Nicole Dubus

Self-Perception of When Old Age Begins for Cambodian Elders Living in the United States

ObjectiveTo deepen the understanding of the life course of refugees this study explores the question: when do Cambodian elders perceive the beginning of old age?MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 32 Cambodians, age range 53–82, who attended an elder day center in an urban setting in Massachusetts. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the participants primarily reported two determinants to defining when old age begins: 1) the body “has too many illnesses” due to harsh working conditions; and 2) social role transition into grandparent.DiscussionThis study extends research on cultural differences in aging, specifically identifying the cultural difference in the definition of when “old age” begins. Age is culturally derived and creates expectations for social roles, health, self-identity, and behavior. Understanding how refugees experience the cultural discrepancies in their expectations of aging can inform providers who serve this population.

Permission to be Authentic An Intervention for Postpartum Women

This is a qualitative study of postpartum women recipients of a home-visitation social support program. Recipients of the program have been identified by a health care professional as at risk for moderate postpartum mood disorder. Relational–cultural theory and social support theories provided a conceptual framework. Results indicated (a) new mothers feel isolated and guilt at not feeling happier and (b) that a relational component this study termed “permission to be authentic” appeared to be important. New mothers experience motherhood in a profoundly different context than mothers of other times. These findings may improve the training of providers and program development for postpartum women.

Using an Interpreter as Cofacilitator

This article describes an ongoing group for Cambodian refugee elder women. The group was facilitated by a White licensed clinical social worker who spoke only English and a bilingual, Cambodian interpreter. The interpreter interpreted for the members and the English speaking facilitator but also was a cofacilitator performing assessments of group dynamics, interventions, and actively facilitated alongside the licensed clinical social worker. This model is different than how interpreters are traditionally used. Challenges, strengths, and the dynamics of this model are discussed.

A Qualitative Study of Older Adults and Staff at an Adult Day Center in a Cambodian Community in the United States

Purpose: Adult day care programs in the United States are seeing an increase in culturally diverse patients. The purpose of this study was to better understand the subjective experiences of staff and Cambodian refugees attending an adult day center in the United States that provides services focused on the cultural needs of the older adults, such as Cambodian food, activities, and Cambodian staff. Design: This is a qualitative study using grounded theory to analyze 10 individual interviews from staff members and 80 individual interviews from participants who attend an adult day care program for Cambodians in a city in the northeast United States. Findings: Three primary themes emerged: The participants felt respected, there was a generational tension between the young staff and the participants, and the center acted as a cultural liaison between the medical providers and the participants.

Can the Council on Social Work Education Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards Be Exported to Cuba

The purpose of this article is to examine Cuba’s social work profession through the lens of the United States’ Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The examination, based on observations made during a research trip to Cuba, deepened our understanding of transcultural perceptions of social work, social problems, modes of practice, and standards of professional competence. We sought to answer the question: Can social workers from the United States export their values, ethics, lenses, and understanding of social problems to other countries? Implications of this examination and transcultural analysis are discussed.

Comparative View of Prenatal Care between the United States and Cuba: Lessons for the United States?

Infant mortality is an indication of a country’s health. The United States has struggled to lower its infant mortality rates. Cuba, a small island with notably fewer resources, has been successful in maintaining a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. The two neighboring countries vary greatly in political systems, economies, and available resources. How can the difference in mortality rate be explained? What can the United States learn from Cuba? This article explores these differences and provides suggestions for change within the United States’ system of health care.

The Interrelationship of the Origins and Present State of Social Work in the United States and Cuba: The Power of a Profession to Bridge Cultures

Comparative historical and contemporary approaches to social development in the United States and Cuba as facilitated by professional social workers in these two countries are described and analyzed in this article. Modern day Cuba’s focus on redistributive policies and a community-based social work practice approach to addressing critical social and economic issues are discussed in relation to policies that are said to respond to similar social and economic needs in the U.S. The very different strategic approaches to meeting these social and economic needs are also discussed. There is currently a greater emphasis on clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and groups in the United States. Access to quality health care is considered here along with the social work practice methods that are emphasized today in both countries. An analysis of past and contemporary social work intervention strategies in these societies may foretell the power of a profession to bridge cultures and social systems.

Decades after Resettlement Later Life Experiences of Aging Cambodian Refugees

This study proposes that the experiences of refugees vary across the life course, creating new challenges as refugees grow into old age decades after resettlement. Past posttraumatic stress symptoms may emerge as different symptoms years later, with social role changes within the family and stressors triggered by the social environment surrounding the refugees. After their initial entry into the country decades ago as survivors of political violence, they were provided some material and financial assistance from the federal and state government in the region they relocated. Years later, however, aging population of refugees face new issues that were not present when they first arrived in this country. Scars of earlier traumatic experiences embedded in their psyche resurface requiring therapeutic attention. Social service providers and health care clinicians need to be aware of these changes, as they strive to provide relevant care and services to such groups. Only then can they effectively help refugees and contribute toward their resettlement.