As in nearly all European countries, demographic developments in Germany have led to both a relative and an absolute increase in the country's elderly population. The care and support needed by these people is primarily provided by relatives or friends and close acquaintances within the home environment. The major challenges for society are to sustain, promote and support these informal resources. In order to achieve this, it is crucial that family caregivers are provided with situation-specific services that support them and relieve their burden of care. The major challenges for society are therefore to sustain, promote and support informal resources and to provide the opportunity for the use of services aimed at assisting and relieving the burden of family caregivers. Methods: In the context of the EUROFAMCARE study, 1,003 family caregivers from Germany were interviewed at home about their experiences using a standardized questionnaire. Included in the study were primary caregivers providing at least four hours of personal care or support per week to a relative aged 65 years or older. Subjects solely providing financial support were excluded. In this paper, a linear regression analysis has been conducted to analyze impact of sociodemographic factors on the utilization of support services. Results: The family caregivers were 54 years on average (SD=13.4), 76% of them were female. The dependent elderly were 80 years on average (SD=8.3), and 69% of them were women. 60% of them were receiving long-term care insurance benefits. Use of support services aimed directly at family caregivers is very low. After including certain services aimed primarily at those in need of care but also often serving as a source of relief for family caregivers, the percentage of caregivers using support services increased slightly. Among sociodemographic characteristics, caregivers' gender and education level have the greatest influence on services use. Other influential factors are caregivers' perception of their caregiving burden and their assessment of the dependent family member's need for assistance and support.

The Living with Dysarthria group: Implementation and feasibility of a group intervention for people with dysarthria following stroke and family members

Mackenzie C, Paton G, Kelly S, Brady M, Muir M. (2012)

BACKGROUND:
The broad life implications of acquired dysarthria are recognized, but they have received little attention in stroke management. Reports of group therapy, which may be a suitable approach to intervention, are not available for stroke-related dysarthria.
AIMS:
To examine the operational feasibility of and response to a new eight-session weekly group intervention programme, Living with Dysarthria, designed for people with chronic dysarthria following stroke and their main communication partners.
METHODS & PROCEDURES:
The target participation was for programme completion by two groups of eight people with dysarthria (PWD) and available family members (FMs) or carers. An active recruitment strategy was undertaken from the speech and language therapy case records for the previous 6 years in two hospitals with combined annual stroke admissions of over 500 people. Twelve PWD and seven FMs were recruited (group 1: seven PWD and four FMs; group 2: five PWD and three FMs). Speech intelligibility, communication effectiveness, general well-being, quality of communication life, and knowledge of stroke and dysarthria were assessed pre- and post-programme. Each PWD and FM also set an individual goal and rated their achievement of this on a 0-10 scale.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS:
Recruitment to the programme was lower than anticipated and below target. The 12 PWD were recruited from 62 initial contacts, which was the total number who according to available information met the criteria. The programme was viable: it ran to plan, with only minor content alterations, in community accommodation, and with good participant engagement. Group median score changes were in a positive direction for all measures and effect sizes ranged from 0.17 (quality of communication life) to 0.46 (intelligibility). Significant post-programme changes were present for intelligibility and knowledge of stroke and dysarthria (p= 0.05). Participants' ratings of goal achievements ranged from 6 (some change) to 10 (a lot of change).
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS:
The recruitment experience revealed a take-up rate of around 20% from PWD following stroke, informing future planning. The participant engagement and performance results from the piloting of the programme indicate that the Living with Dysarthria programme is viable and has potential for effecting positive change. Further testing is justified.

Min syster fick Alzheimer – om vård och bemötande ur ett anhörigperspektiv

Andersson, Irene (2011)

Moniqa Andersson är bara 58 år då hon får diagnosen Alzheimers sjukdom. I boken Min syster fick Alzheimer - om vård och bemötande ur ett anhörigperspektiv beskriver hennes syster, bokens författare, hur hon går bredvid genom sjukdomsförloppet och kämpar för att Moniqa ska få en trygg och fungerande vård på ett demensboende. Min syster fick Alzheimer är inte bara en engagerad och personlig skildring av hur en demenssjukdom utvecklas och hur de närstående drabbas, den ger också en värdefull inblick i hur vårdsystemet fungerar. Iréne Andersson reflekterar träffsäkert över bemötandet inom den kommunala demensvården och psykiatrin samt ger ett antal konkreta råd om vad som skulle kunna förbättras. Hon problematiserar vidare begreppen "anhörig" och "anhörigsjukdom" samt tar upp frågor om identitet, etik och ansvar. Här kommer många anhöriga och närstående att känna igen sig och få stöd. Författarens iakttagelser gör också boken särskilt intressant för personal i kommun och landsting. Iréne Andersson arbetar som lektor vid Malmö högskola med utbildningsvetenskap samt forskar om genus och fredshistoria. Hon är även flitigt anlitad av Alzheimerföreningen som föreläsare.

Parentally bereaved children and posttraumatic growth: insights from an etnographic study of a UK childhood bereavement service

Brewer, J. & Sparkes, A. (2011)

Drawing on data generated from a two-year ethnographic study of the Rocky Centre (achildhood bereavement organisation in the UK), this article explores the positive changes and themes of posttraumatic growth experienced by parentally bereaved young people. Although the broader study generated data from participant observation, interviews and a documentary analysis, this article focuses specifically on the interviews with 13 young people to identify the themes of posttraumatic growth that emerged from the participants' narratives. Of these, four had been recently bereaved and nine had experienced the death of a parent over 10 years ago. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed for themes that reflected the young people's experiences of growing through grief. Those identified were as follows: positive outlook, gratitude, appreciation of life, living life to the full, and altruism. Each theme isdiscussed in turn, and the implications of the findings for research and practice are addressed.

