Childcare Duties Research Articles

How the online presence of mothers changed over time during the COVID pandemic: A longitudinal study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, curfew restrictions increased the additional burden on mothers, some of which was eased by online platforms. Our study aimed to explore Hungarian mothers' online experiences during the pandemic and was informed by the self-determination theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers during two different waves of the pandemic. The interviewees considered online communication as essential to their daily lives, yet often lacked time. At the onset of the pandemic, there was a surge in news consumption, which became overly stressful over time. Online education also fell to mothers, which was just as stressful as the home office. However, the transition to online platforms accelerated by the COVID pandemic also granted mothers broader access beyond traditional constraints of childcare duties that confined them in time and space to their homes, empowering them with newfound flexibility and opportunity, helping mothers navigate relatedness, competence, and autonomy.

Is there a place for ‘community’? Transnational governance, post-socialist authoritarianism, and deinstitutionalization in a child protection NGO in Hungary

With a focus on processes of community building from above and deinstitutionalization, the paper explores how concepts of transnational policymaking become localized in particular societal contexts. Specifically, through a case of recent transformations in a child-protection NGO in Hungary, it inquires into professional discourses of ‘deinstitutionalization’ and ‘community-based care’ in the context of post-socialist authoritarianism. The analysis exposes how financial scarcity pressured the management of the NGO to redefine family-community-institution boundaries, to legitimize the downsizing of services and staff, and to reassign childcare duties to less-paid and less-recognized positions. Austerity measures disguised as emancipatory processes of deinstitutionalization have already been described in numerous European contexts. To nuance this picture, we show how discourses of the East-West slope of modernization emerging in Central-Eastern Europe, and recent discourses of familisation and carefare dominating pubic policies in Hungary enhance such discursive shifts. Through our case study we draw attention to the role of professional and political discourses, transnational and national, in reinforcing restricted imaginaries of care. We also formulate the call for empirical analyses on how the caring for children unfold into hybrid – state and civic dominated - contexts, in practice, beyond simplistic and essentialising ideological categorisations of ‘family’, ‘community’ and ‘institution’.

Exploring marital safety: three South African wives living with HIV in nonmutual monogamous marriage

For wives who have been sexually monogamous, their being infected with HIV disrupts the cultural assumption of sexual safety in marriage. This phenomenological interview study shows how three married South African women, who were diagnosed with HIV and had reported being monogamous, experienced gendered distress while contemplating the failures of married coupledom in offering safety and familial stability. Constructionist thematic analysis showed three themes to represent changes in the marital unit. The first theme, HIV as Demarcation of Enduring Disruption, pointed to infection as the harbinger of distressing relational dynamics. The second theme, Feeling Controlled, reflected domains in which the wives felt trapped: restricted freedoms and obligatory intimacy. The third theme, Relational Deterioration, showed meanings about infidelity, fights or arguments, and distress about partner disengagement. Highlighted in this analysis is that, for two women, male control and disempowerment after having been infected with HIV added to their experiences of feeling trapped because they felt pressured into regressing into subservient spousal roles. They were required to retreat into household, mothering, and child care duties. The study’s practice implication is that, to address the aftermath of the discovery of HIV infection in heterosexual married couples, wherein sexual monogamy remains the unquestioned norm, health psychology and clinical interventions should incorporate a gendered approach in counselling formulation.

Universal social protection and gender disparities in food security: Insights from Nepal

AbstractThis article exploits a sharp age cutoff for eligibility of a nationwide senior citizen allowance program in Nepal to show that a universal social protection increased the likelihood of receiving financial assistance among the elderly, but did not improve food consumption. Eligible females are 8.8 percentage points more likely to eat fewer meals induced by inadequate resources and 5.3 percentage points more likely to sleep hungry in response to inadequate food. This adverse effect is driven by multi‐generational households with young children, implying that the program exacerbated gender disparities in food security through changes in household size and childcare duties.

