Widowed Respondents Research Articles

Organizational Commitment and Employee Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a BPO Company

The pandemic necessitated remote workplace setup, and as employees’ homes doubled as their workplaces, it became difficult to distinguish between the two. With this reality came the challenge of enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study investigated the correlation between organizational commitment and employee performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved 158 employees of a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) company situated in Quezon City, Philippines. Non-parametric statistical testing such as Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to examine the significant differences in the respondent's ratings when their demographic profiles were considered. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between the constructs of organizational commitment and dimensions of employee performance. Results of the study revealed a high positive relationship between continuance commitment and employee performance. Furthermore, this study also explored organizational commitment along four demographic variables, resulting in the detection of significant differences in the perception of continuance commitment on account of gender, age, civil status, and length of service. A significant difference was also detected in affective commitment considering the length of service. Single, married, and widowed respondents also differed in their opinions on normative commitment. While research on organizational commitment exist, few studies have explored the role of demographic factors in shaping employee responses to pandemics. This study demonstrates value by examining the influence of demographic variables on organizational commitment and employee performance during the pandemic, adopting an intersectional perspective, and offering practical implications for organizational management, theoretical advancement, and future research directions.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WIDOWHOOD AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Abstract Losing a spouse is one of most painful experiences in adulthood; widowed adults often suffer from psychological difficulties. Scholars have examined how social support from close relationships such as family members and friends plays a protective role in the context of spousal loss. Given that the use of mobile technologies and internet became an important way to engage with social relationships, it is crucial to investigate the role of social media communication in the bereavement process. This study examined the moderating effects of social media communication in the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms, comparing different types of social media communication—chatting/messaging (e.g., iMessage), social media (e.g., Facebook), video-sharing (e.g., YouTube), and online community platforms (e.g., forums). From the 2021 Korea Social Integration Survey, we analyzed a sample of 5,238 respondents (aged 40+) who were ever-married. Our regression models showed that widowed respondents (9.79%) were likely to have more depressive symptoms (B = 0.19, p < .001) than non-widow(er)s; all types of social media communication were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, regardless of widowhood. We also found that two types of social media communication moderated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms; such that widowed respondents who used social media (B = -0.08. p =.002) and online community platforms (B = -0.05. p = .038) more frequently had fewer depressive symptoms, compared to their counterparts. Our findings highlight the importance of examining social engagement via information and communication technologies and the potential mechanism contributing to widowed adults’ well-being.

Sexuality in elderly age: stereotypes and possibilities

The research discusses the main ageist stereotypes associated with sexuality in older individuals, as well as presents and analyzes the results of an empirical study of the characteristics of sexual activity in the elderly. This article presents the findings of a study focused on peculiarities of sexual manifestation in old age. The study involved 202 participants, of which 107 (53%) were women and 95 (47%) men, all of whom were residents of the Israeli Center for Psychological Help in Life Crises. The age distribution among the participants was as follows: 62-71 years old – 77.2%; 72-79 years old - 35.4%; 80 years old and older –26.1%. The experiment showed that the subject of sexuality remains relevant for older individuals, and they do not perceive societal barriers to expressing their sexuality. the cessation of sexual activity is found to be directly linked not to age but rather to the absence of a sexual partner or declining health. The study’s results indicate that 62.5% of respondents in committed relationships are sexually active. Among divorced individuals, this percentage rises to 68.2%, whereas widowed respondents exhibit the lowest level of sexual activity at 16.3%, which aligns with expectations.

Determinants of Demand for Life Insurance Policy in Kapilvastu District

This study aims to achieve the key objectives of the factors affecting the demand for life insurance in Kapilvastu district. It is a novel study in the field of the insurance industry in the context of Kapilvastu district, as this study incorporates socio-demographic variables, saving motives, and financial literacy as a determinant of demand for life insurance. Primary data has been collected through convenience sampling from a sample of 384 individuals; the study has analyzed the influence of socio-demographic variables, saving motives, and financial literacy on life insurance demand. To determine the relationship between the demographic factors and life insurance demand way ANOVA tests have been conducted. Similarly, to test the association between categorical variables chi-square test has been used. The relationship between financial literacy and saving motives (precautionary, bequest, life cycle, and wealth accumulation motives) with life insurance demand is then analyzed using multiple regression. Results have confirmed that among all the socio-demographic variables, the number of dependents, level of education, and level of income have a significant effect on the demand for life insurance. Similarly, bequest motives and financial literacy were positive contributors to life insurance policy demand. However, it is worth noting that although marital status has an insignificant effect on life insurance policy demand but unmarried individuals still tend to have more life insurance in comparison to married and widowed respondents. Other determinants of saving motives like precautionary motives, life cycle motives, and wealth accumulation motives have an insignificant effect on life insurance demand.

LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SPOUSAL LOSS, RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH IN LATER LIFE

Abstract Death of a spouse is one of the major stressors which is more frequently observed in one’s late life. Previous literature showed a link between the death of a spouse and late-life cognitive health and suggested a benefit of having more religious involvements. Applying Stress Process Model, this study examines multiple dimensions of religious involvements and whether they buffer a negative impact of spousal loss on cognitive health in old age. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006 – 2016 waves), we selected older adults who were married at baseline (N = 6658). We conducted a) regression analyses to examine the main effect of spousal loss on cognitive health as well as buffering effect of religious involvement and b) growth curve modeling to analyze the trajectories of cognitive functions. Preliminary analyses showed that spousal loss in late life was associated with poorer cognitive function among older adults at baseline and follow-ups. More frequent attendance at religious services and prayer in private setting were associated with better cognitive function, yet, no buffering effect was found. We observed a gradual decline in cognitive function over time among the widowed respondents. Findings confirm that widowed individuals are more likely to experience cognitive decline over time, compared to married counterparts. While religious involvement might not mitigate the negative impact of spousal loss on cognition, the study supports that each dimension of religious involvement may exert different outcomes in terms of older individual’s cognitive health during widowhood.

Marital Status and Gender Differences in End-of-Life Planning

Less than half of older adults make formal preparations to control difficult life transitions, yet planning can mitigate negative outcomes that accompany changes. To better understand multiple forms of end-of-life planning behaviors and the effect of demographic characteristics, we use data from the Understanding America Study (N=1812; aged 60+). We explored gender and marital differences in whether respondents created a will, living will, or declared a durable power of attorney for health care (DPOAHC), and who was chosen as DPOAHC (i.e., spouse, child, other relative). T-tests determined no significant gender differences in declaring a DPOAHC, creating a will, or living will. An analysis of variance (F=13.422, df=3, p<0.001) found married respondents more likely to declare a DPOAHC than separated/divorced (p<0.001) and never married respondents (p=0.002). Divorced respondents were less likely to declare a DPOAHC compared to widowed respondents (p<0.001) and widowed respondents were more likely compared to never married respondents (p=0.001). Additional analyses found the same pattern in who created a will or living will. A follow-up analysis of variance found no gender differences within marital status categories (i.e., married men versus married women). Overall, respondents who were never married were less likely to have prepared any forms of end-of-life planning. These results highlight the importance of having close relationships on the level of preparedness for end-of-life planning. Additional implications include increasing awareness about end-of-life planning for more vulnerable audiences. Future analyses will integrate findings regarding financial DPOAHC and examine other socio-demographic characteristics, such as education and race.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND STRAIN ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: MARITAL STATUS AND GENDER DIFFERENCES

Social relationships are a well-established correlate of late-life well-being. Extensive research finds social support is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, yet few studies distinguish fine-grained types of support from spouse, children, other family and friends, nor whether these linkages differ by gender and marital status. Studies exploring coarse associations between support and well-being may conceal gender and marital status differences. We use data from two waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006 and 2010) to study fine-grained linkages between diverse types of relationship strain and support and depressive symptoms (CESD) among adults aged 51+. The results show that the association between support/strain and depressive symptoms varies based on the source of support. For instance, among married/partnered older adults, spousal support is negatively associated with depressive symptoms whereas friend strain is positively associated with depressive symptoms. Among widowed respondents, friend support is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. These marital status patterns differed by gender however, such that the impact of friend strain on depressive symptoms was especially large for divorced men. Our results suggest that no single form of social support (or strain) is uniformly protective (or distressing), so services and interventions to enhance late-life mental health should more fully consider older adults’ social location, including gender and marital status. For current cohorts of older adults, who have lower rates of marriage and childbearing than their predecessors, it is critically important to understand both the levels and impacts of alternative sources of support from other kin and friends.

ПОПУЛЯЦИОННОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ КАЧЕСТВА ЖИЗНИ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ЧУКОТСКОГО АВТОНОМНОГО ОКРУГА

The aim was to study the indicators of quality of life of the adult population of the Chukotka Autonomous Region (ChAO) and to identify characteristics specific to the remote arctic area. Methods: The study included 424 residents of the Chukotka Autonomous Region aged 18 to 77 years old (231 - women and 193 - men). Using the RAND SF-36 questionnaire, health-related quality of life indicators were evaluated. Results: The average indicators of the life quality of Chukotka population were the following: physical functioning - 87.1 ± 17.9 points; role-physical functioning - 79.0 ± 32.1 points; pain index - 76.2 ± 23.3 points; general health - 63.9 ± 20.0 points; viability - 65.1 ± 18.1 points; social functioning - 81.7 ± 19.3 points; role-emotional functioning - 79.9 ± 31.1 points; mental health - 69.7 ± 16.9 points. The life quality of women was significantly lower than that of men according to the following scales: physical functioning (84.0 versus 90.1 points), role-physical functioning (75.2 versus 82.6 points), role-emotional functioning (77.2 versus 82, 4 points), pain (72.5 versus 79.7 points) and social functioning (79.9 versus 83.3 points). The lowest vitality index (59.9 points), role-emotional functioning (68.6 points) and mental health (65.3 points) were stated in the age group of 55-64 years. Conclusion: The quality of life indicators in women living in Chukotka area are lower than in men according to the scales: physical functioning, role-physical and role-emotional functioning, pain index and social functioning. The scales: overall health, vitality, and mental health indices were similar in men and women. The highest indicators of quality of life were in residents aged 18-34 years. Urban residents had higher quality of life indicators than residents of rural areas and urban-type settlements. The quality of life of the indigenous population of Chukotka area was significantly lower than that of the non-indigenous population for all the indicators; no differences were found in the life quality indicators between the Chukchi and other indigenous ethnic groups of Chukotka. Widowed respondents showed the lowest indicators of quality of life.

Marital Status and Dementia: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study.

We provide one of the first population-based studies of variation in dementia by marital status in the United States. We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (2000-2014). The sample included 15,379 respondents (6,650 men and 8,729 women) aged 52 years and older in 2000 who showed no evidence of dementia at the baseline survey. Dementia was assessed using either the modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) or the proxy's assessment. Discrete-time hazard regression models were estimated to predict odds of dementia. All unmarried groups, including the cohabiting, divorced/separated, widowed, and never married, had significantly higher odds of developing dementia over the study period than their married counterparts; economic resources and, to a lesser degree, health-related factors accounted for only part of the marital status variation in dementia. For divorced/separated and widowed respondents, the differences in the odds of dementia relative to married respondents were greater among men than among women. These findings will be helpful for health policy makers and practitioners who seek to better identify vulnerable subpopulations and to design effective intervention strategies to reduce dementia risk.

Sustainable Infrastructure in Conflict Zones: Police Facilities’ Impact on Perception of Safety in Afghan Communities

The notion of sustainable infrastructure for the delivery of social services is to fulfill basic human needs; in war-torn societies, human safety is a critical basic need. The relationship between sustainable infrastructure development and human safety remains underresearched in Afghan neighborhoods. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of the police facilities constructed for stability enhancement in Afghan communities. To do so, this study used Afghans’ polling datasets on the police presence and the public safety perceptions, including newly collected survey data related to the influence of the police facilities on human safety and other factors contributing to the neighborhoods’ well-being. The datasets are organized with a multilevel structure in which different individuals are sampled within neighborhoods and analyzed using a multilevel model approach to capture the randomness of the responses. The results showed that police facilities are more important to perceptions of safety in less safe areas and that Afghans in villages perceived themselves as safer than in urban areas, relative to their own immediate region. Those perceiving themselves as being safer were older, more highly educated, and widowed respondents. Overall, Afghans perceived the police facilities as institutional symbol for promoting improvements and opportunities for fulfilling basic human safety needs.

Do single people want to date a cancer survivor? A vignette study.

ObjectiveQualitative studies indicated that cancer survivors may be worried about finding a partner in the future, but whether this concern is warranted is unknown. We examined single people´s interest in dating a cancer survivor, how they perceive survivors’ traits, and their preferences about the timing of disclosing a cancer history.MethodsIn three experimental vignette studies, dating website members (n = 324) and college students (n = 138 and n = 131) were randomly assigned to a vignette of a person with or without a history of cancer (experiment 1 & 2), or a cancer survivor beyond or during active follow-up (experiment 3). Respondents rated their interest in dating this fictive person, this person’s traits, and indicated their preferences about the timing of disclosure. ANOVAs with main and interaction effects of condition, gender, and relationship history were conducted, partial eta squared and Cohen’s d were used to estimate the magnitude of effects. Correlations were used to investigate relationships between interest in a date and assessment of traits.ResultsCancer survivors’ traits were assessed more positively, but interest to date them did not differ from healthy vignettes for both men and women. However, widowed respondents were much less interested in a date with a cancer survivor, and women showed less interest in a cancer survivor during active follow-up relative to survivors beyond follow-up. Most respondents wanted to hear about the cancer diagnosis after a few dates, hardly anyone wanted to hear about this before the first date (2% - 5%).Conclusion and implications for cancer survivorsCancer survivors do not have to expect any more problems in finding a date than people without a cancer history, and can wait a few dates before disclosing. Survivors dating widowed people and survivors in active follow-up could expect more hesitant reactions and should disclose earlier.

