Suchergebnisse

Intro -- Acknowledgements -- Contents -- Notes on Contributors -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- Part I: Risk Factors, Impact on Health, and Challenges -- Chapter 1: Introductory Chapter -- Aims and Scope of the Book -- Sections of the Book -- Stigmatizing Words to Avoid, Words to Use, and Definitions -- References -- Chapter 2: Aetiology and Early Developmental Influences on Substance Use Disorders -- Early Models that Explain SUDs -- The Brain Disease Model of SUDs -- The Moral Model of SUDs -- The Social Learning Theory of SUDs -- Recent Models that Explain SUDs -- The Biopsychosocial Perspectives of SUDs -- Role of Neurobiological Factors and Genetics in the Development of SUDs -- Role of Child Neglect and Maltreatment in the Development of SUDs -- Role of Parental and/or Caregiver Substance Use on SUDs Development -- Role of Psychological Factors in the Development of SUDs -- Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 3: Alcohol Use in Sub-Saharan Africa -- Introduction -- Social Factors Leading to Substance Use Including Alcohol -- Psychological Factors Leading to Substance Use Including Alcohol -- Biological Factors Leading to Substance Use Including Alcohol -- Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder -- Epidemiology of Alcohol Use Disorder -- Alcohol and Youth -- Harmful Consequences of Alcohol Misuse -- Alcohol and HIV -- Social Complications -- Mental Health Complications -- The Concept of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) -- Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder -- Brief Interventions -- Psychological and Pharmacological Interventions -- Management of Alcohol Withdrawal -- Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 4: Alcohol Policies and the Marketing Strategies of the Alcohol Industry -- Introduction -- National Alcohol Control Policies -- Price and Tax Policies -- Policies on Physical Availability -- Policies to Reduce Drinking and Driving.

Children living in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries face a plethora of challenges that require adaptation and resilience for them to develop typically. The experiences of epidemics, armed conflicts, and many other man-made and natural disasters create abject poverty and psychological issues: the vulnerable children become orphans and/or refugees in addition to premature deaths because they lack safety nets. This article explores the role of faith (i.e., religion or spirituality) as a source of resilience with regard to chronic stressful life events experienced by children. There is need to establish the role of faith in children's lives because of the different types of adverse events that impact child development. African countries are inundated by many hazards that impact children more than any other age group and this trend requires urgent intervention by all stakeholders. At research level, there is need to conduct studies that explore, over prolonged periods of time, the processes and role of spirituality/religion (S/R) in facilitating or inhibiting children's adjustment to traumatic experiences. Additionally, at policy level, there is need for governments in SSA to implement policies, intervene and protect children; in addition to encouraging collaboration among the religious fraternity, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to make the world a better place for children.

This article discusses social determinants of health that influence quality of life (QOL) of older people in Botswana and suggests appropriate interventions. A cross-sectional study stratified by district was used to collect information on the elderly (N = 378). Data were collected from: demographics, individual factors (e.g., self-esteem), health-related factors (e.g., self-perceived health), clinical variables (e.g., social dysfunction), environmental assets (e.g., leisure) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The analyses showed that income earned, self-efficacy and self-esteem, access to health services, self-perceived health, and chronic disease condition were associated with QOL. Social dysfunction and environmental assets (leisure, secure and healthy physical environments) were also significantly associated with QOL The results confirm that QOL is compromised by specific key factors. Thus, eradicating poverty, provision of services and a comfortable environment, promoting positive emotions (e.g., self-efficacy), and changing perceptions about self-rated health and self-rated QOL may enhance QOL among older people. The study has implications for policy, practice and further research.

The precarious rights of senior citizens, especially those who are highly educated and who are expected to counsel and guide the younger generations, has stimulated the creation internationally of advocacy associations and opinion leader groups. The strength of these groups, however, varies from country to country. In some countries, they are supported and are the focus of intense interest; in others, they are practically ignored. For this is reason we believe that the creation of a network of all these associations is essential. The proposed network would act as a support for the already-existing policies of the United Nations' High Commission for Human Rights, of independent experts, and of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People. All three have long ago recommended the creation of a recognized instrument for uniting presently scattered efforts. The proposed network, therefore, will seek to promote the international exchange of relevant expertise, and it will reinforce the commitments and actions that single countries are currently taking to meet these objectives. For example, informative public events can be organised to promote particular support initiatives and to provide an opportunity for new members of the network to be presented. The network will promote health for senior citizens, disease prevention, senior mobility, safe free time for seniors, alimentary education, protection against new risks and dangers, as well as equity in the services necessary for seniors to adopt new information and communication technologies. In the case of retired academic members, the network will promote equality with respect to continuing use of digital technologies (particularly email), continuing access to research libraries, and the guaranteed ability for seniors to fund their own research programs and to deliver free seminars.