Marital Education Research Articles

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among men with metastatic prostate cancer: An aged-stratified analysis.

256 Background: Data on age-specific comparisons in metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) is limited. This analysis evaluated socio-demographic and clinical characteristics among men with MPC aged <65 years versus ≥65 years. Methods: Eighty-four US men aged ≥18 years with self-reported MPC completed a cross-sectional survey in January-February 2011 which collected data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including treatment history and source of care. Results: Forty-nine men were aged <65 years; 35 men were ≥65 years. There were no differences (all P>0.05) between groups for marital status (80% of those <65 years and 83% of those ≥65 years were married), race/ethnicity (94% of both groups were white), education (88% of those <65 years and 77% of those ≥65 years had attended college), and annual household income (29% of those <65 years and 31% of those ≥65 years had incomes of $35,000-$54,999). Time since diagnosis differed between groups with 12%, 84%, and 4% of those aged <65 years and 3%, 69%, and 29% of those aged ≥65 years having been diagnosed <1, 1-9, and ≥10 year(s) ago, respectively (P<0.001). Respondents aged <65 years and ≥65 years reported similar experience with chemotherapy (37% in both groups had received chemotherapy), no anemia in last 4 weeks (80% and 83%, respectively), no bone fractures or spinal cord compression in last 4 weeks (90% and 94%, respectively), receiving previous radiation therapy (69% and 66%, respectively), receiving previous surgery (63% and 66%, respectively), and utilizing hormonal treatments previously or currently (86% and 90%, respectively) (all P>0.05). In addition, those <65 years versus ≥65 years did not differ regarding their self-reported source of primary care for prostate cancer (51% and 54% reported receiving their care from oncologists, respectively; 47% and 43% from urologists; 2% and 3% from family physicians/internists). Conclusions: In this study of men with MPC, those aged <65 years and those ≥65 years reported similar prostate cancer treatment utilization as well as socio-demographic and clinical characteristics with the exception of a difference in time since diagnosis. Further research in larger populations is warranted.

Factors associated with organ donation

Dear Editor, Organ donation has evolved significantly from an experimental procedure to acceptable medical treatment for terminal illnesses. Despite these contemporary advances, there has been a relatively slow progress in the supply of organs for transplantation. This has resulted in global shortage of organs available for transplantation. There is a paucity of literature about the relationship between knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation. If barriers to the willingness for organ donation can be identified, these items can be targeted for change.[1] We conducted a literature search and identified numerous studies on factors associated with organ donation. We found many studies which assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs of health care professionals toward organ donation. We have attempted to summarize a few studies which we believe to have relevance regarding the same. Matten et al. interviewed nurses regarding organ donation and found that they were knowledgeable about organ donation and their attitudes were moderately positive. Factors that were significant were knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about donation.[2] Wakefield et al. assessed the role of religious and ethnic views regarding organ donation amongst university students. They administered the Organ Donation Attitude Scale with measures assessing knowledge and attitude. They found that females, younger students, and those with higher knowledge levels were more likely to have attitudes that favored organ donation. They also found that students who described themselves as having stronger religious beliefs and those with poor knowledge had less favorable attitudes toward organ donation. They suggested that further in-depth research examining the impact of religion and culture was essential to explore strategies for improving organ donation.[3] Jelinek et al. administered an online questionnaire regarding organ donation to Australasian healthcare professionals. They found that most members supported organ donation and around a quarter of their staff had received no education about it.[4] Zampieron et al. conducted a survey on attitudes toward organ donation amongst undergraduate nursing students. They administered a self-rated quantitative questionnaire and the Organ Donation Attitude scale. They found no significant correlations between attitude toward organ-donation and the age and sex of the students. They concluded that awareness and attitude levels of nursing students toward organ donation was inadequate.[5] Siminoff et al. collected data regarding organ donation from health care professionals and family members of patients. Their study revealed that family and patient socio-demographics and prior knowledge of the patients’ wishes were significantly associated with willingness to donate. They suggested that public education is needed to modify attitudes about organ donation prior to a donation opportunity.[6] Ballala et al. assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding organ donation among Indian medical professionals. They administered a semi-structured questionnaire and found that 8% were unaware of the term “body donation” and 85% believed that donated bodies were misused. They also found that 22% physicians were willing to donate their bodies and 68% expected the public to do the same.[7] Eide et al. investigated the need for learning and communication of intensive care doctors and neurosurgeons toward organ donation. They found that more than half had little experience of organ donation or how to relate to the patients’ relatives. They also found that many doctors reported a need to learn more about the medical issues and communication skills associated with organ donation. They concluded that training programs should focus on communication regarding organ donation with the caregivers of patients.[8] Tam et al. administered a questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitudes and commitment toward organ donation to nursing students. They found that attitude and educational year of the students were strongly correlated with commitment toward organ donation. They concluded that educational materials may be provided to students to facilitate their attitudes toward organ donation.[9] Jeon et al. assessed the knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals regarding organ donation. They found that the knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals regarding brain death and organ retrieval was poor. They found that gender, age, marital status, education level, and job position were significant in the attitude scores while marital status and education level emerged significant in the scores on knowledge.[10] The reviewed literature suggests that health care professionals have poor knowledge and variable attitudes toward organ donation. We found differences in the methodology and measures in the studies that we reviewed. Certain studies used validated and reliable scales for assessment. However, few studies developed their own questionnaires for assessing knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation. Methods of data collection varied from telephone conversations, online surveys, face-to-face interviews to self-rated questionnaires. Background literature suggests the need for improving existing knowledge and communication skills of health care professionals regarding organ donation. We believe that cultural factors may also contribute toward attitudinal differences regarding organ donation. There is a need to explore the complex interplay of culture, religion, and spirituality in this arena.

