Aligning Perspectives of Subjective Well-Being: Comparing Spouse and Colleague Perceptions of Social Worker Happiness

Social workers experience higher rates of burnout and attrition when compared to other health related occupational groups. Previous research on the well being of social workers has tended to focus on the social workers themselves. But the development of well-being is dynamic and is fostered through relationships and interactions with others. In the case of social workers, these relationships include workplace, professional, and personal life interactions. This research sought to better understand the level of congruence between a social worker’s perspective of well-being and perspectives held by significant people in their workplace and at home. Utilizing qualitative methods we interviewed colleagues and spouses (n=10) of social workers that were found to have high levels of work-related subjective well-being. The findings support previous conclusions on the positive subjective well-being (SWB) of practicing social workers, but also indicate a lack of a deeper understanding of the nuances that contribute to social worker SWB. These findings are particularly useful for social workers trying to enhance their SWB, and have direct applicability in education and professional development settings that seek to enhance social worker self-care

The Connection between Professional Sporting Events, Holidays and Domestic Violence in Calgary, Alberta

There are some days in Calgary, Alta when domestic violence is more likely to happen than other days. There is a statistically significant connection between higher rates of domestic violence and certain Calgary Stampeders’ football games as well as the arrival of the Calgary Stampede. During the 10-day-long Calgary Stampede, domestic violence calls on the seventh, ninth and tenth day of Stampede, were up 15 per cent compared to an average day. Weekends and summer months were also generally associated with the highest rates of domestic violence reports in Calgary. When it came to Calgary Stampeders’ football games, calls were higher only when the Stampeders faced off against the rival Edmonton Eskimos – with a 15 per cent increase in domestic violence reports. Grey Cup games in which Calgary played were associated with a 40 per cent increase in reports of domestic violence. However, games played by the Calgary Flames seemed to have no relationship to domestic violence calls, even those against the rival Edmonton team. Also, New Year’s Day appears to be associated with a significant spike in domestic violence, going by a four-year count of phone calls reporting domestic violence to both police and a local help line for those experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. There are also increases in calls associated with Good Friday, Easter, Canada Day, Labour Day, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Meanwhile, the 2013 catastrophic floods in Calgary resulted in an increase in reports of domestic violence to police and the Connect help line, averaging an additional 6.6 reported incidents of domestic violence per day during the flood, 14 per cent higher than average. A correlation was also found in Calgary between the fall in oil prices and the rise in calls, with every US$10 fall in the price of West Texas Intermediate resulting in an extra call for help every two days. Since reducing domestic violence requires recognizing possible contributing factors and finding ways to counteract their effect, identifying these correlates is the first step to prevention. New places to look, based on these results, are highly charged Stampeder football games, the Calgary Stampede, weekends, summer months and certain holidays. Based on the study results, the authors recommend increasing publically funded childcare and affordable family outings; working with sporting organizations to better educate and support gender equity, healthy relationship skills and bystander skills; increasing training in social and emotional learning for parents and families; and conducting further research on the role of alcohol in domestic violence

АНАЛИЗ ПСИХОЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНОГО СТАТУСА ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПОЖИЛОГО ВОЗРАСТА С ГИПЕРТОНИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ, ПЕРЕНЕСШИХ НОВУЮ КОРОНАВИРУСНУЮ ИНФЕКЦИЮ (СOVID-19)

