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People living with HIV (PLWH) who use drugs are hospitalized at higher rates than the general population and report receiving poor care during hospitalization. The patient experience of PLWH during hospitalization is influenced by the clinical practice of healthcare providers (HPs). However, there is a gap in the literature that articulates the perspectives of HPs who deliver care to this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HPs on in-patient hospital units in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada. Structuration-theory-informed thematic analysis was used to explore the beliefs and rules identified and utilized by HPs that affect healthcare delivery during the hospital stay of PLWH who use drugs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The participants included 26 hospital-based HPs (i.e. Physicians, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Pharmacists, Dietician, and Nurse Practitioner) who deliver healthcare services to people who are living with HIV and who use drugs during the hospital admission. Most HPs stated that no explicit hospital rules exist to guide their clinical practice when engaging with people who use drugs and many indicate that providing care to this population is beyond their scope of practice. The lack of explicit rules results in implicit rules and actions that may negatively impact the delivery of equitable healthcare for PLWH who use drugs.

Relational practice describes the value and development of relationships or connections with others and is a key concept across the different systems of health, education, criminal justice, and social work. Lamph et al. undertook a scoping review of the literature to support a shared understanding of 'relational practice' in organisational and systemic contexts, noting the impacts and benefits reported. They identified that relational practice may be beneficial to both the service users and the workforce across different sectors. The review authors also found that variations exist in the terminology used for 'relational practice.' This commentary describes the importance of relational practice for social work, building on the review by Lamph et al. and the implications of the findings for social work practice and research. Relational practice is pivotal to social work and is vital for meaningful intervention, yet there is a need for more scientific effectiveness studies if relational practice is to receive the recognition it deserves and for it to become fully embedded within different sectors.

The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Practice Research is the first international handbook to focus on practice research for social work. Bringing together leading scholars in the field from Europe, the USA and the Asia Pacific region, it provides an up-to-the minute overview of the latest thinking in practice research whilst also providing practical advice on how to undertake practice research in the field. It is divided into five sections: State of the art Methodologies Pedagogies Applications Expanding the frontiers The range of topics discussed will enhance student development as well as increase the capacity of practitioners to conduct research; develop coordinating and leadership roles; and liaise with multiple stakeholders who will strengthen the context base for practice research. As such, this handbook will be essential reading for all social work students, practitioners and academics as well as those working in other health and social care settings.

This study investigates public attitudes towards the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 494 participants from the Sharjah emirate were assessed using the Richa et al. scale on intellectual disabilities comprising the five subscales named accessibility, assistance, autonomy, rights, and self-advocacy. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 23. The findings revealed that male participants were found to hold less positive attitudes towards the inclusion of people with ID than females, particularly regarding autonomy and self-advocacy. However, individuals with higher educational levels, employment status, higher income, and those living in urban areas exhibited the highest positive attitudes towards such a population. Age did not appear to have a significant impact on all aspects of attitude. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions aimed at improving attitudes toward people with ID, particularly among singles, residents of rural areas, unemployed people, and those with low income. Policymakers and government agencies in the United Arab Emirates should use these results to promote greater public inclusion of people with ID in mainstream classrooms, various workplaces, public spaces, and social networks.

Current debates around participation and marginalization dominate the agenda of many European political forums. There is an increasing concern about the stability of social cohesion and a growing number of particular groups of people who are regarded as being at risk of being socially excluded or marginalized. This volume goes beyond the surface of public discussions to look at the central role played by welfare services in European societies in either strengthening or hindering participatory citizenship and democracy. In current discussions welfare services - understood in a broad sense - are centrally positioned: there are high expectations that welfare services can hinder marginalization and enable participation. Yet marginalization is, in most cases, rooted in the deeper structures of society, with economy, participation and involvement dependent on political or highly personal factors, which are beyond the scope of welfare services. This groundbreaking volume posits that participation and marginalization are 'twin' concepts, expressing opposing sides of one and the same processes faced by individuals and communities. It will be essential reading for social workers, sociologists and policy-makers throughout Europe.

