Close Family Research Articles

Socio-Behavioural Barriers to Viral Suppression in the Older Adult Population in Rural South Africa

South Africa has the largest share of people living with HIV in the world and this population is ageing. The social context in which people seek HIV care is often ignored. Apart from clinical interventions, socio-behavioural factors impact successful HIV care outcomes for older adults living with HIV. We use cross-sectional data linked with demographic household surveillance data, consisting of HIV positive adults aged above 40, to identify socio-behavioural predictors of a detectable viral load. Older adults were more likely to have a detectable viral load if they did not disclose their HIV positive status to close family members (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.89-3.46), resided in the poorest households (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.23-3.18), or were not taking medications other than ART (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.02-1.99) likely to have a detectable. Clinical interventions in HIV care must be supported by understanding the socio-behavioural barriers that occur outside the health facility. The importance of community health care workers in bridging this gap may offer more optimum outcomes for older adults ageing with HIV.

Ideological meaning-making in the aftermath of traumatic loss: Radicalization as meaning

In this qualitative study we explore the concept of ideological meaning-making, with a focus on political radicalization and its relation to the process of meaning-making. Through interviews with 33 individuals who experienced the loss of a close family member in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and subsequently became politically radicalized, four key themes emerged: preliminary decision, zoom out, mission, and radicalized self. Participants initially stabilize their beliefs through a preliminary ideological decision, followed by adopting a broader perspective (zoom out) that encompasses the political context. As the process unfolds, a deep commitment to an ideological cause (mission) emerges, leading to the integration of ideology with self-identity (radicalized self). This study contributes to constructivist theory by providing a nuanced understanding of how ideological radicalization intertwines with the process of meaning-making, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between individual beliefs, self-identity, and the construction of meaning.

“Dime con Quién Andas y te Diré Qué Piensas Sobre el Español de los US”: Language Attitudes and Motivation to Learn Spanish as a Heritage Language through the Lens of Social Networks

This study explores the motivation and attitudes of heritage speakers (HSs) of Spanish, focusing on the influence of their social networks. Previous research highlighted variations in HS motivation, attributed to social, cultural, and contextual factors. The study investigates how HS communities shape motivation and attitudes towards learning the heritage language (HL). Employing personal network analysis, the research surveyed 26 Spanish HSs in a Spanish heritage language program. Results revealed that HS networks primarily consisted of emotionally close family members. Positive and negative factors within these networks, such as language support, confidence, shame, and expectations, significantly influenced HS motivation and attitudes. Language attitudes within the network positively impacted individual attitudes, indicating a process of internalizing shared values. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the context surrounding HSs and suggests that addressing language expectations and fostering language support in communities may positively transform perceptions of Spanish in the United States. The findings underscore the effectiveness of a personal network approach in recreating the external environment beyond the language classroom.

Developing an alternative care pathway for emergency ambulance responses for adults with epilepsy: A Discrete Choice Experiment to understand which configuration service users prefer. Part of the COLLABORATE project

IntroductionTo identify service users’ preferences for an alternative care pathway for adults with epilepsy presenting to the ambulance service. MethodsExtensive formative work (qualitative, survey and knowledge exchange) informed the design of a stated preference discrete choice experiment (DCE). This hypothetical survey was hosted online and consisted of 12 binary choices of alternative care pathways described in terms of: the paramedic's access to medical records/ ‘care plan’, what happens next (described in terms of conveyance), time, availability of epilepsy specialists today, general practitioner (GP) notification and future contact with epilepsy specialists. DCE scenarios were described as: (i) typical seizure at home. (ii) typical seizure in public, (iii) atypical seizure. Respondents were recruited by a regional English ambulance service and by national public adverts. Participants were randomised to complete 2 of the 3 DCEs. ResultsPeople with epilepsy (PWE; n = 427) and friends/family (n = 167) who completed the survey were representative of the target population. PWE preferred paramedics to have access to medical records, non-conveyance, to avoid lengthy episodes of care, availability of epilepsy specialists today, GP notification, and contact with epilepsy specialists within 2–3 weeks. Significant others (close family members or friends) preferred PWE experiencing an atypical seizure to be conveyed to an Urgent Treatment Centre and preferred shorter times. Optimal configuration of services from service users’ perspective far out ranked current practice (rank 230/288 possible configurations). DiscussionPreferences differ to current practice but have minimal variation by seizure type or stakeholder. Further work on feasibility of these pathways in England, and potentially beyond, is required.