Education and Fertility: Evidence from a Policy Change in Kenya

This paper investigates the relationship between women's education and fertility by exploiting a 1985 policy change in Kenya that lengthened primary school by one year. An instrumental variables approach measures the exogenous variation in treatment intensity across birth cohorts. The reform led to an increase in education, a delay in marriage, and reduced fertility beginning at the age of 20. The effect on fertility becomes increasingly negative through age 25. The findings suggest that postponement of marriage, reduction in the marital education gap, and increased early use of modern contraceptives contribute to reduced fertility. These results are consistent with women having greater control over their fertility decision.

Cancer's unequal impact on incomes in Norway

Background. At a group level, cancer results in reduced labor earnings. Public benefits common to welfare states may, however, compensate for all or parts of the decline in earnings. Norwegian cancer survivors’ incomes, including both labor earnings and compensatory welfare benefits, were compared to those of the cancer-free population to assess potential welfare consequences of cancer. Possible modifying effects of parental and marital status, education, prior earnings and age were assessed in depth. Material and methods. Log-linear regression models were used to estimate incomes across different sociodemographic variables using register data covering the entire Norwegian population 40–59 years old with any income in 2008, 536 600 men and 502 500 women, of whom more than 17 000 were diagnosed with cancer in 2000–2007. Results. Compared to the cancer-free general population, cancer was associated with a modest 7% decline in incomes overall. The decline was, however, significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, marital status exempted. Childless men with low education and low prior earnings were most adversely affected. Lymphomas and lung cancer accounted largely for these unfavorable effects. Conclusions. Declines in earnings after cancer are to a large degree compensated by the Norwegian welfare state, and incomes overall are only modestly decreased among cancer survivors compared to the general population. Persons with multiple unfavorable sociodemographic characteristics experience particularly low incomes after cancer. This is of concern in a supposedly egalitarian society with public health care and antidiscrimination acts in place. Welfare state interventions, i.e. work reintegration efforts and/or compensations for labor earning drops, directed specifically towards these subgroups might be warranted.

Marriage Matters: A Description and Initial Examination of a Church-Based Marital Education Program

Marital education is helpful for treating marital distress. Religious organizations have been identified as a particularly useful outlet for the dissemination of marital education. We describe and present initial evidence for the effectiveness of Marriage Matters, a church-based marital education program. Participants (N = 731) reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and also reported feeling better about their marriage at the end of the program compared to the beginning of the program.

A Statistical Analysis of Women’s Perceptions on Politics and Peace Building in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and Niger Delta (Nigeria)

This article is a statistical analysis of the perception that more women in politics would enhance peace building. The data was drawn from a comparative survey of 325 women and four men (community leaders) in the regions of the Niger Delta (Nigeria) and KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). According to the findings, the majority of respondents strongly perceive that more women in politics would enhance peace processes in their communities. However, beyond its popularity, what explanatory variables determine the predictors of respondents who are likely/unlikely to hold such an opinion? Two statistical approaches – chi-square and logistic regression analysis – were used to retest the perception and to identify the characteristics of women who would/would not hold it. Some positive predictors include marital status, education and place of interview.

