Married Participants Research Articles

Assessment of medication knowledge among patients with asthma

Abstract Objectives Asthmatic patient's knowledge about their treatment can affect asthma control and adherence level. This study investigated the level of medication knowledge, the level of adherence and factors affecting both knowledge and adherence in adult patients with asthma. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in Jordan between 2017 and 2018. A face-to-face interview was conducted by a clinical pharmacist with asthma patients attending hospital pharmacies for refilling their prescriptions. Key findings A total of 218 adults with asthma were included into the study and 60.6% were knowledgeable about their medications. University degree education (OR = 3.67; P value < 0.001), positive family history of asthma (OR = 1.89; P value = 0.04) and longer asthma duration (OR = 1.03; P value = 0.049) were significantly associated with a high medication knowledge. On the other hand, married participants were less knowledgeable than single ones (OR = 0.30; P value = 0.041). High medication knowledge score (OR = 4.76, P value = 0.008), older age (OR = 1.06, P value = 0.004) and male gender (OR = 3.82, P value = 0.01) were significant predictors of high medication adherence. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of educational programmes that should be conducted in primary healthcare settings, such as community pharmacies, where pharmacists should educate patients about their medication and the importance of adherence.

HIV serologically indeterminate individuals: Future HIV status and risk factors.

Indeterminate HIV test results are common, but little is known about the evolution of indeterminate serology and its sociodemographic and behavioral correlates. We assessed future HIV serological outcomes for individuals with indeterminate results and associated factors in Rakai, Uganda. 115,944 serological results, defined by two enzyme immunoassay (EIAs), among 39,440 individuals aged 15-49 years in the Rakai Community Cohort Study were assessed. Indeterminate results were defined as contradictory EIAs. Modified Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess prevalence ratios (PRs) of subsequent HIV serological outcomes and factors associated with HIV indeterminate results. The prevalence of HIV serologically indeterminate results was 4.9%. Indeterminate results were less likely among women than men (adjPR 0.76, 95% CI 0.71,0.81), in unmarried participants than married participants (adjPR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85,99), and in individuals with primary (adjPR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80,1.02), secondary (adjPR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73,0.96) and post-secondary (adjPR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60,0.94) education, relative to no education. The proportions of persons with indeterminate results progressing to HIV positive, negative or indeterminate results in subsequent visits was 5%, 71% and 24%, respectively. HIV serologically indeterminate results were associated with gender and marital status. HIV surveillance programs should develop a protocol for reporting individuals with mixed or persistently indeterminate HIV results on multiple follow-up visits. Most indeterminate results became HIV-negative over time, but follow-up is still needed to detect positive serologies.

The prevalence of positive rapid diagnostic test of hepatitis C virus infection in Ghana.

Introductionhepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common viral hepatitis in Africa. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is a useful tool to identify antibody anti-HCV in point of care. In this study, we decided to determine prevalence of cases with positive rapid diagnostic test of HCV infection.Methodsthis cross-sectional study was conducted in a polyclinic, Accra, Ghana. Using convenience sampling, 728 participants were screened with blood-based RDT and interviewed about personal risk behaviors for transmission of HCV. Data was entered in SPSS version 18 and analyzed.Resultsthere was 1.6% positive RDT in our participants. The mean age of them was 29.58 ± 12.31 years old that were younger than the participants with negative RDT (p: 0.027). The rate of positive test was 66.67% in women and 33.33% in men. There was a negative association between age and RDT positive (aOR: 0.91, 95%CI 0.85-0.96). The odds of positive RDT in married participants was 6.32 fold others after adjusting model (p: 0.014). There were no important risk behavior for HCV, except one person with history of contacting blood or needles.Conclusionthe risk of positive RDT has a reverse relationship with aging and also it has an increase in married individuals. Therefore preventive education and screening for HCV should be a priority in young and middle-aged adults because of more sexual activity.

Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among adult residents in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia.

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for mortality and it is also one of the major risk factors for other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among adults residing in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site (HDSS), Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 on the estimated sample size of 3,368 adults at Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance site (HDSS). Data were collected using the WHO STEPS survey tools. Bivariate analysis was done to detect candidate variables at P-value less than 0.25 and entered into the final model to identify the independent predictors of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 18.92% (95% CI: 17.63-20.28). The magnitude increase among respondents in the older age group [AOR 1.39 (95%CI: 1.05-1.84), 1.68 (95% CI: 1.26-2.23) and 2.67 (95%CI: 2.01-3.56) for age group 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64, respectively, compared to 25-34 years old group] and those with the higher wealth index [AOR 1.86 (95%CI: 1.33-2.59), 2.68 (95% CI: 1.91-3.75) and 2.97 (95%CI: 2.08-4.25) for 3rd quantile, 4th quantile and 5th quantile, respectively, compared to 1st quantile]. The odds of hypertension reduce among married participants (AOR 0.66, 95%CI: 0.51-0.85). Respondents with overweight (AOR 1.44, 95%CI: 1.02-2.02), khat chewing (AOR3.31, 95%CI: 1.94-5.64), low fruit and/or vegetable consumption (AOR 1.27, 95%CI: 1.05-1.53) and those who do not use coffee and tea (AOR 1.52, 95%CI: 1.03-2.24) had significantly higher likelihood of hypertension. Nearly one out of five participants have hypertension in this population. As hypertension is one of the silent killers, it is advisable to develop a system for enabling early detection and monitoring in the older age groups and overweight individuals.

The association between protection motivation and hepatitis b vaccination intention among migrant workers in Tianjin, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMigrant workers are a susceptible population to the hepatitis b virus (HBV) and a vulnerable spot in China’s immunization procedures. There is no free HBV immunization program for migrant workers in China, so understanding migrant workers’ motivation to receive the HBV vaccine is the first step in designing effective immunization policies.MethodsA fully specified protection motivation theory (PMT) model of HBV vaccination intention among migrant workers was specified. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 406 migrant workers in three migrant-dense industries in Tianjin, China. Principal component factor analysis was used to produce PMT factors and nested binary logistic regression modeling was applied to assess the associations between protection motivation and HBV vaccination intention of migrant workers.ResultsThe nested binary logistic regression model suggested that the severity factor and self-efficacy factor were positively related to HBV vaccination intention (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25–3.71; OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.62–4.66) while the response costs was negatively related to the HBV vaccination motivation (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29–0.83). The socio-demographic variables showed that younger, married and good self-rated health status participants were statistically associated with the intention of taking the HBV vaccine. Sex, education level and income group were not significantly associated with vaccination intention. The migrant-industry variables showed that migrant location had a strong effect on migrant workers’ vaccination intention.ConclusionSocio-demographic, migrant-industry variables and PMT factors (severity, self-efficacy and response costs) were statistically associated with migrant workers’ intention to vaccinate. Our results suggest that health policy makers should provide more information to migrants on HBV severity; inform migrant workers on where, when and how to get the HBV vaccine; tap into work organizations as a location for vaccinations; and identify migrant worker subgroups for targeted interventions.

Death anxiety in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present study was designed to estimate the rate of death anxiety and the factors influencing its occurrence in cancer patients using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Five academic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and ProQuest, were searched systematically from inception until the end of January 2020. Observational studies that reported mean score of death anxiety in cancer patients, regardless of language restriction, were eligible to be included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model with the DerSimonian and Laird weighted method. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests. The estimated pooled mean for death anxiety among cancer patients was 6.84 (CI95%=[5.98, 7.69]). Publication bias and small study effects were not detected. Subgroup analysis and a meta-regression showed that the estimated pooled mean was higher in Asian studies (M=7.57) compared to European (M=6.47) and North American studies (M=5.57); in breast cancer patients (M=9.68) compared to studies examining different types of cancers; in female only participants (M=7.37) compared to studies with both genders (M=6.60); and in married participants compared to non-married participants. The findings suggest that death anxiety in patients with cancer is moderate and is influenced by socio-demographic factors such as region, type of cancer, sex, and marital status.

