Community Intervention Program Research Articles

Community Intervention Programme. Domestic violence against women

Violence against women is an obstacle to achieving equality, equity, development, peace and social participation. It is multidimensional so its response must be global, systemic and holistic from prevention, assistance and protection to recovery. A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional research was designed in the period from January to December 2023, in Villa 1 Popular Zone, in Consolation del Sur Municipality, Pinar del Río Province, where a group of women victims has been identified of domestic violence. The general objective was aimed at analyzing the perception that women who are victims of domestic violence have about the suffered violence. The population was made up of 40 women who demanded specialized care, to which an anonymous psychosocial survey was applied. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical package. Outstanding results were obtained such as: in the studied women, young adults predominated, with partners, a high level of education, with or without a work relationship, from the urban area, the nuclear family predominated, being the aggressor the current partner, jealousy was the cause of abuse and its obvious link to alcohol. The most frequent type of violence was psychological or emotional. It reacts with more violence in the response of the victims, it was related to ingestion of alcoholic beverages and they told her that they should report and seek help. A Community Intervention Program is proposed.

Gender Based Violence: A Silent Epidemic, Knowledge and Patterns in Ibadan, Oyo State

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a crucial social, health issues which is a great concern to human rights abuse globally. There could be increase in their presentations and patterns. The study aims to determine knowledge and patterns of GBV among residents of Idi-Arere in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area; Oyo State. Descriptive quantitative cross-sectional design was used among 220 residents of Idi-Arere in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Oyo State were randomly selected. Data was collected by a self-developed questionnaire with the aid of research assistants. Theory of reasoned action was used for the study. Majority 124 (56.4%) of the respondents were females and in 10-59 years range. Most of the respondents had poor knowledge 111 (50.5%) More than half 138 (62.7%) of the total case of the GBV had been sexually abuse one time or the other. Also, majority of the respondents 195 (88.6%) had been physically abused. It is therefore concluded that majority of the victims were 195 (88.6%) females were physically abused and recommended among other things that, Community Health Nurses should assist in preventing gender based violence through family and community intervention programmes.

The Significance of Psychoanalysis on Remitting the Effect of COVID-19 on Peoples Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, highlighting the need for effective approaches to address the psychological distress experienced by individuals. This article explored the potential role of psychoanalysis in supporting individuals' mental well-being during the pandemic. Drawing on insights from previous studies investigating the challenges and future prospects of psychoanalysis, as well as an examination of dream experiences during the pandemic, this article emphasized the importance of integrating experiential and conceptual research to strengthen the scientific foundation of psychoanalysis. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, dialogue among analysts of different orientations, and inclusive publishing practices to enhance the field. The study further underscores the significance of adequate funding for empirical research and the promotion of inclusivity within the field. The article concluded with emphasizing the potential of psychoanalysis in providing a safe space for individuals to explore and process their emotions, understand their experiences, and promote healing and adaptation in the face of challenges after the pandemic. Overall, this article highlights the relevance of psychoanalysis in addressing the mental health repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers valuable insights for mental health professionals and researchers in the field. It also can provide some guidance to the design of family and community intervention programs.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY INTERVENTION PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER (DOH-TRC)

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Therapeutic Community Intervention Program operated by the Department of Health-Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) in the Philippines. The research focused on four components of the program, namely the Residential, Outpatient, Aftercare, and Recovery Home programs. The study determined the areas of success and those requiring improvement to enhance the overall effectiveness of each program. Structured questionnaires and surveys were administered to two groups of respondents-program staff and patients-who had received the respective intervention programs. The survey questions were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of various aspects of the programs, such as treatment plan individualization, program implementation fidelity, program structure, family involvement, patient support systems, post-treatment monitoring, relapse prevention, and post-recovery support. The statistical analysis revealed significant insights into the effectiveness of each program. The Residential and Recovery Home programs received high mean scores, indicating that staff and patients perceived them as highly effective. However, the Outpatient and Aftercare programs demonstrated areas requiring attention and improvement. The Outpatient Program showed that family support, patient anxiety towards reintegration into the community, and the absence of a program for patient and family interaction were significant concerns. For the Aftercare Program, areas of concern included the lack of a structured patient monitoring system and financial support for staff assigned to monitor aftercare patients. The findings offered valuable insights into areas that needed enhancement to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Based on the data findings, a comprehensive action plan was developed to improve the effectiveness of the Therapeutic Community Intervention Program. The action plan involved specific key performance indicators, activities, budget allocations, timelines, personnel involvement, and continuous quality improvement efforts tailored to each program. The study provided information on the advantages and disadvantages of the Therapeutic Community Intervention Program implemented by DOH-TRC. By implementing the proposed action plan, the center can further improve the effectiveness of its Residential, Outpatient, Aftercare, and Recovery Home programs, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and contributing to the programs overall success in combating substance abuse and promoting lasting recovery. Continuous evaluation and improvement will be essential to ensure the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of its participants and consistently delivers high-quality care. KEYWORDS: Rehabilitation, Residential Program, Outpatient Program, Aftercare Program, Recovery Home Program

Update and validation of the Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS 2.0).

Understanding knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to nutrition is crucial in developing effective intervention strategies to promote healthy eating habits. This study revised and updated the Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS) to align with the current Canada's Food Guide and dietary guidance and report on its reliability and validity with a new population. Data from 167 early childhood educators were recruited to test the revised C-BANKS' reliability and validity. Reliability, as measured by internal consistency, was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, while concurrent validity was determined by correlating the C-BANKS 2.0 scores with the CHEERS (Creating Healthy Eating and Active Environments Survey) and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Responsiveness was assessed by comparing a baseline C-BANKS 2.0 score to a post-test score after completing an online healthy eating and physical activity educational intervention. The adapted C-BANKS 2.0 questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.70) and construct validity with related measures CHEERS and MEQ (p < 0.05). The C-BANKS 2.0 demonstrated strong responsiveness. Specifically, C-BANKS 2.0 scores increased after the nutrition education intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, there were no signs of floor or ceiling effects. The adapted C-BANKS 2.0 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness to measure of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in an early childhood educator population. The revised C-BANKS 2.0 provides insight into the key factors that influence dietary habits thereby informing the design and evaluation of effective nutrition community intervention programs.

COVID-19 Perceptions Among North Carolina Native Americans: Using a Qualitative Approach

Background COVID-19 has amplified the health and economic disparities in Native American communities. However, there are limited data from Native American populations. This study is the first phase of the Building Resilience And Vital Equity (BRAVE) project, the scope of which is to understand Indigenous perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors about COVID-19 and design and implement culturally sensitive interventions to increase testing and vaccinations among Native American communities. Method We recruited 26 Native Americans and conducted open-ended, semi-structured interviews to explore participants’ perceptions of COVID-19 and related themes, such as needed support, informational sources, trust, communication, and protection of elders. Results The results show that wearing a mask, hand sanitizing, and social distancing had very high support while perceptions of testing and vaccination decisions were mixed. Additionally, two themes stand out: the lack of reliable information resources to learn about COVID-19 and the lack of trust in the government. Limitation This study included a small sample size, which makes it difficult to include participants from diverse demographic backgrounds. Lack of familiarity with the online meeting format and the limited internet access in some indigenous communities may have prevented some people from participating. Conclusion The findings confirmed the need to improve existing public health information infrastructure and helped explain the intensified impact of COVID-19 on the Indigenous marginalized community. The findings help identify the key factors that affect Native Americans’ testing and vaccination decisions and provide guidance on the designs of community intervention programs.

Preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of a novel community language intervention for preschool children in the United Kingdom.

Very young children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds often show poorer language development. Whilst there have been attempts to provide early intervention programmes, these sometimes miss the most disadvantaged groups. This report presents preliminary feasibility and effectiveness data for a novel language intervention designed for parents of toddlers in the United Kingdom. In total, 43 UK families of 2-4-year-olds were recruited to the study, half of whom completed an 8-week course (Tots Talking) focussed on parent interaction, and half of whom acted as wait-list controls. Results suggest that such programmes are feasible for families with 86% staying in the intervention. In addition, greater changes in underlying communication skills such as joint attention and gesture were evident compared to wait-list controls. We conclude that pre-verbal skills may be more important to measure as initial outcomes than language or vocabulary change in this population. What is already known on the subject Children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at higher risk of communication difficulties and there is a need for community intervention programmes for very young children. What this study adds This study suggests that such programmes can be feasible and effective, but that very early/basic communicative skills (such as joint attention) may be boosted first rather than language or vocabulary. What are the clinical implications of this work? Children's centres and other community services could feasibly run short parent facing courses emphasising contingent communication in low SES families and other diverse groups. These may be more successful run with younger preschoolers. Joint attention may be a better focus of intervention before expecting vocabulary or language change. Community health professionals may find this information useful in referring and supporting families in need.

Roles of Local Leaders in Community Development in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria

The study examined the role of local leaders in community development decision making in Dutse Local Government area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multistage (4) stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 120 respondents for the study. Mean age and household size are 53 years and 10 persons. Majority (97.5%) were males, married (95.8%) with secondary education (57.6%). Only about 1/3 (33.3%) had tertiary education while 8.3% had primary education. Significant proportion (91.7%) claimed to have travelled within and outside the study area. The type of leadership existing and acting were; traditional and household leaderships (x ̅=1.011), religious and cooperative leaderships (x ̅=1.383). Areas of roles and influences of the leaders mostly were in; support for art and culture, mobilization, control of market activities, advice on religious matters and chieftaincy matters (x ̅=1.047). Participation in community activities were in the areas of; conflict resolution, chieftaincy affairs, religious matters, support for community development projects, mouth piece of the people, mobilization, political/LGA advice, cultural matter and council matters (x ̅=1.071). Major constraints to participation were; cultural belief and heterophili (x ̅=1.250), mindset of the people and poor socialization (x ̅=1.199) and exclusion from government development projects (x ̅=1.009) respectively. The Pearson Correlation analysis showed positive relationship between participation and degree of Cosmo-politeness, age, educational level respectively. It was recommended that local leaders should be engaged more in community development activities because they serve a catalytic function to the people. Community intervention or development programmes must be geared towards the socio-cultural structure of the people. Respondents should also be encouraged to visit other place in order to foster understanding of cultural differences and diversity, socialization and modernization emanating from ....

Maternal Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation and DNA Methylation Patterns in Adolescent Offspring

Folate, including the folic acid form, is a key component of the one-carbon metabolic pathway used for DNA methylation. Changes in DNA methylation patterns during critical development periods are associated with disease outcomes and are associated with changes in nutritional status in pregnancy. The long-term impact of periconceptional folic acid supplementation on DNA methylation patterns is unknown. To determine the long-term impact of periconceptional folic acid supplementation on DNA methylation patterns, we examined the association of the recommended dosage (400 μg/d) and time period (periconceptional before pregnancy through first trimester) of folic acid supplementation with the DNA methylation patterns in the offspring at age 14-17 y compared with offspring with no supplementation. Two geographic sites in China from the 1993-1995 Community Intervention Program of folic acid supplementation were selected for the follow-up study. DNA methylation at 402,730 CpG sites was assessed using saliva samples from 89 mothers and 179 adolescents (89 male). The mean age at saliva collection was 40 y among mothers (range: 35-54 y) and 15 y among adolescents (range: 14-17 y). Epigenome-wide analyses were conducted to assess the interactions of periconceptional folic acid exposure, the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)-C677T genotype, and epigenome-wide DNA methylation controlling for offspring sex, geographic region, and background cell composition in the saliva. In the primary outcome, no significant differences were observed in epigenome-wide methylation patterns between adolescents exposed and those non-exposed to maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation after adjustment for potential confounders [false discovery rate (FDR) P values < 0.05]. The MTHFR-C677T genotype did not modify this lack of association (FDR P values < 0.05). Overall, there were no differences in DNA methylation between adolescents who were exposed during the critical developmental window and those not exposed to the recommended periconceptional/first-trimester dosage of folic acid.

Evaluation of a community intervention program on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Anhui Province, China.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel infectious disease with no specific therapeutics and vaccines. We hypothesize that health education in vulnerable people would ameliorate their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding SFTS and reduce its prevalence. A four-stage cluster cross-section study in sixteen community units was performed. Sixteen groups were allocated to the intervention or control groups. A 6 months education program was administrated. The primary outcome was KAP scores 6 months after intervention. Predictors of KAP score changes were also analyzed. Eight hundred and fifteen valid questionnaires pre-intervention and 767 ones post-intervention were retreated. No significant differences were found in demographic characteristics and KAP scores before intervention. A significant improvement in KAP score (16.8 ± 4.7 vs. 22.0 ± 4.2, p < 0.001) in the intervention group was observed compare with the controls. Educational level and intervention program were the common predictors of KAP score changes. Education improved KAP scores in SFTS vulnerable people which may contribute to the control of the disease.

Predictors of Non-Transport for Older Adult EMS Patients Encountered for Falls

Background Emergency medical services (EMS) encounters for falls among older adults have been linked to poor outcomes when the patient is not transported by EMS to a hospital. However, little is known regarding characteristics of this patient population. Our primary objective was to describe characteristics associated with non-transport among older adult EMS patients encountered for falls. Methods We performed a national retrospective cross-sectional study of 9-1-1 patient contacts from the 2019 ESO Data Collaborative. We included patients who had 9-1-1 encounters for ground-level falls and were aged 60 years or older. Patients residing in congregate living facilities, interfacility transports, cardiac arrests, and suspected drowning patients were excluded. Potential predictors of non-transport included patient demographics, initial vital signs, who requested 9-1-1 service, incident location, alcohol/substance use, and urbanicity. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between non-transport and potential predictors. Results We identified 195,204 EMS encounters for older adults who fell in 2019, including 27,563 (14.1%) non-transports. Most patients were female (62.4%), non-Hispanic White (85.4%), and fell at a home or residence (80.4%). Greater odds of non-transport were identified among males (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.32–1.42) and Hispanic/Latino patients (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14–1.35). Older age was associated with greater odds of non-transport compared to patients aged 60–69 years (70–79 [OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.35–1.49], 80–89 [OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.42–1.59], ≥90 [OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.35–1.55]). Patients residing in Census tracts with larger percentages of the population living in poverty had lower odds of non-transport compared to those in areas with ≤5% in poverty (6–15% poverty [OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.78–0.84), 15–25% poverty [OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.73–0.82], and >25% poverty [OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72–0.84]). Conclusion Males, older age groups, and Hispanic/Latino patients had higher odds of non-transport among this population of community-dwelling adults age 60 or greater. These findings may inform development of future targeted falls-related mobile integrated health or community paramedic services and referrals to community intervention programs. Future work is needed to understand underlying patient and clinician perspectives driving non-transport decisions among these patients to better equip EMS clinicians with tools and information on tailored risk/benefit discussions.

When I'm“Good＂, You Should Watch Out: Computerized Text Analysis of Linguistic Trajectory of Sexual Re-Offense

