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Research Projects
Project title: Caregivers physical vulnerability and the psychological adjustment: Moderating effects in spousal dementia caregiving
Investigators:
Duration: Ongoing
Abstract: The planned study utilized a mixed-method research approach of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The quantitative approach aims to test the moderating effects of caregiver’s physical vulnerability with psychological adjustment as the outcome using the characteristics of the care recipients and the psycho-social characteristics of the caregivers as predictors. Using the qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will enable caregivers to discuss the subjective meaning of caring, stress and coping.
Funding source:
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Interdepartmental Competitive Research Grant (A-PH68 in 2007) Publications:
Initial findings were presented at a workshop held at the HKPU on May 17, 2008. Project title: Cognitive-behavioral Group Intervention Programs for Reducing Distress in Dementia Caregivers in Hong Kong
Investigators:
Duration: Ongoing
Abstract: The project intends to establish an evidence-base model of care based on for reducing distress in dementia caregivers. Specifically, the project evaluates a cognitive-behavioral group intervention programs for reducing distress (CBGIP) in caregivers in Hong Kong. Using a model developed at Stanford University School of Medicine, the present project investigates whether the model can be locally adapted to provide an effective means of intervention for dementia caregivers in Hong Kong. Preliminary findings supported that CBGIP can be an effective in reducing caregiver distress.
Funding source:
Direct Grant from the Department of Applied Social Science, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Publications:
Initial findings were presented at a workshop held at the HKPU on May 17, 2008. Project title: Preliminary validation of the B-SAFER and HITS as screening tools for partner violence
Investigators:
Collaborators: Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission of British Columbia, Department of Clinical Psychology of the Social Welfare Department and the Accident and Emergency Department at Tuen Mun Hospital Duration: Ongoing
Abstract: The aim of the project is to validate the B-SAFER and HITS for screening partner violence.
The research is being conducted in three phases. The implementation is based on the most commonly used methodology used in the validation of screening tools. In phase one, the scales were adapted for local use through independent parallel translations. In phase two, the reliability and the concurrent validity of the B-SAFER and HITS instruments is evaluated. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) is chosen to establish concurrent validity because it has been used widely locally and in other countries to measure marital violence. It has also been found to have high levels of internal consistency as well as content and construct validity. In phase three, the construct validity of the B-SAFER and HITS is tested by comparing the responses of the participants consisting of general clients/ patients of the NGO Family Service with the responses of identified victims of domestic violence of those settings as well as those from the domestic violence centres. Preliminary data analysis supports that the B-SAFER can be a useful tool in identifying the batterers. Ongoing research is being carried out to validate the HITS in the identification of victims of domestic violence.
Funding source:
Hong Kong Polytechnic University Interdepartmental Competitive Research Grant (A-PH31 in 2006) Publications:
Au A., Cheung G., Chan, Y.C. et al. (In press). Preliminary validation of the B-SAFER in Hong Kong. Journal of Family Violence. Chan Y. C., Au A. Lam, G., Chung, K. W. (2006). Intimate partner violence in Hong Kong : Findings from a territory-wide telephone survey. Journal of Psychology in Chinese societies, 7, 307-324. Project title: Neurocognitive contributions to the rehabilitation and medical adherence of HIV infected patients
Investigators:
Collaborators: HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center of the University of California at San Diego and the Clinical AIDS Service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as the National Institute of Health (USA and China) Duration: From 2004 to 2007
Abstract: The main objectives of the project are:
1) To obtain and document the profile and changes of cognitive functioning in HIV patients in Hong Kong in relation to the disease stage and response to treatment
2) To examine and document the relationships between cognitive functioning, mood, medical adherence, quality of life and daily functioning
3) To design and evaluate intervention programs for both patients and carers in rehabilitation with cognitive deficits.
Data has been collected from 174 patients and 121 controls. Preliminary analysis of the results suggests that the pattern of cognitive impairment of the local HIV patients is comparable to the subcortical profile obtained from Western literature. These impairments have also been found to impact daily functioning in local patients.