Genital Warts Among Men Attending a Dermatology Clinic: Risk Factors and Knowledge

: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, with the highest prevalence among young adults. We investigated the risk factors of this infection among men. A total of 224 men referred to a dermatology clinic in Shiraz to treat anogenital warts from June 2015 till Feb 2016 were enrolled. Data collection form included demographic characteristics and risk factors. The participants’ mean age was 28.84 ± 8 years, and half of them (54.5%) were in the second decade of their life. Nearly half of them were single, 110 (49.1%), and 103 had high education (48.4%). Among our participants, the mean age of sexual relationship onset was 20.31 ± 3.71; 69 (60.5%) of the married participants had experienced sexual intercourse before marriage, and 58 (61.05%) had extramarital sexual relationships. The mean number of sex partners was 2.8. More than half of the participants (n = 146, 66.4%) were not aware of STI symptoms. Our participants were young, and more than half of the married ones had extramarital relationships. Altogether, low awareness of STI symptoms was seen. HPV could be a public health challenge in our young male adults because of their risk factors and lack of knowledge.

Recall accuracy of notifications about incidental findings from an MRI examination: results from a population-based study

BackgroundSelf-reports of medical findings are indispensable in clinical practice and research but subject to recall bias. We analysed the recall accuracy of notifications about incidental findings (IFs) from a whole-body...

Smoking Behaviors in Survivors of Smoking-Related and Non–Smoking-Related Cancers

The population of cancer survivors is rapidly growing in the US. Tobacco smoking is associated with many cancers; however, whether cigarette smoking behaviors among cancer survivors vary according to cancer type-that is, smoking-related cancers (SRCs) vs non-smoking-related cancers (NSRCs)-remains unclear. To examine cigarette smoking prevalence and behaviors (ie, continuing or quitting smoking) among cancer survivors and to compare them between survivors of SRCs and NSRCs. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, a household survey of civilian US residents who were aged 18 years or older. The National Health Interview Survey is population based and is representative of the US population. Data analysis was performed from June to October 2019. The primary outcomes were prevalence of current cigarette smoking among cancer survivors and prevalence of continuing smoking and quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with continued smoking vs quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis. A total of 26 742 respondents (mean [SD] age, 50.97 [18.61] years; 14 646 women [51.76%]) to the 2017 National Health Interview Survey were included in this study. Of the 3068 individuals (9.42%) in the study population who had cancer, 589 (19.96%) were SRC survivors, 2297 (74.50%) were NSRC survivors, 168 (4.96%) were survivors of both SRC and NSRC, and the remaining 14 (0.58%) had missing information about the type of cancer. Four hundred forty-nine SRC survivors (54.08%) were women, compared with 1412 NSRC survivors (54.30%). Ninety-six SRC survivors (15.69%) and 151 NSRC survivors (7.99%) were younger than 45 years. Overall, 372 cancer survivors (13.16%) were current smokers. Current smoking prevalence was higher among survivors of SRCs (145 survivors [19.78%]) compared with NSRC survivors (251 survivors [10.63%]). Among cancer survivors, 309 current smokers at cancer diagnosis (43.96%) reported having successfully quit smoking and 372 (56.04%) reported continuing smoking. Among the continuing smokers, 176 (56.49%) reported an unsuccessful quit attempt in the last 12 months. After cancer diagnosis, SRC survivors had higher odds of continued smoking compared with NSRC survivors (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% CI, 1.12-3.93; P = .02). Men (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.05-3.57; P = .04), those with angina pectoris (OR, 5.40; 95% CI, 1.33-21.91; P = .02), and those with chronic bronchitis (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.05-6.19; P = .04) had higher odds of continued smoking, whereas Hispanic participants (compared with non-Hispanic white participants: OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.68; P = .01) and married participants (compared with never married participants: OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.96; P = .04) had lower odds of continued smoking. These findings suggest that compared with NSRC survivors, SRC survivors may be at higher risk of being cigarette smokers at cancer diagnosis and of continuing smoking afterward. Although smoking cessation interventions are critically important for all cancer survivors, special efforts should target survivors of SRCs.