The warming of the planet and the currently increasing evidence of the climate crisis compel social workers to prepare themselves and their students to shoulder new roles and develop new models of education. This focused literature review provides the social work educator or activist with essential and suggested materials in order to teach and/or lead community projects in this area. It starts by providing details of the direct and indirect effects of the climate crisis and proposes two main approaches used by social workers in climate crisis mitigation: the first derives from identifying populations at risk from the increasing heat and extreme weather events and emphasizes future planning and inter-sectorial collaboration on how to provide services to affected populations. The second focuses on preparing to meet the needs of vulnerable populations in extreme weather events and climate-related disasters, using a framework of pro-active disaster management. Additional roles for social workers in addressing eco-anxiety and environmental justice, with examples from the Global North and South are detailed. The second half of the paper suggests appropriate educational approaches and tools that may be incorporated in teaching about the climate crisis. Suggested reading is included.

Despite national efforts to reduce stunting, West Sumatra, Indonesia, still experiences high rates, indicating problems with policy implementation. This study explores how local cultural beliefs, community attitudes, and organizational challenges impact the effectiveness of stunting prevention efforts in three districts prone to stunting. Researchers interviewed local officials, health workers, and community members, observed community practices, and reviewed relevant documents. The study identifies five main obstacles: focusing more on meeting administrative targets rather than engaging communities, misunderstanding stunting as inherited, community distrust due to poor communication, incomplete integration of multiple sectors, and challenges faced by frontline workers. These issues highlight that current stunting prevention methods overlook essential cultural and organizational factors. The study recommends culturally sensitive programs, stronger community involvement, enhanced support for local health workers, and better cooperation across different sectors. The findings help inform global discussions about effectively implementing health policies by emphasizing the need for culturally and contextually suitable interventions.

Mental health has gained significant attention, especially post-COVID-19, as many face emotional or psychosocial difficulties. Individuals struggling with mental health issues are more likely to encounter challenges in managing finances. Fortunately, technological development in the financial sector, namely Fintech, has facilitated the transformation of modern finance. Research indicates that the Fintech sector significantly enhances financial inclusion in EU countries through regulatory innovation. This paper uses a case study approach focused on Croatia, where the financial needs of persons living with a mental health condition are often overlooked in national health and policy frameworks. By drawing on the experiences of innovation leaders and leveraging the potential of regulatory sandboxes, it proposes an alternative route for catching up with advanced EU Member States. The paper argues for the development of intersectoral networks among stakeholders - financial authorities, private sector innovators, social and health care providers, and NGOs - through an innovation facilitator model to enhance regulatory governance and promote financial inclusion. The study offers specific policy recommendations for improving financial inclusion for persons living with a mental health condition in Croatia, advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks and participatory actions. Ultimately, it calls for an economic regulatory framework that recognizes vulnerable groups and fosters a more inclusive approach.

This volume brings together prominent international scholars involved in both Western and indigenous social work across the globe - including James Midgley, Linda Briskman, Alean Al-Krenawi and John R. Graham - to discuss some of the most significant global trends and issues relating to indigenous and cross-cultural social work.

The main purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults in Palestine. A cross-sectional study was done among Palestinians > 60 years living in Hebron governorate. An interview-based questionnaire was used to obtain information related to socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits, medical history, nutritional status, cognitive status, and physical fitness performance. A total of 358 older adults were included in the study. The prevalence of cognitive impairment for MCI was 37.3%. The analysis revealed that MCI was significantly associated with: being above 70 years old; lower education levels; living with family members, widow, unemployment, low physical activity level, history of hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and COPD, lower mid upper arm circumference, lower calf circumference, higher waist-to-hip ratio, higher body fat percentage, lower skeletal muscle mass, higher, poor functional status and poor physical fitness (p<0.05). MCI was associated with reduced muscle mass, lower speed, and lower flexibility, according to the multivariate analysis. In conclusion around half of the study sample had mild cognitive impairment and was associated with modifiable and non-modifiable variables. Systematic screening is recommended to identify older adults with a high risk of developing MCI. This study highlights the high prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) among older adults in Palestine and identifies key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. The findings emphasize the urgent need for systematic screening programs to detect MCI early and implement targeted interventions. By addressing lifestyle factors, physical fitness, and medical conditions, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for aging populations. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and public health professionals to develop comprehensive, culturally tailored strategies for promoting cognitive health and supporting older adults in Palestine.