På väg mot hela vägen. En utvärdering av ”Hela vägens psykiatri” i Gävleborg

Finn, Bengt & Bromark, Kristina (2011)

En rad tragiska händelser i början av 2000-talet som får stor massmedial uppmärksamhet är startpunkten för utredningen Nationell psykiatrisamordning. Utredningen syftade till att se över flera av de områden som berör social omsorg och rehabilitering av personer med psykisk sjukdom eller psykiska funktionsnedsättningar. Statliga stimulansmedel avsattes att användas till kompetenshöjande åtgärder för "baspersonal" inom landstingets psykiatri och kommunernas socialtjänst. 2008 ansökte sex kommuner i Hälsingland och landstinget i Gävleborg om dessa medel och projektet som startas får namnet "Hela vägens psykiatri i Gävleborg".
Det övergripande målet med projektet "Hela vägens psykiatri i Gävleborg" är att förstärka kompetensen bland personal som i sitt dagliga arbete kommer i kontakt med personer med psykisk sjukdom eller psykisk funktionsnedsättning. Kompetenssatsningen syftar till att öka den enskildes (brukarens/patientens) möjligheter till integration i samhället och att leva ett självständigt liv.

The effects of child maltreatment and polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter and dopamine D4 receptor genes on infant attachment and intervention efficacy

CICCHETTI, D., ROGOSCH, F. A. & TOTH, S. L. (2011)

This investigation examined the extent to which polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) and the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) genes differentially influenced the development of attachment security and disorganization in maltreated and nonmaltreated infants at age 13 months, and the extent to which the efficacy of preventive interventions to promote attachment security were influenced by genetic variation. The sample consisted of 106 infants from maltreating families, participating in a randomized control trial evaluating the efficacy of two interventions, child-parent psychotherapy and psychoeducational parenting intervention, and 47 infants from nonmaltreating families. DNA samples were genotyped for polymorphisms of 5-HTTLPR, DRD4 exon III variable number tandem repeat, and DRD4-521. Attachment organization at age 1 and at age 2 was assessed with the Strange Situation for all participants, prior to and following the completion of the interventions. High rates of disorganized attachment were observed in the maltreatment compared to the nonmaltreatment group, and both interventions resulted in increased rates of attachment security at age 2. Genetic variation did not influence improvement in attachment organization among maltreated infants. Among maltreated infants, genetic variation had minimal effect on attachment organization. In contrast, among nonmaltreated infants, 5-HTTLPR and DRD4 polymorphisms influenced attachment security and disorganization at age 2 and the stability of attachment disorganization over time.

Theorethical perspectives on siblings relationships

Whiteman S, Michale S, Soli A. (2011)

Although siblings are a fixture of family life, research on sibling relationships lags behind that on other family relationships. To stimulate interest in sibling research and to serve as a guide for future investigations by family scholars, we review four theoretical psychologically oriented perspectives—(a) psychoanalytic-evolutionary, (b) social psychological, (c) social learning, and (d) family-ecological systems— that can inform research on sibling relationships, including perspectives on the nature and influences on developmental, individual, and group differences in sibling relationships. Given that most research on siblings has focused on childhood and adolescence, our review highlights these developmental periods, but we also incorporate the limited research on adult sibling relationships, including suggestions for future research on this fundamental family relationship.

"Learning to Become a Family Caregiver" Efficacy of an Intervention Program for Caregivers Following Diagnosis of Dementia in a Relative

Ducharme FC, Levesque LL, Lachance LM, Kergoat M-J, Legault AJ, Beaudet LM, et al. (2011)

Purpose: The purpose of this experimental study was to test the efficacy of a psychoeducational individual program conceived to facilitate transition to the caregiver role following diagnosis of Alzheimer disease in a relative. Design and Methods: Caregivers were recruited in memory clinics and randomized to an experimental group (n = 62) or a control group (n = 49) receiving usual care. Eligible participants-primary caregivers of a relative diagnosed with Alzheimer in the past 9 months-were assessed blindly before randomization, at the end of the program (post-test), and 3 months later (follow-up) on different outcomes associated with healthy role transition. Results: The analyses indicated that at post-test and follow-up, caregivers in the experimental group were more confident in dealing with caregiving situations, perceived themselves to be better prepared to provide care and more efficacious in their caregiver role, were better able to plan for the future care needs of their relative, had better knowledge of available services, and made more frequent use of the coping strategies of problem solving and reframing. The program had no significant effect on use of stress-management strategies, perceived informal support and family conflicts. Implications: This program underscores that a proactive intervention approach from the onset of the care trajectory is key to fostering caregiver adaptation to the new challenges they must meet. Adapted from the source document.

"Left alone with straining but inescapable responsibilities": Relatives’ experiences with mental health services

Weimand BM, Hedelin B, Hall-Lord M-L, Sällström C. (2011)

Relatives of persons with severe mental illness experience burden and straining changes in their lives that put their health at risk. Consequently, they need support from health professionals. The aim of this study was to describe experiences from encounters with mental health services as seen from the point of view of relatives of persons with severe mental illness. A qualitative, explorative study was performed, based on two open-ended questions in a cross-sectional study of relatives' health, burden, and sense of coherence (n = 216). A manifest qualitative content analysis was used to describe the relatives' experiences. The findings show that some relatives had experienced positive encounters with health personnel, but the majority of experiences reported were negative. The encounters can be summarized into one main category: "Left Alone with Straining but Inescapable Responsibilities." Two categories emerged: "Striving for Involvement for the Sake of the Mentally Ill Person," and "Wanting Inclusion for the Sake of Oneself." There is a gap between relatives' needs for support in order to handle their own situation in relation to their mentally ill next of kin, and what they actually receive from the mental health services. The findings suggest that health professionals should collaborate with and support these relatives.

