Caregivers Of Children Research Articles

Qualitative study on the influence of mealtime screen exposure on children’s feeding practices: perspectives from paediatricians and speech-language pathologists in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

ObjectiveThis qualitative research study investigates perspectives on the influence of mealtime screen exposure (MTSE) on feeding practices in children through semi-structured interviews with paediatricians and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).DesignThis study used...

Socio-economic and Demographic Characteristics of Caregivers as a Determinant of Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6-59 Months in Kericho County, Kenya

Child growth and well-being are critically dependent on proper nutrition, particularly during the developmental phase between the ages of 6 and 59 months. Poor nutritional status is associated with an increased prevalence of mortality and morbidity in Kenya and globally. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the nutritional status of children aged 6 months to 5 years in Kericho County, Kenya. The research employed a cross-sectional analytical design, targeting children attending outpatient child welfare clinics at Kericho County Referral Hospital and Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital. A total of 172 children were selected through systematic random sampling, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Key findings revealed that stunting affected 25% of the children, while wasting and underweight were prevalent in 23.8%. Dietary practices showed that only 39.2% of children aged 6 to 23 months met the minimum dietary diversity, and 39.2% received a minimum acceptable diet. Moreover, 45.3% of children experienced illness in the past month. Regression analysis identified several key predictors of malnutrition: Children of caregivers without formal education were more likely to be underweight (AOR = 0.70, p = 0.01). This study underscores the critical role of caregiver education in shaping child nutritional outcomes and highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve caregiver knowledge and practices.

Experiences of mothers of children with and without Special Educational Needs (SEN) in England during the COVID-19 lockdowns: a qualitative study

AbstractThe present study qualitatively examined the experiences of caregivers of primary school children with and without SEN in relation to their socioemotional wellbeing and how they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 London-based mothers of 5–12-year-old children, half of whom had children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a comparative exploration of the experiences of mothers with children with SEN and those without. The analysis generated four themes: (1) opportunities (2) challenges (3) post-pandemic considerations (4) coping strategies. Findings showed that caregivers of both SEN and non-SEN children experienced several opportunities or challenges after the initial lockdown in 2020. Both groups of caregivers reported similar long-term experiences in terms of opportunities. However, almost all caregivers in SEN group reported distinctive challenges about support services and mental health decline. In terms of coping strategies, SEN mothers placed a greater emphasis on the importance of adapting to change and establishing new routines. They also used more mental health services for themselves and their children during lockdowns compared to non-SEN mothers. Regarding the post-pandemic considerations, almost all caregivers, regardless of their children’s SEN status, expressed significant concerns about future uncertainties. This study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by caregivers, particularly emphasizing the nuanced needs of SEN families. The findings underscore the necessity for robust mental health support frameworks and tailored support strategies to address these needs. Implications for future research include further exploration of long-term support mechanisms for SEN families and a broader investigation into the diverse coping strategies across different caregiver populations.

Study of knowledge, attitudes and practices of complementary feeding among caregivers of children from 6 to 23 months of age from a rural community of Ecuador: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction. Nutritional deficiency due to an unbalanced diet is one of the most important factors contributing to stunting or the development of comorbidities in infants. Poverty, lack of knowledge about complementary feeding (CF) schedules, or lack of information accessibility are among the major causes that affect nutritional status. Our objective was to investigate the association of caregivers' knowledges, attitudes, and CF practices with the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 23 months attending the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Health Center from October to December 2022. Methods: An observational study was conducted. Information from caregivers of 137 children aged from 6 to 23 months (mean age 12.66 ± 5.00, 51.82% female) was analyzed. The data collection process was carried out through the application of the KAP survey of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which first includes a socio-demographic survey consisting of 10 questions, 7 of which obtain information from the caregiver and 3 oriented to obtain data from the child. Informed consensus was obtained previous to the survey application. Information on the nutritional status was obtained from the medical history data provided by the nursing department. Pearson's Chi-squared test was applied to establish whether or not there was an association between the nutritional variables. Results: 55.96% of caregivers had appropriate CF practices. Meanwhile, 77.89% and 77.55% had adequate knowledge and attitudes about CF. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between nutritional diagnosis and maternal CF knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the target population reached a moderate level, laying the foundation for the study of risk factors, as well as educational strategies to prevent malnutrition.