Assessing the Everyday Discrimination Scale among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) has been used widely as a measure of subjective experiences of discrimination. The usefulness of this measure for assessments of perceived experiences of discrimination by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples has not been explored. Data derived from the Special Diabetes Program for Indians--Healthy Heart Demonstration Project (SDPI-HH), a large-scale initiative to reduce cardiovascular risk among AI/ANs with Type 2 diabetes. Participants (N = 3,039) completed a self-report survey that included the EDS and measures of convergent and divergent validity. Missing data were estimated by multiple imputation techniques. Reliability estimates for the EDS were calculated, yielding a single factor with high internal consistency (α = .92). Younger, more educated respondents reported greater perceived discrimination; retired or widowed respondents reported less. Convergent validity was evidenced by levels of distress, anger, and hostility, which increased as the level of perceived discrimination increased (all p < .001). Divergent validity was evidenced by the absence of an association between EDS and resilient coping. Resilient coping and insulin-specific diabetes knowledge were not significantly associated with perceived discrimination (p = .61 and 0.16, respectively). However, general diabetes-related health knowledge was significantly associated with perceived discrimination (p = .02). The EDS is a promising measure for assessing perceived experiences of discrimination among those AI/ANs who participated in the SDPI-HH.

Sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu gyvenimo kokybės analizė

Krūties vėžys – dažniausia moterų onkologinė liga, kuri sudaro apie 32 proc. moterų piktybinių navikų. Susirgus krūties vėžiu blogėja ne tik moters bendra sveikata, bet ir gyvenimo kokybė. Todėl ši tema nepraranda savo aktualumo, kadangi didelis dėmesys turi būti skiriamas sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu gyvenimo kokybės gerinimui. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu gyvenimo kokybę. Tyrimo metodika. Atliktas kiekybinis tyrimas. Naudoti instrumentai: anketinė apklausa, kuri sudaryta remiantis standartizuotomis anketomis EORTC QLQ – C30, EORTC QLQ – BR23 bei SF – 36 klausimynu. Taikyta aprašomoji duomenų analizė, naudojant MS Excel 2003 skaičiuoklę. Imtį sudarė – 59 pacientės. Tyrimas atliktas laikantis etikos principų. Tyrimo rezultatai. Nustatyta, kad moterys, sergančios krūties vėžiu, vertindamos savo bendrą gyvenimo kokybę, susijusią su fizine sveikata, labiausiai jautė laisvalaikio (41 proc.), darbo apribojimus dėl fizinių problemų (64 proc.), taip pat daugiausia buvo prastesnis savo sveikatos vertinimas (35 proc.). Atsižvelgiant į respondenčių išsilavinimą, savo sveikatą šiek tiek prasčiau vertino moterys, turinčios aukštesnįjį išsilavinimą. Analizuojant pooperacinio periodo ypatumus gyvenimo kokybei labiausiai moterims pasireiškė kosmetinio defekto sukelti neigiami jausmai (35 proc.), dėl kosmetinio defekto pakitęs gyvenimo būdas (59 proc.), moteriškumo sumažėjimas (24 proc.). Lyginant ištekėjusių ir išsiskyrusių/našlių respondenčių atsakymus į klausimą, ar dėl ligos ir gydymo yra bent kartą pasijutusios mažiau moteriškos, verta pažymėti, jog ištekėjusios moterys kur kas dažniau pasijusdavo mažiau moteriškos negu išsiskyrusios ar našlės. Sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu gyvenimo kokybei įtakos turėjo šie psichoemocinės būklės aspektai: atsiradęs nerimas, baimė dėl ligos atsinaujinimo ir išplitimo (78 proc.), depresija (56 proc.) nepilnavertiškumo jausmas (32 proc.), asmenybės (49 proc.) ir dvasinės būklės pokyčiai (47 proc). Išvada. Sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu gyvenimo kokybei įtakos turi fizinė, dvasinė sveikata, psichoemocinė būklė bei pooperacinis periodas. Todėl ypatingas dėmesys turi būti skiriamas gerinti moterų psichoemocinę būseną ir gyvenimo kokybę.

