RESUMO
This exploratory study assessed the belief system regarding alcohol use in a non-clinical population of Mexican American women age 55 and older drawn from a potential population of 1,000 older adults who attend nine senior centers. The overriding research question was: What are the normative attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding alcohol in this population of older Mexican American women? Findings from this study can serve as a baseline for comparison for future studies of older Mexican American who are more acculturated or who are second- and third-generation Mexican Americans.
Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde/etnologia , Americanos Mexicanos/estatística & dados numéricos , Idoso , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/etnologia , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/psicologia , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Coleta de Dados , Feminino , Serviços de Saúde para Idosos , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse continue to cause major threats to the physiological, psychological, sociological and spiritual health of the nation. According to recent statistics, over 80% of the illegal drugs used by youth, both male and female, is marijuana, with cocaine, opium and their derivatives comprising at least 15% of the drugs used by youth. When considering the ill effects of drug abuse, it is the legal one, alcohol that is responsible for the greatest impact on society. While it remains imperative that allied health professionals understand the many ramifications of substance abuse, it is also critical that leaders of faith communities have the knowledge and skills to meet this challenge competently. Due to the relevance of ministries as a possible resource, the focus of this exploratory study is to assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes of clergy about substance use and abuse and to determine their confidence of clergy in assisting their congregation with need related to this area.
Assuntos
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool/prevenção & controle , Clero/estatística & dados numéricos , Educação em Saúde/métodos , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Assistência Religiosa/métodos , Religião e Psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/prevenção & controle , Feminino , Humanos , Relações Interpessoais , Masculino , Abuso de Maconha/prevenção & controle , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Espiritualidade , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The role of the minister or pastor is pivotal in the development and operation of church-based services and programs and in the delivery of services. They can initiate changes and can equip the officers and members so that families troubled by substance abuse issues can find a climate of acceptance, understanding, and recovery in the local congregation. They can also serve as a referral source to members of the mental health professionals for assistance with alcohol and other substance abuse problems. For our purposes in this article, the term "clergy" refers to congregational and parish clergy. The focus of this discussion pertains to the role of clergy in providing assistance for members of their congregations with substance abuse problems. Implications and recommendations for collaborations and specific resources are also included that may increase the awareness of those issues and to increase effectiveness of service to those needing it.