Pattern of antibiotic use among children caregivers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAntibiotic resistance, a major global health concern, is primarily caused by the irrational use of antibiotics. Parents play a crucial role in antibiotic use by children, directly impacting their clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the pattern of antibiotic use among parents and its related factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 parents randomly selected from the pediatric outpatient clinics of Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Cairo. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire about sociodemographic data, antibiotic use patterns, parental knowledge and attitudes, common sources of information, and reasons for self-prescribing antibiotics.ResultsOut of the 400 parents surveyed, 87.7% were mothers with a mean age of 31.9 ± 7 years, 76% were highly educated, almost half were not working, 63% came from urban areas, and 95.2% had sufficient income. As for their children, 57.5% had male children; their average age was 5.5 ± 3.7 years. The misuse of antibiotics was prevalent among 37.2% (95% CI = 32.5–42.2%) of parents. When assessing parents’ knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use, 30.2% (95% CI = 25.8–35.0%) had good knowledge which was significantly more common among highly educated, working, and high-income parents, while the majority (72%, 95% CI = 67.3–76.3%) had a positive attitude. Having more and older children significantly increased the probability of antibiotic misuse, while a higher level of parental education and a positive attitude decreased the likelihood of such misuse (odds ratio (OR) was 1.31, 1.09, 0.52, and 0.11, respectively). Most parents obtained their information about antibiotics from physicians (92%) followed by experience from previous prescription (58.5%). Moreover, among inappropriate users, previous prescriptions and the parent’s perception of the child’s illness as a nonurgent condition were the most frequently cited reasons for the parents’ self-prescription of antibiotics (76.5% and 69.1%, respectively).ConclusionApproximately, one-third of surveyed parents demonstrated an inappropriate use of antibiotics. Despite possessing a highly positive attitude and a reasonable level of knowledge about antibiotics, parents often underestimate the potential adverse effects. Tailored measures to promote appropriate antibiotic use are therefore needed to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Disabilities and Disparities in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face considerable oral health challenges, including a higher prevalence of dental caries and gingival inflammation, which adversely affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This population experiences distinct and substantial barriers in accessing adequate dental care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify disparities in OHRQoL between PWDs and individuals without disabilities in Saudi Arabia, focusing on caries and gingivitis prevalence, and to identify specific areas for intervention. Materials and Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar yielded 803 articles, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported on OHRQoL and oral health outcomes in populations with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairments. Data on caries rates, gingival health, and self- or caregiver-reported quality of life were extracted and analysed. Results: PWDs in Saudi Arabia exhibit significantly higher caries prevalence (ranging from 60% to over 80%) and moderate-to-severe gingival inflammation (up to 60%) compared to individuals without disabilities. The caregivers of children with disabilities reported heightened stress levels, and PWDs experienced reduced functional and social well-being. These disparities were compounded by limited preventive care access and high unmet treatment needs, particularly among those with severe disabilities and limited caregiver support. Conclusions: PWDs in Saudi Arabia face marked oral health disparities, with notably higher rates of dental caries and gingivitis, severely impacting their quality of life. The findings underscore the need for targeted oral health policies and community-based interventions to enhance care accessibility, promote preventive measures, and address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Predicting adolescent psychopathology from early life factors: A machine learning tutorial

ObjectiveThe successful implementation and interpretation of machine learning (ML) models in epidemiological studies can be challenging without an extensive programming background. We provide a didactic example of machine learning for risk prediction in this study by determining whether early life factors could be useful for predicting adolescent psychopathology. MethodsIn total, 9643 adolescents ages 9–10 from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were included in ML analysis to predict high Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores (i.e., t-scores ≥ 60). ML models were constructed using a series of predictor combinations (prenatal, family history, sociodemographic) across 5 different algorithms. We assessed ML performance through sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC) metrics. ResultsA total of 1267 adolescents (13.1 %) were found to have high CBCL scores. The best performing algorithms were elastic net and gradient boosted trees. The best performing elastic net models included prenatal and family history factors (Sensitivity 0.654, Specificity 0.713; AUC 0.742, F1-score 0.401) and prenatal, family, history, and sociodemographic factors (Sensitivity 0.668, Specificity 0.704; AUC 0.745, F1-score 0.402). Across all 5 ML algorithms, family history factors (e.g., either parent had nervous breakdowns, trouble holding jobs/fights/police encounters, and counseling for mental issues) and sociodemographic covariates (e.g., maternal age, child's sex, caregiver income and caregiver education) tended to be better predictors of adolescent psychopathology. The most important prenatal predictors were unplanned pregnancy, birth complications, and pregnancy complications. ConclusionOur results suggest that inclusion of prenatal, family history, and sociodemographic factors in ML models can generate moderately accurate predictions of adolescent psychopathology. Issues associated with model overfitting, hyperparameter tuning, and system seed setting should be considered throughout model training, testing, and validation. Future early risk predictions models may improve with the inclusion of additional relevant covariates.

“If you take care of that child, tomorrow it will be a profit to you and an entire generation”: A qualitative evaluation of a program to prevent ACEs and promote child development in Northern Sierra Leone

BackgroundThe Education for Protection and Well-being (EPW) model is a program that aims to promote child development by preventing ACEs and creating nurturing school and home environments. The purpose of this study was to understand teacher and caregiver experience participating in EPW, including what participants learned, any new skills they applied, and changes observed in children at home and school. MethodsWe conducted 9 focus groups with teachers (N=16) and caregivers (N=63) involved in the EPW pilot in two communities in Northern Sierra Leone that have experienced high levels of adversity. We used purposive sampling to explore teacher and caregiver experiences, learnings, and practices, and observed changes in their homes and schools since starting the program. Data were translated, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. ResultsThe four themes that emerged were improved social cohesion, more conducive learning environments, improved parenting practices, and improved child well-being reported by teachers and caregivers, which aligned with levels of the social-ecological model. At the community level, participants noted increased social cohesion at home and in the community, enhanced parent engagement in education, stronger caregiver-teacher relationships, and a communal approach to raising children. Teachers reported fostering conducive learning environments at the school level through social-emotional learning, effective classroom management, and positive teaching practices. The family-level theme highlighted improved parenting practices and parent emotional regulation. At the child level, caregivers and teachers observed enhanced child well-being, including increased engagement in education, strengthened teacher-child and parent-child relationships, and reduced negative behaviors among children. ConclusionCaregivers and teachers reported learning and applying new skills and other benefits of the EPW program for themselves, their students, children, and families and expressed a desire for program continuation in their community and expansion across communities in Sierra Leone.

Prevalence and factors contributing to missed opportunities for vaccination in Mogadishu, Somalia

BackgroundVaccination is a critical public health intervention that significantly reduces morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines, missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) remain a significant challenge in many low-income countries, including Somalia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the factors contributing to MOV in Mogadishu, Somalia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at various healthcare facilities in Mogadishu, Somalia, from January to March 2024. A total of 234 caregivers of children under five years of age were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health service utilization, and reasons for missed vaccinations were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with MOV. Results: The prevalence of MOV in Mogadishu was 26%. Key factors contributing to MOV included low socioeconomic status, lack of caregiver awareness about vaccination schedules, logistical challenges within the healthcare system, and misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy. Knowledge and beliefs of mothers about vaccination significantly affected the MOVs in children. Not knowing if all children should be vaccinated is associated with higher probability of (MOVs), (AOR =13.006, 95% CI = 1.175-143.924, p = 0.003). ConclusionThe study highlighted a significant prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination in Mogadishu, Somalia. Addressing these missed opportunities requires a multifaceted approach, including enhancing public awareness about the importance of vaccination, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring consistent vaccine supply and proper storage.

Influence of trust on the acceptance of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in the Kassena-Nankana districts of Ghana

BackgroundVaccines have increasingly become some of the most effective public health tools for promoting health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases. The availability of a malaria vaccine for routine use will be a major milestone, nonetheless, trust by the public for the vaccine could pose a major challenge for its acceptance. Documented evidence such as the boycott of the oral polio vaccine in northern Nigeria and the failure of the Ebola vaccine trial in Ghana among others highlight the impact of public trust on vaccine acceptance.MethodsThis is an explorative cross-sectional mixed-method study conducted in the Kassena Nankana districts. The study was conducted in the Kassena Nankana Districts between May and December 2020. A total of 390 structured questionnaires were administrated to mothers and caregivers of children under five years of age while 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers and health workers. STATA software Version 16.0 was used to interpret the quantitative data, where bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of trust on vaccine acceptance while QSR NVivo 12 software was used to code the qualitative data to aid the thematic analysis.ResultsThe results revealed that the level of knowledge of the RTS,S vaccine among participants was high. About 95.4% of the mothers had good knowledge of the malaria vaccine and more than half 61.2% of them got information about the vaccine from the health facility. The level of trust for the malaria vaccine was equally high with 91.4% of the mothers reporting that the vaccine treats childhood malaria. In a bivariate analysis, educational status (P = 0.013), ethnicity (P = 0.008), marital status (P = 0.041), education on the vaccine and perceived ineffectiveness P < 0.05, and trust for the malaria vaccine (P < 0.05) were found to be statistically associated with vaccine acceptance. Compared with participants who agree that vaccines are harmless to children, those who disagree were significantly less likely to accept vaccines (OR = 0.25, 95%CI [0.08, 0.83], p = 0.017). The qualitative data correspondingly revealed that mothers trusted vaccines which thus accounted for the high uptake of the malaria vaccine in the districts.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that trust in the malaria vaccine is critical for its uptake. Therefore, efforts towards improving acceptance of the vaccine should be focused on building and sustaining trust for the vaccine among mothers and community members.

Does socioeconomic factors and child behavior contribute to caregiver's stress in families of children with disabilities in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

This study explored whether socioeconomic factors and child behavior are associated with caregiver stress in families of children with disabilities aged 2 to 17 living in Jordan. This study employed a cross-sectional design using an online survey. The survey, distributed mainly on social media, consisted of questions on demographics, child disability using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS), caregiver stress levels using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and child behavior using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics, correlation testing (Pearson and Spearman tests), and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to identify whether caregiver stress was associated with child disability and behavior and 4 socioeconomic factors (caregiver age, employment status, child disability, and child gender). In total, 161 caregivers completed the survey. Being older, employed, and having a female child were associated with less caregiver stress (P = .010, P = .017, and P = .009, respectively). Having a child with a higher disability score and more behavioral problems was associated with higher caregiver stress. Our findings highlight the importance of developing a comprehensive evaluation process to identify how child disability affects different areas of caregivers' lives, and interventions to address caregiver stress. We recommend implementing policies to increase access to mental health services and parenting resources, particularly for young and unemployed caregivers.

Evaluation of Integrated Child Health Days as a Catch-Up Strategy for Immunization in Three Districts in Uganda

Background: Uganda’s Integrated Child Health Day (ICHD) initiative aims to improve children’s access to vaccinations. Although widely used as a catch-up vaccination strategy, the effectiveness of the ICHD program in increasing immunization coverage, especially among vulnerable populations, has not been recently evaluated. This study assessed the reach and uptake of ICHD for immunizations in Uganda. Methods: A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted in three districts (Rakai, Kayunga, and Bukedea) where ICHDs occurred. The data collection included a cross-sectional household survey using validated WHO-adapted questionnaires of 1432 caregivers of children under five years old, key informant interviews with 42 health managers and workers, and nine focus group discussions with caregivers between October and December 2022. The vaccines assessed were Bacillus Calmette–Guerin, oral polio, Pentavalent, pneumococcal conjugate, rotavirus (RV), and measles-rubella (MR). Results: The immunization coverage based on child health cards was over 90% for all vaccines except for the second dose of RV (88.3%) and MR (16.2%). Among the children, 2.3% had received no Pentavalent vaccine, and 69.4% were fully vaccinated for their age. Of the 631 children who attended ICHDs, 79.4% received at least one vaccine during the event. Village Health Teams (49%), health workers (18.3%), and megaphone outreach (17.9%) were the primary information sources. Key informants cited challenges with coordination, vaccine delivery, and mobilization. Conclusions: Despite operational challenges, ICHDs appear to have contributed to routine childhood vaccinations. Further research is needed to assess the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the program.