Sexual behaviors and associated factors among antiretroviral treatment attendees in Ethiopia.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome is one of the major public health problems throughout the world. Nowadays, antiretroviral treatment (ART) is available in health institutions and HIV-positive individuals who are eligible for ART are taking it. But studies show reinfection of HIV is occurring in them for unknown reasons.PurposeThis study aimed to assess risky sexual practice and associated factors among HIV-positive ART attendees.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was employed in ten randomly selected health centers in Addis Ababa, between October 05 and November 05, 2013. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 376 respondents for face-to-face interviews from ART registration book. After the data collection process, data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package. Then the effect of each variable was observed by regression analysis to identify the predictors for risky sexual practice at a significant level of P<0.05.ResultsA total of 376 respondents were included in the study, with 100% response rate. The mean age of the total respondents was 35.28±8.94 (standard deviation). Of the 376 respondents, 30.4% had a history of risky sexual practice, which was inconsistent condom use in the last 3 months prior to the study period. Factors associated with risky sexual practice included alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =2.01, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.77), being single (AOR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.59) and widowed (AOR =0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.77) respondents, and the gender of the respondents, with an AOR of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.33), shows a significant relationship with risky sexual behavior.ConclusionGenerally, a significant number (30%) of the respondents engaged in risky sexual behavior; so health providers should encourage, support, and allow clients to effectively use condoms during their sexual practice.

Social relationships and health related behaviors among older US adults.

BackgroundHealth behaviors are a key determinant of health and well-being that are influenced by the nature of the social environment. This study examined associations between social relationships and health-related behaviors among a nationally representative sample of older people.MethodsWe analyzed data from three waves (1999–2004) of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants were 4,014 older Americans aged 60 and over. Log-binomial regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) for the associations between social relationships and each of the following health behaviors: alcohol use, smoking, physical activity and dental attendance.ResultsHealth-compromising behaviors (smoking, heavy drinking and less frequent dental visits) were related to marital status, while physical activity, a health-promoting behavior, was associated with the size of friendship networks. Smoking was more common among divorced/separated (PR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.7) and widowed (PR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.3) respondents than among those married or cohabiting, after adjusting for socio-demographic background. Heavy drinking was 2.6 times more common among divorced/separated and 1.7 times more common among widowed men compared to married/cohabiting men, while there was no such association among women. For women, heavy drinking was associated with being single (PR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.9). Being widowed was related to a lower prevalence of having visited a dentist compared to being married or living with a partner (PR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.86, 0.99). Those with a larger circle of friends were more likely to be physically active (PR = 1.17; 95% CI:1.06, 1.28 for 5–8 versus less than 5 friends).ConclusionsSocial relationships of older Americans were independently associated with different health-related behaviors, even after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic determinants. Availability of emotional support did not however mediate these associations. More research is needed to assess if strengthening social relationships would have a significant impact on older people’s health behaviors and ultimately improve their health.

Determinants of Seeking Financial Advice Among Older Adults

Using the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD), this study presents the first longitudinal results analyzing factors among older adults associated with beginning and discontinuing the use of a financial advisor. Getting a financial advisor was positively associated with becoming a widow(er), asking family members for assistance with financial decisions, and initially seeing a doctor for help with emotional problems. Among single and widowed respondents, experiencing significant cognitive decline increases the likelihood of getting a financial advisor. Increases in income and net worth were also positively related getting a financial advisor. Dropping a financial advisor was negatively associated with becoming a new widow(er), getting married, and experiencing an increase in net worth. No longer involving family members in financial decisions was strongly related to dropping a financial advisor. Implications for practice are discussed.

