Challenges Of Young Adults Research Articles

Partnered Recruitment: Engaging Individuals With Lived Experience in the Recruitment of Co-Design Participants.

Young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face complex health challenges, including a heightened risk for distress. To counter this distress, there is a need to develop accessible, acceptable comprehensive care solutions that integrate diabetes and mental health care to enhance self-efficacy and counter mental health challenges in this population. To describe the engagement of individuals with lived experience of T1D and mental health challenges in the development of a recruitment strategy to support the co-design of an innovative integrated care programme. Seven individuals with lived experience formed a Partner Advisory Council (PAC) to recruit young adults (18-29 years old) living with T1D, their friends or family and health researchers and professionals in co-design interviews (n = 19) and co-design events (n = 12). The PAC played a key role in developing a comprehensive recruitment strategy, overcoming traditional barriers and stigmas in the design of an integrated model of care. Assuming the presence of mental health challenges in young adults living with T1D during recruitment had far-reaching impacts on the development of a whole-person and integrated diabetes and mental health care solution. The efficient recruitment of this sample provided invaluable insights into the nuanced challenges experienced by young adults with T1D, the individual skills developed in response to their mental health challenges and the ways that this understanding can shape future programming to support mental health, quality of life and well-being. The ongoing involvement of the PAC as co-researchers underscores the enduring impact of patient engagement in developing integrated care solutions. The co-design of the TECC-T1D3 model was enriched by the invaluable contributions of individuals with lived experience. This included the engagement of a diverse PAC in the recruitment of participants in co-design interviews and co-design events. PAC members actively participated in research decision-making with their insights informing a robust recruitment strategy. Beyond recruitment, PAC members continue to serve as co-researchers, shaping ongoing research and actively contributing to the TECC-T1D3 project. Six PAC members are co-authors on this manuscript.

The ‘process of doing’ in everyday occupations – a challenge for young adults with cerebral palsy

Background: There is a lack of knowledge about how persons with cerebral palsy (CP) perceive their ‘process of doing’ while performing everyday occupations. As described in the Model of the Process of Doing (MPoD), performing an occupation is a complex process consisting of six phases (generate idea, plan, initiate, enact, adjust, end) and time management. Aim: To collect the experiences of young adults with CP, classified at Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level I or II, regarding how they perceive challenges in their occupational performance in relation to the different phases of the ‘process of doing’. Method: Semi-structured interviews were performed with ten participants with CP aged 19–30 years, MACS level I or II. The interview material was related to the MPoD phases using directed content analysis. Results: The participants’ descriptions of how they perceived their personal ‘process of doing’ showed problems in all MPoD phases. All participants experienced difficulties in one or more phases, but none had difficulties in all phases. Difficulties were more frequent in some phases than in others. Conclusion/Significance: To understand the complexity of doing everyday occupations in young adults with CP, there is a need to address all phases of the ‘process of doing’.

Abstract PO-075: COVID-19 and social determinants of health (SDOH): Impact on cancer prevention in GENZ population (Ages 18-25)

Abstract Purpose: Employing a social determinants of health (SDOH) framework including race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES) (education, income) and other barriers we: 1) Describe the impact of COVID-19 on young adults (GENZ) who live in CT; 2) Determine if COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is related to other vaccine utilization (HPV and Flu) and other cancer prevention behaviors Background: As is well recognized from previous pandemics and epidemics, the burden of disease falls disproportionately on those individuals with fewest resources. It is now clear that the COVID-19 associated death and disease burden in minority and low socioeconomic communities is disproportionate to their numbers in the general population. In addition to the disproportionate acute impact of the COVID-19 on vulnerable communities, the long-term impact may be lost ground with respect to cancer prevention due to disruption, distrust and misinformation. Little is known about how the pandemic has impacted young adults and whether this has influenced behaviors that are key to cancer prevention. Methods: In May, 2021, we conducted a Qualtrics survey assessing all aspects of COVID-19 impact, with extensive SDOH measures, including everyday racism and medical mistrust, cancer prevention and screening, access to health care, and intentions regarding future vaccination uptake, adherence to COVID-19 preventive practices, lifestyle behaviors associated with cancer prevention, and cancer screening. Participants (n=232) are 18-25 year olds with a permanent address in Connecticut. We used social networks and social media to recruit participants. Analysis includes descriptive and multivariate adjusted logistic regression findings predicting maintenance of healthy lifestyle (primary cancer prevention) and cancer screening and associations with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results: In this sample of young adults, the average age was 21.2 (range 18-25), with 52% reporting their race/ethnicity as Hispanic/Latinx (33%) or African American/Black (19%); 53.3% were female, 46.2% were male, and .4% reported other. Descriptive data demonstrate high levels of SDOH and the impact of COVID-19 on many aspects of life for this study population. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was relatively low at 12.2%, with 57% of GENZ participants reporting that they had already vaccinated. We present predictors of healthy lifestyle behaviors and intention to adhere to cancer screening guidelines going forward and the relationship to history of and intent to vaccinate against COVID-19. Conclusion: The unique challenges of young adults during COVID-19 are not well documented. Findings will inform community level interventions in the event of continued COVID-19 (or similar) public health challenges, while identifying opportunities to advance cancer prevention long-term for these young adults. Citation Format: Beth A. Jones, Sakinah C. Suttiratana, Shua Kim, William Eger. COVID-19 and social determinants of health (SDOH): Impact on cancer prevention in GENZ population (Ages 18-25) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-075.

Alexithymia and Autistic Traits: Associations With Social and Emotional Challenges Among College Students.

Background: Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct defined by marked difficulties in identifying and describing feelings and in externally oriented thinking. Given its intrinsic role in social-emotional processing, alexithymia is now recognized as a trans-diagnostic trait in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Research has pinpointed to the co-occurrence of autism with characteristics typical of alexithymic normative samples, such as social-communication difficulties and decreased emotion regulation abilities. Nonetheless, the role of individual facets of alexithymia in predicting challenges in social communication functioning is still understudied.Methods: In total, 275 young adults completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (short form), the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale self-reported questionnaires for assessing alexithymic and autistic traits, social-communication abilities, and emotion regulation difficulties. We used regression models to establish cross-sectional associations between autism, alexithymia, and social-emotional difficulties. Also, we ran a parallel mediation analysis to determine whether the relationship between autistic traits and emotion regulations challenges are mediated by Alexithymia facets.Results: Analysis showed a significant positive association between autistic traits and alexithymic traits and between autistic traits and emotion regulation difficulties while, as expected, autistic traits were negatively correlated with social skills. A significant relationship was found among the participants’ levels of alexithymia and their interpersonal skills with two of three alexithymic subscales significantly contributing to the model. Similarly, a significant relationship was found among alexithymia subscales and emotion regulation difficulties with all three alexithymia subscales being statistically significant. Finally, analysis on two mediator models indicated a significant effect of autistic traits on social skills mediated by alexithymic traits as well as a significant indirect effect of autistic traits on emotion regulation difficulties mediated by alexithymic traits.Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence of the influence of different alexithymic facets on the relationship between autistic traits and social-emotional challenges in young adults. Longitudinal studies may explore further alexithymia and its associations with social-emotional difficulties in autism as well as the potential implications of these findings in intervention and treatment programs.

