Adult Partner Research Articles

Younger and Older Adults' Health Lies to Close Others.

Lying is a common social behavior; however, there is limited research on lying about health and if this differs into later life. This study sought to explore age differences in the frequency of and motivations behind telling health-related lies and if lying differs within romantic and parent/child relationships. Younger (N = 158) and older adults (N = 149) reported how often they told general health-related lies, how often they lied about health to their romantic partner and parent or adult child, and why they told health lies. Compared with older adults, younger adults lied more frequently to conceal sickness and pain as well as to feign sickness. Younger adults also told more health lies to their parent than their romantic partner, but older adults lied to their adult child and partner at similar rates. Younger adults reported lying more about their health because they felt ashamed or embarrassed and they worried about what others would think of them compared with older adults. These results suggest that health-related honesty may increase in later life and that younger and older adults differ in why they tell health lies. Implications for psychological theory on lying about one's health and health interventions are discussed.

Magnitude and Factors Associated with Partner and Family-Based Index Case HIV Testing Among Clients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy Follow-ups at Holeta Health Centre, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Index clients are HIV-positive individuals at HIV Testing and Counselling Centres who were enrolled in treatment, care, and support services. Most of the index cases did not test hard-to-reach groups, including children and adult sexual partners. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with partner and family-based index case HIV testing among HIV-positive clients who are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy and follow up at Holeta Health Centre, Ethiopia, 2022 G.C. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 316 selected individuals using simple random sampling techniques. The data was collected using structured questionnaires. The data were entered into EPI Info version 7.14 and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Bivariate logistic regression was used for each independent variable to check its association with the dependent variable. All variables with a P-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with the dependent variables with a P value <0.05 were considered statistically significant factors and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association. Result: This study showed that among the study participants, 86.8% had tested a partner and 92.9% had tested at least one child. Marital Status (AOR = 0.06 CI: 0.02-0.21), duration on ART (AOR = 2.71 CI: 1.17–6.25), and disclosure status (AOR = 4.26 CI: 1.21–15.05) were identified to be significantly associated with partner- and family-based index case HIV testing. Conclusion: This study showed that most of the study participants had tested with a partner and at least one child. Partner and family-based index case HIV testing has a significant association with marital status, duration on ART, and disclosure status of index cases.

My Best Alaskan Life: Addressing Adolescent Mental and Reproductive Health in Alaska.

Since 2020, a multisector research team has coordinated a youth-driven, community-based participatory research project to adapt a reproductive life plan for application in a statewide initiative called My Best Alaskan Life (MBAL). The RLP is adapted for Alaskan youth and is intended to support teens in decision-making processes reflecting cultural priorities, personal goals, and sexual and reproductive health. Background. With 46% of youth in Alaska reporting not having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse and 15% not having used contraception, unintended pregnancy and transmission of STIs will continue. Furthermore, Alaskan youth also cite high rates of hopelessness and suicidality, and research shows that poor mental health among adolescents is correlated with developing and maintaining high-risk sexual behaviors. An intervention focusing on supporting mental wellness and developing personal goals in the context of sexual health decision-making may encourage adolescents to adopt safer sexual health behaviors. The MBAL research team completed a statewide pilot assessing the design and implementation of the tool, gathering feedback from over 700 survey responses (youth, ages 14-20); conducted 10 in-depth interviews (adult partners at community organizations and clinics); and hosted two youth-led design review sessions. Questionnaire respondents were overwhelmingly positive about the tool (91% "liked or loved" the tool) and its potential applicability in their community (86% cited "very applicable"). Project next steps include incorporating design recommendations, a statewide randomized control trial and ultimately, open source access for all interested parties.

The prevalence of child sexual abuse with online sexual abuse added

Background and objectiveResearch efforts are measuring various forms of online sexual abuse. There is a need to incorporate such measures of online sexual abuse into the calculation of overall prevalence rates for child sexual abuse. ParticipantsA sample of 2639 respondents aged 18-to-28 was recruited from a nationally representative online panel. MethodsUsing an online questionnaire, respondents were assessed via self-report about 9 types of online sexual abuse in childhood and were also assessed with 2 questions that have been used to assess generic child sexual abuse prevalence in previous surveys. ResultsThe addition of the online abuse to the generic questions about child sexual abuse raised the overall prevalence rate from 13.5 % to 21.7 %. The rate for females increased from 19.8 % to 31.6 % and for males from 6.2 % to 10.8 %. The largest independent contribution to the overall combined increase were the offenses involving non-consensual image sharing and voluntary online sexual interactions with an impermissibly older adult partner. The inclusion of the online sexual abuse exposures also increased the ability to identify the survivors with the highest levels of current psychological distress. ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of counting and including online sexual abuse in efforts to estimate the overall prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. The paper proposes 2 or 3 questions that could be added to sexual abuse questionnaires to assess these online offenses efficiently.

Relational dynamics associated with adolescent and young adult (13 to 23 years of age) partner violence: The role of inter-parental violence and child abuse.

The study aimed to examine the effect of witnessing inter-parental violence and experiencing childhood abuse on victimization of intimate partner violence (IPV) after marriage among adolescent and young girls. Data were drawn from the second wave of the Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) survey (2018-2019). The sample size was 5480 married adolescent and young girls aged 13-23 years. The outcome variable of the study was the victimization of IPV. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed. A total of 39% of married adolescent and young girls experienced physical violence, followed by sexual violence (35%) and emotional violence (28%) by their partner. Around 30% of respondents witnessed inter-parental violence, and 32% of the participants were beaten by their parents during childhood. Participants who had witnessed inter-parental violence were significantly correlated with experiencing childhood abuse, and this association was positively correlated with exposure to IPV in adolescence and young adulthood. Further, the parameter estimates of the indicators of IPV were highest for emotional violence (1.10) followed by physical violence (1.00) and sexual violence (0.62). Witnessing inter-parental violence significantly increases parents' physical violence to adolescents and young adult girls (β = 0.49, P<0.001, CI: 0.47-0.51). No tie between witnessing inter-parental violence and childhood abuse mediates their effect on later victimization of IPV. The findings indicate that witnessing inter-parental violence is a strong risk factor for IPV victimization among adolescent and young adult girls. Our findings advocate prerequisite collaborative effort with multiple service providers for greater empowerment at national, state, community, and family levels to achieve SDG goals pertaining to eliminating violence against women.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEE ME: THE STUDENT-ELDER* ENGAGED MENTORING EXPERIENCE

Abstract Loneliness, isolation, and suicide have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and ongoing uncertainties for both older adult and college-age populations. The 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation advocates for the healing effects of social connection, but ageist attitudes and stereotypes hinder social connections across generations. Intergenerational programs aim to address ageism and social connectivity, however, transferability of programs to culturally diverse groups remain challenging. Additionally, nursing curricula tend to focus on frail older adults, emphasizing vulnerability rather than wellness and disconnection rather than connection, contributing to disinterest in gerontological nursing. Prior community engaged ethnographic research identified five diverse older adult subcommunities that prioritized the need to address isolation and loneliness. Collaborating with these community organizations and nursing students, we developed the nursing Student-Elder*-Engaged Mentoring Experience (SEE ME) with the purpose of creating a sustainable and transferable program to address these needs. We will describe the research-based partnership process and resulting program development that focused on mutual wellness through reciprocal social connectivity among older adults in the community and nursing students in a required gerontological nursing course. In partnership, we developed and refined culturally appropriate processes, forms, assignments, activities, schedules, overall course organization, and program evaluation materials. Animated video modules and “Let’s Talk” questions were developed to facilitate student - older adult discussion. Dissemination and access to the program materials will be discussed. *The term “elder” was selected by the older adult community partners as their preferred nomenclature.

An institution-wide mixed methods assessment of healthcare transition

BackgroundHealthcare transition (HCT) is the process of moving a patient from pediatric, parent-supervised care to an independent, adult-centered model. This study assesses current HCT activities and explores the educational and system-based needs for effective HCT processes in a single institution. MethodsWe interviewed division/care program leaders at one academic tertiary-care children’s hospital regarding HCT practices. We evaluated these groups using an interview guide and rubric scoring from the “GotTransition Current Assessment of HCT Activities” (scoring range from 8 [low HCT] to 32 [high HCT]). We audio-recorded and transcribed interviews. We calculated each group’s score on the rubric. Two coders qualitatively analyzed interview transcripts using a thematic analysis approach with deductive and inductive strategies. ResultsWe interviewed 28 participants, each representing one division/care program. The institutional mean on the HCT assessment was 15.5 ± 4.5 (median 17.5, range 8–28). Key interview themes included: 1) Significant heterogeneity in the HCT process exists within most divisions/care programs; 2) While some groups have their own HCT practices, there is no coordinated institutional HCT approach.; 3) Participants find HCT difficult if they perceive the lack of an equivalent adult specialist for a patient’s specific medical condition; 4) There is a lack of coordinated handoffs from pediatric to adult providers. 5) Participants desire ancillary staff to support HCT. ConclusionDespite known benefits of a structured approach, most leaders report heterogeneity in current HCT practices and a lack of institutional resources and adult provider partners to support optimal HCT. We present a reproducible methodology to evaluate HCT within a single institution, as well as baseline assessment data that may inform interventions.