HighlightsThe study of severity of psychological and emotional disorders in hypertensive patients with comorbidity who suffered COVID-19, as well as their association with clinical and laboratory indicators reflecting the course of diseases, is of high interest in the current epidemiological situation. Patients with hypertension who suffered COVID-19 presented with mild dementia and geriatric depression. Significant associations between systolic blood pressure and lung damage, between diastolic blood pressure and the average score on the geriatric depression scale, and lung damage were revealed. AbstractBackground. Modern studies have highlighted a more severe course of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in elderly patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease. The basis of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is cerebrovascular ischemia, which arose as a result of coagulopathy with an increased risk of thrombotic complications, the clinical reflection of which is the development of mental and emotional disorders as a part of the post-covid syndrome.Aim. To analyze the severity of psychological and emotional disorders in hypertensive patients with comorbidity who suffered COVID-19.Methods. The study included 40 patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and comorbid pathology, aged 60 to 90 years. Taking into account the lung damage due to COVID-19, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the group 1 included 17 AH patients with lung damage of grade 1–2 according to computed tomography, and the group 2 included 13 AH patients with grade 3 lung damage. The control group consisted of 10 AH patients who did not suffer COVID-19. The Statistica 6.0 program was used for statistical processing of the data.Results. According to our data, patients in the group 2 suffered a more severe clinical course of COVID-19, the number of AH patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) in the group 2 was higher (85%) compared with the group 1 (47%), (p = 0.009). In the post-covid period, AH patients in the group 2 who suffered COVID-19 and had grade 3 lung damage presented with mild dementia and geriatric depression. AH patients in the group 1 with grade 1-2 lung damage presented with mild cognitive impairment (cognitive impairment no dementia) in the post-covid period. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between the score on the geriatric depression scale and the duration of fever and oxygen support. Moreover, the results of the analysis indicate a moderately negative correlation between the score on the geriatric depression scale and the minimum oxygen saturation, hemoglobin and leukocyte levels, a moderately negative correlation between MMSE scores and myalgia, and a moderate negative relationship between the scores on the geriatric depression scale and MMSE scale.Conclusion. The results obtained confirm the data on the development of mental health disorders in short and long-term periods after COVID-19.Основные положенияВ условиях текущей эпидемиологической ситуации значительный научный интерес представляет изучение выраженности психоэмоциональных нарушений у коморбидных больных гипертонической болезнью, перенесших COVID-19, и их взаимосвязи с клинико-лабораторными показателями, характеризующими течение заболеваний. У пациентов с гипертонической болезнью, перенесших COVID-19, выявлены деменция легкой степени выраженности и вероятная гериатрическая депрессия. Зафиксированы достоверные корреляционные связи между уровнем систолического артериального давления и стадией КТ-поражения легких, между уровнем диастолического артериального давления и средним баллом по гериатрической шкале депрессии, стадией КТ-поражения легких. Аннотация.Актуальность. Данные современных исследований продемонстрировали более тяжелое течение новой коронавирусной инфекции (COVID-19) у больных пожилого возраста, имеющих в анамнезе артериальную гипертензию, сахарный диабет и цереброваскулярную болезнь. Основой патогенеза действия COVID-19 является цереброваскулярная ишемия, возникающая в результате коагулопатии с повышенным риском тромботических осложнений, клиническим отражением которой служит формирование психических и эмоциональных нарушений в рамках постковидного синдрома.Цель исследования. Изучение выраженности психоэмоциональных нарушений у коморбидных пожилых пациентов с гипертонической болезнью (ГБ), перенесших СOVID-19.Материалы и методы. Обследовано 40 больных ГБ в возрасте от 60 до 90 лет с коморбидной патологией. С учетом стадии КТ-поражения легких в результате COVID-19 пациенты разделены на две группы: первая группа – 17 больных ГБ с 1–2-й стадией поражения легких по данным КТ, вторая группа – 13 больных ГБ с 3-стадией по данным КТ. Группа контроля состояла из 10 пациентов с ГБ, не болевших COVID-19. Для выявления депрессии использовали гериатрическую шкалу депрессии. Для определения и оценки тяжести когнитивных нарушений применяли краткую шкалу оценки психического статуса (MMSE).Результаты. COVID-19 протекала тяжелее у больных второй группы, в которой число пациентов, принимавших ингибиторы ангиотензинпревращающего фермента, было выше по сравнению с первой группой – 85 против 47% соответственно (p = 0,009). В постковидном периоде у больных второй группы, перенесших COVID-19 с 3-й стадией КТ-поражения легких, выявлены деменция легкой степени выраженности и вероятная гериатрическая депрессия. В постковидном периоде у больных первой группы, со стадией КТ-поражения легких 1–2, зарегистрированы недементные когнитивные нарушения. Выявлены достоверные корреляционные связи между суммой баллов по гериатрической шкале депрессии и длительностью лихорадки, наличием кислородной поддержки. Корреляционная взаимосвязь суммы баллов по гериатрической шкале депрессии и минимальной сатурации кислорода, уровня гемоглобина и лейкоцитов была умеренной отрицательной. Также обнаружена умеренная отрицательная взаимосвязь суммы баллов по шкале MMSE и миалгии. Корреляционный анализ продемонстрировал умеренную отрицательную связь между суммой баллов по гериатрической шкале депрессии и шкале MMSE.Заключение. Полученные результаты подтверждают данные литературы о развитии когнитивных и психоэмоциональных расстройств в раннем и отсроченном периодах COVID-19

