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An exploration of the health and social wellbeing needs of looked after young people--a multi-method approach
Published in:
Journal of Interprofessional Care, Vol: 19, Page: 35-49,Carfax Publishing Company
Aims & Objectives:
The aim of this study was to identify how the promotion of the health and social wellbeing of looked after young people could be enhanced using a four-stage triangulated research design employing qualitative and quantitative elements
Abstract:
This study, which was undertaken in Northern Ireland, aimed to identify how the promotion of the health and social wellbeing of looked after young people could be enhanced using a four-stage triangulated research design employing qualitative and quantitative elements. Stage 1 sought to identify relevant health issues from a representative sample of case files and found low uptake of statutory medical assessments, relatively few physical health problems and higher levels of mental health and behavioural problems including self-esteem and self-image issues. Stage 2 sought to ascertain, through two focus groups, the views of those caring for looked after young people - foster carers and residential social workers. Findings showed that both groups perceive themselves in a health promoting role with the main issues encountered being the need for support in issues such as sex education and access to sources of help and aids to health promotion. Stage 3 sought to listen to the needs and concerns of the young people and their parents through a series of semi-structured interviews. These revealed the need of parents for involvement with their child's care and identification of the social worker as holding primary responsibility for health. Young people had positive views of health, identified stressors and perceived that too much help was given in relation to health issues; social workers were preferred for discussion of sensitive subjects. It was concluded that the multiple needs of young people give excellent opportunities for the development of interdisciplinary working in the context of multi-sectoral involvement to support effective health promotion interventions.
Authors:
Study Type:
Study Papers » Study adopting an focus group approch » Qualitative Studies
Notes:
Article 13561820 Accession Number: 15545244; Fleming, Paul 1; Email Address: P.Fleming@ulster.ac.uk; Bamford, David R. 2; McCaughley, Niav 3; Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Go Antrim, BT37 0QB, UK. 2: University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT37 0QB, UK. 3: Craigavon & Ban bridge Health and Social Services Trust, Child and Family Care Office, 2 Old Lurgan Road, Portadown, Co Armagh BT63 5SG, UK. Source Info: Jan2005, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p35; Note: Publisher Information: Carfax Publishing Company.; Subject Term: CHILDREN -- Health & hygiene; Subject Term: SOCIAL workers; Subject Term: HEALTH education; Subject Term: HEALTH promotion; Subject Term: HOLISTIC medicine; Subject Term: NORTHERN Ireland; Author-Supplied Keyword: Looked after children; Author-Supplied Keyword: Needs; Author-Supplied Keyword: Holistic health; Number of Pages: 15p. Document Type: Article
Categories:
health promotion; social wellbeing;
International Classification:
Focus groups - promotion of the health and social wellbeing
Keywords:
- CHILDREN -- Health & hygiene
- Health Education
- Health Promotion
- Holistic Health
- HOLISTIC medicine
- looked after children
- needs
- Northern Ireland
- Social Workers
Geography:
Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland)