Building Support Networks Research Articles

Applying co-production principles in research: reflections from young people and academics.

Co-production, a form of collaborative working, is guided by principles including valuing all participants, building on individual strengths, blurring distinctions between roles, delivering benefits for all participants, building support networks and supporting people to deliver work themselves. This article explores how co-production is understood by young people and researchers and how co-production principles can be applied within a research context. We identify challenges of implementing existing co-production frameworks in research and key areas to consider for future work.

The Lived Experiences of Paternal Parents as Primary Caregivers in Raising Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study delves into the lived experiences of paternal parents raising children with developmental disabilities within the City of Cabuyao Laguna. It aims to comprehend their unique challenges, explore how the distress of raising a child with developmental disabilities is manifested in them, and identify their coping strategies. Eight (8) paternal parents, acting as primary caregivers for children with Autism, Down syndrome, and Intellectual disability who were also reported to experience significant stress, were interviewed. The study used a Parental Stress Scale and interviews to collect data. By using a phenomenological research approach, three main themes emerged through thematic analysis: (1) Navigating Parenting Challenges and Sacrifices; under this theme are the subthemes: (1.1) lifestyles, (1.2) financial issues, and (1.3) social stigma. (2) Holistic Well-being Under Stress, its subthemes are (2.1) physical manifestation, (2.2) emotional impact, and (2.3) impact on the body. (3) Balancing Approach to Personal Development and Well-being, under this main theme are these subthemes: (3.1) coping and fostering resilience, (3.2) positive mindset in maintaining children’s growth and well-being, (3.3) engaging diverse activities. The study recommends a Stress Management Program for Paternal Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities, which aims to support paternal parents in raising children with developmental disabilities by providing them with essential stress management tools and fostering a supportive community. Throughout the 5-week program, participants will engage in interactive sessions focused on understanding stress, exploring coping strategies, strengthening physical health, enhancing parent-child interactions, building support networks, and accessing resources for ongoing support.

En] Exploring safety and agency in social media: a case study of online crossdressing

Introduction. Are there safe spaces for the construction of online communities with diverse gender identities and sexual desires? What makes some online spaces safer than others? And for whom? Does the architecture of these spaces influence the ways in which users navigate the Internet? Methodology. To address these questions, we conducted a digital ethnography on a social media platform oriented towards the Spanish-speaking crossdresser community. Findings and analysis. Our analysis suggests that this platform acts as a digital counterpublic, as it allows users to inhabit a safe environment for self-expression, building support networks, organizing as a collective, and articulating their sexual intimacies. Based on these findings, we infer that online safety and agency are closely interrelated, the latter being a result of the first. In addition, we found that the concept of online safety should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the feminist perspective, where online safety is always construed in a situated manner and conceives the subjects of study as active agents involved in the definition of the concept itself. Ethical considerations. The research process raised ethical questions of great relevance to the conclusions of this study, suggesting that the same factors to be considered when conducting research in digital platforms should be contemplated when designing and navigating online safe spaces. We thus propose that, both in carrying out online qualitative research and in the construction of online safe spaces, the following aspects should be taken into consideration: the implications of the privacy settings offered by the platform, the vulnerability of the users that populate it, the sensitivity of the topics covered by the platform’s community and, last but not least, an ongoing negotiation and reaffirmation of consent in the utilization of the users’ personal data.

Research capacity building, networks, define research strategy, and funding opportunities in RECOOP HST Association

I built research capacity and networks for the first ten years in the RECOOP Research Consortium from 2002 to 2012. The RECOOP HST Consortium, with the financial support of Cedars–Sinai Medical Center­ (CSMC), applied for the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) grants. We applied for 20 Standard Grants and won 14 Standard Grants to support forming and managing research networks and multinational–multidisciplinary research projects. The IVF grants won by CSMC – RECOOP helped move toward the 21st Century and broaden the scope of activities in RECOOP. Also, the IVF grants helped to build support networks for biosafety and biosecurity, animal use in research, clinical research management, and research and Innovation management training. RECOOP HST Association implemented the Common Mechanism of Diseases (CMD) research program for innovative life science research in member countries. The objectives were to increase the number of young scientists participating in creative research. Knowledge sharing is the most essential element of collaborative research. Within the context of RECOOP, my final endeavor will focus on investigating the diagnosis and management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Ukraine. As of January 2024, an estimated 6.3 million people have been forced to flee Ukraine, with 94 percent of them hosted in European countries, representing 5.9 million refugees. In Ukraine, an estimated 7.8 million people need health assistance, and 11.5 million need protection assistance and services. Studies of PTSD report volume abnormalities in multiple regions of the cerebral cortex. However, findings for many regions, particularly regions outside commonly studied emotion-related prefrontal, insular, and limbic regions, are inconsistent and tentative. We, as researchers, must continually share our research findings and diligently replicate established methods and protocols. These tasks can often feel akin to the labor of Sisyphus. Moreover, within the scientific community, integrity is paramount; dishonesty is swiftly met with consequences akin to the justice administered by Zeus. Therefore, we researchers must roll a boulder up a hill again and again, and after we have proved that the published scientific work is sound, the “boulder” and the scientist will stay on top of the hill. Keywords: burden of Sisyphus, define research stra­tegy, funding opportunities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Ukraine, RECOOP HST Association, research capacity building and networks, sciences and arts

Recognizing the agency of forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics

Abstract In recent years, scholarship and policy reports have slowly attended to the lived realities of forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). However, these emerging discourses are typically characterized by a violation-centric view that focuses on queer migrants’ vulnerabilities and experiences of victimization. Yet, what remains strikingly absent from existing research and advocacy engagement is how refugees with diverse SOGIESC across different settings also actively seek out services and build support networks; how they engage with their experiences on their own terms; how they resist violence; or in other words, how they exercise various forms of agency. In this field reflection, we emphasize the importance to recognize how and under what conditions forced migrants with diverse SOGIESC exercise agency. We put forward illustrative examples based on field reflections of working with refugees with diverse SOGIESC, opening up new perspectives for research, policy, and activism.

The impact of fibromyalgia on society

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by intense generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain. Its etiology is not known and there is no curative treatment but only symptomatic and focused on pain management. The lack of empathy on the part of family, work, friends and health professionals increases the psychosocial discomfort. Educating the population and health professionals on the behavior of the disease could be an opportunity to improve social ties, including friendships, family, health and work. The development of the community approach in the study of fibromyalgia is of significant importance in the understanding and management of this complex chronic disease. Fibromyalgia not only affects the individual sufferer, but also has a profound impact on their social and family environment. By adopting a community approach, it is recognized that community support and understanding is crucial to improving the quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia. This approach involves building support networks and promoting public awareness of fibromyalgia, which in turn reduces the stigma associated with the disease. In addition, the development of community education programs and support groups can help empower people with fibromyalgia to better manage their symptoms and find effective coping strategies.

Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: a qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors

For teens growing up in military-connected families, challenges relating to relocation, parental deployment, and reintegration add layers of stress to an already complex time of life. Out-of-school time programs provide military-connected teens opportunities to utilize existing strengths, develop new skills, and build support networks, as exemplified in the Military Teen Ambassador (MTA) program – a positive youth development program developed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in collaboration with the US Armed Forces. This study investigates the developmental benefits experienced by the teens serving on the MTA Steering Committee – a youth-adult collaboration designed to plan and deliver the MTA program. Interviews with teen and adult participants were analyzed through the lenses of relational developmental systems theory and a structured evaluation framework. Findings contribute insights into developmental processes and outcomes for programs targeting military-connected youth and provide applied implications that extend to broader youth and adult populations.

The Challenges on The Work Stress of Young College Teachers in L University

This study investigates the challenges encountered by young college teachers at L University and proposes coping mechanisms to address these challenges. The challenges identified in this study include workload, lack of experience, high expectations, work-life balance, and interpersonal dynamics. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and interview of key informants, this research examines the specific context of L University. Based on the findings, coping mechanisms are suggested, such as effective time management, professional development opportunities, clear communication of expectations, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, building support networks, and developing conflict resolution skills. Implementing these coping strategies can help young college teachers effectively manage their work stress, improve job satisfaction, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By addressing these challenges, L University can foster a supportive and conducive environment for young teachers, promoting their professional growth and well-being.

How College life Affects One's Self-esteem Using SPSS Statistics

College life can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem. Transitioning from high school to college is often accompanied by a number of new experiences and challenges, which may have an impact on how a person views themselves in both positive and negative ways. This stage of life is marked by growing independence, academic pressure, social contacts, and self-discovery, all of which may have an impact on one's self-esteem. The academic demands of college may be challenging, and students may feel immense pressure to excel academically. Struggling to meet these expectations or experiencing setbacks such as poor grades or difficulties comprehending course content may have a negative impact on one's self-esteem. Constant comparison with others, along with the fear of failure, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and poor self-worth. Furthermore, college life involves navigating new social dynamics and forming new connections. Making new acquaintances and integrating into social circles can be challenging for certain individuals, resulting in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a sense of not belonging. These experiences can have a negative influence on self-esteem as individuals begin to doubt their likability and social abilities. However, there are also beneficial outcomes associated with attending college, such as the chance to improve oneself. In this article, it is explored how the software SPSS is utilized as an analytical tool to investigate the impact of college life on an individual's self-esteem. The impact of college life on an individual's self-esteem is a topic of significant research interest. Understanding this relationship is critical because college is a formative period in a person's life during which they go through many changes and transitions. Developmental stage, academic performance, social relationships, and body image and appearance are some of the key points highlighting the significance of the research. College is a crucial developmental stage during which personal identity exploration, increased autonomy, and the development of social connections all take place. As an individual navigates new experiences and challenges, this period can have a profound impact on their self-esteem. Within the academic performance part, exams, assignments and grading systems are common academic demands in college. Success or failure in these areas can have an impact on a person's self-perception and confidence. Academic achievement, feedback, and educational environments can all be studied to see how they affect self-esteem. Under the heading Social Relationships, college allows students to make new friends, participate in social activities, and build support networks. Positive social interactions can boost self-esteem, whereas social isolation or negative relationships can be harmful. In college, studying social dynamics can shed light on their impact on self-esteem. Under the category of body image and appearance, college can expose students to new societal pressures and expectations, including body image ideals. The study aims to examine the effects of these above mentioned pressures, in conjunction with prospective changes in one's way of life, on the individual's self-esteem and impression of body image. In this study, the software SPSS was utilized as an analytical tool to investigate the impact of college life on an individual's self-esteem. The research will be conducted using the capabilities of the SPSS software. Input Parameters taken as age, Gender, Occupation, Educational Qualification, Where do you reside, and Stream. Process Parameters taken as Rate how your social media affects your self-esteem, Rate how your college life affected your self-esteem, Rate how your self-esteem affects your college life, Rate how your college helps in your development of self-esteem, and Rate how your self-awareness helps in developing your self-esteem. The impact of college on an individual's self-esteem varies greatly depending on the individual and their experiences. However, based on common patterns and observations, some broad conclusions can be drawn. College life can have an impact on self-esteem in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, the college setting frequently provides opportunities for personal development, academic achievement, and the acquisition of new skills and abilities. Participating in these activities and achieving success can boost self-confidence and improve self-perception. Furthermore, college allows students to meet new people, form friendships, and develop social connections. Positive social interactions and a sense of belonging can help boost self-esteem. One's self-esteem can rise significantly as a result of belonging to a community and experiencing peer acceptance and value

Learning through fun: board games cafes for undergraduate nursing students

This article discusses the development, implementation and evaluation of clinical board games cafes in an undergraduate nurse education programme. Drawing on previous relevant literature about gaming approaches in education, the benefits and impact on student learning is presented. Thematic analysis of student feedback suggests that participation provided an opportunity to safely practise clinical scenarios and imbed concepts, as well as time to socialise to build support networks. Students also reported gaining confidence for their upcoming clinical placements. The benefits of a social opportunity timetabled during course teaching time was welcomed by students with commitments outside of the programme. The light-hearted cafe style environment can deliver a positive student experience and complement traditional teaching methods. Suggestions for future development include interdisciplinary sessions, development of games more specific to the mental health field and enabling students to get games out of the library for self-directed learning. Further evaluation of the impact of longer term learning through games is required.

Participant FIRST: Improving Communication With and Support For Participants in Trials that End Early

AbstractBackgroundIn 2019, multiple AD/ADRD trials ended earlier than planned. Participants subsequently stepped forward explaining they first learned their trial ended via news coverage, rather than from a site investigator or research staff. As a result, the issue of participant notification—and the emotional impact of being in a trial that stops early—gained attention. This led to calls to identify better ways to communicate with and support participants after trials end early.MethodThe multidisciplinary Participant Follow‐Up Improvement in Research Studies and Trials (Participant FIRST) Work Group met throughout 2021. Members included research participants and study partners, clinical trialists and study personnel, as well as representatives from academia, industry, patient advocacy organizations, and the National Institutes of Health. The work group’s goals were: (1) improving communication with research participants and study partners when trials end early and (2) identifying supports for those affected by early stopping.ResultsThe Participant FIRST Work Group identified 17 key recommendations. Pre‐trial recommendations focus on developing a patient‐centered communication plan and ensuring that participants and study partners understand early stopping (e.g., role of DSMBs, stopping rules) and securities laws that shape companies’ announcements of trial stopping and, thus, how disclosure occurs. Mid‐trial recommendations focus on maintaining up‐to‐date contact information; helping participants and study partners build support networks; and reinforcing education on early stopping. Post‐trial recommendations focus on rapidly communicating with participants via multiple modalities; scheduling a personalized close‐out meeting to provide key information about the trial and discuss next steps; collaborating with patient advocacy organizations to provide support to participants (e.g., via a patient hotline); and ensuring that participants receive top‐line results. The work group calls for funders and sponsors to ensure adequate time and resources are available to communicate with and support participants when trials end early.ConclusionParticipants and study partners invest time, effort, and hope in their AD/ADRD research participation. The research community should hold itself accountable and take intentional steps towards better means of communicating with and supporting participants when clinical trials end early. The Participant FIRST recommendations are a practical guide for researchers and sponsors embarking on that journey.

Toward a dimensional model of risk and protective factors influencing children's early cognitive, social, and emotional development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Variation in infants' home environment is implicated in their cognitive and psycho-social development. The pandemic has intensified variations in home environments through exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities, and increasing psychological stressors for some families. This study investigates the effects of parental (predominantly maternal) mental health, enriching activities and screen use on 280 24- to 52-month-olds' executive functions, internalising and externalising problems, and pro-social behaviour; with socioeconomic status and social support as contextual factors. Our results indicate that aspects of the home environment are differentially associated with children's cognitive and psycho-social development. Parents who experienced sustained mental distress during the pandemic tended to report higher child externalising and internalising problems, and executive function difficulties at follow-up. Children who spent more time engaged in enriching activities with their parents showed stronger executive functions and social competence six months later. Screen use levels during the first year of the pandemic were not associated with outcomes. To mitigate the risk of persistent negative effects for this 'pandemic generation' of infants, our study highlights the importance of supporting parents' mental health. As our results demonstrate the impact of social support on mental health, investing in support services and interventions promoting building support networks are likely to be beneficial.

Health literacy in dietary supplement use among working-age groups: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGlobally, dietary supplement use (DSU) is very popular against COVID19. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of research on health literacy (HL) in DSU and compare HL among working-age groups by reviewing related research between 2011 and 2021 in PubMed, SCOPUS, ClinicalKey, Google Scholar and ThaiJO. MethodsTwenty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for study and analyzed using Cohen’s d. ResultsThe results showed that HL affected dietary supplement (DS) consumption behavior among working-age groups with an average effect size of 0.423 (95% CI = 0.249–0.598), followed by disclosure of DSU with an average effect size of 0.220 (95% CI = 0.087–0.353). No effect was found on awareness of dietary supplement advertisements. ConclusionThe discovery of such knowledge is a significant contribution to public health, leading to the development of interventions and policies for enhancing HL in DSU e.g. organizing knowledge-sharing workshops on DSU and building support networks across all sectors.

O-160 Can a mobile app address reproductive e-literacy?

Study questionCan a mobile app be developed to address reproductive e-literacy?Summary answerA mobile app has been developed with the features identified by patients as important to their reproductive e-literacy.What is known alreadyOne main factor that impacts fertility treatment seeking and decision-making is the knowledge people have regarding fertility health.The more relevant information people have, the better they are equipped to deal with and manage their diagnosis.Virtual communication is a common, yet complex, source of information. In digital tools, patients look for educational content, for emotional support, for a sense of community, the opportunity to build support networks, and for trustworthiness, with proper references. Nevertheless, there are reproductive e-literacy inequalities between subgroups. Study design, size, durationA triad of studies supported the development of the a mobile app, between 2018 and 2020:2018 - Interviews and focus groups (N = 27)2019 - Intervention (N = 10)2020 - Clinical trial (N = 24 control group ; N = 33 intervention group)Participants/materials, setting, methods2018 - Interviews and focus groups (N = 27) to explore the topic of reproductive e-literacy.2019 - Intervention (N = 10) to assess usage of the programme over 3 months, regarding support, ability to cope, recommending it to others, and continued engagement.2020 - Clinical trial (N = 24 control group; N = 33 intervention group) survey to assess patients’ major concerns and how their ability to cope changes according to perceived support.Main results and the role of chanceThe app developed, to respond to the features identified in the triad of clinical studies.The app includes an online course with five modules that explain fertility-related topics in an accessible way, twenty two interventions and fifteen mindfulness recordings that users can access and use at home whenever they need, cognitive behavioural therapy exercises (compiled in a workbook), the Fertility Risk Detection Tool - a questionnaire of 90 questions that accesses both the male and the female health -, ability to join support groups, book one-to-one consultations, buy at home test kits, and a questionnaire to help the user find the best fertility clinic for them. An advisory board with clinicians, experts and patients, provides insights into required changes to content overtime to make sure it continues to meet the needs of patients as well as the advancements in medical knowledge.Limitations, reasons for cautionThe authors are aware of the limitations and reason for caution with this study. A total of 94 patients participated in the triad of studies. Confounding factors, such as coronavirus pandemic, may also contribute to concerns around reproductive future uncertainty and different needs of support and information.Wider implications of the findingsThe findings are aligned with previous insights that mention patients look for educational content, emotional support, a sense of community, the opportunity to build support networks, and for trustworthiness, with proper references.Trial registration numbernot applicable

Assessment of the feasibility of Juntos: A support programme for families of children affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome

Background: The 2015-16 Zika epidemic resulted in thousands of children born with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). In Brazil, gaps in the health system often caused parents to be left with insufficient information and support. Consequently, we developed and piloted Juntos - a participatory support programme which aims to improve knowledge, capacities and build support networks for caregivers of children with CZS. Methods: Six caregiver groups received the programme between August 2017 and June 2018: three in Rio de Janeiro and three in Bahia. We assessed the feasibility of Juntos against six of the eight areas of a feasibility framework described by Bowen et al. to consider whether Juntos ‘could work’. These areas were: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation and limited efficacy. We used mixed methods including: 1) baseline and end-line questionnaires completed by all group participants; 2) in-depth interviews with 18 participants, seven facilitators and three key stakeholders; 3) participant focus group discussions after each session; 4) researchers session observation; and 5) recording programme costs. Results: 37/48 (77%) enrolled families completed both questionnaires. Acceptability and demand were noted as high, based on participant responses to interview questions, focus group feedback and satisfaction scores. Potential for implementation and practicality were also demonstrated through interviews with facilitators and key stakeholders and analysis of project documents. Two groups included caregivers of children with non-Zika related developmental disabilities, showing potential for adaptability. Self-reported quality of life scores increased in caregivers between baseline and end-line, as did the dimensions of family relationships and daily activities in the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDS QL) Family Impact Module, showing limited efficacy. Conclusions: The programme showed feasibility according to Bowen’s framework. However, further research of scale up, particularly in the areas of integration, expansion and limited efficacy are needed to ascertain if the programme is effective.

Limits to the Productivity in Biobased Territorial SMEs

In Latin América there are large exporting companies intensive in natural resources which do not connect with the SMEs in the territories. The aim of this study is to provide elements that explain the limits to the productivity of small and medium enterprises located in bio-based territories, providing inputs for a public policy that enhances local development. The case of sawmills located in the Province of Arauco, Bío-Bío Region, Chile, is studied. The results of a survey applied to 42 companies are analyzed, in the context of an initiative financed by the Regional Government of Biobío, which represent 84% of the total sawmills in the Province of Arauco. Different data science algorithms are used to generate clusters and decision trees. Based on the results, a heterogeneity within the group of companies is verified from the perception of the main problems, the processes that are internalized, the number of sectors it sells to and the cost of raw materials. Public policies recommendations are presented aimed at building support networks, improving quality standards through certifications, attracting, and retaining qualified human capital and promoting collaborative design among companies.

Assessment of the feasibility of Juntos: A support programme for families of children affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome.

Background: The 2015-16 Zika epidemic resulted in thousands of children born with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). In Brazil, gaps in the health system often caused parents to be left with insufficient information and support. Consequently, we developed and piloted Juntos - a participatory support programme which aims to improve knowledge, capacities and build support networks for caregivers of children with CZS. Methods: Six caregiver groups received the programme between August 2017 and June 2018: three in Rio de Janeiro and three in Bahia. We assessed the feasibility of Juntos against six of the eight areas of a feasibility framework described by Bowen et al. to consider whether Juntos 'could work'. These areas were: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation and limited efficacy. We used mixed methods including: 1) baseline and end-line questionnaires completed by all group participants; 2) in-depth interviews with 18 participants, seven facilitators and three key stakeholders; 3) participant focus group discussions after each session; 4) researchers session observation; and 5) recording programme costs. Results: 37/48 (77%) enrolled families completed both questionnaires. Acceptability and demand were noted as high, based on participant responses to interview questions, focus group feedback and satisfaction scores. Potential for implementation and practicality were also demonstrated through interviews with facilitators and key stakeholders and analysis of project documents. Two groups included caregivers of children with non-Zika related developmental disabilities, showing potential for adaptability. Self-reported quality of life scores increased in caregivers between baseline and end-line, as did the dimensions of family relationships and daily activities in the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDS QL) Family Impact Module, showing limited efficacy. Conclusions: The programme showed feasibility according to Bowen's framework. However, further research of scale up, particularly in the areas of integration, expansion and limited efficacy are needed to ascertain if the programme is effective.

PASTRY: A nursing-developed quality improvement initiative to combat moral distress.

High levels of moral distress in nursing professionals, of which oncology nurses are particularly prone, can negatively impact patient care, job satisfaction, and retention. "Positive Attitudes Striving to Rejuvenate You: PASTRY" was developed at a tertiary cancer center to reduce the burden of moral distress among oncology nurses. A Quality Improvement (QI) initiative was conducted using a pre- and post-intervention design, to launch PASTRY and measure its impact on moral distress of the nursing unit, using Hamric's Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R.) This program consisted of monthly 60-minute sessions allowing nurses to address morally distressing events and themes, such as clinicians giving "false hope" to patients or families. The PASTRY program sessions were led by certified clinicians utilizing strategies of discussion and mind-body practices. Clinical nurses working on an adult leukemia/lymphoma unit. This was a QI initiative, participation was voluntary, MDS-R responses were collected anonymously, and the institution's Ethics Committee oversaw PASTRY's implementation. While improvement in moral distress findings were not statistically significant, the qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated consistent themes. The PASTRY program received strong support from nurses and institutional leaders, lowered the nursing unit's moral distress, led to enhanced camaraderie, and improved nurses' coping skills. Measurement of moral distress is innately challenging due to its complexity. This study reinforces oncology nurses have measurable moral distress. Interventions should be implemented for a safe and healing environment to explore morally distressing clinical experiences. Poor communication among multidisciplinary team members is associated with moral distress among nurses. Programs like PASTRY may empower nurses to build support networks for change within themselves and institutions. This QI initiative shows further research on moral distress reduction should be conducted to verify findings for statistical significance and so that institutional programs, like PASTRY, can be created.

A Systematic Review of the Protective and Risk Factors Influencing the Mental Health of Forced Migrants: Implications for Sustainable Intercultural Mental Health Practice

This systematic review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The primary aim of this research was to identify risks and protective factors for the mental health of forced migrants. The secondary aim was to suggest an alternative, more comprehensive approach in social work that surpasses usual diagnoses and intrinsically contradicts the medicalization of mental health issues of forced migrants. The search was conducted between January 2015 and January 2021. As a result, 29 studies met inclusion criteria. Medicalizing mental health issues by relying solely on the effectiveness of medicine was a controversial risk factor that negatively affected daily life activities of refugees and reduced their willingness for seeking professional mental health services. Empowering vulnerable minorities by giving them back their power and agency to be able to speak for themselves and raise voices of trauma and recovery was the missing protective factor for a sustainable mental health practice. The benefits of group-based interventions were highlighted in which communities and individuals address mental health issues as well as isolation through building collective identities and support networks. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can add more strength to any kind of mental health interventions. Finally, the benefits of applying an ecological perspective for the study of the mental health of refugees, and its implications for a sustainable intercultural practice, were discussed. Social workers in this model are the representatives of at-risk groups, and thus require more agency and creativity in reflecting client’s concrete needs.

Building Support Networks 25 Years After Beijing: The Case of Women Domestic Workers in Ethiopia and Tanzania

abstract In view of the Beijing +25 celebration, I draw upon ethnographic research in Ethiopia and Tanzania to examine various forms of action mobilised by governments and formal and informal women’s labour movements for the improvement of domestic workers’ rights. Domestic work is one of the most important sources of employment for women in both countries. Yet the lack of adequate protection leaves domestic workers open to several forms of abuse and exploitation. Various activists are lobbying governments for the improvement of domestic workers’ conditions in terms of payment, enforcement of written contracts, access to social protection, and the right to a safe work environment. Labour activists are currently advocating for the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 189 ‘Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers’. In particular, they mobilise support networks at local, regional, national and international level, and emphasise the need for domestic workers themselves to be on the frontline. Despite their efforts, they face many challenges in organising domestic workers, and there is little awareness of their actions among domestic workers themselves; much remains to be done to achieve significant advances in the rights of domestic workers. The article argues that in the absence of institutional social protection, domestic workers’ mobilisation of other strategies of action outside of formal channels, such as neighborhood interactions and informal gatherings which work as sources of emotional, practical and material support, are also important in the advancing of domestic workers’ rights. It is argued that both formal and informal approaches have relevance for academic research and activists who seek to foster new solutions to achieve improvements in domestic workers’ rights.