A clinical case of post-COVID-19 myoendocarditis and arrhythmic syndrome at the outpatient stage

Background: Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus entails the development of complications which affect the prognosis of the underlying disease. More than 40% of COVID-19 complications represent diseases of the cardiovascular system, most of which are the rhythm and conduction disturbances. In order to avoid these complications, it is necessary to detect cases of infection in a timely manner at the outpatient stage. Clinical case description: A 40-year-old patient came to the clinic with complaints of interruptions in the heart rhythm that appeared after the coronavirus infection. The laboratory examination (CBC) revealed signs of systemic inflammation (leukocytosis 12.6×109 U/l; erythrocyte sedimentation rate 18 mm/h, C-reactive protein 18 mg/l); the instrumental examination of the heart revealed the rhythm disturbances in the form of frequent ventricular ectopic activity and weakness of the SA node. The patient received propafenone (150 mg, 3 times a day) as a therapy with a positive effect. Against the background of improvement in the patient’s condition and despite the history of myocarditis and a positive result of enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (IgG, 10 BAU/ml), the patient was prescribed immunization with the CoviVac vaccine. After the immunization, the condition worsening was observed in the form of an increase in the rhythm disturbances, which required an inpatient treatment. A clinical diagnosis of recurrent ventricular arrhythmia — ventricular extrasystole was established, and the therapy was corrected. The outcome was favorable. Conclusion: Myocarditis is one of the most common complications of SARS-CoV-2 and should be kept in mind at all stages of medical care. This clinical case demonstrates the importance of the correct diagnosis and treatment of post-COVID myocarditis, as well as the need to assess contraindications for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cardiac complications

Canadian Scan on Domestic Violence Prevention Policies at the Municipal Level

The purpose of this project is to conduct a preliminary national scan of municipal websites to identify council adopted policies, plans, frameworks, strategies or initiatives that focus on preventing domestic violence and/or sexual violence (referred to as “policies” in this report)

The Role of Alcohol Outlet Density in Reducing Domestic Violence in Alberta

In this paper, we examine the relationship between alcohol use and domestic violence, and explore whether policy changes - in particular the regulation of liquor store density - can be effective in preventing and reducing domestic violence. This paper outlines a rationale for implementing liquor outlet density controls in Alberta and offers examples of effective research, policy and enforcement strategies from other jurisdictions. It concludes with a list of ways that municipalities in Alberta could take action.YesShift would like to express our gratitude to the peer review panel for their insights in helping strengthen this report. Thank you to Dr. Christine Walsh, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary and Dr. John Winterdyk, Professor, Department of Justice Studies, Mount Royal University

A summary of the public’s perceptions of domestic and sexual violence in Alberta

As part of Shift’s collaboration with IMPACT (a provincial collective impact initiative to eradicate domestic and sexual violence in Alberta), a series of papers and training modules are being developed to help build an evidence-informed primary prevention framework in Alberta. This particular report was focused on helping members of IMPACT better understand existing public perceptions on the issues of domestic violence and sexual violence in Alberta. A presentation of the findings was also developed and shared with IMPACT members. Findings from this review suggest that there are many gaps in Albertans’ perceptions about domestic and sexual violence, particularly among Albertan men. Segmented and targeted campaigns are needed to support more Albertans to understand gender equality and behave in ways that reinforce this understanding in communities, workplaces, and homes