The impact of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies on families: a qualitative study.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) cause disability and dependence affecting both children and the family. The aim of the study was to describe the perspective of parents of children with DEEs regarding the impact of the disease on the family. We carried out a qualitative study based on the interpretivist paradigm. Twenty-one participants were selected using purposive sampling. Parents of children with DEEs of SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, and GNAO1 variants were included. In-depth interviews and researcher notes were used for data collection. A thematic analysis was performed on the data. Three themes were identified in the results: (a) Assuming conflicts and changes within the couple, causing them to distance themselves, reducing their time and intimacy and leading them to reconsider having more children; (b) impact of the disorder on siblings and grandparents, where siblings perceived DEE as a burden in their lives, felt neglected, and needed to grow and mature alone; conversely, the grandparents suffered for their grandchildren and the parents, in addition to perceiving that their health worsened, and (c) reconciling the care of the child with family life and work; this led the parents to share tasks, abandon or reduce working hours and ask for help.Conclusions: Caring for a child with DEE can result in neglect of social, psychological, emotional, recreational, educational, or occupational needs and obligations that ultimately impact all family members. What is Known: • Children with DEE may develop seizures and experience developmental and cognitive problems. • Caring for a child with DEE has a social and psychological impact on the entire family.<div class="NodiCopyInline">Caring for a child with DEE has a social and psychological impact on the entire family.</div> What is New: • Within the couple, there are tensions due to a lack of time, which could be alleviated by alternating childcare duties. • It is necessary to implement programs that address the physical and mental needs of the couple, as well as cater to the needs of siblings and alleviate the suffering of grandparents.

Challenges Encountered by Solo Parents’ in Raising their Children in Nagcarlan, Laguna: Basis for an Action Plan Development

Solo parents can be defined as a parent who is exclusively in charge of caring for their children alone and come with specific difficulties that can affect the welfare both parents and children. The study is carried out to identify the hardships faced by single parents, in terms of improving their means of living in order to bring awareness to relevant organizations in Nagcarlan Laguna. Solo parents frequently struggle balancing financial responsibilities, child rearing, and child care. The need to perform both work responsibilities and childcare duties. This poses a major concern for them. On the one hand, they need time to take care of their children, also, they have to find employment or ways to support their children financially. In this light, solo parents often find ways and means to perform both of these responsibilities. They face increased levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation, which makes emotional well-being a major concern for them because they feel isolated. Despite these challenges, however, they still find joy and satisfaction in solo parenting. Solo parents often struggle to find enough time for themselves and balance various responsibilities, making time management a vital skill for them. Affordable and dependable childcare, along with understanding the education system, are challenges that single parents to ensure their children receive good care and chances for good educational. Social support, such as having peer networks and community resources available, is crucial in alleviating the difficulties of single parenting and promoting a feeling of inclusion and assistance. Solo parenting poses numerous obstacles that necessitate comprehensive assistance and involvement for the emotional and mental stability of both caretaker and offspring. Through the implementation of comprehensive support services, community initiatives, society can enhance its assistance to solo parents as they fulfill their crucial role as family providers.

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Staff Nurses in the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The physically demanding and high-stress environment of Emergency Departments (EDs) significantly contributes to the heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ED nurses. Despite this known association, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the prevalence rates and contributing factors within ED settings in Saudi Arabia, necessitating further investigation.Purpose: This study delves into the prevalence and potential predictors of MSDs among nurses in this critical healthcare setting.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2023 using convenience sampling of 177 ED nurses across 16 public hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed, with SPSS analyses covering frequency and percentage of pain prevalence via cross-tabulation, and logistic regression to identify risk factors.Results: Over the past year, 68.9% of participants reported lower back pain affecting normal activities in 55.4% of cases. Neck pain was more likely in individuals aged 20-29 and former smokers accounting for 47.6% of the variance (p=0.001). Shorter shifts under 8 hours reduced neck pain risk, whereas a schedule with 50% of night shifts heightened the risk, contributing to 28.4% of the variance (p=0.001). Nurses aged 40-49 and those with significant childcare duties faced higher shoulder pain risk (p=0.024), and adult caregiving duties was linked to upper back pain explaining 40.6% of the variance (p=0.017). No significant links were found for other musculoskeletal pains.Conclusion: The study reveals a significant prevalence of MSDs among the evaluated ED nurses, significantly influenced by specific demographic and work-related factors. Addressing these through ergonomic interventions, optimal scheduling, and wellness programs is crucial for nurse well-being and patient care. Future research should focus on creating holistic wellness programs that support nurses musculoskeletal health.

