Nasibeh Zanjari, Maryam Sharifian Sani, Meimanat Hosseini-Chavoshi, Hassan Rafiey, Farahnaz Mohammadi-Shahboulaghi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (June 2019)
Abstract
Objectives: Successful aging is an interdisciplinary concept. Despite the great body of literature on successful aging, few studies have focused on its subjective and multidimensional measurements. Thus, the present study aimed to develop an instrument to measure self-perceived successful aging.
Methods: We used a mixed method approach. The successful aging dimensions were explored through an integrative review and qualitative study among 64 older adults. Based on the obtained qualitative data, initial item pool was designed and its content validity was evaluated. A quantitative survey among 600 older adults and exploratory factor analysis was applied to test the structural validity of the instrument.
Results: The EFA results indicated that the instrument loaded into seven factors; “psychological well-being”, “social support”, “financial and environmental security”, “spirituality”, “physical and mental health”, “functional health”, and “health-related behavior”. In addition, the instrument had a high degree of reliability coefficients.
Discussion: The obtained results indicated methods of measuring successful aging, as well as the importance of generating social policy in the area of aging well; researchers should consider all dimensions of successful aging at individual and social levels.
Mersede Imani-Shakibayi, Talieh Zarifian, Nasibeh Zanjari,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (March 2022)
Abstract
Objectives: The present research aims to identify the assessment and treatment processes used by Iranian Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and investigate the impact of their knowledge level and experience on their choice of assessment and treatment.
Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study using a survey design conducted on 260 SLPs with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience of working with preschoolers. The CAS assessment and treatment were measured by a validated questionnaire, which was completed in person or online.
Results: The tests of Diadochokinesis (DDK) (66%), single-word speech sampling (58.1%), oral-motor assessment (54.6%), and connected speech sample analysis (53.1%) were the popular tests chosen by the participants. The treatment approaches indicated that Oral Motor Exercises (OMEs) (57.7%) were the only treatment for which over half of the participants voted. The experts chose phonologically-based treatments and Integrated Phonological Awareness (IPA), but the less-experienced participants were more interested in PROMPT (prompts for restructuring oral muscular phonetic targets). The majority of the participants (70.8%) believed that children with CAS make very slow progress and 21.9% declared that speech problems of such children persist through the school years.
Discussion: The participants’ choice of assessment tasks is in line with the results of recent studies. However, opting for outdated treatments such as OME indicates a gap between the clinicians’ knowledge and experience in using evidence-based treatments.
Shiva Parvaei, Ali Akbar Taj Mazinani, Nasibeh Zanjari,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (June 2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Income poverty is one of the most common problems of old age. It varies among older adults living in different societies. This study aims to investigate the predictors of income poverty in older adults based on the data from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
Methods: The secondary data analysis method was used in the present study. The income poverty rate and its associated variables were extracted from 36 members of OECD countries and entered into the SPSS software, version 22. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Pearson correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regression analysis were employed.
Results: The results showed that in the studied countries, the mean of income poverty among older adults was higher in women (11.48±16.2), and the elderly aged 75 years or above (12.57±16.1). The income poverty of older adults was significantly correlated with older adults’ share in the gross domestic product (r=-0.376, P=024), targeted pension coverage (r=-0.505, P=0.003), income sources based on public transfers (r=-0.460, P=0.005), income sources from work (r=0.697, P=0.000), mandatory pension contribution rate (r=-0.343, P=0.040), and net pension replacement rate (r=-0.424, P=0.010). The results of regression analysis also revealed that variables of income sources from work and targeted pension coverage explained 66% of the variance in income poverty among older adults.
Discussion: It is important to pay attention to the variables of age and gender of older people to overcome economic vulnerability in social policies. It is also necessary to consider the role of the share of public transfers and basic old-age pensions to reduce older adults’ poverty. The lessons to be learned from OECD countries in this research are useful for the social rehabilitation of older adults in Iran.
Coresponding author: Shiva Parvaei, E-mail: Shiva.Parvai@gmail.com
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