Funding source:
AIDS Trust Fund (Ref MSS116 in from 2004 to 2007) Publications:
Au A., Cheng, C., Chan, I., Leung, P., Li, P. & Heaton R. K. (In press). Subjective memory complaints, mood and memory deficits among HIV/AIDS patients in Hong Kong. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. Chan I., Chan, E., Au A., Leung P., Li, P. (2007). Subjective memory complaints of Chinese HIV-infected patients in Hong Kong: Relationships with social support, depressive mood and medical symptoms. AIDS Care, 19,1149-1156. Project title: Provision and evaluation of a model of psychological care for HIV/AIDS patients in Hong Kong
Investigators:
Duration: From 2001 to 2004
Abstract: The main purpose of the project is to provide and evaluate a three-year model of continuing psychological care for HIV/AIDS patients and their significant others consisting of screening early intervention and follow-up as part of the clinical routine. Specific projects included the development of the following with completed publications and protocols.
· Identification of factors contributing to the psychological adjustment of patients and their significant others.
· Development and validation of individual and group intervention protocols for both patients and their significant others.
Data collected in the project provided strong support to the importance of psychological care to HIV patients. Furthermore, various assessment and intervention protocols have been developed for continued use in the clinic setting. Systematic dissemination of finding to relevant institutions and professionals was made through a series of workshops.
Funding source:
AIDS Trust Fund (Ref: MSS 077 from 2001 to 2004) Publications:
Au A., Chan I., Li P., Chung R., Lee M. P. & Yu P. (2004). Illness-related factors, stress and health-related QOL of life among HIV-infected person in Hong Kong. AIDS & Behavior, 8, 119-129. Chan I. Au. A. Li P., Chung R., Lee M. P. & Yu P. (2006). Illness-related factors, stress and coping strategies in relations to psychological distress in HIV-infected person in Hong Kong. AIDS Care 8, 119-129. Chan I., Kong P., Leung P., Au A., Li P., Chung R., Lee M. P. & Yu P. (2005). Cognitive-behavioral group program for Chinese heterosexual HIV-infected men in Hong Kong. Patient Education and Counseling, 56, 78-84. Project title: Utilizing neuropsychological assessment in patients with Alzheimer
Investigators:
Dr Alma M. L. Au as co-investigator Duration:
Abstract:
Funding source:
Health Research Grant (Ref: 212916 in 2000) Publications:
Au A., Chan A. & Chiu H. (2003). Verbal learning in Alzheimer’s dementia. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 9, 363-75. Au A., Chan A. & Chiu H. (2003). Conceptual organization in Alzheimer’s dementia. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 25, 737-50. Project title: Investigation of the quality of life of epilepsy patients using the QOLIE-89
Investigators:
Duration: From 2001 to 2002
Abstract: The project aims to investigate the correlates of psychological adjustment of epilepsy patients as well as to explore the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral treatment program.
Funding source:
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Grant (Ref: EC 108 in 2000) Publications:
Au A., Leung P., Kwok A., Li P., Lui C. & Chan J. (2006). Subjective memory and mood of Hong Kong Chinese adults with epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 9, 68-72. Au A., Chan F., Li K., Leung P., Li P., & Chan J. (2003). Cognitive-behavioral group treatment program for adults with epilepsy in Hong Kong. Epilepsy & Behavior, 4, 441-46. Au A., Li P., Chan J., Lui C., Ng, P., Kwok A. & Leung P. (2002). Predicting the quality of life in Hong Kong Chinese adults with epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior, 3, 350-57. Project title: Multi-level research project for the prevention of intergenerational poverty in Beijing: Development of health-promoting schools for migrant children in China
Investigators:
Duration: April 2, 2008
Abstract: The parameters of the project will be:
(1) Development of project design and planning through joint research workshops to be held in HK and Beijing;
(2) Development of theories and methodology in development science based on a trans-disciplinary approach to adolescent development and prevention of intergenerational poverty;
(3) Capacity building in health promotion program planning and practices through regular training workshops;
(4) Dissemination of outcomes through regular conferences and publication.
Funding source:
NA Publications:
NA Project title: Adolescent executive function and empathy: A bio-ecological analysis
Investigators:
Duration: 24 months (Sep 2008 to Aug 2009)
Abstract: This proposal outlines a study of adolescence development in executive function and empathy under a bio-ecological model. Executive function and empathy are fundamental processes underlying various positive developmental outcomes in adolescence that have been grossly overlooked in the evaluation and theoretical development of programs for adolescent development. A person-oriented approach, incorporating other levels of organization, will be adopted in the data analysis to unfold development in adolescence in a Person-Process-Time-Context perspective. Large cohorts of adolescents from two schools will be studied. Clusters of adolescents representing distinct and ecologically-relevant developmental typologies will be derived empirically. Face-to-face neuropsychological tests will be performed on random subsample of students from the derived clusters from age twelve to eighteen. Neuropsychological data will be used to validate the variation of clusters at the neuro-biological level contributing to building a more comprehensive explanatory model of variations in adolescent development.
