ABSTRACT
Background: In response to the limitations on fieldwork imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we describe and assess a remote method for documenting plant-related knowledge, using smartphones that requires no in-person interaction between an on-site Indigenous community and off-site researchers. Methods: The on-site team identified the Indigenous taxa, created equivalents of photo vouchers, and recorded their names and uses as voice messages using a smartphone, thereby learning about plants from one another. They then sent the data using WhatsApp messages to the off-site team, who identified the botanical names of the taxa, and analyzed the plant-related knowledge. Results: We assess the remote, collaborative, and transdisciplinary quality of the method, factoring in communication, audiovisual documentation, species identification, knowledge exchange, logistics, and ethics. Despite the problems we experienced with identifying taxa growing in high forest and translation issues that complicated the documentation of plant uses, the method was on the whole a success. It allowed the on-site team to activate their passive knowledge of their language and share their knowledge with their relatives. The off-site team identified 57% of the recorded 54 taxa to species level and documented their names and uses as primary audio data, which keep on enhancing the quality of the documentation. Conclusions: Smartphones can be used as research tools during periods of restricted physical access, but also to extend research beyond the fleeting field visits and to elevate the empirical standard of ethnobotany when it comes to language data. We see such remote research solutions not as replacements for in-person collaborations, but as valid and dynamically evolving research methods in their own right. © 2023, Ilia State University, Institute of Botany, Department of Ethnobotany. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Compared to their non-caregiving peers, caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) endure higher psychological distress, social isolation and increased morbidity and disability. Stress and isolation experienced by caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic have added to caregiver burden and worsened health. The objective of this study was to obtain a greater understanding of the health and needs of informal caregivers of PWD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): Using a cross-sectional questionnaire, we attained demographic data, characteristics of caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health status, COVID-19 testing and illness, and protective measures taken to prevent infection with COVID-19 among caregivers of PWD. From March 2021 to August 2021, respondents were recruited through the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity's Alzheimer's disease (AD) registry. Descriptive statistics (frequency and proportions) of demographic, caregiving, health, and COVID-19 related data for caregivers of PWD was conducted using SAS software version 9.4. Result(s): A total of 274 caregivers of PWD participated in the study. More than half of caregivers were women (56.57%), and approximately 73% of caregivers were married. The racial composition of the majority of caregivers included African American (44.16%), Non-Hispanic White (26.64%), and Native American (20.44%). Most caregivers were providing care for parents (59.86%) or a partner (21.17%). Nearly 46% of caregivers reported experiencing stress, but not being burnt out. Almost 47% of caregivers reported high psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to caregiving stressors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers also experienced behavioral changes in their household;more than half of caregivers experienced increased interpersonal conflict with loved ones, friends, or co-workers. The top 3 needs reported during the COVID-19 pandemic included support with caregiving, medical care, and food. Conclusion(s): Approximately half of caregivers of PWD experienced stress and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the stress of caregiving, caregivers lacked support for necessary medical services and social needs. The data collected from caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic will be used to develop recommendations to support informal caregivers during emergency situations. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.
ABSTRACT
Community-based social models of care for seniors promote better outcomes in terms of quality of life, managing chronic illness and life expectancy than institutional care. However, small rural areas in high income countries face an ongoing crisis in coordinating care related to service mix, workforce and access. A scoping review was conducted to examine initiatives that promoted integrated models of multisectoral, collaborative aged care in rural settings which could help respond to this ongoing crisis and improve responses to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic database search, screening and a two-stage full text review was followed by a case study critical appraisal. A content analysis of extracted data from included papers was undertaken. Integrated care services, activities and facilities were identified that helped guide the review process and data synthesis. The three included case studies all emphasized key principles that crucially underpinned the models related to collaboration, cooperation and innovation. Challenges to effective care included fiscal and structural constraints, with underlying social determinant impacts. Based on these findings, we describe the genesis of a “toolkit” with components of integrated models of care. Effective care requires aging to be addressed as a complex, interconnected social issue rather than solely a health problem. It demands a series of coordinated system-based responses that consider the complex and heterogeneous contexts (and needs) of communities. Such models are underpinned by leadership and political will, working with a wide breadth of stakeholders across family, community and clinical domains in private and public sectors. Copyright © 2022 Vaughan, Carson, Preston, Mude and Holt.