Evaluating the impact of engaging older adults and service providers as research partners in the co-design of a community mobility-promoting program: a mixed methods developmental evaluation study

BackgroundIncreasingly researchers are partnering with citizens and communities in research; less is known about research impacts of this engagement. EMBOLDEN is an evidence-informed, mobility-promoting intervention for older adults co-designed by a 26-person Strategic Guiding Council (SGC) of health/social service providers and older adult citizens. This study evaluated research partners’ perceptions of engagement strategies, the engagement context, strengths, areas for improvement, as well as the impacts of the guiding council on older-adult identified priority areas.MethodsThis study was guided by developmental evaluation, working in partnership with four older adult SGC members who helped to set evaluation priorities, decide methods, and adapt patient-centred evaluation tools. Data sources included a questionnaire, focus groups and document analysis of meeting notes from 16 SGC meetings that took place between December 2019 and February 2022. A thematic approach to analysis guided the coding of focus group transcripts and SGC meeting notes. Convergent mixed methods guided the integration and presentation of qualitative and quantitative data sources in a joint display of evaluation results.ResultsOf 26 SGC members, nine completed the evaluation squestionnaire, and five participated in focus groups. Around two thirds of the SGC commonly attended each meeting. EMBOLDEN’s SGC was structured to include a diverse group (across gender, ethnicity and discipline) of older adults and service providers, which was perceived as a strength. Engagement processes were perceived as inclusive and well-facilitated, which stimulated discussion at meetings. Advantages and disadvantages of engaging with the SGC virtually, as compared to in-person (as was the case for the first 3 SGC meetings) were also discussed. Impacts of the SGC were identified across preparatory, execution phase and translational stages of research. Impacts of SGC involvement on members were also described.ConclusionOlder adult research partners played an important role designing, implementing, and evaluating co-design approaches in this study. Older adults and service providers can make important contributions to the design, delivery and sharing results of health research through their lived expertise and connections to community. This project contributes to the growing field of citizen and community engagement in research by offering a participatory approach to engagement evaluation that considers diversity, satisfaction, and impact.

Exploring Social Engagement in a Virtual Participatory Culinary Nutrition Education Intervention for Dementia Prevention

AbstractBackgroundProviding nutrition education through participatory cooking programs is a strategy to support adoption of healthy eating practices for dementia risk reduction. Social engagement, a modifiable risk factor for dementia, is an important feature of in‐person culinary interventions; few recommendations exist for virtual delivery. We aimed to examine participant social engagement within ‘The Cognitive Kitchen: Virtual Culinary Intervention for Dementia Prevention’.MethodA six‐week virtual nutrition education and applied cooking class was delivered to two groups of 10 older adult participants. Two Registered Dietitians led discussions and cooking demonstrations focused on dementia risk reduction. Participants were invited to cook during sessions or prepare the recipes at their convenience. The study was guided by Interpretive Description methodology. Data included facilitator session notes, participant weekly virtual journal entries, two virtual focus group discussions, and individual interviews with 15 participants. The Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments (PERMA) model of well‐being helped structure thematic analysis examining participants’ experiences in the program and the function of social interaction.ResultParticipants appreciated the flexibility of the virtual setting and very few technical issues were observed. Thematic analysis revealed commonalities among participants’ experiences, including enjoyment of learning about creative ingredient transformation, enhanced accountability for meal preparation, and an appreciation for cooking as a social activity. Many participants recorded notes about meal preparation practices shared by other group members, and some participated in virtual recipe‐sharing, suggesting peer learning was a valuable component. Though the virtual program could not include casual social contact that would normally occur in an in‐person program, participants appreciated discussion questions to encourage social interaction. However, some found that cooking along with the demonstration limited their ability to learn and socialize.ConclusionBenefits to virtual delivery of a participatory cooking program include ability to expand program reach and reduced barriers to participation (e.g., travel, inclement weather, time). These considerations may be even more relevant for older adult care partners of persons with dementia. However, some elements of in‐person participation that foster social engagement are challenging to replicate virtually; additional effort by facilitators is required to ensure this important program component is maintained.