Labour Market Demands, Employability and Authenticity

Finding employment has been a challenge for young adults in recent years. This is not only due to high unemployment rates, but also because entering working life is more complicated than before. It is no longer just a question of credentials and skills. ‘Employability’ depends on investments in personal capacities: labour market demands in recruitment exceed the capacity of employees’ bodies and minds. This article asks what demands for increasing one’s employability young adults (aged 18–30) experience in relation to their education and working life and how they respond to these ideas, especially to the idea of modifying their minds and bodies—habitus—in order to increase their employability. What demands are they complying with or resisting? How and why are they doing so? The article draws on interviews with 40 young Finnish women and men. The data analysis reveals that employability ideals emphasising affective and bodily capacities or dispositions are not shared by everyone. However, modifying one’s attitude or demeanour seems to be less threatening for young adults than does changing one’s appearance or body. Changes to one’s body are associated with rules and codes dictated from above, whereas changing one’s mindset is usually conceived of as self-development; thus, it is not seen as contrary to authenticity. Identification with a line of work is an important factor in accepting demands on one’s body or demeanour. It should be asked if the importance of authenticity for young adults entering working life should be taken into consideration in governmental youth and employment policies.

'This is not part of my life plan': A qualitative study on the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges in young adults with cancer age 25 to 39years at diagnosis.

Adolescents and young adults with cancer face unique psychosocial and practical issues. However, patients across this group encounter different life experiences, cancer diagnoses and treatment settings given the tailored services for patients ages 15 to 24. Here, we qualitatively explore the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges of young adults (YAs) with cancer diagnosed between ages 25 and 39 in the United Kingdom. We invited YAs diagnosed with cancer in the 5years prior to enrolment at participating sites to take part in semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Two YA patients reviewed the results to ensure robustness. Sixty-five YAs with varied diagnoses participated. Participants struggled to balance work, childcare and financial solvency with treatment. The halt in family and work life as well as changes in image and ability threatened participants' identity and perceived 'normality' as a YA, however, these also stimulated positive changes. YAs experienced social isolation from friends and family, including children. Many struggled to cope with uncertainty around treatment outcomes and disease recurrence. The disruption of family and work life can lead to age-specific issues in YAs diagnosed with cancer. Age-tailored psychological and practical services must be considered.

Social Challenges of Young Adults in Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor and Park”

Social Challenges of Young Adults in Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor and Park”

Dietary flavanols improve cerebral cortical oxygenation and cognition in healthy adults

Cocoa flavanols protect humans against vascular disease, as evidenced by improvements in peripheral endothelial function, likely through nitric oxide signalling. Emerging evidence also suggests that flavanol-rich diets protect against cognitive aging, but mechanisms remain elusive. In a randomized double-blind within-subject acute study in healthy young adults, we link these two lines of research by showing, for the first time, that flavanol intake leads to faster and greater brain oxygenation responses to hypercapnia, as well as higher performance only when cognitive demand is high. Individual difference analyses further show that participants who benefit from flavanols intake during hypercapnia are also those who do so in the cognitive challenge. These data support the hypothesis that similar vascular mechanisms underlie both the peripheral and cerebral effects of flavanols. They further show the importance of studies combining physiological and graded cognitive challenges in young adults to investigate the actions of dietary flavanols on brain function.

Autism and inclusive practices: mothers speak out

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore the role of Mothers of young adults on the autism spectrum in Australia, during the transition to adulthood. Data collected through interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis resulting in two themes relevant to autism and inclusive practices: Inclusion Support and Mothers’ Support. The findings showed that organisational pressure in meeting key educational performance outcomes influenced inclusive practices specifically for young adults on the autism spectrum who were deemed to require high levels of support. The inclusion support theme highlighted that schools, universities, and employers viewed Autism Spectrum Disorder through a deficit lens, with young adults on the autism spectrum positioned as low achievers. Whilst there are policies supporting inclusive education in Australia, individuals on the autism spectrum continue to experience inequity and exclusion, which were challenged by Mothers’ persistence and reflected in the second theme on Mothers Support. The findings highlight the need for educational and socially inclusive interventions to support the heterogeneity in individual, social, communication, and behavioural challenges in young adults on the autism spectrum.

SOCIOECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF ETHIOPIAN YOUNG ADULTS AS REFLECTED IN THREE SELECTED ETHIOPIAN YOUNG ADULT NOVELS IN ENGLISH

The main objective of this study was to show the major socioeconomic problems of Ethiopian young adults in three selected Ethiopian young adult novels written in English. This study contends that contemporary Ethiopian young adult novels in English strongly represent contemporary socioeconomic problems of Ethiopian young adults which face in their day today activities. Eclectic approach was employed in this study so as to identify the major issues represented as challenges of young adults by using thematic analysis in the three novels, namely Breaking the Chain, Behind the Invisible Bars, and The young Crusader. This study comprises five chapters. Chapter one dealt with the background of the study which contains introduction, statement of the problem, research questions, objectives of the study, scope of the study, significance of the study, and limitations of the study.
 Chapter two deals with the review of related literature where theoretical discussions of young adult literature, postmodern socioeconomic problems of Ethiopian young adults’ and conceptual frame work of the study utilizes as a guide line are out lined. In the third chapter methodological issues are specified. The fourth chapter focuses on a thorough analysis of the three novels where thematic issues, choice of characters and narrative point of view were identified and explored. The major thematic issues as challenges of Ethiopian young adults’ are viewed under the sections parallel themes and divergent themes. These include poverty, corruption, family problems, caring responsibility at early age, human trafficking organ harvesting, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy and abortion, homelessness and loss of parents, alcohol and drug abuse, kidnapping, and new love. Choice of character(s) and third person narrative point of view in the selected young adult novels in English were identified as the styles of the authors to represent the real socioeconomic challenges of Ethiopian young adults in detail. In addition, using visual imagery and setting are identified as language feature used by the three authors. The thesis concludes with a chapter in which findings in the fourth chapter are summed up and generalization is made.

Substituting white rice with brown and black rice as an alternative to prevent diabetes mellitus type 2: a case-study among young adults in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The purpose of this study is to explore the preference and acceptance of white rice substitution with brown and black rice among young adults in Indonesia to prevent diabetes. This study used a qualitative design. Rice preference deeply explored using focus group discussion as a case-study. 85 informants with an average of ages 20years old were divided into several groups. Several topics to discuss include the reasons to accept or reject brown and black rice, knowledge, attitude, motivation, and potency to substitute white rice. Price was the main barrier to substitute white rice to brown and black rice. The participants have known brown rice from parents, mass media, and friends. Most of them were still unfamiliar with black rice. Culture also affected the preferences of the participants. To motivate people to change their white rice diet, creative packaging and segmentation of the sale were recommended. Substituting white to brown and black rice is still a challenge for young adults in Indonesia. Several barriers such as culture, accessibility, and affordability need to be considered. Further efforts are important to manage a program to increase brown and black rice consumption.

Understanding the group process in the first year of psychotherapy: the walk, the basic assumptions and the challenges of young adults

This article aims to explore the dynamics of a small psychotherapy group, whose members, all young adults, began to wait for each other at the end of the sessions to walk down a stretch of road before going their separate ways. Clinical material selected from some sessions of the first year of the therapy is presented and commented on. From the possible meanings attributed to the walk, the authors highlight the group process characterized by the oscillation between the basic assumption of fight-flight and that of dependency. The work shows that the group’s walk becomes, from attack to clinician, to creation of a transitional area where it is possible to experience being a young adult.

Future orientation of youth with a history of war trauma: a qualitative study in the African context

ABSTRACTAdolescence is an important developmental period for social relationships, identity formation and future planning. Traumatic experiences, such as war and persecution, may interfere with optimal development, including the future orientation of adolescents. The present study examines how young adult war survivors construct, make sense of, and narrate their future goals, plans, and expectations. The participants were 13 Liberian 25-35-year old male and female refugees living in Ghana. This qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with prompting questions. By applying a phenomenological approach the interview transcripts were categorized into themes and subthemes about future orientations. Results revealed three main themes, two of them desired a positive future orientation, indicating optimism and determination to improve one’s own life and to contribute to a flourishing nation and to peacebuilding. The third theme illustrated a failure to reconstruct war-shattered lives and involved pessimistic views of the future. The results are discussed in relation to peacebuilding and the developmental challenges of young adults as war survivors.