Social Capital and the Use of Traditional Birth Attendant: Is It Relevant?

Using the services of traditional birth attendants (TBA) in childbirth is considered as one of the maternal mortality determinants in Indonesia. Researchers reported that mothers preferred to have the help of TBAs in childbirth because TBAs have such powers as prayers and mantras that help the delivery process. However, very little is actually known about the factors shaping their preference. This research investigates the role of social capital as to maternal preference for having TBAs in childbirth. A cross sectional data of Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) 2007 was used. Social capital was measured by social cohesion and community trust. Maternal demographic factors were measured by marital status, employment status, and education. Chi-Square test was used to analyze statistical association. Finally, logistic regression was used to gauge their effects on the use of TBAs. The result showed that the existence of social cohesion and trust made a significant impact on the preference for choosing TBAs. In demographic factors, a comparable finding was found only at the educational level. The factors of having childbirth with the help of a traditional birth attendant are complex. An understanding of social context should be taken into consideration in making a serious effort to reduce the maternal mortality rate.

Abstract B104: Disparities in colorectal cancer screening among motivated men participating in a prostate cancer risk assessment program

Abstract Background: In 2010, more than 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) will be diagnosed. While those with localized disease have very high survival rates, those with locally advanced and metastatic disease have poorer outcomes, and many will die of CRC. Incidence and death rates from CRC remain higher for African Americans (AA) as compared to Caucasian Americans (CA). However, CRC screening rates among AA men have lagged behind those of CA men. AA men are also at increased risk for prostate cancer (PCA), and many AA men are motivated to seek PCA risk assessment and screening which is an ideal time to motivate AA men to perform CRC screening. This study was performed to assess self-reported CRC screening rates and predictors among men at high-risk for PCA (AA men and men with a family history of PCA) who are motivated to enroll in a PCA risk assessment program in order to understand CRC screening behaviors and predictors to pursue CRC screening. Methods: The Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program (PRAP) at Fox Chase Cancer Center is a PCA screening, risk counseling, and research program for men at high risk for PCA. Eligibility criteria include any man between 35-69 years with (1) at least 1 first-degree relative with PCA, (2) at least 2 second-degree relatives with PCA on the same side of the family or (3) any AA man regardless of family history of PCA. CRC screening information was self-reported by participants on standard PRAP health history questionnaires. Frequency and differences in CRC screening methods (fecal occult blood testing [FOBT], colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy) by race were assessed using chi-squared tests and predictors of CRC screening was assessed using multivariate logistic regression (SAS version 9.1). Results: 740 PRAP participants were analyzed, of whom 62% were AA. Overall, AA men had statistically significant lower rates of any CRC screening measure compared to CA PRAP participants (46% vs 58% respectively, p=0.0015). Among PRAP participants age >50 years, AA men reported significantly lower FOBT (p=0.03), colonoscopy/ sigmoidoscopy (p=0.01), and any CRC screening test (p=0.04) compared to CA men. On multivariate logistic regression analysis among 704 PRAP participants with complete socioeconomic and demographic data, race remained a significant predictor of any CRC screening test after adjusting for age (p=0.007), but was not significant after adjusting for marital status, education, and income. For colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy, race remained a significant predictor after adjusting for age (p=0.0013), education (p=0.0085), and marital status (p=0.0013) and was borderline significant after adjusting for income (p=0.051). Conclusion: Even among motivated AA men participating in a PCA screening program, screening for CRC remains suboptimal. These results highlight an opportunity to intervene for AA men seeking PCA screening to discuss and pursue CRC screening to lower mortality from CRC. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B104.

Study on the cultural communication preferences of teachers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the communication preferences of teachers on the basis of high‐ and low‐context distinction.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 275 teachers employed in primary schools in Elazığ, Malatya, and Diyarbakır provinces were chosen as the sample group. Cultural communication scale‐Turkish scale developed by Erdem was applied to measure communication tendencies of teachers.FindingsAt the end of the paper, during which high‐ and low‐context dimensions are treated separately, high‐context communication tendencies of teachers are found to be more dominant than their low‐context communication tendencies. Communication tendencies have also been compared in terms of demographic variables and it is evident that variables such as marital status, education level, income level, age, and employment period have resulted in differences in communication tendencies.Originality/valueThe paper presents a study on the cultural communication preferences of teachers from a Turkish perspective.

