Search

Despite having a higher prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), African Americans have lower adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to other groups. Information regarding challenges faced by African Americans prescribed CPAP are lacking. To determine the barriers and facilitators to optimal management of OSA with CPAP among African Americans and to understand the role bed partners may play. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews via video conferencing with African American patients of an urban safety-net health care system with OSA prescribed CPAP and their bed partners. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis. 15 patients (12 women) diagnosed with OSA and prescribed CPAP a mean 2.6 years prior along with 15 bed partners (3 women) were individually interviewed. Four themes emerged regarding impediments to CPAP use: 1) inadequate education and support, 2) CPAP maintenance and hygiene, 3) inconvenient design of CPAP interfaces, and 4) impediment to intimacy. Four themes emerged as facilitators to CPAP use: 1) provider and technical support, 2) properly fitted CPAP masks, 3) active support from partner and family, and 4) experiencing positive results from CPAP. African American patients with OSA and their bed partners identified several unique barriers and facilitators to CPAP use. Active involvement by bed partners was considered by both patients and partners as helpful in improving CPAP adherence. Interventions to improve OSA outcomes in this population should focus on patients and their bed partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that police encounters can be a traumatic experience for youth. These experiences may result in trauma symptomatology and co-occurring mental health issues like depression and anxiety. However, studies exploring the relationships between trauma symptomatology, depression and anxiety do not typically focus on trauma that is rooted in experiences with the police. The present study utilizes exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to examine the relationships among police-initiated post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression and anxiety. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis examines the factor structure of police-initiated post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression and anxiety. Results suggest that police-initiated post-traumatic stress symptomatology is two factors that are distinguishable from anxiety and depression. Our findings highlight the need to develop methods of disentangling the relationships between police-initiated post-traumatic stress symptomatology and co-occurring mental health symptoms, and advocating for policies and practices that can reduce negative police-youth interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on Americans' retirement readiness indicates a wide range of preparedness for the golden years. Called a "crisis" by researchers, retirement for some may include significant choices: continued employment or utilization of social welfare services. This article describes factors contributing to the retirement crisis and roles social workers can play in assisting older retirees. Disparity in household retirement savings exists by ethnicity. On the front lines serving aging individuals and their families, social work professionals are well situated to collaborate with individuals, and other providers, to address financial, social and emotional pillars necessary in facilitating a safe and secure retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: The aims of this pilot study were: first, to assess the impact of a brief classroom-based mindfulness program on students’ reported levels of mindfulness, well-being, and stress; and, second, to understand students’ experiences of participating in the program.Participants: Students at a private midwestern research-intensive university, 133 (16%) students completed either the study’s pretest or post-test survey.Methods: The study had an observational design using pre- and post-test survey responses from students taking courses from faculty who were trained to facilitate brief classroom-based mindfulness activities.Results: Students who participated in the semester-long program reported reduced levels of stress and increased mindfulness. Qualitative data indicate that students found the program to be beneficial.Conclusions: Brief classroom-based mindfulness activities led by faculty may have benefits for students in higher education settings. More research is recommended to better understand the impact of mindfulness in the classroom on students and faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]