A qualitative study on the experiences of caregivers of children undergoing surgery for congenital heart diseases

ObjectiveThis study explores the experiences of caregivers of pediatric cardiac surgery patients, aiming to deepen understanding of their role and improve the caregiving process. MethodsA qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed using individual, semi-structured interviews with a heterogeneous sample of caregivers (both mothers and fathers) of children who had undergone surgery for congenital heart disease. Interviews were conducted face-to-face from June 2023 to May 2024, following Creswell's interview techniques. Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously using MAXQDA software. ResultsParticipants included caregivers of children aged 2 months to 17 years, with caregivers themselves aged 25 to 50 years. Most children had undergone surgery for congenital heart valve disease, with surgeries ranging from one to three. Three main themes and nine sub-themes were identified: (1) “Comprehensive health journey” described caregivers' experiences from diagnosis through treatment and their interactions with healthcare professionals; (2) “Challenges” encompassed social isolation, financial strain, work-life balance issues, and the impact on the education process; and (3) “Uncertainty” captured caregivers' anxiety about the future and concerns regarding home care. ConclusionThe findings offer valuable insights into the challenges and needs of caregivers in the pediatric cardiac surgery context, highlighting areas where support services and interventions could be beneficial. Implications to practiceThe study emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals providing caregivers with clear information and empathetic support, which can enhance both caregiver well-being and patient outcomes.

Do the norms of tolerance for child physical abuse modify the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse?

BackgroundIntergenerational transmission of physical abuse is well-known; however, the potential for contextual effect modification remains unknown. ObjectiveWe investigated whether the norms of tolerance for child physical abuse modify the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse. Participants and settingData from the Child Living Standard Survey (grades five and eight) conducted between 2016 and 2018 in three prefectures in Japan was analyzed. MethodsThe norms of tolerance for child physical abuse were calculated based on the proportion of caregivers who physically abuse their offspring in each of the 33 districts (n = 43,534). The caregivers' childhood physical abuse victimization and perpetration of child physical abuse were assessed via questionnaire. A multilevel analysis was performed to evaluate the cross-level interaction of the norms of tolerance for child physical abuse at the neighborhood level on the association between the caregiver's childhood physical abuse victimization and perpetration of child physical abuse, stratified by fathers (n = 4334) and mothers (n = 38,290). ResultsBy district, the average percentage of caregivers who physically abuse their offspring was 14.4 %. Intergenerational transmission was confirmed for both fathers and mothers. Fathers who are living with highly tolerant norms for child physical abuse showed higher odds of intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, while mothers showed no effect modification. ConclusionThe norms of tolerance for child physical abuse showed a more prominent intergenerational transmission of physical abuse for fathers but not for mothers. To modify the cycle of physical abuse, interventions to reduce norms of tolerance for child physical abuse may be useful.

Reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities in children with cerebral palsy.

The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire is a reliable indirect indicator of functional, health status and quality of life in children with severe Cerebral Palsy (CP), as well as the caregiving burden. The aim of the study is to validate the Italian translation of Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire and assess its reliability and validity. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The study involved 60 caregivers of children with CP, classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-V. There was a self-compilation of the CPCHILD™ by primary caregivers during the clinical visit and a re-administration of the questionnaire 2-3 weeks after the first to a defined sample (N.=30, GMFCS IV-V). The Italian version of CPCHILD™'s psychometric properties were evaluated through internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity analyses. The translated CPCHILD™ questionnaire showed excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient - ICC=0.97) across most sections, with significant construct validity, differentiating well between the various GMFCS levels. The internal consistency was robust (Cronbach's alpha=0.852) except for the health section. The face validity indicated high relevance of the questionnaire items to the caregivers, particularly in emotional well-being and social interaction. The Italian version of CPCHILD™ questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the quality of life in children with severe CP, offering insights into the care burden and health status impacts perceived by caregivers.

Discharge Readiness Among Primary Caregivers in Pediatric Medical–Surgical Units in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background/Objectives: Preparing families to support children after hospital discharge is crucial, particularly due to the fragile health of pediatric patients and the care required at home. In this study, the aim was to assess the readiness for hospital discharge among primary caregivers of pediatric patients in medical–surgical units in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify factors influencing their preparedness. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 258 primary caregivers recruited from two hospitals in Jeddah: King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and a Ministry of Health (MOH) hospital. A purposive sampling method was used. Data were collected through the Pediatric Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (Ped-RHDS) and the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS), translated into Arabic. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analyses were employed to identify key predictors of discharge readiness. Results: Caregivers reported moderate to high readiness for discharge, with mean scores of 8.28 (SD = 2.65) for personal strength and 8.62 (SD = 2.26) for their child’s strength. Knowledge scores averaged 7.49 (SD = 3.27). The quality of discharge teaching was higher at KAUH (M = 6.43, SD = 2.56) than at the MOH hospital (M = 5.48, SD = 2.89, p = 0.006). Caregiver age, child age, and discharge teaching quality were significant predictors of readiness (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, the importance of discharge readiness is emphasized, highlighting the role of discharge education in enhancing preparedness. Addressing caregivers’ specific needs, especially for younger children or prolonged stays, can improve readiness and reduce post-discharge complications.