”So that´s how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life”: Identifying and supporting hidden young carers

Smyth C, Blaxland M, Cass B. (2011)

A common theme in the literature on care-giving is the issue of 'hidden' carers, that is, people who undertake caring roles and responsibilities, yet do not identify themselves as carers. One reason people do not recognise themselves as carers relates to the nature of the caring relationship. When providing care for a family member, intra-familial bonds of love and reciprocity do not encourage parties to view the relationship as anything other than a 'normal' familial relationship. The lack of self-identification amongst young carers is complicated further by societal norms surrounding care-giving. Whereas adults are expected to provide care to other adults and children, young people are not expected to be care-givers but rather care recipients. As a result, many young carers remain 'hidden' and beyond the reach of services and supports designed to help them in their caring role. This paper draws on qualitative research with young carers and service providers to explore the issue of self-identification amongst young carers. The paper concludes with recommendations for identifying and supporting hidden young carers.

A Comparison of the Lifetime Economic Prospects of Women Informal Carers and Non-carers, Australia, 2007

Nepal B, Brown L, Ranmuthugala G, Percival R. A (2011)

Informal care provided at home to family members with a disability is a major part of the disability and aged care system in Australia. Using data from the 2007 Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, this study provides an updated comparison of the financial wellbeing, or lack thereof, over the working life of women primary carers and non-carers. This study focuses on selected groups of primary carers and non-carers disaggregated by partnership status, level of education and self-assessed health status. While women primary carers tend to be more financially disadvantaged than non-carers, having a post-school education and being in good health contribute positively to bridge the gaps.

A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System

James AC, Winmill L, Anderson C, Alfoadari K. A (2011)

Background: Adolescents in the Looked After Care (LAC) system demonstrate high rates of psychiatric disorder and self‐harm; however, there is little evidence for therapies reducing self‐harm in this population. Method: An open evaluation of DBT for adolescents with repeated serious self‐harm in the LAC system was undertaken. Results: An intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis showed that DBT was successful at reducing the core elements of depression, hopelessness and self‐harm; however, 35% (7/20) failed to engage. Conclusion: DBT is a useful treatment option; the failure, however, of some adolescents to engage in therapy may be due to their higher initial rates of depression and hopelessness.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mother- Infant Psychoanalytic Treatment: I. Outcomes on Self-Report Questionnaires and External Ratings

SALOMONSSON, B. & SANDELL, R. (2011)

Mother-infant relationship disturbances occur in three domains: maternal distress, infant functional problems, and relationship difficulties. They constitute common clinical problems. In Sweden, they are usually handled by nurses as part of public Child Health Centre care. Severe cases are referred to child psychiatry services. This randomized controlled trial compared two groups of mother-infant dyads in a Stockholm sample. One received only Child Health Centre care (the "CHCC" group) while the other received mother-infant psychoanalytic treatment plus CHCC (the "MIP" group). Eighty dyads of mothers and infants under 1½ years of age where the mothers had serious concerns about themselves in their role as mothers, their infants' well-being, or the mother-baby relationship were randomly selected for either the MIP or the CHCC group. The primary outcomes were mother-reported depression, mother-reported infant functional problems, and interviewer-based relationship assessments, all at 6 months after joining the project. Secondary outcomes were mother-reported stress and general psychic distress, externally rated video-recorded interactions, and the consumption of healthcare at the CHC, again all after 6 months. Intent-to-treat analyses of Treatment × Time effects significantly favored MIP treatment for maternal depression, mother-infant relationships, and maternal sensitivity. Effects were nearly significant on maternal stress, but nonsignificant on mother-reported infant functional problems, general psychic distress, maternal interactive structuring and nonintrusiveness, infant responsiveness and involvement, and healthcare consumption. MIP treatment improved mother-infant relationships and maternal sensitivity and depression, all of which are known to influence child development. If effects persist and are reproduced, MIP treatment holds promise for more widespread use.

A randomized controlled trial of motherinfant psychoanalytic treatment: II. Predictive and moderating influences of qualitative patient factors

SALOMONSSON, B. & SANDELL, R. (2011)

A randomized control trial was performed on 75 dyads in Stockholm, Sweden, with infants under 1½ years. It recruited mothers who worried about the babies, themselves as mothers, and/or the mother-baby relationship. Two groups of mother-infant dyads were compared. One received only Child Health Centre care (the "CHCC" group) while the other received mother-infant psychoanalytic treatment plus CHCC (the "MIP" group). Significant treatment effects were found on mother-reported depression, interviewer-rated dyadic relationship qualities and externally rated maternal sensitivity, and near-significant effects on mother-reported stress, all in favor of MIP. The objective of this study is to investigate the predictive and moderating influences on outcomes by qualitatively assessed maternal and infant characteristics. The qualitative factors covered maternal suitability for psychoanalysis, and "ideal types" of mother and child, respectively. Outcome measures from two interviews with a 6-month interval were depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (J. Cox, J. Holden, & R. Sagovsky, 1987), stress (Swedish Parental Stress Questionnaire (M. Östberg, B. Hagekull, & S. Wettergren, 1997), distress (Swedish Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; L.R. Derogatis, 1994; M. Fridell, Z. Cesarec, M. Johansson, & S. Malling Thorsen, 2002) and infant social and emotional functioning (Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (J. Squires, D. Bricker, K. Heo, & E. Twombly, 2002), relationship qualities (Parent-Infant Global Assessment Scale (PIR-GAS; ZERO TO THREE, 2005), and videotaped interactions (Emotional Availability Scales, Z. Biringen, J.L. Robinson, & R.N. Emde, 1998). Suitability for psychoanalysis predicted outcome only on the PIR-GAS. Two overarching maternal ideal types were created, reflecting their attitude to the psychoanalytic process: "Participators" and "Abandoned." The Participators benefited more from MIP than they did from CHCC on maternal interactive sensitivity. A contrasting, but nonsignificant, pattern was found among the Abandoned mothers. Two ideal types of babies emerged: those "Affected" and "Unaffected" by the disturbance, respectively. Among Affected babies, dyadic relationships and sensitivity among their mothers improved significantly more from MIP than they did from CHCC. The superior effects of MIP applied especially to Participator mothers and Affected infants. For Abandoned mothers and Unaffected infants, CHCC seemed to be of equal value.

