• 309-01 - Reducing Diabetes Risks for Families in the Appalachian Region
  Presented by: Sharon Denham, Leslie Johnson
• 309-02 - A Phenomenological Study of Online Mothers of Children With Autism
  Presented by: Jennifer Reinke, Catherine Solheim
• 309-03 - (PLEASE NOTE: This paper is now being presented as Poster #303-09A on Friday, 8:00 am) Adolescent Children of Parents With Multiple Sclerosis: Perceptions of Family Functioning
  Presented by: Bill Anderson, Nicole Kelly, Erin Aiello
• 309-04 - Concepts of Independence and Risk in the Long-term Care of Aging Adults and Adults With Disabilities
  Presented by: Karen Doneker Mancini

Abstracts

Reducing Diabetes Risks for Families in the Appalachian Region

Presented by: Sharon Denham, Leslie Johnson

A recent study (Barker, et al., 2011) identified parts of the Appalachian region as the “diabetes belt.” Reduction of high diabetes rates in this somewhat culturally distinct area has been a challenge. This presentation describes ways the Diabetes: A Family Matter project has been used to target risks linked with type 2 diabetes. A two-year pilot with 15 county teams successfully recruited and trained a local corp of volunteers. Additional work with county coalitions through a 5-year funded project is extending this work. Findings indicate diabetes and lifestyle decisions are mostly informed and influenced by family and friends.

A Phenomenological Study of Online Mothers of Children With Autism

Presented by: Jennifer Reinke, Catherine Solheim

Using a stress and coping model, this exploratory study examined how mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experiences related to seeking and finding (or not finding) online emotional and informational support. Semi-structured interviews with 14 mothers were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The analysis yielded two main themes, including being in search of … and being in community with … Findings suggest that the Internet and associated online activities serve as important sources of both emotional and informational support. These findings can be used to improve support services and resources for parents of children with ASD.

Adolescent Children of Parents With Multiple Sclerosis: Perceptions of Family Functioning

Presented by: Bill Anderson, Nicole Kelly, Erin Aiello

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a currently incurable, chronic, and degenerative condition that disrupts information from the brain to nerves throughout the body. Most existing studies concerning MS largely ignore family members other than the patient, despite the obvious fact that MS impacts the family as a whole. This study compares the perception of family functioning from the perspective of the adolescent child utilizing the Family Assessment Measure-III. Participants (N-53) are children, aged 12-19, with a parent with MS and a comparison group (N-49) of children of typical parents. Patient gender and time from illness onset are also considered.

Concepts of Independence and Risk in the Long-term Care of Aging Adults and Adults With Disabilities

Presented by: Karen Doneker Mancini

The changing demographics of the elderly and aging adults with disabilities provided the foundation for new discussions on the role of families in caregiving. Concepts of risk and independence in care plans were viewed differently by individuals, family members and agency employees who participated in this study. This research incorporated a qualitative analysis that provides a deeper understanding of the intersection between our knowledge of caregiving for the aging and for adults with disabilities and the policies intended to serve the populations. Implications for theory, practice and policy development will be discussed.