Social Support Proves to be a Critical Factor in Women’s Health

Research shows that social networks and social support are influential in maintaining and preventing disease, especially for women. In the May issue of Health and Social Work published by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), author Donna Hurdle, MSW, found that social supports like the "buddy system" in which a peer offers reminders have a profound influence on the health behaviors of women. Another valuable source of health promotion were workplace delivered health programs. Many employers have an employee assistance program that could offer education and training on health issues for women. Hurdle also mentions that peer role models, women similar to themselves and who advocate positive health practices, are encouraging. With health promotion emerging as a strong focus in the health care system, these fundamental practices could prove to reduce the costs of medical treatment as well as increase community health.

For more information on health promotion or a copy of the full article, please call NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228.

Women Living With HIV Find Positive Light Through Deadly Disease

In a recent study in the journal Health and Social Work, women who were diagnosed HIV positive reported some significant positive changes in the way they thought about themselves and their life. These women found they were able to find strength and support from relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Many women reported taking better care of themselves, including recovering from substance abuse and dependency which they say resulted from their diagnosis. Higher self-esteem and a new perspective on life were also some of the more positive results of being HIV positive. These women also reported a number of negative results as well. They still had difficulty with stigma surrounding disclosure and rejection. Many feared losing loved ones and relationships. There were reported feelings of guilt about the impact on children and family. Some women had difficulty with the daily hassles of the drug regimen and others faced problems due to HIV-related symptoms and disorders.

For more information on HIV/AIDS or a copy of the full article, please call NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228.

Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren Face More Health Risks Than Peers

Today, many grandparents are faced with the added task of raising granchildren. With substance abuse, abandonment or incarceration taking parents away from children, they are able to find stability with grandparents. That stability however is threatened. In the May issue of Health and Social Work, research showed that while mental health was better overall than their peer group, the physical health of grandparents raising granchildren could possibly disrupt the lives of those very children who need stability. Grandparents in this situation are negatively impacted by their caregiving responsibilities in several areas, including psychological stress, social and economic well being, and physical health. The average age of grandparent caregivers is 55 to 57 years of age. Children living with grandparents are 44% African American. According to Healthy People 2000, African Americans have a higher incidence of heart disease and hypertension than whites, and they are more likely to die from stroke and lung cancer. There is also a higher incidence of diabetes among black women. Stess stemming from parenting roles often manifests itself in physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and increased blood pressure. The findings of this study suggest that in order for these families to thrive, health and social supports are critical. As our society looks more to relative caregivers to assume parental responsibilities as a preference over non-relative foster care, communities must deliver necessary health and social services to support these families.