Caring and Health of Close Family Members of Frail Older Persons Recently Discharged from Acute Hospital Care: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Multimorbidity in older people is strongly linked to the need for acute hospital care, and caregiving activities usually become more complex after patients are discharged from hospital. This may negatively impact the health of close family members, although this has not been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to explore the general and mental health of close family members caring for frail older (>65) persons recently discharged from acute hospital care, making assessments in terms of gender, relationship to the older person, and aspects of caring. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 360 close family members caring for frail older persons recently discharged from hospital. The statistical analyses included subgroup comparisons and associations to caring were examined. Half of the family members reported that their general and mental health was poor, with spouses reporting the poorest health. Female participants had significantly more severe anxiety, while males had significantly more severe depression. Providing care for more than six hours per week was associated with poor general health (OR 2.31) and depression (OR 2.59). Feelings of powerless were associated with poor general health (OR 2.63), anxiety (6.95), and depression (3.29). This knowledge may provide healthcare professionals with better tools in order to individualise support, preventing family members from exceeding their resources during these demanding periods.

A Digital Communication Intervention to Support Older Adults and Their Care Partners Transitioning Home After Major Surgery: Protocol for a Qualitative Research Study.

Older adults (aged ≥65 years) account for approximately 30% of inpatient procedures in the United States. After major surgery, they are at high risk of a slow return to their previous functional status, loss of independence, and complications like delirium. With the development and refinement of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, older patients often return home much earlier than historically anticipated. This put a larger burden on care partners, close family or friends who partner with the patient and guide them through recovery. Without adequate preparation, both patients and their care partners may experience poor long-term outcomes. This study aimed to improve and streamline recovery for patients aged ≥65 years by exploring the communication needs of patients and their care partners. Information from this study will be used to inform an intervention developed to address these needs and define processes for its implementation across surgical clinics. This qualitative research protocol has two aims. First, we will define patient and care partner needs and perspectives related to digital health innovation. To achieve this aim, we will recruit dyads of patients (aged ≥65 years) who underwent elective major surgery 30-90 days prior and their respective care partners (aged ≥18 years). Participants will complete individual interviews and surveys to obtain demographic data, characterize their perceptions of the surgical experience, identify intervention targets, and assess for the type of intervention modality that would be most useful. Next, we will explore clinician perspectives, tools, and strategies to develop a blueprint for a digital intervention. To achieve this aim, clinicians (eg, geriatricians, surgeons, and nurses) will be recruited for focus groups to identify current obstacles affecting surgical outcomes for older patients, and we will review current assessments and tools used in their clinical practice. A hybrid deductive-inductive approach will be undertaken to identify relevant themes. Insights from both clinicians and patient-care partners will guide the development of a digital intervention strategy to support older patients and their care partners after surgery. This study has been approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Institutional Review Boards. Recruitment began in December 2023 for the patient and care partner interviews. As of August 2024, over half of the interviews have been performed, deidentified, and transcribed. Clinician recruitment is ongoing, with no focus groups conducted yet. The study is expected to be completed by fall 2024. This study will help create a scalable digital health option for older patients undergoing major surgery and their care partners. We aim to enhance our understanding of patient recovery needs; improve communication with surgical teams; and ultimately, reduce the overall burden on patients, their care partners, and health care providers through real-time assessment. DERR1-10.2196/59067.

Influence of culture and personality factors in Vietnam: in view of theory of planned behaviour towards formation of entrepreneurial intentions