Mind-body practices in U.S. adults: Prevalence and correlates

ObjectivesMind-body practices (MBP), such as Yoga or Tai-Chi, have increased in popularity in the past 25 years in the US. These activities may help promote a less sedentary lifestyle and may have positive effects on health. The objective of the present study is to understand the prevalence and trends of MBP in US adults and the factors associated with their use in a population-based adult lifespan sample. MethodsWe used data from three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey (1995, 2005, and 2015), a population-based longitudinal study of community-dwelling adults. Only data from participants with valid observations across three waves (N = 2262) aged 24–74 years at baseline (M = 46; SD = 11) were used. We examined the prevalence of MBP, longitudinal patterns, and correlates of MBP use over 20 years. ResultsRates of MBP use were relatively stable over time in this sample, with 20%, 17%, and 18% of participants using MBP at wave 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A number of sociodemographic and health variables were independently related to frequency of MBP use over 20 years: Women, participants with higher levels of education, never married participants, and participants who suffered from multiple chronic health conditions were more likely to use MBP. DiscussionOur findings suggest that MBP may provide an opportunity for physical activity for individuals suffering from chronic health conditions. More research is needed to understand whether this, in turn, results in better health outcomes for these individuals.

A Study of Corporate CSR Effects on Corporate Crisis Management

Purpose: In modern corporate management, the establishment of a crisis management system that minimizes damage through measures used to respond to corporate crises is no longer an option. The importance of corporate reputation and brand asset management in modern enterprise management cannot be overemphasized and negative events that might arise from a number of different causes can cause brand crises. Research design, data and methodology: More than half of the questionnaire respondents were female (252 or 53%). More than a fourth of the respondents were aged 20 (122 or 26%) and the number of married participants was 196 (41%). Of the participants, 32% (153) had graduated from college. Only 18% (87) were employees and the monthly household income was 121. In this study, we conducted factor analysis in order to extract the variables that may enhance the explanation capability of each variable. For the method of factor extraction, an Eigen value of at least 1 was used as was factor loading. An analysis was performed using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient to verify the reliability of the measurement scale. Results: First, the analysis of the impact of the social responsibility activities on brand image revealed that the social, economic, philanthropic, ethical, and environmental responsibility activities significantly affected brand image, but legal responsibility activities were not statistically significant. Second, the analysis of the impact of brand image on loyalty showed that brand image had a significant impact on loyalty. Third, the analysis of the impact of social responsibility activities on loyalty showed that they had a significant impact on loyalty. Conclusions: The pro-social enterprise image is not only a brand asset that can be shared, but also a heavy proposition followed by a corresponding social responsibility, it will have to practice transparent corporate management based on clear principles through the establishment of various systems and the implementation of a strict code of conduct within the enterprise.

Epidemiological and parasitological studies on lymphatic filariasis in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Mass Medicine Administration (MMA) with albendazole and ivermectin has been going on in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State for over six years. Apart from the baseline mapping conducted by the state ministry of health in 2010 to identify communities eligible for MDA, no comprehensive study has been carried out on this disease in the area. This study is necessary to determine if transmission has been halted or not. A total of 425 volunteers in 6 rural villages were examined using Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT) and routine microscopy . Physical manifestations and entomological studies were also carried out. Nine inhabitants, 9(0.4%) were positive using ICT with no microfilaria of W. bancrofti. Infection was significantly higher in Matan Fada Village (7.14%) (p<-0.5), while three villages recorded 0.00% infection rate. Infection was higher in males than females, age group 10-19, in singles than married participants, pupils/students than other occupations (p>0.5). There was weak negative correlation between ICT and hydrocele(r = -0.14) as well as lymphoedema (r = -0.012). 436 mosquitoes were dissected and none harboured microfilaria of W. bancrofti. It is concluded that transmission has been halted in 3 of the villages since they have met the WHO’s criteria of less than 1% seropositivity, and MMA should therefore be stopped in those villages. There is however continued surveillance, morbidity management and vector control.
 Keywords: Entamological studies; microfilaria; mobidity management.

Committed to succeed: Commitment determines reactions to upward relationship comparisons

AbstractIndividuals encounter numerous examples of happy relationships in their social networks and through the media; however, it is unclear how comparisons to superior couples affect one's own relationship. We examined individuals' responses to upward relationship comparisons by exposing dating and married participants to highly successful relationships drawn from their own lives (Study 1) and an exemplar given to them (Studies 2–3). We predicted that moderately committed individuals would evaluate their relationship against the superior relationship, and consequently be less motivated to engage in relationship‐maintenance behaviors. In contrast, highly committed individuals would be inspired by the superior relationship and view their relationship more positively. Across all studies, higher commitment yielded more positive responses to upward relationship comparisons than did lower commitment.

