Social work in public health
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Although research on acculturation and its effects on Latino health continue to grow, there is a dearth of knowledge on how acculturation levels shape health literacy. Health literacy is an important aspect of health to consider with the Latino population because a number of studies have found that this group has the lowest levels of health literacy in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine how acculturation and sociodemographic characteristics contribute to the health literacy of Latinos adults. ⋯ Multiple regression results suggest that Latinos who were more acculturated and were educated beyond high school were significantly more likely to have increased levels of health literacy. Findings also show that age, gender, income, and citizenship status were not significant predictors of health literacy. Implications and future research are discussed.
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Soc Work Public Health · Jan 2013
ReviewSubstance use disorders and anxiety: a treatment challenge for social workers.
Converging evidence from epidemiologic and treatment studies indicate that anxiety disorders and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, and the interaction is multifaceted and variable. Epidemiological studies and investigations within clinical substance abuse populations have found an association between anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. Specific anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder have all been associated with substance use. ⋯ The risk of nicotine dependence is significantly higher among individuals with an anxiety disorder, and conversely, smoking has been found to be associated with trait anxiety and anxiety disorders. A review of the current literature and the relationship between specific anxiety disorders and alcohol and substance use disorders is discussed in detail. This article, written for social workers in a variety of practice settings, reviews the prevalence, diagnostic, and treatment issues at the interface of substance use disorders and anxiety disorders.
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In this article, the authors briefly review the pharmacotherapeutic agents that are currently available for the treatment of substance use disorders. Nicotine replacement therapies are most effective for tobacco cessation. ⋯ The authors also examine recent advances in medication development for other substance use disorders such as stimulant addiction. The role of medication adherence and behavioral treatments and the integration of behavioral and pharmacotherapeutic interventions are also discussed.
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Soc Work Public Health · Jan 2013
Promotion of health sector reforms for health systems strengthening in Nigeria: perceptions of policy makers versus the general public on the Nigeria health systems performance.
The objectives of this cross-sectional intervention study were to improve policy makers' understanding of health sector reforms through a training workshop and to assess the perception of policy makers and the general public about health systems performance in Nigeria. Health systems performance was generally rated low by respondents (< 2.5 out of 4). ⋯ Efforts need to be intensified to enhance competencies of policy makers to adopt an evidence-informed process in health reform programs. Inputs from the public must be given adequate consideration in addressing the challenges of health systems.
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Soc Work Public Health · Jan 2013
Prioritizing health and community food security through the farm bill.
Food security and health are complex interrelated issues. Individual characteristics exist within the physical and built environments. ⋯ Interdisciplinary leadership within government agencies, school systems, social service agencies, health care agencies, and nonprofit networks is necessary to ensure food security and health for all Americans. Social work and public health practitioners have the opportunity to change the status quo, encourage community-level interventions, advocate for producers and consumers, and encourage more equitable distribution of food to create a healthier low-income population.