Determinants of Psychological Functioning in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT This study sought to confirm the literature reports on psychological well-being during radiotherapy treatment using a population across multiple clinical sites, resulting in a larger population (N = 156) than has typically been followed in quality of life descriptive studies of radiotherapy, and a more varied one in terms of diagnosis. This study is unique in its individual differences perspective, whereby it aimed to identify those demographic variables that predict baseline levels of psychological distress as well as changes in distress during treatment. The data used were the control data from a previous study assessing the effectiveness of a stress management intervention. Participants completed the SF-36, STAI-S, and CES-D scales at baseline and after Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of treatment. Consistent with prior studies, this study found that, on average, patients began with a low level of psychological distress, as indicated by the scale norms. However, this study found considerable variation in anxiety levels, with some patients beginning treatment with a relatively high level of anxiety. For those with relatively high levels of baseline anxiety, anxiety decreased during treatment. A patient's baseline psychological distress level was predicted by marital status, diagnosis, gender, education level, and income range. In addition, cancer type, income level, and education level predicted changes in distress levels over treatment.

Expected Happiness in Chinese Lunar New Year, Christmas and Western New Year: A Survey Study in Hong Kong

Abstract Hong Kong is a city with a mix of both Chinese and Western cultures. The major populations in Hong Kong are Chinese, yet the lifestyles of the people are highly westernized. Hong Kong is thus a suitable place in which to study the effect of the mixture of Chinese and Western cultures, especially as the process of world globalization is accelerating. This paper examines some of the determinants of expected happiness of the people in Hong Kong during the Chinese Lunar New Year, Christmas, and Western New Year festivals. The self-reported expected happiness data were collected by means of a survey conducted by “Economics and Well-being Research” of Hong Kong Shue Yan University in November 2006, using randomly selected telephone numbers from residential telephone directories. A total of 1476 respondents were successfully interviewed. This paper seeks to answer the following questions: 1) Do age, gender marital status, income, or education level affect expected happiness in the forthcoming festive se...

Teen Mothers: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Educational Achievement

ABSTRACT This study examines the proportions of ethnically diverse low-income teen mothers who are cohabitating and/or married to the father of their child(ren) at approximately 14, 24, and 36 months after birth of their child. In addition, the relationship between marital status and education among teen mothers is explored. At 36 months after giving birth, 60% of mothers were not living with or married to the fathers of their children. Hispanic mothers were the most likely, and African-American mothers the least likely, to be married to the father at each of the three time points. For Hispanic teen mothers, being married at 14 months was related to lower educational achievement.

Predictors of Papanicolaou Testing in Working Women in Bangkok, Thailand

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Thailand. A significant number of Thai women have never received cervical cancer screening. This study examined the perceived susceptibility, benefits, and barriers that influence Papanicolaou testing and examined the relationships between socioeconomic factors and obtaining a Papanicolaou test among women working in 1 government agency and 3 private sector companies in Bangkok, Thailand. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the cross-sectional design of the study. The Susceptibility, Benefits, and Barriers Scale was mailed to 300 working women. The response rate to the survey was 63% (N = 189). Logistic regression analysis showed that perceived barriers were significant predictors of Papanicolaou testing (beta = -.13, P < .001). Women who reported barriers were significantly less likely to obtain a Papanicolaou test (odds ratio, 0.88; P < .001). The specific barriers to engaging in Papanicolaou testing were embarrassment, fear, time constraints, knowledge deficits, and cost. Marital status, age, education, and family income were other factors related to Papanicolaou testing. Findings suggest that screening rates may be improved by addressing a combination of research, health policy, and cultural factors in these women through a nationwide campaign.

Why Do Older Adults Garden?

The purpose of this study was to profile older adults who garden for pleasure and to analyze whether gardeners could be segmented into specific types based on their motivations for gardening. A mail survey which included the Leisure Motivation Scale (Beard & Ragheb, 1983) and socio-demographic and health-related questions was sent to all 499 volunteers-303 responded with usable data. The results indicated seven motivational factors for gardening: (1) intellectual, (2) stimulus-avoidance, (3) friendship building, (4) social interaction, (5) physical fitness, (6) skill-development, and (7) creativity. Significant differences among marital status, education and health status were found. Implications for recreation therapists, activity professionals, and leisure service providers are provided.