A systematic and methodological review of interventions for young people experiencing alcohol-related harm

Calabria B, Shakeshaft AP, Havard A. (2011)

Aims This review identified published studies evaluating interventions delivered outside educational settings, designed for young people with existing alcohol use problems, or who participate in behaviour that places them at high risk of alcohol-related harm, critiqued their methodology and identified opportunities for new interventions.

Methods A systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature interrogated 10 electronic databases using specific search strings, limited to 2005–09. No additional studies were found by a librarian searching other collections and clearing-houses, or by hand-searching review paper reference lists. The 1697 articles identified were reviewed against criteria from the Dictionary for the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results The methodological quality of existing studies is variable, and needs to be both more rigorous and more consistent. Particular problems include the lack of blinding outcome assessors, a reliance solely on self-report measures, highly variable consent and follow-up rates, infrequent use of intention-to-treat analyses and the absence of any economic or cost analyses. The range of interventions evaluated is currently limited to individually focused approaches, almost exclusively implemented in the United States.

Conclusions There is a great need for more intervention trials for young people at high risk of experiencing alcohol-related harm that are both methodologically rigorous and have a broader community focus, to complement the psychological interventions that currently dominate the relevant literature. Such trials would improve outcomes for high-risk young people themselves and would improve the evidence base, both in their own right and by facilitating future meta-analyses.

A typology of caregiving situations and service use in family carers of older people in six European countries: The EUROFAMCARE study

Di Rosa M, Kofahl C, McKee K, Bień B, Lamura G, Prouskas C, et al. (2011)

This paper presents the EUROFAMCARE study findings, examining a typology of care situations for family carers of older people, and the interplay of carers with social and health services. Despite the complexity of family caregiving situations across Europe, our analyses determined the existence of seven "caregiving situations," varying on a range of critical indicators. Our study also describes the availability and use of different support services for carers and care receivers, and carers' preferences for the characteristics of support services. Our findings have relevance for policy initiatives in Europe, where limited resources need to be more equitably distributed and services should be targeted to caregiving situations reflecting the greatest need, and organized to reflect the preferences of family carers.

Activity participation of children with complex communication needs, physical disabilities and typically-developing peers

Raghavendra P, Virgo R, Olsson C, Connell T, Lane AE. (2011)

Objective: To describe and compare the context of participation of children with physical disabilities and complex communication needs (Group CCN) in out-of-school activities with children with physical disabilities only (Group PD) and typically-developing peers (Group TD).
Method: A cross-sectional, matched, multi-group design was used. Thirty-nine participants between 10–15 years of age were administered the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment.
Results: Kruskall-Wallis analyses revealed that there were significant differences among the three groups for overall location, enjoyment of the activities and with whom they did the social and self-improvement activities with. Mean trends showed that Group CCN participated in activities closer to home rather than in the community, were restricted in social participation and reported higher levels of enjoyment in activity participation than the other two groups.
Conclusions: Group CCN appeared to experience differences in participation when compared to peers with and without disability.

Addressing Substance Abuse Treatment Needs of Parents Involved with the Child Welfare System.

Oliveros A, Kaufman J. (2011)

The goal of this paper is to synthesize available data to help guide policy and programmatic initiatives for families with substance abuse problems that are involved with the child welfare system, and identify gaps in the research base needed to further refine practices in this area. To date, Family Treatment Drug Court and newly developed home-based substance abuse treatment interventions appear the most effective at improving substance abuse treatment initiation and completion in child welfare populations. Research is needed to compare the efficacy of these two approaches, and examine cost and child well-being indicators in addition to substance abuse treatment and child welfare outcomes.

Keywords: Substance Abuse, Child Welfare, Treatment

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Driving: Why and How to Manage It.

Cox, D., Madaan, V., & Cox, B. S. (2011)

Driving is a complex task that can be a significant challenge for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A slight lapse in attention or inhibition while driving (not uncommon in individuals with ADHD) can result in hazardous consequences for these individuals and their families. This is also an interesting clinical scenario for the treating physician, who is always trying to optimize the various treatment options for the patient. Despite such potentially perilous consequences for society, this subject only recently has received researchers' attention. This review paper highlights the psychological differences between drivers with and without ADHD and examines differences between these groups in various driving simulation models. Research updates involving pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are discussed at length. Although the long-term effects of such interventions may not be clearly defined, there is enough evidence to suggest the public health significance of such interventions for optimally managing adult symptoms of ADHD.

AKK-Alternativ och kompletterande kommunikation för personer med autism.

Thunberg, G. (2011)

Syftet med denna skrift är att beskriva olika typer av AKK-insatser till personer med autismspektrumstörning och vilken kunskap vi har om hur detta fungerat. Följande frågeställningar kommer att belysas:
Hur ser historiken kring AKK-intervention och autism ut – både i ett svenskt och internationellt perspektiv?
Vilken forskning har bedrivits inom området – vad vet vi när det gäller effekter av AKK-insatser?
Finns det belägg för att något AKK-sätt (tecken, bilder/PECS, talande hjälpmedel) fungerar bättre eller sämre för personer med autism?
När kan och bör man starta AKK-insatser?
Hur förhåller sig AKK till tal – behöver man vara orolig för att AKK hämmar utveckling av tal?
Vad verkar vara viktigt när det gäller intervention och metodik för att få AKK att fungera för gruppen?
Hur ser framtiden ut – särskilt med tanke på den enorma utvecklingen av digital och mobil teknik?

Anhörigstöd - ett helt annat sätt att tänka. Fokus-Rapport 2011:1

Gough, R., Renblad, K., Söderberg, E., & Wikström, E. (2011)

Författarna har tillsammans 100 års erfarenhet av verksamhet inom området äldre och funktionshindrade och deras familjer.

Rapporten belyser på ett insiktsfullt sätt den komplexitet i anhörigomsorg som ligger i sakens natur och diskuterar dess subtila nyanser.

Denna text är en oväderlig resurs för studenter inom vårdvetenskap, socialt arbete och rehabilitering, för personal som arbetar direkt med anhöriga i sitt dagliga arbete, för beslutsfattare med ansvar för anhörigstöd i kommunerna och för alla andra med intresse för ämnet.

Annas pappa får rättspsykiatrisk vård

Alphonce, Elisabet (2011)

Barn/ungdom
Text och illustrationer: Elisabet Alphonse

Här får vi en beskrivning hur det kan bli när en förälder blir intagen för rättspsykiatrisk vård. 

Applying the Theory of Motivated Information Management to adult children's discussions of caregiving with aging parents

Fowler, C. and W. A. Afifi (2011)

Adult children are perhaps the most important source of eldercare for aging parents. Unfortunately, they rarely discuss potential eldercare arrangements with their parents prior to adopting a caregiving role, which may make adapting to the parent's transition to dependency all the more challenging. The Theory of Motivated Information Management (TMIM) is a social-psychological framework that has had success predicting information-seeking decisions about health issues. As such, it served as the theoretical basis for examining adult children's pursuit of information from their elderly parents about caregiving preferences. In addition, this study serves as the first empirical test of a revised version of the TMIM, with an expanded treatment of the role played by emotion. The results of an over-time study attest to the utility of the revised TMIM predictions in this context, and offer insight into the factors that predict adult children's decision to discuss caregiving with their parents.

Association between the caregiver's burden and physical activity in community-dwelling caregivers of dementia patients

Hirano A, Suzuki Y, Kuzuya M, Onishi J, Hasegawa J, Ban N, et al. (2011)

Physical activity in the elderly has a significant influence on their health status. Studies have shown that elderly caregivers have fewer physical activities relative to non-caregivers. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with lower physical activity in elderly caregivers of demented patients. A cross-sectional survey of 50 elderly caregivers living with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's-type dementia showed that the Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI) scores were significant predictors of physical activity measured by the questionnaire score (QS) of physical activities. Among the three subscales of the QS, it was only leisure time activity scores (LS) that the ZBI scores significantly predicted. The numbers of chronic diseases were associated with lower household activity scores (HS) and sport activities scores (SS). Physical activities, in particular leisure activities, were found to be inversely associated with care burden assessed by the ZBI. Interventions to increase the physical activity levels of older caregivers may improve their health status and quality of life.

Attentional processes in interactions between people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and direct support staff

Hostyn, I., Neerinckx, H., & Maes, B. (2011)

Few studies have examined joint attention in interactions with persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), despite its important role in high-quality interaction. The purpose of this study is to describe the attention-directing behaviours of persons with PIMD and their direct support staff and the attention episodes resulting from their interactions, and to understand how these variables relate to each other. Video observations of 17 staff-client dyads were coded using partial interval recording. The results showed considerable variation across individuals and dyads. In general, persons with PIMD directed the attention of staff members infrequently. The staff members frequently directed their clients' attention towards a topic of interest but did not often use the tactile modality. Within the staff-client dyad, there was not much joint attention; however, shared attention episodes occurred frequently. Shared attention and joint attention are strongly correlated. A negative correlation was found between clients not using attention-directing behaviours and staff members using tactile methods to direct the attention, and joint attention episodes. This study presents both directions for future research and practical implications.

Beardslees preventiva familjeintervention för barn med föräldrar med psykisk sjukdom-Svenska familjers erfarenheter

Pihkala, H. (2011)