Supporting the Supporters - How friends and families can help to prevent domestic violence

This paper is the first in a series examining effective societal responses to prevent domestic violence. The paper challenges the belief that domestic violence is a private matter between two people and argues that, as a result of that long-held belief, we are ignoring one of the most under-utilized prevention strategies: informal networks. While formal services and supports are critical, research shows that informal networks – including friends and family – play a pivotal role in preventing domestic violence. This issue brief explores the value of informal networks in victims’ lives, how to support those networks to respond to the needs of the victim, the perceived reluctance of many friends and family to intervene in what is often viewed as a private matter, and how organizations that specialize in domestic violence can start to build customized education programs and supports geared toward friends and families, as well as the general public. Considerations outlined in the paper focus on what domestic violence service providers and government can do, suggesting strategies to better support informal networks through intervention and primary prevention activities.YesThe authors would like to thank HomeFront for the funding of this report. For more information on HomeFront, please visit www.homefrontcalgary.com. We would also like to thank Kevin McNichol from HomeFront, Lisa Falkowsky and Lissa Samantaraya-Shivji of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, and Andrea Silverstone from Peer Support, for their feedback and guidance on earlier drafts

A Case and Recommendations for Building Punjabi Community Health Services in Calgary, Alberta

A small steering committee of individuals (see Appendix 1) in Calgary is interested in exploring the feasibility of a community-service organization that would target South Asian communities. Coupled with interest from the Minister of Human Services, the Honorable Manmeet Bhullar, this group is interested in understanding the best practices of the Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) organization based in Toronto, Ontario, which delivers a comprehensive service delivery model. This model, developed by PCHS-Toronto, implements culturally appropriate interventions in the South Asian communities in the areas of addictions, mental health, aging, health promotion, domestic violence, and parenting (Punjabi Community Health Services, 2010). PCHS started in 1990 by delivering one service – a support service for men with addiction problems – and continued to build its service model by including research and community-level assessments.Today, the organization delivers 24 programs, to various South Asian communities, including public events, educational workshops, and cultural competency training. Shift is interested in supporting community organizations in their pursuit to prevent domestic violence in their communities. This report will support the Calgary committee to understand the essential components of PCHS-Toronto that are required to build a similar organization in Calgary. The model proposed in this report draws on PCHS-Toronto, but does not attempt to replicate it in its entirety because any organization in Calgary needs to be sensitive to, and borne of, the Calgary context.NoThe Calgary Foundatio

Supporting the Supporters to Prevent Domestic Violence Initiative: Exploring the Role of Informal Supports in Preventing Domestic Violence in Calgary and Area

This paper describes the Supporting the Supporters Research initiative that aimed to understand: 1) the value of informal supports in the lives of those dealing with domestic violence, 2) how best to support informal supports to effectively respond to the needs of the victim, 3) the service provider perspective on the perceived reluctance of friends and families to intervene, 4) the services already being offered to informal supports in Calgary, and 5) how organizations that specialize in domestic violence in Calgary can start to build customized education programs and supports that are geared towards informal supports including the general public to prevent domestic violence. Implications for the service delivery context in Calgary and area.YesIn 2012, through the Calgary Domestic Violence Committee (CDVC), HomeFront contracted Elena Esina to conduct research on best and promising practices of an effective societal response to domestic violence. After reviewing the findings with members of CDVC, informal supports and their role in preventing domestic violence emerged as a key area of interest to the group. As a result, in 2013, Shift summarized the research in the issue brief “Supporting the Supporters: How friends and families can help to prevent domestic violence” and in 2014, applied for funding to Innoweave to start a Calgary project in partnership with CDVC. A working group was created and we would like to acknowledge the following members of CDVC (Andrea Silverstone, Brigitte Baradoy, Kim Ruse, Maggie MacKillop, and Kevin McNichol) for providing guidance and support throughout this initiative. We would also like to thank Innoweave for providing funds to support this research project