Sociocultural factors of teenage pregnancy in Latino communities: preparing social workers for culturally responsive practice.

Despite gains in reducing teenage pregnancy during the past 20 years, disparities in teenage pregnancy rates persist: The teenage pregnancy rate in Latino communities is now nearly double the average rate of teenage pregnancy in the United States. Considering the significant risks teenage pregnancy and parenting pose to both the teenager and the child, and that social workers are already often working in communities with populations at risk, this is not only a major public health issue, but one that the field of social work is well positioned to actively address. This article synthesizes pertinent literature on some of the social and cultural influences important for understanding this phenomenon. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Physical self-efficacy and alexithymia in women with chronic intractable back pain.

This study explores the relationship between chronic intractable back pain and physical self-efficacy and alexithymia in 112 women sampled from a large university-based health center. Fifty-nine women suffering from chronic back pain were compared with 53 control subjects. Results note that women with chronic intractable back pain had significantly higher scores on the measure of alexithymia and lower scores on the measure of physical self-efficacy compared with control subjects. The predictive model was useful in correctly classifying 81.4% of back pain subjects. Perceived self-presentation confidence was protective, and being married and increased age were associated with the risk of having chronic back pain.

Female children of alcoholics and chronic back pain.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: A case-controlled retrospective design was used in the present investigation with adult women to explore the relationship between chronic and persistent back pain and a history of being raised by an alcoholic caretaker. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 112 females was obtained from a large university primary care health center. Fifty-nine back pain patients served as cases, while 53 females without histories of chronic pain served as controls. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures consisted of a seven-question physician back pain checklist. The independent variable, being raised by an alcoholic caretaker, was measured by the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST). RESULTS: Chronic back pain patients scored significantly higher than the nonpain group on the CAST. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that additional research should explore and further define the relationship between a childhood history of being raised by an alcoholic parent and the development of chronic back pain as an adult.

The future of health social work.

The practice of social work in health care is at a critical juncture, and laces an uncertain future. The authors provide an overview of the challenges facing social work practice within the health care setting, as well as recommendations for enhancing social work practice and education. Challenges discussed include economic factors, demographic changes, and technological advances influencing the practice of social work in health care. The need for a proactive stance among social work professionals and educators is promoted. The proposed changes are intended to stimulate discussion and an exchange of ideas needed to maintain Social Work's relevance and integrity in the evolving health care delivery system.