Det har varit känt sedan länge att barn till föräldrar med psykisk sjukdom löper en hög risk att drabbas av psykiska och andra problem både under uppväxten och senare i livet. Ändå har vuxenpsykiatrin alltför ofta försummat att möta patienters barn och erbjuda stöd. I flera nordiska länder har lagstiftningen nyligen kompletterats med bestämmelser som förpliktigar hälso- och sjukvårdspersonalen att uppmärksamma barnens och familjernas behov av information och stöd när föräldern lider av en allvarlig sjukdom. Beardslees preventiva familjeintervention (FI) är den första familjefokuserade och strukturerade metoden som har använts i Sverige. Den har viss evidens för positiva långtidseffekter för barn och familjer när föräldern har depression. Avhandlingens syfte var att studera FI:s säkerhet och genomförbarhet i Sverige (studie I), dess upplevda effekter för familjer (studie I, III och IV) och familjeinterventionsprocessen ur alla familjemedlemmars perspektiv (studie II, III och IV). Studierna genomfördes i en naturalistisk kontext. Data i studie I samlades med en enkät som gavs till föräldrar och barn (117 föräldrar och 89 barn svarade) en månad efter en FI. I studie II intervjuades tio föräldrar med depressionsdiagnos om deras beslutsprocess fram till deltagande i en FI. I studie III och IV presenteras data från 25 intervjuer med föräldrar och 14 intervjuer med barn om deras erfarenheter av FI. Sjuttiofem behandlare från 29 psykiatriska enheter hade genomfört familjeinterventionerna för familjerna som deltog i studierna. Data analyserades med deskriptiv statistik och chi2 (I), Grounded theory (II och III) och kvalitativ innehållsanalys (IV). Resultaten från studie I visade, att den allmänna tillfredsställelsen med FI var hög både hos föräldrar och hos barn. Nittiotre procent av svaren från föräldrarna och 71 % från barnen var positiva gällande frågor om tillfredsställelse med och allmänna erfarenheter av FI. De rapporterade upplevda effekterna av FI var också övervägande positiva. Skuldkänslor minskade för 89 % av barnen som hade haft skuldkänslor gentemot föräldern innan FI. Kunskap om förälderns sjukdom upplevdes öka för 74 % av barnen. Barnen rapporterade några negativa effekter; fem barn upplevde ökad oro för föräldern och tre barn sämre mående efter FI.
I studie II intervjuades föräldrar med depressionsdiagnos vilket visade en ambivalens i beslutet att delta i en FI. Föräldrarna längtade efter att få veta hur deras barn mådde, hur de tänkte om sjukdomen och om de hade farit illa. Å andra sidan var föräldrarna oroliga inför att få svaren på dessa frågor iv
på grund att en hel del skuld- och skamkänslor var kopplade till frågan om barnens mående. Att utsättas för insyn i familjen var både en lättnad och skrämmande. Föräldrarnas erfarenheter undersöktes också i studie III. Att öppna upp en dialog med barnen om den psykiska sjukdomen var krävande. Att lyssna på barnens erfarenheter, att hitta lämpliga ord och slutligen börja prata om sjudomen i familjeträffen krävde att det fanns en grund av trygghet och förtroende både för behandlarna och för metoden. FI som metod verkade ge goda förutsättningar för att behandlarna skulle kunna etablera en allians med föräldrarna. Barnens erfarenheter presenteras i studie IV. De flesta barn beskrev en känsla av lättnad på grund av mer kunskap om förälderns sjukdom och öppnare kommunikation i familjen, därmed kände de också befrielse från en del av oron för föräldern. Barnen berättade att de kunde vara mer med sina vänner och inte längre behövde ta lika mycket ansvar hemma. Föräldrar och barn från samma familjer beskrev förändringarna på ett likartat sätt, tydande på att det fanns en ömsesidig förståelse i familjerna. Föräldrarna upplevde sig själva stärkta i sitt föräldraskap och deras skamkänslor hade minskat. Sammanfattningsvis är familjerna nöjda med sitt deltagande i FI, de rapporterar positiva effekter och andelen upplevda negativa effekter är låg. Barnen beskriver en känsla av lättnad och en befrielse från oron över förälderns sjukdom.

Bearing witness to life narratives: Iranian immigrant experiences of taking care of a family member with dementia

Mazaheri M, Sunvisson H, Nikbakht AN, Maddah MS, Emami A. (2011)

Caring for a person with dementia is one of the most devastating and challenging experiences that caregivers have to face. Many studies indicate that the experience of care giving reflects cultural care values and beliefs. Even though dementia care giving is the most frequently studied type of care as reflected in the literature, few studies have focused on dementia caregivers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian immigrant experiences of taking care of a family member with dementia.An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to investigate the experiences of ten Iranian family caregivers, each caring for a family member with dementia and living in Sweden. Caregivers were recruited through purposeful sampling and took part in semi-structured interviews. All of the individuals who were contacted participated in the study. The participants included seven women and three men, ranging in age from 40 to 65 years, from different cities. They had all lived in Sweden for at least 20 years. Two caregivers were married to people with dementia, and eight were caring for parents with dementia. Data analysis was guided by Benner's interpretive phenomenology and revealed three key themes, namely caring as an experience of fulfillment, admitting the diagnosis of dementia, and the shock of not being recognized by their family members with dementia. Positive aspects of care giving should be recognized and supported in order to facilitate the maintaining of caregivers' involvement. The positive experiences of care giving could help to alleviate the problems that are experienced by the caregivers of people with dementi

I sinnenas värld. Rörelse, kroppsuppfattning

Feldtman K. (1998)

I sinnenas värld är en serie böcker utgivna av SIH läromedel. De innehåller förslag på aktiviteter och övningar som stimulerar alla olika sinnen. Illustrerade av Eva Skåreus.

Identification of intentional communication in students with severe and multiple disabilities

Iacono T, Carter M, Hook J. (1998)

The use of published criteria to determine the intentionality of communicative behaviors of individuals with severe and multiple disabilities is discussed in light of research with individuals with and without intellectual disability. Data were collected from four young students with severe intellectual and physical disabilities in addition to sensory deficits. Communicative sampling procedures were used to explore how behaviors other than co-ordinated attention may signal emerging intentionality. These behaviors, which included persistence, idiosyncratic behaviors, and modifications to signals, in addition to patterns of differential modality use, are discussed as potential indicators. Implications for the identification and development of intentional communication in children with severe and multiple disabilities are discussed, along with directions for future research.

Insatser mot psykiska problem hos barn och ungdomar. Statens offentliga utredningar

SOU 1998:31 (1998)

Utredningen har anlagt ett folkhälsoperspektiv på barns och ungdomars psykiska hälsa. En grundläggande funktion för varje samhälle är att skapa gynnsamma förhållanden för det uppväxande släktet. Föräldrarna ansvarar för att barnet får sina behov av omvårdnad, trygghet och god fostran tillgodosedda. Samhällets stöd och vård skall komplettera föräldrarnas insatser, och ske i samspel med dem. Vi konstaterar att insatser utvecklas. Vi fokuserar två generella verksamheter som har stor betydelse och potential i folkhälsoarbetet: mödra- och barnhälsovården samt skolans elevvård.

Brukarmakt – i teori och praktik

Karlsson, Magnus & Börjeson, Martin (2011)

Brukarmakt i teori och praktik fördjupar, problematiserar och breddar diskussionen om brukarnas inflytande i människovårdande verksamheter. Utgångspunkten är det socialpsykiatriska området, men boken ger redskap för att förstå brukarmakt i vidare mening inom socialtjänst, vård och omsorg.

Brukarnas makt och delaktighet diskuteras i relation till begrepp som demokrati, medborgarskap och sociala rättigheter, liksom till evidensbaserat socialt arbete. Historiska beskrivningar och teori kompletteras med exempel från praktiken. Även brukarorganisationernas roll analyseras.