A Narrative Review-Participation of Fathers in Child Health Care in India

Abstract Review studies of the father’s role in child care and father involvement, attitudes, and values associated with it, and strategies for promoting their participation. This review aims to analyze fathers’ involvement in child care and father behavior, as well as associated values and strategies for development. To study the father-child connection and factors such as the child’s social behavior, academic performance, and health-related psychological factors. They are more sensitive, loving, and encouraging toward their young children. When it comes to their young children, they are more receptive, affectionate, and assured. They are also better at maintaining their composure when dealing with rebellious toddlers. A child’s emotional and social development is significantly influenced by how fathers cooperate with their children through play. Compared to mothers, fathers spend a far larger volume of their one-on-one time with infants and preschoolers engaging in stimulating play activities. PubMed and Google Scholar Searches were conducted using Medical Subject Headings terms and related keywords. This study examined the various reviews on the relationship between the roles of fathers in childcare and the factors that may influence the same. Traditional gender norms in child care influence the group of people’s images of fathers’ obligation and serve as a barrier to their involvement in the community. In most populations, fathers can support their families financially. They act as positive role models for their children, defend their families from harm, and exercise control over their wives, children, and other family members. Fathers may provide for and nurture their children. Fathers play and teach their children alone or hold them when their mothers are busy. Interventions focused on improving fathers’ and mothers ideas and attitudes about child care, and the relevance of shared childcare duties may improve fathers’ engagement. Fathers’ participation has various impacts on the child’s healthy development of character, social skills, understanding, intellect, academic achievement, gender roles, morality, and emotion. Fathers’ participation in childcare is affected by family and society, and fathers’ personalities affect children’s personalities to some extent. Father involvement, results also revealed that father involvement was low in childcare responsibilities only; however, other subareas of involvement were high. It was found that especially mothers were responsible as primary caregivers for child care.

Forensic characteristics of the victim in the investigation of malicious failure to fulfill duties of care for a child or a person for whom guardianship or care is established

The aim of the work is a forensic analysis of socio-demographic, psycho-physiological and criminal-legal characteristics of persons who have become victims of malicious failure to fulfill their duties to care for a child or a person for whom guardianship or guardianship has been established.&#x0D; The methodological basis of the study is the scientific works of forensic scientists who investigated the identity of the victim, the materials of the investigation of criminal proceedings of the specified category, the analysis of the questionnaires of the National Police employees who took a direct part in the investigation of the malicious failure to fulfill the duties of caring for a child or a person for whom guardianship has been established or care.&#x0D; It has been established that the growth of crime, which changes in accordance with socio- economic changes in the state, prompts the search for new forms and methods of crime investigation. One of these directions is the creation of a forensic classification of persons in such a way that, using information about their typical characteristics, it would be possible to solve the general tasks of detecting and investigating criminal offenses.&#x0D; It has been established that the increase in the number of specified crimes, which changes in accordance with socio-economic changes in the state, prompts the search for new forms and methods of crime investigation. One of these directions is the creation of a forensic classification of persons in such a way that, with the help of information about their typical features, it is possible to solve the tasks of crime detection and investigation.&#x0D; It is emphasized that criminal law features do not play a special role in characterizing a person who is a victim of malicious neglect of child care duties or a person for whom guardianship or guardianship has been established, since the vast majority of victims of crimes of the specified category are minors persons At the same time, the psychophysiological characteristics of the victims should not be ignored, since it is the psychological characteristics, the way of spending free time, etc. that determine the way the crime was committed, the situation and conditions, and are closely related to other elements of forensic characteristics.&#x0D; Conclusions. It has been established that there are many ways in which malicious failure to fulfill the duty of care of a child or a person in respect of whom guardianship or guardianship has been established can be committed. Instead, the way the crime was committed depends on a number of factors, including the level of education, intellectual development and other data about the victim. On the basis of the analysis of criminal proceedings, the most typical socio-demographic, psychophysiological and criminal-legal characteristics of the victim were established.