Adverse experiences in early intimate relationships and next‐generation infant–mother attachment: findings from the ATP Generation 3 Study

AbstractChronic insecurities that emerge from adverse experiences in early intimate partner relationships in adolescence and emerging adulthood can have profound impacts on mental health and well‐being. Less clear is the extent to which these experiences for parents impact subsequent relationships within and across generations. We examine the extent to which secure, dismissing, pre‐occupied, and fearful intimate partner relationships in adolescence and emerging adulthood, well before becoming a parent, are associated with next‐generation patterns of attachment between mothers and infant offspring. Data were drawn from a nested study of infant–mother attachment (n = 220) within the Australian Temperament Project Generation 3 Study (N = 1167, est. 1983). Intimate partner relationships in adolescence and young adulthood were assessed by self‐report at 23–24 years of age. Over a decade later, infant–mother attachment security was assessed at 12 months post‐partum. Young adult intimate partner relationships defined by high levels of fearful, pre‐occupied, and dismissing attachment styles were reported in 11%, 17%, and 38% of young mothers, respectively. Increases in fear of intimacy in relationships were associated with an increase in the odds, by around 50%, of infant–mother insecure attachments (vs secure; OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.28) and disorganised attachments (vs organised; OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.00, 2.22). A mother's self‐reported history of fear of intimacy within young adult relationships predicts later insecure and disorganised mother–infant attachments. Guidance and greater support for young people navigating their earliest intimate relationships may not only prevent adverse relational experiences at the time but also on becoming a parent. Findings have relevance for family and infant mental health therapies. Translating these findings into supported conversations may help prevent infant–mother attachment difficulties, or later repair them, through validation of the lingering effects of early fear of intimacy and empowerment of parents to prevent next‐generation infant experiences of distrust.

No response? Chronemic expectancy violation and relational turbulence in technologically-mediated romantic relational conflict

An extensive body of literature shows how people deal with conflicts, verbally and nonverbally, in interpersonal interactions. However, the role of technologically-mediated communication (TMC) in romantic relational conflict has received less attention. Through the lenses of Relational Turbulence and Expectancy Violations Theories, this study explored how a chronemic expectancy violation from a romantic partner impacts emotional well-being in a TMC-involved conflict discussion. Two online questionnaires were distributed. First, a pilot study was conducted to understand the basic online communication dynamics between emerging adult romantic partners (e.g., usual response latency) and possible emotions when they experience a chronemic expectancy violation from their partner on TMC. Results show that people are likely to experience negative affect and other specific emotions (e.g., disillusion, loneliness, frustration, hurt, anger) if their partner takes longer than expected to respond. The main study then further explored how individuals’ expectations differ in a hypothetical TMC-involved conflict scenario where they use text-based TMC to discuss a recent romantic conflict with their partners. Participants were instructed to imagine a chronemic expectancy violation whereby their partner does not respond within their expected time period (i.e., conflict expected latency) and report their feelings about it. Results show that people expect their partners to respond more rapidly in the conflict scenario than usual and report negative feelings after the expectancy violations. Conflict-specific (e.g., seriousness), personal (e.g., attachment anxiety and avoidance), and relational (e.g., commitment) variables also influence the intensity of their emotional experiences. This research enhances comprehension of nonverbal cues in text-based TMC and potential emotional repercussions in romantic conflict management.

Firearm Homicides of US Children Precipitated by Intimate Partner Violence: 2003-2020.