在臺灣現行制度下，性侵害加害者一旦離開監獄就必須進入社區治療，然而隨著性罪犯追蹤監控的期程拉長，其再犯率也隨之上升，也就顯示日常生活流轉匯聚各式各樣的境遇，進而影響性再犯的危險因子，然在性罪犯社區處遇歷程中如何評估性犯罪者的再犯企圖一直是臨床實務上值得關注的問題。本個案報告嘗試分析隨時間軌跡的滾動，如何由性犯罪者之日常語言使用找出反映個人內在心理狀態之線索，藉此觀察性侵害加害者之語言徵兆變化情形與再犯之關聯。本個案報告藉由分析一名資料庫匯出之性侵害加害人於社區治療期間所書寫之雙週誌，連續紀錄將近一年直至其再犯性犯罪，共21篇記載其社區治療參與個人生活狀況之自由書寫，將相關內容透過「語文探索與字詞計算」（LIWC）軟體進行五項具有心理意義之文字變項的電腦化文本分析。研究結果發現語言風格透過長時間紀錄後可以觀察到該性犯罪者之再犯可能徵兆，特別是在總字詞數由多到少之變化、正負向情緒詞彙相反的變動態勢，以及誠實性指標呈現V型變化上，符合Ekman、Vrij、DePaulo等三研究團隊有關欺瞞理論之推衍，也因此本研究認為具有心理意義之文字變項可反映潛藏犯罪意圖的細微變化，而與後續再犯結果有關，亦可作為性犯罪者心理評估之參考指標，值得未來透過性犯罪者之大樣本數據分析加以檢證。According to the current legal system in Taiwan, sex offenders must enter a community intervention program after being released from prison. However, recent research of sex offenders has suggested that over the longer term after offenders are released, they have a high rate of sexual re-offense. This shows that the daily struggles while returning to society might contribute to sexual re-offense in different ways, so as to impact the risk factor of sexual re-offense. Thus, assessing the re-offense attempts of sex offenders in the community intervention program is worthy of attention in clinical practice. However, considering the importance of monitoring linguistic behaviors, there is very little existing research that has empirically documented the language use of sex offenders and how that may impact recidivism of sexual offense. Therefore, the aim of this case report attempts to explore how sex offenders' state of minds are reflected in daily language use and how linguistic markers and sexual re-offense may be related. Pennebaker and his colleagues have provided excellent reviews of the psychological aspect in language use. They believe that either expressive writing or spoken language demonstrate cognitive reflective models. Instead of focusing on ＂what＂ is said by the individuals, paying attention to ＂how＂ the individuals say it is much more crucial. Furthermore, it opened a window for researchers to analyze the psychological vulnerabilities or risks of sex offenders as well as having further understanding of the underlining altered state of mind that is intertwined with the surroundings. Considering these concerns, this case study involved a biweekly log written by an ex-sex offender in a community intervention program. The time frame for the study lasted nearly one year until the re-offense occurred. A total of twenty-one free-writing diaries were analyzed with a computerized text analysis software, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). Beyond examining several categories of words with psychological meanings, such as negative and positive affect, this case study also applies higher-order algorithms based on LIWC dictionaries, including the index of complex thinking, the index of honesty, and the index of social-emotional style. Considering months as the analysis unit, the one-year period is divided into the initial stage (April to July), incubation stage (August to December) and action stage (January to March). The results suggested that the language style could possibly indicate signs of recidivism for sex offenders over the long-term while recording their thoughts. The language used during the action stage demonstrated four valuable language shifts compared to other stages. First, the total number of words continually decreased over time. Second, positive affect words decreased and negative affect words increased. Third, the index of complex thinking decreased. Fourth, the index of honesty rose with a V-shape. This result is aligned with the inference of the deception theory of Ekman, Vrij, and DePaulo. To conclude, the study may be of importance in explaining language with psychological meaning that could reflect subtle changes in hidden intention of crimes. In addition, the findings of the study also have implications for observing signs of deception and the subsequent re-offense from the written text. Thus, language analysis is proving to be a useful source for conducting psychological evaluation and risk management for sex offenders who under treatment. That said, the generalization of the results to other populations with different backgrounds may be limited, so more research is called for to expand the understanding of the language style of sex offenders.