POLICYMAKING IN FAVOUR OF WOMEN: LEARNING FROM THE GENDERED IMPACT OF COVID-19, WITH A FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA

Realisation of women’s full participation in all spheres of society remains inconsistent and progress towards gender equality is slow. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare existing and deeply entrenched gender inequalities. In this article, we draw on multiple HSRC-led studies conducted between 2020 and 2022 that explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of women and their families. We show that many women at the community and household level took up the majority share of unpaid household and childcare duties, and faced persistent socio-economic threats, gender-based violence and increased mental health concerns compared to their male counterparts – all of which impeded their ability to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Insights are offered for intersectional gender-responsive policy responses that favour women as central role players in families and the economy. Keywords: COVID-19, gender equality, gender-responsive policymaking, intersectionality, South Africa

Postvaccine Era COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Distress in Palliative Care Patients With Advanced Cancer.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a source of distress in patients with advanced cancer; however, few studies have examined the extent of pandemic-related distress in the postvaccine era. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine pandemic-related distress among patients seen by palliative care after vaccine availability. Patients at our palliative care clinic were surveyed from April 2021 to March 2022 regarding 1) pandemic-related distress level, 2) potential contributors to pandemic-related distress, 3) coping strategies, 4) demographic factors and symptom burden. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with pandemic-related distress. A total of 200 patients completed the survey. Of 79 (40%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 33%, 46%) reported worse pandemic-related distress. Patients who reported greater distress were more likely to report worse social isolation (67 [86%] vs. 52 [43%]), staying home more often (75 [95%] vs. 95 [79%]), more negative experience staying at home (26 [33%] vs. 11 [9%]), worse stress with child-care duties (14 [19%] vs. 4 [3%]), less seeing family/friends (63 [81%] vs. 72 [60%]), and more difficulty traveling to medical appointments (27 [35%] vs. 20 [17%]). Thirty-seven patients (19%) reported more difficulty getting medical appointments. In multivariable analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99; P=0.01), worse isolation status (OR, 6.87; 95% CI, 2.76-17.12; P < 0.001), and more negative attitude towards staying home (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 1.6-12.57; P=0.004) were associated with pandemic-related distress. Patients with advanced cancer continued to experience pandemic-related distress in the postvaccine era. Our findings highlight potential opportunities to support patients.

Gender disparity in the effects of COVID‐19 on academic productivity and career satisfaction in anesthesiology in the US: Results of a national survey of anesthesiologists

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic created unprecedented challenges for anesthesiologists both at work and home. This study examined whether the pandemic affected academic productivity and career satisfaction among anesthesiologists practicing in the United States during the early stages of the pandemic and whether these effects differed by gender. A survey was emailed to 25,473 members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists to learn about their experiences during the beginning of the pandemic. The survey directed respondents to rate their change in academic productivity, clinical care hours, scholarly and leadership opportunities, income, childcare duties, and household responsibilities during the first 5 months of the pandemic (March 1–July 31, 2020). The primary variable was gender, academic productivity was the primary outcome, and data were analyzed by multivariable proportional odds logistic regression models and correlations. Female anesthesiologists reported lower academic productivity and career satisfaction relative to male anesthesiologists during the study period. Career satisfaction positively correlated with academic productivity. Compared to male anesthesiologists, female anesthesiologists also had more household responsibilities before and during the pandemic. Being a female parent reduced academic productivity relative to that reported by nonparents of either gender. In conclusion, the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic had a greater adverse professional impact on female anesthesiologists than on their male counterparts. Efforts to support and retain female anesthesiologists, particularly those early in their careers and those with children, are essential for the specialty to maintain its workforce and promote gender equity in promotion and leadership.

Work fatigue during COVID-19 lockdown teleworking: the role of psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions.