Boken är avsedd som kurslitteratur vid utbildningar med inriktning mot vård, omsorg och socialt arbete, men kan också användas av anställda inom offentlig sektor och engagerade i ideella organisationer och föreningar.

Burdens and difficulties experienced by caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders: A qualitative study

Knock J, Kline E, Schiffman J, Maynard A, Reeves G. (2011)

Aim: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the burdens and difficulties associated with the experience of caring for youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Methods: Ten caregivers participated in a modified version of the Knowledge about Schizophrenia Illness interview. Results: The most common areas of general difficulties reported by caregivers were emotional burdens and the everyday practical demands and sacrifices required in caring for their dependents. Results also suggested high levels of burden for caregivers concerning difficulties with mental health services. Conclusion: Additional work is needed to learn more about the challenges that caregivers of youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are facing, as well as to develop empirically based strategies for helping these caregivers and their dependents.

Mother´s stories of the school-age child´s experience with the mother´s breast cancer

Zahlis, E. H. and F. M. Lewis (1998)

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 mothers who had one or more children(N = 36) aged 8 to 12 years when they were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Formal methods were used to analyze the content of the data inductively. Mothers identified times during their diagnosis and treatment that were most difficult for their children, behaviors they observed indicating that the child was having a difficult time, and factors that prevented them from helping the child during those difficult times. The data provide a partial basis for developing materials, programs, and services designed to minimize the children's distress and to enhance the effectiveness of' parenting when a mother has early stage breast cancer.

Caregiver credits in France, Germany, and Sweden: Lessons for the United States

Jankowski, J. (2011)

Recently, analysts in the United States (US) have proposed adopting caregiver credits, or pension credits, provided to individuals for time spent out of the workforce while caring for dependent children and sick or elderly relatives. The primary objective of these credits, used in almost all public pension systems in the European Union, is to improve the adequacy of old-age benefits for women whose gaps in workforce participation typically lead to fewer years of contributions, lower lifetime average earnings, and consequently lower pensions. This article examines caregiver credits in the context of future reforms to the US Social Security system, with attention given to the adequacy of current spouse and survivor benefits and how changing marital patterns and family structures have increased the risk of old-age poverty among certain groups of women. It then analyzes caregiver credit programs in selected countries, with particular focus on design, administration, and cost.

Children in precarious environments and life situations

Brodin, J. (2011)

This article is based on a project studying children growing up in precarious environments and life situations in Sweden. Data have emerged from the explorative study "Children in precarious life situations". Regardless of Sweden's long tradition in the social welfare field many children have difficulties and do not feel mentally well. The aim of this article is to increase the knowledge of children in precarious environments and life sitations and to explore the existence of exposed arenas where many children spend their everyday lives.

Children with medical complexity: an emerging population for clinical and research initiatives

Cohen, E., Kuo, D. Z., Agrawal, R., Berry, J. B., Bhagat, S. K. M., Simon, T. D., & Srivastava, R. (2011)

Children with medical complexity (CMC) have medical fragility and intensive care needs that are not easily met by existing health care models. CMC may have a congenital or acquired multisystem disease, a severe neurologic condition with marked functional impairment, and/or technology dependence for activities of daily living. Although these children are at risk of poor health and family outcomes, there are few well-characterized clinical initiatives and research efforts devoted to improving their care. In this article, we present a definitional framework of CMC that consists of substantial family-identified service needs, characteristic chronic and severe conditions, functional limitations, and high health care use. We explore the diversity of existing care models and apply the principles of the chronic care model to address the clinical needs of CMC. Finally, we suggest a research agenda that uses a uniform definition to accurately describe the population and to evaluate outcomes from the perspectives of the child, the family, and the broader health care system.

Children’s experiences of parental mental illness: a literature review

Gladstone, B. M., Boydell, K. M., Seeman, M. V., & Mckeever, Patricia, D. (2011)

Abstract
AIM:
This paper provides a review of published qualitative research on children's experiences of parental mental illness.
METHODS:
We undertook a comprehensive search of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Sociological Abstracts and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts databases, as well as citation searches in Web of Science and manual searches of other relevant journals and reference lists of primary papers.
RESULTS:
Although 20 studies met the search criteria, only 10 focused exclusively on children's descriptions of their experience--the remainder elicited adults' perspectives on children's experiences of parental mental illnesses. Findings are organized under three themes: the impact of illness on children's daily life, how children cope with their experiences and how children understand mental illness.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite references to pervasive knowledge gaps in the literature, significant information has been accumulated about children's experiences of parental mental illness. Considerable variability in research findings and tensions remain unresolved. For example, evidence is mixed as to children's knowledge and understanding of mental illnesses and how best to deploy resources to help them acquire optimal information. Furthermore, children's desire to be recognized as important to their parents' well-being conflicted with adults' perceptions that children should be protected from too much responsibility. Nevertheless, the cumulative evidence remains a key reason for advocating for psychoeducation and peer-support group interventions for children, which are endorsed by child and adult study participants alike.

Community treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder for children exposed to intimate partner violence

Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Iyengar, S. (2011)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate community-provided trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) compared with usual community treatment for children with intimate partner violence (IPV)-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
DESIGN:
Randomized controlled trial conducted using blinded evaluators.
SETTING:
Recruitment, screening, and treatment were conducted at a community IPV center between September 1, 2004, and June 30, 2009.
PARTICIPANTS:
Of 140 consecutively referred 7- to 14-year-old children, 124 participated.
INTERVENTIONS:
Children and mothers were randomly assigned to receive 8 sessions of TF-CBT or usual care (child-centered therapy).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Total child PTSD symptoms assessed using child and parent structured interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Present and Lifetime Version [K-SADS-PL]) and self-report (University of California at Los Angeles PTSD Reaction Index [RI]). Secondary child outcomes were scores on the K-SADS-PL (PTSD symptom clusters), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) (anxiety), Children's Depression Inventory (depression), Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (cognitive functioning), and Child Behavior Checklist (total behavior problems).
RESULTS:
Intent-to-treat analysis using last observation carried forward showed superior outcomes for TF-CBT on the total K-SADS-PL (mean difference, 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-2.82), RI (mean difference, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.37-9.63), K-SADS-PL hyperarousal (mean difference, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.22-1.20), K-SADS-PL avoidance (0.55; 0.07-1.03), and SCARED (mean difference, 5.13; 95% CI, 1.31-8.96). Multiple imputation analyses confirmed most of these findings. The TF-CBT completers experienced significantly greater PTSD diagnostic remission (χ(2) = 4.67, P = .03) and had significantly fewer serious adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS:
Community TF-CBT effectively improves children's IPV-related PTSD and anxiety.

Community Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Iyengar, S. (2011)

Objective To evaluate community-provided trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) compared with usual community treatment for children with intimate partner violence (IPV)–related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Design Randomized controlled trial conducted using blinded evaluators.

Setting Recruitment, screening, and treatment were conducted at a community IPV center between September 1, 2004, and June 30, 2009.

Participants Of 140 consecutively referred 7- to 14-year-old children, 124 participated.

Interventions Children and mothers were randomly assigned to receive 8 sessions of TF-CBT or usual care (child-centered therapy).

Main Outcome Measures Total child PTSD symptoms assessed using child and parent structured interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Present and Lifetime Version [K-SADS-PL]) and self-report (University of California at Los Angeles PTSD Reaction Index [RI]). Secondary child outcomes were scores on the K-SADS-PL (PTSD symptom clusters), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) (anxiety), Children's Depression Inventory (depression), Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (cognitive functioning), and Child Behavior Checklist (total behavior problems).

Results Intent-to-treat analysis using last observation carried forward showed superior outcomes for TF-CBT on the total K-SADS-PL (mean difference, 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-2.82), RI (mean difference, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.37-9.63), K-SADS-PL hyperarousal (mean difference, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.22-1.20), K-SADS-PL avoidance (0.55; 0.07-1.03), and SCARED (mean difference, 5.13; 95% CI, 1.31-8.96). Multiple imputation analyses confirmed most of these findings. The TF-CBT completers experienced significantly greater PTSD diagnostic remission (χ2 = 4.67, P = .03) and had significantly fewer serious adverse events.

Conclusions Community TF-CBT effectively improves children's IPV-related PTSD and anxiety.

Sofia vuxen med sitt MBD

Tikkanen, Märta (1998)

I Sofias egen bok, som kom ut för 15 år sedan, beskrev Märta Tikkanen hur det är att ha och vara ett mbd-barn. Nu är hennes dotter vuxen, och som alla med mbd (numera oftast kallat damp, adhd eller add) har hon problem med impulskontroll, uppmärksamhet och i samspelet med andra människor. Det påverkar alla delar av livet: utbildning, yrkesval, boende, samlevnad. Att vara vuxen och ha mbd är svårt, men som Märta Tikkanen skriver mbd kan också stå för Mycket Bra och Duktig.
Det finns ytterligt lite skrivet om vuxna med mbd, och därför har Märta Tikkanen velat skildra hur livet kan gestalta sig, såväl ur Sofias synvinkel som ur Märtas egen som närstående.
Märta Tikkanen är mest känd för sin diktsamling Århundradets kärlekssaga (1978) som hittills tryckts i 130 000 exemplar enbart i Sverige.

The AUDIT alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C) - An effective brief screening test for problem drinking.

Bush, K., Kivlahan, DR., McDonell, MB., Fihn, SD., & Bradley, KA. (1998)

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the 3 alcohol consumption questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) as a brief screening test for heavy drinking and/or active alcohol abuse or dependence.
METHODS:
Patients from 3 Veterans Affairs general medical clinics were mailed questionnaires. A random, weighted sample of Health History Questionnaire respondents, who had 5 or more drinks over the past year, were eligible for telephone interviews (N = 447). Heavy drinkers were oversampled 2:1. Patients were excluded if they could not be contacted by telephone, were too ill for interviews, or were female (n = 54). Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were used to compare mailed alcohol screening questionnaires (AUDIT-C and full AUDIT) with 3 comparison standards based on telephone interviews: (1) past year heavy drinking (>14 drinks/week or > or =5 drinks/ occasion); (2) active alcohol abuse or dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition, criteria; and (3) either.
RESULTS:
Of 393 eligible patients, 243 (62%) completed AUDIT-C and interviews. For detecting heavy drinking, AUDIT-C had a higher AUROC than the full AUDIT (0.891 vs 0.881; P = .03). Although the full AUDIT performed better than AUDIT-C for detecting active alcohol abuse or dependence (0.811 vs 0.786; P<.001), the 2 questionnaires performed similarly for detecting heavy drinking and/or active abuse or dependence (0.880 vs 0.881).
CONCLUSIONS:
Three questions about alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) appear to be a practical, valid primary care screening test for heavy drinking and/or active alcohol abuse or dependence.

The Labour market cost of community care

Carmichael F, Charles S. (1998)

This paper reports an empirical investigation into the influence of informal care responsibilities on the labour supply of women. The objective is to examine the argument that the UK policy of caring for the chronic sick 'in the community' involves a nontrivial opportunity cost in the form of the forgone labour supply of the informal carers upon which it relies. We find that informal carers who care for less than 20 h per week are, in fact, more likely to participate in the labour market, but tend to work for fewer hours per week than otherwise similar noncarers. Informal carers who care for 20 h or more a week are less likely to participate, but only slightly. However, when they do undertake formal employment, they tend to earn less per hour and work for fewer hours per week.

Senast uppdaterad 2021-01-25 av Peter Eriksson, ansvarig utgivare Lennart Magnusson