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Biomedical subjects

Lenore Manderson

Publications and source records attributed to Lenore Manderson.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

The constraints of a normal life: the management of urinary incontinence by middle aged women.

In this paper, we explore social aspects of the management of urinary incontinence (UI) by women in their middle years. Drawing on interview data with 75 women, and on sociological theories of the body, we illustrate the problematic nature of UI. The occurrence of UI is commonly regarded as a sign of bodily neglect and a lack of self-discipline. To ensure continued social membership, women must devise ways and adhere to various social rules to manage the physiologically "leaky" body that defies cultural norms of restraint and control. Managing UI involves anticipating and masking a problem that invokes persistent cultural ideas about the female body.

Aging↗
PubMed2002

The health of immigrant women: Queensland women from the former Yugoslavia.

A study of the social and health status of women from the former Yugoslavia was conducted in Queensland, Australia. Study participants were predominantly refugee women who had migrated to Australia between 1991 and 1996. A significant number of the women rated their health status as poor or fair. Most women did not perceive any change in health following migration, but more felt that their health had deteriorated than improved. Applying a social model of health, we explored the social contexts of countries of origin and destination that impact on women's health. We analyze how pre-immigration trauma, settlement problems, health risk behaviors, and participation in screening programs affect women's health status and health needs. Data analysis indicated that government and non-government services can reduce the impact of pre-immigration experience on health risk behaviors and poor health outcomes only to a limited degree. Since the low socioeconomic status of immigrants following immigration was identified by women as a main contributing factor to their poor health status, government support in tackling structural barriers in accessing the Australian labor market is essential to achieve positive health outcomes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

The mental health status of Filipinas in Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and investigate potential predictors of psychological distress in Filipino women living in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: The sample of n = 487 women (88% response rate) was drawn from Filipino organization membership lists and supplemented by snowball sampling. Participants were interviewed in their homes or at a community event in 1996/1997. Follow-up in 1997/1998 involved n = 346 women (71% response rate) who were interviewed either in their homes or by telephone. The two surveys included measurement of demographic, immigration, physical health, satisfaction with life in Australia and life event variables. The GHQ-28 was included in the follow-up survey as a measure of psychological distress. RESULTS: The proportion of women having an above threshold score (using the cut-off of 4/5) on the GHQ-28 was 23%. Women who were single, dissatisfied with life in Australia, had reported a major change in their financial situation, their relationship or their health in the year between surveys were significantly more likely to have an above threshold score. CONCLUSIONS: The level of mental distress among Filipinas in Queensland appears to be slightly higher than the levels reported in the general population but lower than other migrant groups. The determinants of mental distress in this population contrast with those in the general Australian population and other migrant groups. The social context of these determinants in Filipinas needs to be elicited for an understanding of these differences.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The social and cultural context of the mental health of Filipinas in Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the social and cultural context of risk surrounding the mental health of Filipino women living in Queensland, Australia and elicit the meaning and experience of mental health and illness for these women. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-nine in-depth interviews and 7 focus group discussions (FGDs) were nested within the baseline survey of the Filipina cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Seventy-four in-depth interviews and 8 FGDs were conducted at follow-up. A semi-structured interview guide that included sections on emotional health, social support and changes guided these. A subset of responses was fully transcribed and analysed for ethnographic content and themes. RESULTS: "Mental" problems are highly stigmatized, in comparison to "emotional" problems that are believed to result largely from the absence of close family ties. The loss of these ties and the transition from a collectivist to individualist society are key themes related to emotional distress in Filipinas. CONCLUSIONS: This understanding of meaning and context of mental health and its risk factors in migrants is important for informing public health and clinical practice and for the improvement of quantitative research instruments.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Gynaecological day surgery and quality of care.

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of Australian public and private patients undergoing gynaecological day surgery in a public hospital. A telephone survey was conducted with 315 women within two days of hospital discharge. The findings indicate that patients generally favour the "in and out" experience of day surgery, with some reservations. Prior to hospital admission, private patients were less likely to have access to multiple sources of information as well as information that they found easy to understand. Alternative means of supporting women recovering from day surgery may be needed for those whose family members and/or friends cannot provide sufficient support following discharge. This study contributes to discussion on setting objective standards to evaluate the health system in the field of day surgery.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed2002

Physical health and preventive health behaviors among Thai women in Brisbane, Australia.

In this article we describe the health status of Thai migrant women in Australia. Women's physical health, their use of health services, and adherence to preventive health behaviors are presented. The results are based on data from a descriptive study of 139 women living in Brisbane who completed a structured questionnaire. This information was supplemented with data from in-depth interviews with 17 of the women to gain additional information and insight into immigration, language, social support, and the use of health services. Although the majority of women reported being in good health and only a small percentage suffered from chronic diseases, inherent problems can influence their future health status. These include women's low participation in preventive health programs, unhealthy life style and behavior, perceptions of health services, availability of social support during illness, and issues related to care from general practitioners. Women's understanding of health education and information was influenced by their language skills. Language difficulties and the perceived high costs of medical care in Australia were contrasted with the lower cost and perceived efficiency and efficacy of Thai medical practitioners, and as a result some women delayed medical attention until home visits to Thailand.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Welfare reforms in Australia: how will they affect women's health?

Like most Western countries, Australia is in the process of introducing welfare reforms to curb costs. Australian reforms follow and are informed by similar reforms in the United States and United Kingdom and will be incrementally implemented until 2003. Australian reforms emphasize mutual obligation, preventing people from "taking advantage" of the welfare system, and avoiding long-term reliance on welfare. In contrast to the United States, where the mothers of young children have specifically been targeted, reforms in Australia do not privilege women's roles as workers over their roles as caregivers. Work obligations will be introduced only for mothers whose youngest child is older than 16 years. In fact, financial incentives for providing care for young children and people with disabilities have actually increased. Existing health research suggests that the impact of welfare reform on both health and society will depend on how the balance between women's roles as caregivers and workers is struck.

Australia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Storytelling, marginality, and community in Australia: how immigrants position their difference in health care settings.

Stories of conflict with hospital services, medical mismanagement, and negative outcomes of procedures and treatment circulate within immigrant communities. While the interpretations of medical events are often based on misperceptions and misunderstandings, the stories have instructional value in that they explain an unfamiliar system to new immigrants and provide starting points for advocacy for improved services. Our analysis of gossip and storytelling among women from the Horn of Africa involves an examination of stories of "pork injections," rejection of "black babies," and clinical incompetence. The data are drawn from a study of reproductive health and reproductive rights that was conducted among refugee and immigrant women from Sahel African and Middle Eastern communities in Melbourne, Australia.

Africa, Eastern↗