Purpose Culture plays a significant role in shaping the decision of the youths to start the new venture, and Vietnam being one of the collectivist societies in Asia, it is critical to know whether culture plays any role in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of the Vietnamese youth. However, there are limited studies in Vietnam that investigate the effect of culture on the EI of students. Hence, this study aims to integrate the direct influence of culture and personality factors in view of mediating role theory of planned behaviour components to measure the EI of students. Design/methodology/approach The data for this study were collected from 393 undergraduate/post-graduate university students using an online survey. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling to test the designed hypotheses of the study. Findings The study results showed that attitude (PA) towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control (PBC) mediated the relationship between risk-propensity (RP) and EI, subjective norms (SN) and EI and also had a direct influence on EI. Risk-propensity was found to have a direct influence on students’ entrepreneurship intentions. Further, there was no direct influence of culture and SN on EI of students, but culture had a direct influence on SN, while SN indirectly influenced EI mediated by PA and PBC. Originality/value Only a few studies have been conducted to determine the role of culture affecting entrepreneurial intentions of the students in Vietnam, where strong emphasis is put on society and culture. The study demonstrates that culture plays a significant role indirectly, as the societal culture influences the close networks and family’s approval (SN) towards encouraging the youths to become entrepreneur and further this encouragement enhances the attitude and self-belief (PA and PBC) of an individual in their capabilities which affects their intentions (EI) to become an entrepreneur. Hence, this study adds this new important dimension of culture in existing academic literature in Vietnam’s context.

Study on the Impact of Domestic Verbal Violence on Children's Emotions

In family education, language plays a crucial role in family education as it is the primary means through which parents communicate values, attitudes, and beliefs to their children. It helps shape the way children see the world, understand relationships, and develop their own identities. Through language, parents can teach important life skills, impart cultural traditions, and instill moral values. Additionally, the power of one sentence can change a person's life, especially for children, words from close family members are like judgments in life. This study aims to explore whether domestic verbal violence have a negative impact on children’s emotions. Through literature review and empirical research through questionnaire surveys, I analyzed the data from the questionnaire survey and compiled it into a table. The results showed that there exists the correlation between domestic verbal violence and children's moods, leading to this conclusion, that is, domestic violence does indeed have varying degrees of negative effects on children, which is moderated by various factors such as family environment and children's personality.

Adjusting to a Partners’ Changed Appearance Following Military Combat-Related Appearance-Altering Injuries: The Challenges of Looking “Different” and How Life Continues

Combat-related physical injuries not only affect the individual but also close family members. Emerging evidence indicates that injuries that change appearance, such as limb loss and physical scarring, may create additional psychosocial challenges for the injured person and their family. However, to date the impact of appearance-altering combat injuries have not been explored among the partners of those who were injured. Using a qualitative individual interview design, this study aimed to gain experiential insights into the appearance-specific impact on the partners of military personnel who sustained appearance-altering injuries during deployments or training. Reflexive Thematic Analysis of interviews with 11 female partners identified two main themes “The challenges of looking different” and “How our life continues.” The themes reflect challenges experienced by the partners in relation to their injured partner looking “different” from societally accepted appearance ideals, and the impact this could have on their children. Yet, they had found ways for life to continue such as drawing on positive emotions, having gratitude, pride in their partner’s service, and normalizing difference for their children. While the partners found ways to adapt, this study draws attention to unmet needs for appearance-specific support.

Perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses

Introduction1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental illness (MI). This is expected to rise with increasing societal pressures. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, MIs remain undertreated. In Singapore, efforts such as the ‘It’s OK to Reach Out’ campaign was launched to encourage help-seeking. Help-seeking behavior is complex; determined by an interplay of factors including perceptions towards help sources. As seeking ineffective sources contributes to unmet needs, understanding beliefs towards various sources of help is vital.ObjectivesThe study aims to examine perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses and changes in perceptions towards them over time.MethodsThe Mind Matters 2023 (M2) is an ongoing nationwide survey of mental health literacy among Singapore residents aged 18-65 years. Analysis is based on a preliminary sample (N=2500). Interviewers read a vignette depicting 1 of 5 randomly assigned MIs- depression (DP), schizophrenia (SZ), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), alcohol abuse (AA) or dementia (DT). Respondents were asked to rate whether 10 Professional/Informal sources and 12 Actions were ‘helpful, ‘harmful’ or ‘neither’ for the person in the vignette. Frequencies of helpful ratings were compared with the first Mind Matters study (M1) conducted in 2015 (N=3006).ResultsIn M2, seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist and counsellor were rated helpful most frequently (79%-96%) while seeking traditional medicine and religious advisors were rated the least (12%-60%) across the vignettes, except for DT where doctor and close family (81%-85%) replaced psychologist and counsellor (66%-70%). Compared to M1, phone counselling saw an increase in helpfulness rating across all vignettes (p<.05) except AA. For Actions, reading about how others dealt with similar problems was rated helpful most frequently (76%-89%) while dealing with problems on one’s own was rated the least across all vignettes (3%-11%) in M2. Compared to M1, being more social saw an increase in helpfulness (p<.001) rating for DP but a decrease for AA (p<.001). Admission to an institution was associated with a decrease in helpfulness rating for DP (p=.006) and OCD (p=.04) but increase for AA (p=.03).ConclusionsThe findings suggest recognition that MIs would be helped by professionals and self-reliance is ineffective to address these problems. Increased perceived helpfulness of telephone counselling was promising as studies have shown high client satisfaction coupled with its potential in reducing some barriers to care. Differences in directional changes in helpfulness rating for institutional care and socialising for DP and AA may represent understanding of the importance of behavioral activation and stimulus control for these MIs respectively. Literacy regarding help-seeking sources has improved in Singapore over the last 8 years which may translate into increments in seeking appropriate care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Soroton Literatur Terhadap Wakaf Keluarga: Konsep, Perundangan dan Isu-Isu Berbangkit di Malaysia

