The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social support and health outcome variables, and the effect size of social support on health outcomes. Meta‐analysis was used to synthesize the primary studies identified initially from a computer search of the literature in Taiwan. Through preliminary screening related to the inclusion criteria, 165 dissertations and theses and 43 journal articles were included in this study. Finally, 182 primary studies, including 145 dissertations and theses and 37 journal articles, were retained after eliminating outliers of each outcome variable to achieve homogeneity. Based on Smith's four modes of health, 16 health outcome variables were used. Health status, physical symptoms and responses, psychologic symptoms and responses, and depression were categorized as clinical variables. Role function and behaviors and role burden were categorized as role‐function variables. Physical adjustment, psychosocial adjustment, adjustment of life, coping behavior, and stress were categorized as adaptive variables. Health belief, health promotion behavior, quality of life, well‐being, and self‐actualization were categorized as eudemonistic variables. Other than physical adjustment, social support could significantly predict all health outcomes (p< 0.0001). The results provided information not only on the magnitude of the sample size required to achieve statistical significance between social support and each outcome variable as a measure of health in future studies, but also on strategies to guide further intervention programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.

The purposes of this study were to explore perceived occupational stress and related factors in public health nurses (PHNs). A convenient sampling method was used to recruit the subjects. Seven out of 12 district health centers in Taipei City and all 11 district health centers in Kaohsiung City agreed to participate in this study. Of the 171 PHNs invited to participate, 167 (97.7%) completed all mailing questionnaires. Findings showed that (1) the major sources of occupational stress in PHNs were personal responsibility and workloads, and (2) PHNs with younger age, shorter length of current working experience, longer past clinical experience, higher level of education, and less pre-job oron-job continuous education perceived more occupational stress. The findings indicate that it is necessary to develop stress-alleviating programs to reduce occupational stress in PHNs. Designing a systematic in-service training program to enhance working competency and performance of PHNs is also suggested.

The purpose of this article is to address the trends and policy of elderly and long‐term care in Taiwan. In response to the increasing demand of an aging society, healthcare professionals play crucial roles in elderly and long‐term care and quality assurance of services. This article focuses on the current situation of elderly health care, demands of long‐term care, long‐term care policy in Taiwan, draft of the Long‐term Care Services Act, and draft of the Long‐term Care Insurance Act. After the 10‐year long‐term care project was proposed by the Taiwan government, the supply of health care services and demand for long‐term care have created many challenges and opportunities for innovative health professional development. Challenges consist of low old dependency ratio caused by low birth rate, lack of elderly and long‐term care related manpower, services and education reform related to long‐term care for the future society, and interprofessional collaboration and team work of long‐term care. Opportunities include expanding the roles and the career pathways of healthcare professionals, promoting the concepts of active aging and good quality of life, and developing industrial cooperation related to long‐term care services. Under these circumstances, healthcare professonals are actively involved in practice, education and research of long‐term care services that ensure elderly and disabled people can live a healthier and better life.