Examine characteristics associated with firearm homicides of children aged 0-17 years precipitated by intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System (49 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico; 2003-2020). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between various characteristics and IPV among child firearm homicides. From 2003-2020, a total of 11 594 child homicides were captured in the National Violent Death Reporting System, of which 49.3% (n = 5716) were firearm homicides; 12.0% (n = 686) of child firearm homicides were IPV-related. Among IPV-related child firearm homicides, 86.0% (n = 590) were child corollary victims (ie, children whose death was connected to IPV between others); 14.0% (n = 96) were teens killed by a current or former dating partner. Child firearm homicides had greater odds of involving IPV when precipitated by conflict, crises, and cooccurring with the perpetrator's suicide compared with those without these characteristics. Over half of IPV-related firearm homicides of child corollary victims included homicide of the adult intimate partner, of which 94.1% were the child victim's mother. Child firearm homicides perpetrated by mothers' male companions (adjusted odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-12.1) and children's fathers (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-6.8) had greater odds of involving IPV compared with those perpetrated by mothers. Multiple factors were associated with greater odds of child firearm homicides being IPV-related. Strategies promoting healthy intimate partner relationships starting at a young age; assessment of danger to children in IPV situations; strengthening economic supports for families; creating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for children; and addressing social and structural inequities are important for preventing firearm homicides of children, including those involving IPV.

A Descriptive Study of the Characteristics of Homicide-Suicide in Forensic Autopsy Cases.

Homicide followed by suicide (HS) is a tragic event with varied characteristics across countries and regions. Compared to Western countries, there are limited studies on HS in Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the characteristics of recent HS cases by examining forensic autopsy records from 2008 to 2020 collected from the Department of Legal Medicine, Chiba University, in Japan. A total of 77 HS cases were identified, involving 77 perpetrators (52 completed suicides, 25 attempted suicides), with 28 perpetrator and 89 victim autopsies. Our findings showed that older adults accounted for nearly half of the victims; victims were mostly females, whereas most perpetrators were male. The most common HS relationship was that between a parent and a child. Autopsy findings showed that the most common cause of death was strangulation, and illegal drugs were detected only in a few cases; however, psychotropic drugs were detected in child victims. No obvious evidence of past child physical abuse by caregivers was found. In contrast, intimate partner violence (IPV) was present, with a history of IPV found in half of HS cases involving adult intimate partner relationships. Notably, gender differences in age and relationship to the victim were identified. Likewise, some perpetrators may have expressed their plans and intentions for HS before the event, which may represent an important sign for HS prevention. However, to accurately reveal the course of HS, nationwide integrated statistics, forensic autopsies, including toxicological analyses of the deceased; and forensic psychiatric perspectives, including psychological autopsy, are required.

Shariah Requirements versus Contemporary Economics Realities

This study explores the phenomenon of begging with a particular focus on Shariah Requirements Versus Contemporary Economics Realities: Influx of Muslim Beggars in Sabon-Zongo Accra. Overall, the study contributes towards filling the enormous gap in the literature on begging in Muslim communities in Ghana and adds other dimensions to the phenomenon of both child and adult begging in general demonstrating the complexity and different facades of the phenomenon. The methodology employed was qualitative, whilst structured interview as a method was used in gathering the necessary information needed for this article. In discussing the findings, the article analyses how this practice works and seeks to gain insight into the interrelationships of the children with their adult partners both at the family levels and at the street level as well as the implications of these interrelationships on the level of agency and vulnerability of the children involved. More importantly, the article highlights the experiences and voices of beggars by looking at the economic realities and the role Islam plays alleviating the plights of beggars. It also highlights the processes that lead to the manifestation of the phenomenon as we see it; that is, why are children used as partners and not adults, and how that is influenced and shaped by power relations and the society’s understanding of what is right and wrong for the child.

Progress across ecological systems countering intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence

With this article we question the universality of the popular truism that intimate partner violence (IPV) between adult partners is transmitted from generation to generation. We illustrate how the concept of ‘intergenerational transmission of IPV’ fails to capture the complex social processes that are likely to influence individuals who experience IPV as children and as they grow. Building on a feminist application of ecological systems theory, how multiple systems have evolved to differently influence children who grow up with IPV is considered. This approach offers understanding of perspectives that promote social change and the self-worth and positive agency of children who grow up with IPV. We offer a unique contribution by exploring ways intergenerational transmission of IPV is rebutted in the twenty-first century, and how change is facilitated so that children who grow up with IPV can achieve healthy relationships when supported by all levels of the ecological system.