A Socioecological Framing of the Experiences of Caregivers of Children With Cerebral Palsy in South Africa Post COVID-19.

Post COVID-19, caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in South Africa face unique challenges. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Gauteng, South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. Lockdown restrictions have had lasting effects on families' routines and events, reshaping their internal and external functioning. The pandemic introduced new challenges, such as increased physical pain due to the child's weight gain, persistent emotional distress, and a lack of social and governmental support. Post COVID-19, it is crucial to develop innovative support mechanisms for children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers, focusing on comprehensive health services, robust social support, and targeted interventions to address the ongoing and new challenges faced by these families.

Family caregivers' needs for information on pediatric cystic fibrosis: A qualitative study.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects not just patients but also their families, highlighting the need for a comprehensive care approach. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the informational needs of family caregivers of children with CF, focusing on how these needs can be addressed within a Patient and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) framework. The study was conducted at a public hospital in Brazil. Thirteen caregivers were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed using content analysis guided by PFCC principles. Analysis revealed three primary themes: Types of Information for Family Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with CF; sources of Information for Family caregivers of Children and Adolescents with CF; and Beyond Information: the need for emotional support and family-centered care in CF management. Caregivers sought comprehensive information about CF management from healthcare professionals and informal sources like social media. Our findings emphasize the diverse and evolving informational needs of family caregivers. Overall, this study underscores the necessity of incorporating PFCC principles, especially those addressing information sharing, in managing CF, extending beyond medical treatment to include emotional support and active family participation in care and decision-making processes.

Future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-cultural perspective

The aim was (1) to investigate potential differences in future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Emirate and Australian mothers/fathers/caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); (2) to examine the predictive role of sociodemographic characteristics (i.e. culture, parental gender, age, and family socioeconomic status), child’s features (i.e. child IQ and ASD severity) on parenting stress in parents of children with ASD in Italy and Japan; (3) to study the predictive role of culture, parents’ sociodemographic characteristics, child’s characteristics, future anxiety, experience of stigma, and emotion regulation on the quality of life between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Emirate and Australian mothers/fathers/caregivers of children with ASD. Participants were parents or main caregivers of autistic children. There were 280 parents of children (aged six to ten years) with a diagnosis of ASD. For analyses of gender and country differences in future anxiety, experience of stigma, emotion regulation and quality of life, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed. Findings highlight the importance of a cross-cultural approach to understand the predictive contribution of selected sociodemographics of parents and child on study variables.

Predicting Emotional Well-Being in Caregivers of Children with More Complex Special Healthcare Needs

ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with reduced emotional well-being (EWB) among family caregivers of children with more complex special health care needs (SHCN). MethodsWe applied gradient boosted trees (GBTs) to the 2016-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health to identify factors associated with questions assessing (1) global mental health, (2) parental coping, and (3) parental aggravation among family caregivers of children with more complex SHCN. We then conducted adjusted logistic regression and post-hoc margins analyses to describe the relationships between GBT-identified factors and caregiver EWB outcomes. ResultsOur GBT models’ area under the curve (AUC) scores ranged from 0.69-0.77. Among our sample, (1) caregiver reported lack of emotional support, (2) increased levels of frustration and effort in getting their child needed health services, and (3) the presence of child emotional and behavioral conditions were factors associated with reduced caregiver EWB. In margins analyses of adjusted regression models, GBT-identified factors were associated with significantly higher likelihoods of adverse caregiver EWB outcomes. For example, compared to caregivers who reported a source of emotional support, the predicted probabilities of experiencing poor/fair mental health (13.7% vs. 7.8%), reduced parental coping (8.0% vs. 2.1%), and frequently feeling bothered by (9.9% vs. 5.4%) and angry with (3.5% vs. 1.5%) their child were higher among caregivers who lacked emotional support. ConclusionIn addition to enhanced care coordination support, future efforts aiming to improve well-being among family caregivers of children with more complex SHCN could consider targeting caregiver emotional support and/or treatment of child emotional and behavioral conditions.