Social networking patterns/hazards among teenagers.

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have grown substantially, posing new hazards to teenagers. This study aimed to determine general patterns of Internet usage among Irish teenagers aged 11-16 years, and to identify potential hazards, including; bullying, inappropriate contact, overuse, addiction and invasion of users' privacy. A cross-sectional study design was employed to survey students at three Irish secondary schools, with a sample of 474 completing a questionnaire. 202 (44%) (n = 460) accessed the Internet using a shared home computer. Two hours or less were spent online daily by 285(62%), of whom 450 (98%) were unsupervised. 306 (72%) (n = 425) reported frequent usage of SNSs, 403 (95%) of whom were Facebook users. 42 (10%) males and 51 (12%) females experienced bullying online, while 114 (27%) reported inappropriate contact from others. Concerning overuse and the risk of addiction, 140 (33%) felt they accessed SNSs too often. These patterns among Irish teenagers suggest that SNS usage poses significant dangers, which are going largely unaddressed.

[Perception of stress by caregiving relatives of dementia patients]. / Belastungserleben pflegender Angehöriger von Demenzpatienten.

The increasing interest in research on burden and health risks of family caregivers was furthered by the increasing prevalence rate of dementias in the elderly and by the fact that 80-90% of the demented are cared for by near family members. The present paper presents some results of a study investigating stress-related symptoms of family caregivers. From a clinical perspective these results point to needed interventions for supporting the caregivers. Specific burden components, depression, and body complaints were assessed in n = 70 family caregivers of dementia patients. A substantial degree of social isolation, depressive disorders, and physical complaints could be found. The level of burden experienced was not directly related to severity of dementia and to impairment of the demented or to structural conditions of the care (degree and length of care). Differences were observed between spouse caregivers and other relatives; spouses suffer more psychosomatic complaints and depression.