Sleeping duration, physical activity, alcohol drinking and other risk factors as potential attributes of metabolic syndrome in adults in Ethiopia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Available evidence showed that metabolic syndrome in the adult population is persistently elevated due to nutrition transition, genetic predisposition, individual-related lifestyle factors, and other environmental risks. However, in developing nations, the burden and scientific evidence on the pattern, and risk exposures for the development of the metabolic syndrome were not adequately investigated. Thus, the study aimed to measure the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to identify specific risk factors among adult populations who visited Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 419 adults attending Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 25 to February 29, 2020. We used the WHO STEP-wise approach for non-communicable disease surveillance to assess participants' disease condition. Metabolic syndrome was measured using the harmonized criteria recommended by the International Diabetes Federation Task Force in 2009. Data were explored for missing values, outliers and multicollinearity before presenting the summary statistics and regression results. Multivariable logistic regression was used to disentangle statistically significant predictors of metabolic syndrome expressed using an odds ratio with a 95% of uncertainty interval. All statistical tests were managed using SPSS version 26. A non-linear dose-response analysis was performed to show the relationships between metabolic syndromes with potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults was 35.0% (95% CI, (30.5, 39.8)). Women were more affected than men (i.e. 40.3% vs 29.4%). After adjusting for other variables, being female [OR = 1.85; 95% CI (1.01, 3.38)], urban residence [OR = 1.94; 95% CI (1.08, 3.24)], increased age [OR = 18.23; 95% CI (6.66, 49.84)], shorter sleeping durations [OR = 4.62; 95% CI (1.02, 20.98)], sedentary behaviour [OR = 4.05; 95% CI (1.80, 9.11)], obesity [OR = 3.14; 95% CI (1.20, 8.18)] and alcohol drinking [OR = 2.85; 95% CI (1.27,6.39)] were positively associated with the adult metabolic syndrome. Whilst have no formal education [OR = 0.30; 95% CI (0.12, 0.74)] was negatively associated with metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of adult metabolic syndrome is found to be high. Metabolic syndrome has linear relationships with BMI, physical activity, sleep duration, and level of education. The demographic and behavioural factors are strongly related with the risk of metabolic syndrome. Since most of the factors are modifiable, there should be urgent large-scale community intervention programs focusing on increased physical activity, healthy sleep, weight management, minimize behavioural risk factors, and healthier food interventions targeting a lifecycle approach. The existing policy should be evaluated whether due attention has given to prevention strategies of NCDs.

The Self-compassion during Pandemic Covid-19: Cased in Jember District

Policy of restrictions on activity during pandemic covid-19 has a negative psychological impact. Thus, the need for good self-management so as not to cause stress, anxiety in the face of pandemics. One of the self-management used by improving self-compassion. Self-compassion is an attitude to be able to be open, to be aware of mistakes that occur to yourself, so as to positively interpret negative experiences. Self-compassion can increase the body's immunity, reducing anxiety. The purpose of this study is to describe the self-compassion of Jember people during the pandemic.The study used a descriptive quantitative approach with the subjects of covid-19 affected communities in Jember, numbering 349 respondents. The data collection method uses questionnaires with purposive sampling techniques, adapted from Neff's Self-compassion Scale (2003) containing 26 items with a total reliability of 0.93. The results showed that as many as 60 respondents (17%) people in Jember had moderate Self-compassion, with the highest percentage of Mindfullness aspect as many as 65 respondents (19%). While the lowest percentage in Isolation aspect is 60 (17%). Reviewed by gender, female subjects had a low self-compassion of 39 respondents (15%), compared to 14 male respondents (14%). Based on tribe, Madura has low self-compassion compared to other tribes, 12 respondents (18%). Based on the results of the research, it can be used as a reference for related parties to form community intervention programs based on internal strengthening and spirituality, and the community can understand the importance of mental health through self-compassion.

Community and bystander interventions for the prevention of suicide: Protocol for a systematic review.

Suicide has a wide reaching and devastating impact on society. This article presents a study protocol for a systematic review of the literature on community and bystander interventions to reduce the incidence of suicide. These interventions are focused on people other than the person at-risk and are designed to increase awareness of warning signs and knowledge of how to most effectively respond. While there have been many studies undertaken on community and bystander intervention programs, we lack a synthesis of evidence regarding how an effective program is created and implemented. The proposed systematic review will address this gap by presenting the first comprehensive review on this topic. The specific aims of the review are to: (1) determine whether community and bystander interventions effectively increase bystander action to prevent suicide and, if so; (2) to understand what creates an effective community suicide intervention. The insights gathered will inform policy and guide investment in better evidence-based suicide interventions for the future.