Muslims' unclaimed property is estimated to be worth 70 billion ringgit at the moment. Ironically, it has been shown that the owner of this property still has close kin or family members. This study proposes adopting the waqf approach to migrate these properties into real estate for optimal utilization. The existing research on waqf in Malaysia encompasses research on Shariah law, legislation, and its application. Hence, this study focuses on literature review based on several themes, namely (i) the concept of family waqf; (ii) legislation related to family waqf in Malaysia and other countries; and (iii) issues related to family waqf in Malaysia. The primary sources of Islamic law, namely the Quran and Hadith, are used as references. Additionally, the collection of historical documentation is also referred to obtain interpretations, points of view, and examples of waqf instrument governance in Malaysia. The findings of this study, there is a lack of details on family waqf in terms of implementation and legislation in Malaysia. At the same time, Malaysia also has several states with specific legal provisions related to waqf. Therefore, this study focuses on family waqf according to current Islamic law, to benefit Muslims in particular in the future.

Mapping Social Support Sources for Rural Patients with Chronic Illness

Objective: In this study, we evaluated social support sources for rural residents with chronic conditions and examined associations between support sources and self-reported health status. Methods: Adults in rural zip codes across the United States (N = 183; 48.6% female) participated in an online survey. Chronic disease status was determined through participant self-report of prior medical diagnoses. Support sources were elicited using scenarios that require illness assistance or emotional support. Self-rated physical and mental health were measured using 5-point Likert scales. Chi-square tests examined gender differences in preferred sources of social support. Ordinal logistic regressions assessed predictors of self-rated health status, including support source preferences. Results: Family and friends were found to be primary sources of social support for rural residents managing illness. Women tended to rely more heavily on close family members whereas men were open to more diverse sources. Gender differences were statistically significant (χ2(4) = 20.66, p < .001). Those relying on close friends rather than family when sick also reported better physical health (B = 1.79, Wald = 4.91, p = .02). Conclusion: Findings indicate informal social ties are central for the health of rural populations. Gender differences in help-seeking patterns may necessitate tailored chronic disease interventions. Fostering community linkages and leveraging natural supports will be vital for addressing rural health disparities.

Benefits of Chinese family caregivers of patients with urostomy: a qualitative study.

Family caregivers, also known as informal caregivers, are critical for the home care of patients with urostomy. The present study aimed to investigate the benefits of family caregivers in China while taking care of patients with urostomy from a positive perspective. A qualitative research design was adopted, with a thematic analysis. The qualitative research software NVivo was used for data analysis. Twenty-two family caregivers of urostomy patients participated in an in-depth interview for 60-90 min.A qualitative analysis was performed using a thematic approach in accordance with the six-stage thematic analysis process reported by Braun and Clarke (2006). The following four benefits were identified: mastering knowledge and skills, promoting self-growth, establishing close family ties, and changing the way of life. Among these four themes, 11 sub-themes were constructed by coders. This study provides new insights into intervention measures for family caregivers of patients with urostomy, which could play an important role in developing the overall model of family-centered nursing.