874-P: Experiences of Young Professionals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Launching into the Workplace

Every year 1.5 million individuals are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with an expected increase of 1.8% each year. Independent diabetes management may present unique challenges for young adults with T1DM transitioning to the workplace. In this qualitative study, we explore the experiences of young professionals living with T1DM (20-30 years old) as they launch their professional careers and transition to adulthood while living with a chronic condition. We conducted two in-person focus groups with subjects at the College Diabetes Network in Boston, MA during a weekend retreat. After obtaining informed consent, the 12 participants (5 males, 7 females) attending were randomly selected into each focus group that lasted approximately 60 minutes. Subjects were 24±2.24 years old on average with a mean hemoglobin A1c of 7.9±2.65. Time since T1DM diagnosis ranged from 3 to 20 years with a mean of 9±5.68 years. All but one subject used a pump and continuous glucose monitor for T1DM management. Four subjects were current students (2 undergraduate, 2 graduate) and 8 were employed after completing their bachelor's degrees. Four researchers conducted a thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts. We followed Merriam’s (2009) qualitative analysis process of open coding, axial coding, and establishing consensus among coders. Five main themes emerged from the focus groups including (1) challenges around disclosure of T1DM in professional settings, (2) support from family, friends, and workplace, (3) accommodations for T1DM in college and the workplace, (4) benefits and challenges associated with diabetes management technology, and (5) having a sense of ownership of T1DM. The theme of T1DM management ownership in the current study goes beyond illness management behaviors to being part of the person’s identity and body image. Results have important implications for young professionals with T1DM launching professional careers. Disclosure J. Saylor: None. J.B. Yorgason: None. M.A. Millett: None. A.L. Jackson: None. M. Ness: None. A. Floreen Sabino: None.

Gastric Cancer Challenges in Young Adults: Genetic and Socioeconomic Features in Different Brazilian Country Regions

Gastric Cancer Challenges in Young Adults: Genetic and Socioeconomic Features in Different Brazilian Country Regions

Flying the nest: a challenge for young adults with cystic fibrosis and their parents.

ObjectivesAs young patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) grow up, they are expected to take increasing responsibility for the treatment and care of their disease. The aim of this study was to explore the disease-related challenges faced by young adults with CF and their parents, when they leave home.Materials and methodsA questionnaire survey of Danish patients with CF aged 18–25 years and their parents was conducted. The questionnaires were based on focus-group interviews with young adults with CF and their parents, and addressed challenges faced in the transition phase between childhood and adulthood, including different areas of disease management in everyday life.ResultsAmong all of the patients invited, 62% (n=58/94) of young adults and 53% (n=99/188) of their parents participated in the study. In total, 40% of the 18- to 25-year-olds were living with their parents, and the parents continued to play an active role in the daily care of their offspring’s disease. Among the young adults who had left home, both the patients and their parents reported many difficulties regarding disease management; the young adults reported difficulties in contacting social services and in affording and preparing sufficient CF-focused meals, and their parents reported difficulties in answering questions concerning social rights and CF in general, and in knowing how to give their offspring the best help, how much to interfere, and how to relinquish control of managing their offspring’s disease.ConclusionYoung adults with CF who have left home have difficulties in handling the disease and their parents have difficulties in knowing how to give them the best help. There is an urgent need for holistic CF transitional care, including ensuring that young adults master the essential skills for self-management as they leave their parents.

Experiences of Young Adults With Pacemakers and/or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.

