Metaphors as Contextual Evidence for Engaging Haitian Clients in Practice: A Case Study

Enhancing Dementia Education and Cognitive Screening in A Haitian Population: A Faith-based Approach

Ethnically diverse Americans experience 1.8-2.5 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than Whites (Mayeda, et al., 2016), yet cognitive screening is not routinely conducted among Haitian American communities. Dementia risk awareness is beneficial for improving management of chronic illness and behaviors that impact risk of cognitive decline. A quasiexperimental paired samples t-test design was employed to test the effectiveness of an educational intervention among 50 older faith- based Haitian adults using the Basic Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease (BKAD) scale, cognitive screening using the Cognitive State Test (COST), and referrals to a local memory/wellness center. A significant difference was seen in knowledge scores: pre-test (M = 18.5, SD = 3.12) and post-test (M = 23.1, SD = 2.42); conditions t(41.9) = -9.5, p = .000. All of those who volunteered for screening completed follow-up neuropsychological evaluations. Outreach to faith-based settings is suggested as an avenue for improving dementia knowledge and detection.

Shelter recovery in urban Haiti after the earthquake: the dual role of social capital

This paper documents the culture-specific understanding of social capital among Haitians and examines its benefits and downsides in post-disaster shelter recovery following the 12 January 2010 earthquake. The case study of shelter recovery processes in three socioeconomically diverse communities (Pétion-Ville, Delmas and Canapé Vert) in Port-au-Prince suggests that social capital plays dual roles in post-disaster shelter recovery of the displaced population in Haiti. On the one hand, it provides enhanced access to shelter-related resources for those with connections. On the other hand, it accentuates pre-existing inequalities or creates new inequalities among displaced Haitians. In some cases, such inequalities lead to tensions between the haves and have-nots and instigate violence among the displaced.