During national lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously office-based workers who transitioned to home-based teleworking faced additional demands (e.g., childcare, inadequate homeworking spaces) likely resulting in poor work privacy fit. Previous office research suggests poor work privacy fit is associated with lower wellbeing and higher work fatigue. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between childcare duties during pandemic teleworking and work fatigue. In addition to psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), which are acknowledged predictors of work fatigue, this poses a significant threat to occupational health during pandemic teleworking. However, the relative effects of aspects of the psychosocial environment (job demands and resources), the home office environment (including privacy fit), and the social environment (childcare) on work fatigue as well as their interactions are under-explored. This study examined the relationships between the psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions of teleworking during the first COVID-19 lockdown and work fatigue. Specifically, the study examined teleworkers' physical work environment (e.g., if and how home office space is shared, crowding, and noise perceptions) as predictors of privacy fit and the relationship between privacy fit, childcare, psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), and work fatigue. Work privacy fit was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between childcare and work fatigue. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with teleworkers (n = 300) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April and May 2020; most participants were in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Path analysis was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Privacy fit was lower for those reporting greater levels of noise in home-working spaces and those feeling crowded at home. Work fatigue was lower amongst those with greater privacy fit and higher amongst those with high levels of job demand. An indirect relationship was observed between childcare and work fatigue with privacy fit mediating this relationship. The influence of privacy fit has so far been largely neglected in research on teleworking, especially during the pandemic. However, its contribution to workers' wellbeing should be acknowledged in occupational health strategies.

O080 Evaluation of patient post-operative outcomes after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery

Abstract Introduction The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is considered the gold standard procedure for breast reconstruction. The long-term cosmetic outcomes of the reconstructed breast are unmatched by alternative reconstructive methods, however the donor site morbidity, including pain, scarring and extended recovery periods, require patients to consider their preferred option. Methods There is a paucity of data regarding return to pre-surgical activity timelines, and effect of reconstruction on psychosocial, sexual, and physical wellbeing. After obtaining audit approval, we utilized the Breast-QTM questionnaire to conduct a prospective cohort study. DIEP breast reconstruction patients in a tertiary referral, high-volume centre (N=26) were assessed prior to surgery and at 3 months post-operatively. Results An average of 20.3 days were lost to hospital admissions, follow-up, and post-operative recovery. Of employed patients, 68% had not yet returned to work. For those that did, an average of 6 weeks was required to feel well enough. Additionally, patients reported needing 4.8 weeks to drive again, 4.4 weeks to resume chores, 3.7 weeks to recommence childcare duties and 4.3 weeks to resume exercise. Comparing pre-operative and post-operative Rasch Transformed Scores, patients’ sexual wellbeing score decreased (58.3 to 52.2, p=0.09), while their psychosocial wellbeing score increased (62.1 to 66.7, p=0.16). Qualitatively, patients reported significant challenges impacting return to baseline, particularly involving abdominal scar site, size, and associated healing delays. Conclusion Ultimately, results of our work indicate the need for additional patient supports to improve outcomes, decrease the burden of recovery and time required to return to baseline.

Work Life Balance among Women Employees in Service Sector with Special Reference to Banking Industry in Kathmandu Valley

This study was interested in female bank employees’ perceptions of work life balance at banking institutions in Kathmandu. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model was used as a theoretical framework to consider the demands that these women encounter as well as the support systems that they utilize to help facilitate work-life balance (WLB). Importantly, as a theoretical framework, the JD-R was used to bring to light employee experiences of their WLB in relation to their work demands and the resources that are available to them. A qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured interviews on a purposive sample of eight research participants were conducted within eight commercial banks of Kathmandu. Theory-led thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. The findings of the study indicated that these women relied heavily upon domestic helpers in terms of household duties, extended family and their spouses in terms of childcare duties and needs. These employees felt that work dominates their lives more due to the core demands of meeting targets. These employees perceived that the bank as a whole was not supportive of WLB as they claimed to be and wanted to be involved with the HR Department in the formation of work-life balance policies. This research study offers insight into the needs of female bank employees and suggests the way forward for organizations to appropriately prioritize WLB as a quality strategy in an attempt to retain talented women in the organization.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences on Child Health and Well-Being