The number of implanted devices (pacemakers [PMs] and implantable cardioverter defibrillators [ICDs]) is increasing. Because of technological advances, these devices are used in greater numbers in children and adolescents. Challenges of having these devices have been well studied in adults, but little is known about the lived experiences from the perspective of young adults. This study explored the lived experiences, coping behaviors, and challenges of young adults who had cardiac devices implanted during childhood. A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Purposive sampling was used to identify young adults aged 18 to 29 years, living with a PM and/or ICD. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and challenges related to living with a PM or ICD, with common themes identified and analyzed. A total of 6 participants were interviewed for this study. The challenges of living with a PM and/or ICD included insecurity about physical appearance, device compliance, physical sensations of the device, future uncertainty, and limited support. The identified coping behaviors utilized by the participants were confrontation, acceptance, educating others, spreading awareness, avoidance, and humor. The overall lived experiences described were appreciation for device benefits, fear of device malfunction, and attracting attention. The lived experiences of young recipients often mirror that of older adults; however, it is clear that there are challenges and coping behaviors unique to young adults living with a PM and/or ICD. It is important to educate healthcare providers about the unique challenges that young adults may face so they can provide the appropriate support to this population.

Educational & Employment Challenges in Young Adults with Autism

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is increasing at a rapid rate. Over the years, the perception, diagnosis, assessment, care, and educational practices with children on the spectrum have evolved. However, many parents, educators, and medical professionals are still searching for quality care and resources for those diagnosed with ASD. The number of high-functioning ASD students entering into higher education is also on the rise, and the resources available to this age group are limited. The benefits of early childhood intervention are widely acknowledged yet the services provided for transitioning young adults, and adults with ASD are severely lacking. We aim to identify unmet needs of individuals with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We also emphasize the importance of physicians to educate, discuss, and utilize community resources available while also being a knowledgeable, compassionate, and creative primary resource. Finally, we advocate for an interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach and present the benefits of this model. By understanding the limitations posed to the patient from his or her disability, physicians can be an additional resource while leading a diverse multidisciplinary team to assist autistic patients in living a better quality of life.

Community Education Challenges in Young Adults of South Western Uganda

The aim of this study was to identify the major challenges to community education and any health problem in Bushenyi district of South Western Uganda. Data collection was done through questionnaire and participants were randomly selected. This was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of three months in 2012. A questionnaire was used to collect data and using onsite observations the responses were validated. A total of 260 participants from 65 homesteads were included in the study from 52 households. 144 were females and 116 males, of which 52.4% of the children were female and the rest male. The mean ± SEM age of females and males was 36 ± 8.6 and 29 ± 8.6 years respectively. In all the homesteads, 71% were headed by an adult male and only 29% were found to be headed by an adult female while none was headed by children. Inferential analysis showed (P = 0.02) that there are more females than male in the homesteads. Majority of the homesteads are being taken care of by women instead of men probably as a result of the high mortalities due to HIV/AIDS in the past decade and above all the movement of most men to urban centers in search of better sources of employment to support their families. Among school going age participant’s i.e. children and adolescents, only 59.6% were found to be attending school. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.16) between school attendance and age. Family responsibilities such as cooking for younger siblings by female participants, obligations on open market days are thought to be secondary limiting factors for community development and livelihood amongst young persons; thus a follow up study would be conducted to assess their associations in this community as this would raise major child abuse concerns which would need to be reported to the legal authorities for follow up.

Challenging lives: an exploratory qualitative study of quality of life in young adults living with a chronic neurological condition

Objectives:The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is traditionally a time of self-discovery, career establishment, and the development of relationships. However, for young adults with a chronic illness this time in life can be very challenging, and the management of the transition is crucial for these young adults to reach their potential. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges of young adults with a chronic neurological condition undergoing the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The Quality of Life model was used to inform the interview schedule and explored two specific areas: identity and condition.Methods:Six participants with chronic neurological conditions (age 18–25 years) took part in the study. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.Results:The findings revealed a number of interlinking superordinate themes across the participants: ‘condition’, ‘support’, ‘strive for independence’, and ‘transition’.Conclusions:The findings of this exploratory study provide a visible indication of the specific needs of the participant group, including informational and social support needs, and removal of barriers for successful participation. They also highlight holistic service requirements and the interlinking relationships of the direction of support which could be provided to meet these needs.