남녀의 출산의향, 출산 희망연령과 계획 자녀수의 영향 요인

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors related to the willingness to have a child, parental age at first child’s birth, and the planned number of children. The data came from the Korean General Social Survey from the Survey Research Center at Sung Kyun Kwan University. The sample data set included 488 men and women between the ages of 18 and 49. The major findings are as follows. First, gender, age, satisfaction with family relations, the value of marriage, the value of family succession, and willingness to increase spending on education significantly affected the willingness to have a child among unmarried and married participants without children. Second, among people willing to have a child, the factors that influenced parental age at first child’s birth were gender, education, satisfaction with household economic condition, the value of marriage, and the willingness to increase spending on education. Third, across the sample, the planned number of children was decided by satisfaction of family relations, the value of childbirth, the value of marriage, and home ownership. Overall, the value of marriage was the factor most strongly associated with the three dependent variables. The more a person agree with living with their partner before marriage, the more willing they were to give birth, the younger they were when they became a parent, and the more children they planned to have. The higher satisfaction of family relations, the higher willingness to have a child, and the more children a participant planned to have. In addition, the more a participant was willing to increase spending on education, the higher their willingness was to have a child and the older they were when they became a parent.

Sleep-Related Cognitive/Behavioral Predictors of Sleep Quality and Relapse in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder

BackgroundLittle is known about cognitive and behavioral predictors of sleep quality and relapse among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Using the social cognitive theory (SCT), we assessed sleep-related behaviors and cognitions, sleep quality, and relapse to drinking among individuals with AUD transitioning from inpatient to outpatient settings.MethodIndividuals (n = 149) seeking treatment for AUD were recruited during their inpatient stay. Self-efficacy for sleep, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, sleep-related behaviors, sleep quality, and relapse were assessed. Objective (actigraphy) assessment of sleep efficiency and duration was measured using actigraphy. Multiple logistic regression models tested whether self-reported sleep quality or sleep-related beliefs/behavior predicted relapse. Repeated measures linear mixed modeling tested whether there was a change over time in sleep quality as well as the relationships between self-efficacy, sleep-related beliefs, sleep behaviors, sleep quality, and relapse.ResultsIn our sample, self-efficacy for sleep, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and sleep-related behavior were all significantly associated with both sleep quality and relapse. Controlling for pre-discharge sleep-related behaviors (SRBQ) and actigraphy-recorded average sleep time during the first week post-discharge, married participants had lower odds of relapse compared with non-married patients (p = 0.048, OR = 0.119, 95% CI 0.015–0.983). Patients with lower self-efficacy for sleep (SES) scores (p < 0.001) and higher CPRS anxiety scores (p < 0.001) had higher PSQI scores.ConclusionOur results highlight the importance of self-efficacy and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep as predictors of sleep quality and relapse among individuals with AUD and the utility of the SCT as a sleep research framework.

Associations between mental and oral health in Spain: a cross-sectional study of more than 23,000 people aged 15 years and over

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate associations between mental health and several parameters of oral health, controlling for a variety of important covariates, in a large representative sample of Spanish people. MethodsData from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed. Mental (i.e., depression, chronic anxiety, other psychiatric disorders) and oral health (i.e., dental caries, dental extraction, dental filling, gingival bleeding, tooth movement, dental material, missing tooth) were evaluated. Control variables included sex, age, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical multimorbidity. Associations between psychiatric conditions (independent variables) and the number of poor oral health outcomes (dependent variable) were assessed using Poisson regression models. The associations were investigated in the overall population, in married participants and in those who were single/widowed/divorced/separated. ResultsThere were 23,089 participants [54.1% women; mean (standard deviation) age 53.4 (18.9) years]. The prevalence of at least one psychiatric condition was 15.4% in the overall sample, while the mean (standard deviation) number of poor oral health outcomes was 2.9 (1.4). There was a positive association between any psychiatric condition and the number of poor oral health outcomes [incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.12], and there was a significant interaction between any psychiatric condition and marital status. The association was stronger in those participants who were single/widowed/divorced/separated. LimitationsCross-sectional study. Oral and mental health were assessed with Yes/No questions. Exposure, outcome and covariates were self-reported. ConclusionsThose with poor mental health have worse oral health but being married has some protective benefits.