Family responses to crises such as COVID-19 are driven by parents’ experiences. Parental history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) might play an important role in predicting resilience, coping capacity, and parenting practices during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic disruption on child health and well-being as influenced by the previous history of ACEs in the parents. Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsychInfo were searched for peer-reviewed articles using the keywords “COVID-19”, “Parents or Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences”, and “child health” or “child well-being”. Data were extracted using a literature review matrix template. Title, abstract, and full article-level reviews were conducted by two reviewers. The association between COVID-19 disruption, negative parenting, and child behavioral and emotional problems was stronger for parents with younger children with a history of high ACE scores. Parents with high ACE scores were more likely to cope poorly with childcare duties and engage in child neglect, verbal abuse, and reduced feeding frequency, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review findings support the framework of inadequate resilience and coping skills of adults with a history of ACEs during periods of stress and unpredictability such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The negative effects of these parental stressors on a child’s health and well-being are modifiable and could be mitigated by targeted interventions. Trauma-informed care should be adopted to contribute to optimum child health.

Listening to mothers’ voices of children’s play challenges and changes during social distancing

This study explores how mothers in the US described challenges to their children’s (ages birth to eight) play experiences at home during social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus. Understanding their lived experiences is valuable because it will add insight into the effects of this unique time period on the critical role parent-child interactions play in children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Using a phenomenological design, interviews with 14 mothers revealed a common experience in which play efforts were altered at times due to challenges related to social distancing and COVID-19. Four themes described these challenges: Lack of Parent Resources and Support, Work and Child Care Balance, Children’s Struggles with Social Isolation, and Children’s Uncertainty Regarding COVID-19. Mothers believed it was their responsibility to keep their children engaged in play as part of their childcare duties. They struggled to balance work and childcare, did not always enjoy playing with their children, and desired alone time to recover during this challenging time. They sought to best meet their children’s needs but had to make allowances to their parenting practices and play attitudes. The authors discuss how more intensive parenting philosophies could be difficult to sustain when society does not operate as usual.

Richardson on moral innovation

Richardson on moral innovation

Evaluating the Childcare Needs of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> About one-fifth of newly diagnosed cancer patients are parents to young children. These patients are at higher risk of psychosocial stress and inability to attend treatment due to having to balance their own healthcare needs with those of their children. Hospital-based childcare services could potentially ameliorate this problem by temporarily relieving parents of their childcare duties during their healthcare appointments. The objective of this study is to characterize the childcare needs of cancer parents undergoing radiation therapy. The results could help inform the implementation of suitable childcare programs to remove this barrier in accessing care. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Patients at a large Canadian comprehensive cancer treatment center were screened by a radiation oncologist for having children under the age of 18 at home. After these patients were identified and consent was obtained, secure electronic surveys were distributed. Domains surveyed included patient demographics, childcare burden, impact on treatment, and preference for how they could be supported to access care. <h3>Results</h3> 45 surveys were completed. The average age of correspondents was 44.5 (95% confidence interval: 43.0 – 46.1), 41 patients (91%) were female, 12 (27%) were employed full-time, and breast cancer was the most common primary tumor site, with 29 correspondents (64%) carrying the diagnosis. The median number of children per correspondent was two, and the median age of their children was nine. 18 correspondents (40%) reported not having reliable social supports who could assist with childcare. 29 correspondents (64%) reported it would be "extremely helpful" or "very helpful" for them to receive hospital-based childcare during their initial consultation, follow-up appointments, or radiotherapy sessions. Correspondents with an annual household income of less than $50,000 (Canadian Dollars) were more likely to report having to reschedule (P = 0.05) or miss appointments (P = 0.01) due to childcare conflicts. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Childcare is a significant psychosocial barrier for patients accessing radiation therapy for cancer. Our results indicate that most parents undergoing treatment may benefit from hospital-based childcare services, which is especially true for lower-middle income families. The implementation of a flexible childcare service would help patients with treatment compliance and reduce the socioeconomic barrier for accessing care.

Surviving Racism and Sexism in Academia: Sharing Experiences, Insights, and Perspectives

Surviving Racism and Sexism in Academia: Sharing Experiences, Insights, and Perspectives