Tazuko Shibusawa

Predictors of condom use and HIV testing among midlife and older women seeking medical services.

Objectives: This study examines correlates and predictors of sexual HIV risk reported by a sample of midlife and older women (M age = 56.01 years, SD = 4.34). Methods: In sum, 1,280 participants were recruited from primary health clinics and a hospital emergency department. Results: Of those women in a heterosexual relationship (n = 623), 73% reported having vaginal sex in the past 6 months. Only 12% of these women reported always using a condom during vaginal sex; 45% reported having been tested for HIV. Logistic regression analyses revealed that condom use is associated with more education, being employed, living with a partner, and being HIV positive. HIV testing is associated with being younger, unemployed, and not living with a partner. Discussion: These results (a) demonstrate that midlife and older women are at risk for HIV/AIDS and (b) contribute to a growing understanding of the risk picture involved with such women.

The Impact of Acculturation and Acculturative Stress on Alcohol Use Across Asian Immigrant Subgroups

Acculturation and acculturative stress are examined as predictors of alcohol use among Asian immigrants, using the 2004 National Latino and Asian Americans Survey (NLAAS). Separate regression analyses were conducted for Chinese (n = 600), Filipino (n = 508), and Vietnamese (n = 520) immigrants. Alcohol use varied for the three groups. English proficiency was associated with drinking for all groups. Family conflict was associated with drinking for Chinese immigrants. General acculturative stress and discrimination were associated with drinking for Vietnamese immigrants. Results underscore acculturation and acculturative stress as being contributors to alcohol consumption, and the importance of considering the heterogeneity of Asian immigrants in research on their alcohol use. The studys limitations are noted.

Experiences of Aging Among Immigrants From India to the United States: Social Work Practice in a Global Context

The aging of immigrants is a critical component in the health dynamics of the nations aging population. To date, few studies have addressed within-group diversity and linked contemporary contexts of global connectedness with the aging experiences of older immigrants. This study aims to conceptually understand the diversity in aging dynamics within a specific immigrant group: Indian immigrants in New York City. The impact of globalization and transnational connection on aging experiences on 2 within groups—Indians who came to the United States at age of 65 or older (LLIs) and those who came at an early age (ELIs) are analyzed. Implications for social work practice, research and policy are discussed.

Trajectory of physical health, cognitive status, and psychological well-being among Chinese elderly

This study investigates the trajectory of various dimensions of health status among the Chinese elderly in their late years. We used growth-curve analyses on a subsample (n≈2000) of the elderly from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS) who had longitudinal information from 1998 to 2005. Analyses controlled for a large set of individual and family characteristics. Our findings indicate that elderly who had relatively advantaged childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and who regularly engaged in physical and/or leisure activities had significantly healthier well-being than their respective counterparts on all dimensions considered. In addition, regularly participating in physical and/or leisure activities was associated with slow deterioration of health well-being among the Chinese elderly. The results indicate the potential benefits of engaging in physical and/or leisure activities, and consequently, the importance of implementing programs that promote such activities among elders in China.

Age and HIV Sexual Risk among Women in Methadone Treatment

This study examines the relationship between age and HIV sexual risk behaviors among a random sample of 372 women in methadone treatment in New York City. Logistic regression results indicate that women of all ages are at risk for HIV through inconsistent condom use. Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV), alcohol use, and HIV-negative status are associated with inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex. Age (35–44), having a main sexual partner with an HIV risk factor, IPV, and alcohol use are associated with using crack or cocaine during sex. Similarly, age (35–44), having a main sexual partner with an HIV risk factor, IPV, and drug use are associated with consuming four or more drinks prior to sex. The findings highlight the importance of age-appropriate HIV prevention and intervention strategies, as well as the need to address intimate partner violence, mental health, polysubstance use, and relational factors associated with HIV sexual risk behaviors among women in methadone treatment.

Characteristics of Chinese and Korean Americans in Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders: Examining Heterogeneity Among Asian American Subgroups

This study examined characteristics between Chinese Americans and Korean Americans who received treatment for alcohol use problems, using case records of 103 Chinese Americans and 108 Korean Americans. Findings show that the majority of Chinese Americans and Korean Americans were referred for treatment by the legal system and denied having alcohol problems. Significant differences were found between the groups in income, education, and types and quantity of alcohol use. Participants from neither group attended Alcoholics Anonymous. The differences in characteristics between the two groups with underscore the importance of considering the heterogeneity of Asian Americans when designing intervention programs for alcohol problems.

Developing a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model for social work education in Kazakhstan

This Brief Note reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model for training social workers in Kazakhstan. The project took place over a two-year period and included a needs assessment, community outreach, curriculum development, and training in Kazakhstan and New York. We discuss the development, implementation, and evaluation of TTT the project.

Self-Reported Abuse and Mistreatment among Japanese Elders Receiving Respite Care

This study examines physical and psychological mistreatment reported by Japanese elders who received care from family members. Data is based on structured face-to-face interviews with community-dwelling elders who utilized respite care services. Among the 118 elderly respondents, 12% reported being hit or almost being hit by their caregivers. Close to 54% reported at least one type of psychological mistreatment. Men who received care from their spouses were most likely to report abuse. Elders who were victimized reported increased levels of depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses indicated associations between physical abuse and past conflicts with the caregiver. Psychological mistreatment was associated with receiving care from a spouse, past conflicts with the primary caregiver, and depression. The findings suggest the need for increased awareness of the needs of community-dwelling Japanese elders who are at risk for abuse, mistreatment, and depression.

Japanese Americans: Current Health Issues and Directions for Future Research

Japanese Americans are a heterogeneous group consisting of several subpopulations. One group is made up of a large number of acculturated second, third, and fourth generation individuals, a smaller group of recent immigrants, and a rapidly growing group of individuals who are biracial and multiracial. The prevalence of health issues among Japanese Americans reflect the impact of diet and lifestyle changes associated with acculturation and the associated health risks . This chapter will present a background of the history of Japanese immigrants in the United States, a review of epidemiological research and discussion of emerging health issues, and directions for future research.