Relational Humor and Marital Satisfaction in Married Individuals

This study investigated whether married individuals’ relational humor styles were significant predictors of their marital satisfaction levels. The study was conducted with a total of 228 married participants (139 women and 89 men). The duration of marriage of the participants ranged from 1 to 46 years (M = 9.34, SD = 10.37). The data were obtained by using the Marital Life Scale and Relational Humor Inventory. The data were tested with multiple regression analysis supported by bootstrapping process. According to the regression results, self-positive and self-negative relational humor styles significantly predicted their own marital satisfaction. On the other hand self-instrumental humor did not predict marital satisfaction significantly. Otherwise, marital satisfaction was significantly predicted by partner-positive, partner-negative, and partner-instrumental humor styles. The findings obtained in the study were discussed in accordance with the related literature and suggestions were made for the following studies

Need frustration and depressive symptoms in French older people: using a self-determination approach

Objectives To provide evidence of the relationship between basic psychological need frustration (BPNF) for autonomy, competence and relatedness, and depressive symptoms in French older people, and to explore the potential moderator effects of place of residence (home vs nursing home) on this relationship. Methods Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was used. A total of 410 French older people (212 women, 198 men, Mage = 77.13 years, SD = 9.19, age range: 60-98 years) voluntarily participated in the study and completed the measures of BPNF and depressive symptoms. Sociodemographic data were collected. Results Findings showed that for all the participants, competence and relatedness need frustration positively predicted depressive symptoms. More particularly, BPNF for relatedness significantly predicted depressive symptoms for older people living at home (β = .18, p < .05), whereas BPNF for competence significantly predicted depressive symptoms for both participants living at home (β = .25, p < .05) and in nursing homes (β = .34, p < .05). Among participants living at home, results showed that BPNF for competence significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β = .28, p < .05) across married participants, while BPNF for relatedness significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β = .27, p < .05) across participants living alone. Conclusion By focusing on BPNF and its relationship to depressive symptoms, this study suggests the importance of investigating further this concept, and alerts to the long-term consequences of frustration of competence and relatedness needs in older people.

Uncertainty Management in Sexual Communication: Testing the Moderating Role of Marital Quality, Relational Closeness, and Communal Coping

ABSTRACT Romantic partners’ communication about sex has been shown to enhance marital satisfaction and well-being, yet is often associated with high levels of uncertainty due to the challenging and potentially face-threatening topics involved in such discussion. While much literature focuses on sexual health information seeking, relational partners’ uncertainty management related to sexual satisfaction has not been examined. This study focused on married couples’ discussion of sexual satisfaction, tested the theory of motivated information management (TMIM; Afifi & Weiner, 2004) within this context, and examined relational moderators that could influence relational partners’ communication about sexual satisfaction. Data from 248 married participants suggested that TMIM effectively predicted five different information management strategies, including direct and indirect information seeking, avoidance, cognitive reappraisal, and disclosure, although the processes through which uncertainty discrepancy influenced information management differed depending on the information management strategy. Furthermore, results indicated relational factors such as marital quality, relational closeness, and communal coping moderated TMIM paths in distinct ways. Theoretical and practical implications for relational partners’ uncertainty management about sexual satisfaction are discussed.

Middle-Aged Children’s Support for Parents-In-Law and Marital Satisfaction

This study investigated the dissimilarity in midlife adults’ reports of support they and their spouse provide to their parents-in-law, gender differences in these dissimilarity patterns, and implications of this dissimilarity for marital quality. Middle-aged married participants (n = 164, mean age = 53.96 years) from Wave 2 of the Family Exchanges Study reported on the support they and their spouse provided to at least 1 living parent-in-law. Regression models examined associations of marital satisfaction with support for parents-in-law, evaluations of support for parents-in-law, and spousal dissimilarity in support. Gender differences in own and spousal support for parents-in-law revealed matrilineal focused support among married adults. Spousal dissimilarity in support was negatively associated with marital satisfaction for middle-aged adults. This pattern suggests the importance of a perceived balance in supporting one’s spouse’s parents for marital quality.