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of depressive symptoms in the Croatian adult population

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a worsening of mental health among the Croatian general population. However, the overall prevalence of population depressive symptoms in Croatia over the COVID-19 pandemic is still unknown.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of depressive symptoms among Croatian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from mid-February to mid-May 2022 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, as well as the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was self-administered to a convenient sample of adults from the city of Osijek in eastern Croatia.Results The study sample included 500 subjects with a median age of 34 years (interquartile range 26-53), 42.4% males, and 57.6% females. According to the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, there were 16.2% of subjects with mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were more frequent among older subjects (61 years or older) (p=0.001), among subjects with a lower level of education (subjects with or without elementary school) (p<0.001), among subjects who were retired (p=0.005), among subjects who considered their socioeconomic status as under average (p<0.001), and among subjects who experienced death of close family member caused by COVID-19 infection (p=0.004).Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of depression in the Croatian general population where some sociodemographic characteristics of study subjects seem to put those subjects at greater risk considering the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Development of appropriate supportive programs that enhance the mental health of the Croatian general population during pandemics is needed to potentially prevent the occurrence of depressive symptoms and to help the general population successfully overcome this important mental health challenge.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Right to attention to sexuality for people with mental disorders: bridges between health and social services

IntroductionThe expression of sexuality in the adult with mental disorders depends on the early incorporation of factors for promoting social inclusion. It is fundamental that sexual educators and advisors, in addition to working with the clients, also work with close family members. Intervention programs should establish objectives for developing a positive attitude towards sexuality in people with mental disorders and improving self-esteem (Katz G,Salud Publica Mex. 2008;50 Suppl 2:s239-54).ChallengeAchieving support for people with mental health problems and/or substance use disorder admitted to the Social Rehabilitation Process of a psychiatric hospital so that they develop their sexuality satisfactorily. The right to privacy must be taken into account.ObjectivesPromoting a healthy and satisfactory development of sexuality in people with severe mental disorders. Raising awareness among healthcare teams, families and legal representatives regarding the need and suitability for support. Introducing the concept of sexuality as a dignifying perspective. Promoting sexual education that avoids disadvantages and situations of abuse in the target group. Coordinating the continuity of the project with non-health social services after discharge.HypothesisPossibility of receiving support in the development of sexuality through training, information and improvement in the management of emotions/feelings in people who express the need or willingness to receive it, will contribute to overcoming limitations or difficulties.MethodsDetecting people who during 2021 wish to work on the objectives through the care team. Searching for community resources aimed at attending sexuality issues in people with mental health problems. Proposing the hospital a collaboration with a non-profit entity that develops a specialized program for attention to sexuality in disability. Coordination between Treatment team and Entity. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of one year of experience according to the parameters of the entity.Results2022People includedPercentage of people admittedto the Income Unit (65)Detection concern sex-affectivity 57,69%Verbalized concern34,61%Referral to the entity program23,07%ConclusionsAll patients included have a diagnosis of psychosis. Experience was very positive for the participants. Community intervention projects that lead to an education in healthy and respectful relationships in the field of sexuality and affectivity are necessary. This would allow to prevent behaviours and situations at risk of abuse as well as social and emotional instability.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Adaptation and Actualization of Bugis Migrants in North Kalimantan

Aims: The adaptability, integration, and self-actualization of Bugis migrants in North Kalimantan, The Bugis migrants can adapt themselves and their social environment to maintain themselves as part of the community. It was conducted in North Kalimantan using in-depth interviews and focus group discussion techniques. It was carried out for one month and the informants were captured in the data collection process. based on their place and domicile in North Kalimantan. Methodology: The informants were 5 informants, each of whom had a different job. The result of the research is the ability of Bugis migrants: 1) to integrate into the community and can contribute to the North Kalimantan government in increasing regional income, 2) contributes to the development of science, especially in the field of social sciences. Results: Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that Bugis migrants can interact optimally with the Javanese, Banjar, Tidung, and Tator tribes who live in North Kalimantan and Bugis migrants can actualize themselves to increase harmony in shared life and can improve the welfare of life, as the Bugis migrants do not try to return to their original area, they even feel alienated from their original area, because their close family and inheritance are mostly no longer there. Conclusion: Bugis migrants manifest themselves as a process of actualization and can accept to live and settle as a community in Kalimantan.