Quality of life in families under quarantine: a cross-sectional study in seven countries during the first outbreak of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted human well-being worldwide in unforeseen ways. In early 2020, the spread of the virus left its mark on every affected country, impacting mental health by limiting daily activities and causing fatalities amidst public health strategies to mitigate its impact. The influence of COVID-19 on the quality of life (QoL) may vary between countries, underscoring the need to examine its effects on individuals and families during the mandatory home quarantine. We aimed to assess the QoL of individuals and families during home isolation by COVID-19 lockdown. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2020. We included adult partners (≥18 years) of families from Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Japan, Peru, Russia, and Venezuela. Using the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire we assess the impact of COVID-19 on their partner/family member's QoL. The survey was completed by 466 participants (mean age = 38.59 ± 13.75 years; females = 298) and 76% worked mostly as health professionals from South America (69.2%), Europe (18.4%), and Asia (12.4%). The WHOQOL-BREF mean score from 38.38 ± 11.55 (range = 22.8-43.4). The average quality of life in South America (41.9 ± 1.2) was significantly higher than that of European countries (30.9 ± 11.5) (p = 0.002). The social relations dimension was the only one with values close to 100 (mean = 83.3) in 6/7 evaluated countries, where only Spain had a low score (41 ± 33.12). Women had a slightly lower quality of life than men, but it was not significant (40.2 ± 8.8 vs. 41.5 ± 9.9, p = 0.354), while we found differences in the overall QoL between young and older, and by employment type (p < 0.05). According to family structure, we found differences on QoL between nuclear and siblings' families (p = 0.024). Families from seven countries of three continents reported poor QoL during the first outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic scenario has dramatically weakened the QoL in 3/4 dimensions, where social relationships have remained high. It is important to fully address the impact of this reduced QoL on families after several waves of infection and to provide comprehensive support in the post-COVID future.

Young Adult Cancer Care Partners: A Theoretical Description of an Emerging Population with Unique Needs.

As the U.S. population's demographics shift, young U.S. adults are increasingly engaged in informal caregiving for aging generations. Yet, there is little research on the unique experiences and needs of young adults who take on caregiving roles for adult cancer patients. Herein we demonstrate through a theoretical description that young adult cancer care partners deserve distinct recognition in the cancer control continuum given the psychological, physical, financial, and social features unique to their cancer experience.

Connecting Older Adults with Students Through Interprofessional Telecare (COAST-IT)

By 2030, it is projected that one in five people in the United States will be 65 years old and older. It is critical that future health care professionals are prepared to care for older adults. Students’ communication skills and attitudes toward older adults have been shown to benefit from a geriatric specific curriculum. Connecting Older Adults with Students Through Interprofessional Telecare (COAST-IT), a longitudinal program begun in 2020, pairs student partners (SPs) with older adult partners (OAPs) who have regular phone calls. This was implemented across various graduate health profession schools and aims to provide students the opportunity to learn and practice effective communication skills with older adults, while also decreasing social isolation and loneliness experienced by the older adult partner. This paper focuses on our initial results looking at the impact on students who participated. Students were surveyed pre- and post-participation in the COAST-IT program through a combination of open-ended questions and questions taken from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geriatrics Attitude Scale. Students reported an improvement in their ability to communicate with older adults, increased confidence in their communication skills, and an improved understanding of ageism.Initially, OAPs were recruited from a variety of local facilities including the geriatric clinic associated with the University and the community of assisted living and long-term care facilities, senior living communities, and various community organizations that focus on serving older adults. The Director of Outreach Programs in the Multidisciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado presented to civic organizations and older adults began volunteering. Word of mouth spread among OAPs, and they began recruiting their friends; there are now OAPs from nine states participating. The program received a Social Innovation Award from the National Area of Agencies in Washington D.C., which supported our university's Age Friendly University designation.Students are oriented to the program and process of conducting weekly phone calls by their faculty coordinator in each program. The COAST-IT mission, process information, and examples of communication techniques are provided to students through a student handbook and Learning Management System module. Students participate in an interdisciplinary formal orientation prior to engaging in their OAP encounters. Monthly synchronous online educational presentations are provided to all students. Topics include a variety of issues on aging with breakout sessions for discussion and networking among disciplines.

Transition readiness of youth with co-occurring chronic health and mental health conditions: A mixed methods study.