Alcohol consumption in Estonia and Finland: Finbalt survey 1994-2006

BackgroundAlcohol consumption has been regarded as an important contributor to the high premature mortality rates. The objective of this paper was to provide an overview and comparison of alcohol consumption and its socio-demographic determinants among adults in Estonia and Finland.MethodsThe study was based on a 25-64-year-old subsample of nationally representative postal cross-sectional surveys conducted in Estonia (n = 10,340) and Finland (n = 19,672) during 1994-2006. Abstinence, frequency, and the amount of alcohol consumed were examined. Logistic regression models were used to test the socio-demographic differences in alcohol consumption at least once a week. The effect of socio-demographic factors on pure alcohol consumed per week was calculated using linear regression.ResultsThe proportion of abstainers was 1.5 times higher among women than men in both countries. Throughout the study period, the amount of alcohol consumed per week increased for both genders in Estonia and for women in Finland, but was stable for men in Finland. In the final study year, medium risk amount of alcohol consumed per week was nearly 1.5 times higher among men in Estonia than in Finland, but about half that among women in Estonia than in Finland. Compared to ethnic majority in Estonia, alcohol consumption at least once a week was lower among men, but amount of pure alcohol drunk per week was higher among women of ethnic minority. In Finland, alcohol consumption at least once a week was more prevalent among women of ethnic minority, but the amount of pure alcohol drunk per week was lower for both gender groups of ethnic minority. Compared to married/cohabiting respondents, alcohol consumption at least once a week was less pronounced among single respondents in Finland, divorced or separated women in both countries, and widowed respondents in Estonia. Greater amount of alcohol consumed per week was more prevalent among single and divorced or separated respondents in Finland, but only among divorced or separated men in Estonia. Frequency of alcohol consumption was lower among less educated than higher educated respondents in Finland, but not in Estonia. The amount of consumed alcohol per week was higher among less educated men in Estonia, but lower among women with basic education in Finland.ConclusionsAlcohol consumption has increased in Estonia and Finland. National alcohol policies should reflect findings of alcohol epidemiology in order to introduce measures that will reduce alcohol related harm in the population effectively.

The Social Epidemiology of Affective and Anxiety Disorders in Later Life in Canada

To examine the association between markers of social position and psychiatric disorder among older adults, and test whether social support mediates the association between social position and psychiatric disorder in this population. We used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being to examine the social patterning of disorder. Using a series of logistic regression analyses, we regressed indicators of mood, anxiety, and any disorder on markers of social position and social support. A negative association between age and disorder was evident across all models, and the likelihood of reporting disorder was elevated among separated-divorced and widowed respondents relative to their married counterparts. Social support was statistically significant in all models, and mediated a considerable amount of the effect of marital status on disorder. Many of the markers of social position associated with disorder among younger adults continue to be important predictors among older adults, and these variables are mediated to varying degrees by social support. The results support the general notion that social circumstances are important to psychological well-being. We discuss potential explanations for findings related to sex, age, marital status, and education as predictors of disorder in later life.

Prayer and Depressive Symptoms in a Period of Secularization: Patterns Among Older Adults in The Netherlands

Prayer is generally recognized as an important aspect of religiousness. Relatively few empiric studies examined the relation between prayer and depressive symptoms in later life, and findings so far are mixed. Respondents, aged 60-91 years, participated in the third (N = 1,702) and fourth (N = 1,346) assessment cycles, with three-year intervals, of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Data were collected on frequency of prayer, perceived meaningfulness of prayer, religious affiliation, church attendance, salience of religion, demographics, and health variables. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. In the total sample, there was no significant association between frequency of prayer and depressive symptoms. Among those who were not religiously affiliated, prayer was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. The results were particularly pronounced among nonaffiliated widowed respondents; odds ratio for praying daily associated with having Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale scores of 16 and higher amounted to 3.59 (99% confidence interval: 1.01-11.79). At three-year follow up, prayer did not predict change of depressive symptoms. As secularization in Western Europe progresses, the current results suggest that clinical exploration of private religiousness among older patients remains relevant, also among people who seem to be less religious.

Panic disorder in later life: results from a national survey of Canadians

At present, our understanding of the risk markers associated with panic disorder among older, community dwelling older adults is limited. To address this gap, we examined the prevalence, risk markers, and comorbidity of panic disorder defined using DSM-IV criteria among older adults. Using data drawn from a large, nationally representative sample of Canadians, we estimated lifetime and 12-month prevalence of panic disorder, and examined demographic predictors and patterns of comorbidity of current panic disorder in adults aged 55 years and older (n = 12,792). The 12-month and lifetime prevalence estimates of panic disorder in this sample were 0.82% and 2.45% respectively, and one-fifth of these cases reported a first onset after the age of 55 years. In multivariate models, the risk of panic disorder decreased with older age and was significantly lower among widowed respondents. Physical limitations in daily activities as well as the presence of other psychiatric disorders (major depression, and social phobia) were also significantly associated with panic disorder in this sample. Consistent with previous research on panic disorder, the prevalence of the disorder decreased with age among older adults. Potential explanations for the age effect and the clinical implications of the mental health comorbidities with panic disorder are discussed.