Funding source:
Publications:
Project title: Church Intensive Community Mentoring
Investigators:
Duration: 20 months (May 2007 to Dec 2008)
Abstract: Based on the model of the Intensive Community Mentoring Scheme, the Church Intensive Community Mentoring, under the auspices of the Church Network for the Poor, started in May 2007 with the objective to utilize resources of the churches to promote positive development of adolescents from poor families. Two hundred and forty-one Christians from a total of 27 local churches enrolled in the pilot mentorship training program organized by the NHWS. Subsequently, 75 mentors and 23 supportive supervisors were selected to participate in the program. The mentees are Primary Five to Form Three students from low-income families (with per capita monthly salary below $3,000) referred by schools, social service agencies and churches in Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, Kwun Tong and Tung Chung districts. NHWS would continue to provide support to the monthly training of the mentors in the coming 12 months and conduct research projects on mentoring. Other related information can be obtained here.
Funding source:
Publications:
Further information can be obtained from here. Project title: Intensive Community Mentoring Scheme
Investigators:
Duration: 12 months (September 2004
Abstract: The Intensive Community Mentoring Scheme (ICM) is a mentoring project carefully designed by a group of local academics, secondary school principals and major mentoring program providers. The aim of this project is to assist youths establishing mentoring relationship with resourceful adults with positive influences in the community, in order to cultivate positive value, healthy interests and resolve negative emotion in these youths. About 120 students from three local secondary schools participated in the program. The project was supported by the Hong Kong Police Force and several other youth development organizations, including the Boys’ Brigade, Eternal Flame Action and Island Junior Chamber. Mentors and volunteers were recruited from these groups. Factors of effective mentoring were identified and the positive influences of mentors on mentees were observed in pairs with good relationship. Further information can be obtained from here.
Funding source:
Publications:
Chan, C. C. and Ho, W. C. (2008). An ecological framework for evaluating relationship-functional aspects of youth mentoring. Journal of applied social psychology, 38(4), 837-867. Chan, C. C. and Ho, W. C. (2006). Intensive Community Mentoring Scheme in Hong Kong: Nurturing Police-Youth Intergenerational Relationships. Journal of intergenerational relationships, 4(2), 101-106. Project title: Supportive Supervision Scheme
Investigators:
Duration: Expected to be launched on 16 December 2007
Abstract: In association with the Hong Kong Council of Social Services, the Network plan to set up a Hong Kong Supportive Supervisor Alliance in the near future. The missions of the Alliance are to provide an inter-disciplines platform for supportive supervisors to share information and resources and to develop a sustainable network of supportive supervisors in the community with a view to enhance the future development of mentoring programs in Hong Kong.
Funding source:
NA Publications:
NA Project title: TEACH-VIP (Violence Injury Prevention)
Investigators:
Duration: 2004-2005
Abstract: The WHO and many experts in injury prevention established a comprehensive injury prevention and control curriculum, TEACH-VIP, and the Network represented Hong Kong to contribute efforts in translating and adapting the materials for the local setting.
Funding source:
Publications:
Project title: Safe Community Program
Investigators:
Duration: 1999 - Present
Abstract: The Safe Community Program was launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Council and it targets to promote workplace safety and health, to nurture a safety and health culture and to turn this into a lifelong habit on a community basis. In collaboration with the OSHC, the Hong Kong Alliance for Safe and Healthy School was formed and committed to achieve these targets in schools.
Funding source:
Publications:
Chan, C.C., et al. (under review). Effectiveness of a home visitation program with trained communityvolunteers on injury prevention: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Community Psychology. Chow, C.B., Chan, C.C.,Cheung, W.L., Chan, Y.C., Lui, P.K., Cheng, J.C.Y. (2007). Promoting a safer hoursehold environment: a volunteer-based home visit program. Hong Kong Medical Journal, 13(4), supplement 4, 21-24. Chan, C.C. & Chan, K. (2006). Program effectiveness, process outcomes and sustainability of healthpromotion interventions in Hong Kong: Applying the RE-AIM framework. Journal of Psychology in ChineseSocieties, 7(1), 5-27. |
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