A large proportion of youth with chronic conditions have mental health comorbidities. However, the effect of these comorbidities on paediatric-adult transition readiness, and the relevance of widely used tools for measuring transition readiness, are unknown. The objectives of this study were to describe and explore the transition readiness of youth with co-occurring chronic health and mental health conditions using a combination of quantitative data obtained from participants completing the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and qualitative data. A three-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed, with the qualitative strand taking priority. First, the TRAQ scores (range 1-5) of youth with co-occurring conditions (n = 61) enroled in a multisite randomized controlled trial were measured, followed by qualitative interviews with a sample of youth (n = 9) to explain the quantitative results. Results from both strands were then integrated, yielding comprehensive insights. Median TRAQ scores ranged from 2.86 on the appointment keeping subscale to 5.00 on the talking with providers subscale. The qualitative results uncovered the complexities faced by this group concerning the impact of a mental health comorbidity on transition readiness and self-management skills across TRAQ domains. The integrated findings identified a diverse and highly individualized set of strengths and challenges amongst this group that did not align with overarching patterns as measured by the TRAQ. This mixed methods study generated novel understandings about how youth with co-occurring conditions develop competencies related to self-care, self-advocacy and self-management in preparation for paediatric-adult service transitions. Results demonstrated the assessment of transition readiness using a generic scale does not address the nuanced and complex needs of youth with co-occurring chronic health and mental health conditions. Our findings suggest tailoring transition readiness practices for this group based on youths' own goals, symptoms, coping mechanisms and resources. This study was conducted in collaboration with five young adult research partners (YARP) with lived experience transitioning from paediatric to adult health/mental health services. The YARP's contributions across study phases ensured the perspectives of young people were centred throughout data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. All five YARP co-authored this manuscript.

(056) Dyadic Approaches in Oncosexology: Understanding the Relationship between Couples’ Coping and Sexual Satisfaction among Young Adult Breast Cancer Patients and Their Partners

Abstract Introduction Recent evidence supports bio-psycho-social and non-linear models of sexual functioning. These models expand current understanding of cancer-related sexual health problems to include interpersonal factors such as relationship discord, fear of intimacy, and lack of communication (Bober &amp; Varela, 2012). Sexual satisfaction, defined as “an affective response arising from one’s subjective evaluation of the positive and negative dimensions associated with one’s sexual relationship” (Lawrence &amp; Byers, 1995; p. 268), is regarded as an important metric of sexual health and wellbeing. However, most studies have included only one member of the couple, and little is known about how each partner’s coping may mutually contribute to sexual satisfaction. We examined the reciprocal influence of couples’ coping behaviors on the individual’s and the partner’s sexual satisfaction. Objective The present work describes the relationship between couples’ coping behaviors and satisfaction with sexual relationship among young adult breast cancer patients and partners. Methods A sample of 40 romantic couples receiving care at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center completed cross-sectional online surveys. Validated questionnaires of satisfaction with sexual relationship (GMSEX), sexual function (IIEF, FSFI), and couple coping [Dyadic Coping Inventory, (DCI)] were administered. Couple coping includes both partners’ strategies implemented to manage their own and their partners’ distress, as well as shared coping behaviors. Items are organized in multiple subscales: stress communication, supportive, delegate, negative, and common dyadic coping. Stress communication refers to the strategies implemented by the partners to communicate to each other that they are stressed. Supportive dyadic coping occurs when one partner implements problem- and/or emotion-focused coping strategies to support the other person. Delegated dyadic coping occurs when one partner takes over responsibilities to reduce their partner’s stress. Negative dyadic coping includes behaviors that are hostile, ambivalent, and superficial. Common dyadic coping indicates coordinated responses between partners. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used to assess differences between partners’ measures. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to estimate measurement models using Mplus8, while the pooled regression approach was utilized to estimate the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Results In the present sample, supportive and delegated dyadic coping behaviors contributed to greater sexual satisfaction for both partners, whereas only an actor effect was detected for stress communication, negative, and common dyadic coping. Significant differences were identified between partners, with breast cancer patients reporting higher stress communication (p&amp;lt;.05), partner-reported supportive (p&amp;lt;.05) and delegated coping behaviors (p&amp;lt;.05). Male partners rated higher patients’ engagement in stress communication behaviors (p&amp;lt;.05). In addition, more than one-half of patients screened positive for clinically significant sexual dysfunction (60.6%), compared to 20% of their partners. Conclusions These results provide evidence about the importance of dyadic approaches to investigating sexual satisfaction and functioning post-cancer treatment. Stress communication exerted an individual, rather than mutual, influence on sexual satisfaction of patients and partners. Delegated and supportive dyadic coping styles resulted in reciprocal influence and were associated with the higher sexual satisfaction among dyad members. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in larger samples of cancer patients and develop effective interventions. Disclosure No