Quality of life and psychological symptoms in Greek postmenopausal women: Association with hormone therapy

Quality of life (QoL) in menopause is influenced by many parameters, including vasomotor symptoms, psychological status and culture. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of hormone therapy (HT) with QoL and psychological symptoms in Greek postmenopausal women. The study assessed 216 postmenopausal women (mean age 54.5 years) attending a university menopause clinic in Greece. Fifty-three were users of HT and 163 were not. QoL was evaluated by the Utian Quality of Life Scale (UQOL) and psychological symptoms were assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). Women on HT were younger and more educated than women not using HT. Adjusting the analysis for the women's characteristics, HT users had better total UQOL scores than non-users (p < 0.05). Marital status and education had independent effects on QoL, with married and more educated women scoring higher (p < 0.05). Assessment of psychological symptomatology, after adjustment for sociodemographic variables across the different dimensions, revealed that HT users had better SCL-90-R scores than non-users for obsessionality, interpersonal sensitivity and for the general index (p < 0.05). Concluding, even though the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables must be factored into the assessment of QoL, HT use is independently related to an improvement in the total score and in most domains of QoL, and has a significant positive effect on many aspects of psychological well-being in Greek postmenopausal women.

‘Sharpening the wooden sword’ in Imperial Germany: marital status and education in the work of Helene Lange

This article addresses the views of Helene Lange (1848-1930) in the campaign to reform German female education during the imperial period (1871-1918). A former educator, Lange was a key leader in national discussions of both female education and women's rights. Education, middle-class interests, and marital status formed the pillars of Lange's reformist vision. Lange contended that nineteenth-century education was misguided in its emphasis upon marriage as the primary goal of middle-class female lives. She cited a perceived surplus of unmarried women (Frauenüberschuss) as a key reason to change the nature of female education. Lange saw this surfeit as particularly problematic among the middle and elite classes. In doing so, she acknowledged derogatory depictions of unwed women but inverted such stereotypes in order to promote her cause of improved female education. As a solution for the perceived female surplus, Lange advocated educational and professional experiences that would embrace the maternal character of women. Helene Lange believed that women were not to be educated to compete with men, but to stand beside them in creating a better world – patriarch and matriarch renewed.

A study on awareness of sexually-transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related factors among migrant workers in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province of China

To understand awareness on transmission routes of sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) among migrant workers in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted in migrant workers in Hangzhou with self-administered anonymous questionnaire to collect their demographic information and awareness on STD/AIDS. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 11.0 software. A total of 3 001 subjects were interviewed. Most of them have already had some knowledge about STD/AIDS, but not complete. There were 556 (18.8%) migrant workers did not understand that condom could prevent from STD, and 759 did not know if it could do. There were 357 (11.9%) workers did not know AIDS could be prevented, and 746 (24.9%) thought that AIDS could be cured. There were 637 workers did not know that correct use of condom could reduce occurrence of AIDS, and 725 of them thought AIDS could be infected by hands-shaking and hugging with patients of AIDS. There existed statistically significant difference in awareness on STD/AIDS between men and women, workers with varied marital status and education levels. Awareness on STD/AIDS in migrant workers was smattering, allowing of not optimistic. Community-based health education on knowledge about STD/AIDS should be strengthened among high-risk migrant workers with varied channels to improve their awareness.

‘Sharpening the wooden sword’ in imperial germany: marital status and education in the work of helene lange

‘Sharpening the wooden sword’ in imperial germany: marital status and education in the work of helene lange

Strengthening Marriages in a Skeptical Culture: Issues and Opportunities

Questions are answered in relationship to Scott Stanley's work in marriage education and in relationship to a variety of sociocultural factors concerning the condition and treatment of marriage issues in contemporary society, including current trends for public sector efforts to strengthen marriages in the U.S. The PREP and Christian PREP approach to marital education is discussed. In addition, recommendations are made for marital interventions in general to local community and church leaders as well as marital therapists.

Union Disruption in Norway

:In this article, we estimate determinants of marital instabilities. Our data set is drawn from the Norwegian KIRUT database, which provides detailed personal information, including marital status, age, income, and education (also for spouses), number and age of children, and labor market and social security status (extent of employment, receipt of social security benefits, etc.). Our sample of approximately 2,900 couples were married by 1989 and observed through 1994 with the purpose of registering changes in marital status. In separate steps, we estimate the spouses’ earnings capacity and probability of achieving child custody. These variables in tum enter as predictors in the divorce equation. We find that marital stability increases with the number of children, but decreases as the children get older. Furthermore, the traditional family structure in which the husband specializes in the labor market and the wife in domestic production appears to have a stabilizing effect on marriages. Finally, the custodial arrangement affects marital stability in that a high probability of custody to the wife is associated with a high probability of marital disruption.