Influence of education level and gender of dental students on perception of dental aesthetics

BackgroundFulfilling aesthetic norms is an imperative of modern society. Accordingly, aesthetics has found its important role in dental medicine. The aim was to study whether there is a difference in the perception of tooth shade change and anatomical variations of anterior maxillary teeth among dental students depending on the level of education, gender, and experience in assisting in a dental office.MethodsThe research was conducted among dental students via the Google Forms platform. Students evaluated the aesthetic acceptability of a smile on the unaltered, reference photograph (RP) and on the other 28 photographs in which the tooth shade (lighter and darker teeth), length (shortened central incisors, elongated, and beveled lateral incisors, elongated canines) and position (atypical and typical rotations and diastemas) of the upper maxillary teeth were altered by digital manipulation. The 1–10 assessment scale was used. Statistical analysis comprised one-way Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, X2 tests, t-test, and 3-way MANOVA.ResultsIn the research 208 students participated, 113 were preclinical students, 104 assisted in dental office and 175 were females. There were no significant effects of gender regarding length and position modifications (p > .05), while women were stricter in evaluation of lighter shade (p < .05). Clinical students were stricter in evaluating all manipulated photographs (MP) except those towards darker shade modifications, while assisting in a dental office or having a dentist in close family showed no significant effects (p > .05).ConclusionsWith a higher level of targeted academic education, dental students sharpen their ability to notice deviations from the aesthetic norms of a smile.

Analysis of the Phenomenon of “Apathy Towards Relatives” among Young People in Contemporary Society

“Apathy towards relatives” is a sociological term that refers to laziness, negligence, and disdain for interactionand socialization with relatives within two generations. As the saying goes, “One generation is considered close families, the second generation is considered distant relatives, while the third and fourth generation are equivalent to strangers.” In this atomized society, apathy towards relatives brings about a possible social trust crisis. Therefore, in this paper, we will dive into the leading causes of this phenomenon and its impact on today’s society and the relationship structure between distant relatives.

Eating alone or together: Exploring university students’ eating patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Commensality with close friends and acquaintances increases opportunities for social connectedness, creates a sense of belonging, and may reduce the risks of isolation among students. The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown disrupted daily routines and relationships. This put an increased number of university students at risk of emotional and social loneliness. Little research has focused on commensal eating practices and loneliness among university students before or during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK or elsewhere. This study explored these themes using one-to-one interviews with 13 undergraduate and postgraduate students at a university in England. A hybrid approach to thematic analysis of deductive and inductive reasoning was adopted which is data-driven but informed a priori by the research questions. Emergent findings include (1) pre-COVID-19 eating practices: meal-skipping, varying lunch-time rituals, and dinner as the most important meal regarding content and commensality; (2) Eating practices during COVID-19 lockdown: healthier eating patterns, limited opportunities for commensality, increased feelings of loneliness, and increased reliance on digital media. The COVID-19 lockdown was an opportunity for students to transform erratic eating into more regular eating practices and patterns and to cook more homemade meals. Many students were alone during dinner time and expressed increased feelings of loneliness leading to increased reliance on digital media and virtual commensality to socially interact with close family and friends whilst enjoying the meal.

Who Gives? Non-Commercial Distribution Networks in Domestic Food Production in the Inland North of Sweden

This paper examines the social context of “domestic food production” (dfp) in the inland North of Sweden, with a focus on understanding the contributions of non-commercial food distribution to local food security and sustainable rural community-building. We report on the findings of an exploratory pilot study that included an online survey of 305 people who engaged in at least one dfp activity (hunting, fishing, foraging, or farming). The aims were to uncover common social practices of dfp, as well as to identify key values attached to dfp, the extent of commercial and non-commercial distribution of home-produced food, and motivations to give away food. The main findings emphasize the social nature of dfp activities, with the vast majority of respondents undertaking dfp in groups or as part of formal clubs. Key values attached to dfp included social and community-related aspects, while commercial interests were limited. Respondents were more likely to engage in non-commercial distribution networks, usually involving close family and friends. Food givers mostly cited social factors as their main motivations rather than other food-related aspects (such as food security, health benefits, or food waste). Food givers were also likely to receive food from others, emphasizing the relatively narrow and reciprocal character of non-commercial food networks. We conclude that non-commercial dfp networks may be expanded to the broader community by exploiting the social nature of dfp and encouraging generalized reciprocity led by dfp clubs. This could potentially reduce the negative impacts of food deserts whilst also stimulating community interactions, learning and local dfp communities of practice.