“Giros de Rua” - Revitalize physical and mental health in people with HIV through a psychosocial intervention program: a study protocol

IntroductionGiven the negative social representation attributed to mental illness, it is urgent to reconfigure its representation, not as an individual problem, but also as a collective. Several solutions have been indicated to improve the skills and quality of life (QoL) of these individuals. Among these, psychosocial rehabilitation programs stand out to keep individuals inserted in society reaching a level of independent functioning.ObjectivesThis study aims to: - assess the level of QoL, social support, treatment adherence, mental health status and mental health literacy of Portuguese people with HIV integrated into a community intervention program “InPulsar - Giros na Rua” program [which aims to contribute to the improvement of the socio-sanitary conditions of people who use psychoactive substances and to their social and therapeutic referral, as well as promoting risk reduction by intervening in a public space]; - improve mental health literacy levels, adherence to therapeutic regimen and QoL in individuals with HIV, after 12 months of implementation of a psychosocial rehabilitation program [biweekly sessions].MethodsWe will perform a single-group pre-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention evaluation, supported by the participatory methodology in health.ResultsThis study has received ethical approval from the local IRB. Data collection will start in November 2021 and will be completed in November 2022.ConclusionsThrough a multidisciplinary approach, this study will allow the development of health interventions articulated with psychosocial interventions based on various educational and behavioural strategies, promoting literacy and adherence to the therapeutic regimen.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Community intervention programs prolong the onset of functional disability among older Japanese.

AimThis study examined the effects of a “community‐based center” intervention to prevent the onset of functional disability among residents in disaster‐affected areas.MethodsWe used data from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2010 to 2016 in Iwanuma City, Japan. Participants were community‐dwelling independent adults aged ≥65 years. The exposure variable was the experience of using a community‐based center. The outcome variable was functional disability onset. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was estimated by adjusting for possible confounders. Additional analysis stratified by sex was conducted considering the sex differences in social participation rates.ResultsAmong 3794 participants (mean ± SD age = 72.9 ±5.3 years, 46.0% men), 196 (5.2%) used the community‐based center, and 849 (22.4%) exhibited disability onset. Of those with functional disabilities, 40 (20.4%) used the community‐based center, while 809 (22.5%) did not. The ATET for functional disability onset with community‐based center activities across all participants were not significant (ATET: 0.51 years [95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.23; 1.27]). However, the direction of the effect of community‐based center activities differed by sex (ATET: −0.14, 95% CI = −2.59; 2.31 for men [n = 18], and 0.66, 95% CI = 0.18; 1.16 for women [n = 178]). Women exhibited a 15.63% (95% CI = 3.58; 27.68) increase in the time until functional disability onset.ConclusionsThe use of community‐based centers was associated with a longer period without functional disability in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 465–470.

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Community Intervention and Health Promotion Programs for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases in Japan and Other East and Southeast Asian Countries

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. However, current evidence regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of community intervention and health promotion programs for NCDs, specifically hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, in East and Southeast Asia has not yet been systematically reviewed. We systematically reviewed the literature from East and Southeast Asian countries to answer 2 clinical questions: (1) do health promotion programs for hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia reduce cardiovascular events and mortality; and (2) are these programs cost-effective?Methods and Results: Electronic literature searches were performed across Medline, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi using key words and relevant subject headings related to randomized controlled trials, comparative studies, quasi-experimental studies, or propensity score matching that met eligibility criteria that were defined for each question. In all, 3,389 records were identified, of which 12 full-text articles were reviewed. Three papers were from Japan, 7 were from China/Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and 2 were from South Korea. None were from Southeast Asia. Four papers examined the effect of community intervention or health promotion on the incidence of cardiovascular events or mortality. Eight studies examined the cost-effectiveness of interventions.Conclusions: The literature review revealed that community intervention and health promotion programs for the control of NCDs are a cost-effective means of reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in East Asian countries.

Community intervention programmes with people affected by leprosy: Listening to the voice of professionals.

BackgroundCommunity participation and implementing interventions based on the community are key strategies to eliminate leprosy. Health professionals have an essential role as they are a necessary source of information because of their knowledge and experience, as well as their comprehensive perspective of contexts included in the programmes. This study has the aim of analysing the perceptions on the development of programmes with people affected by leprosy from the perspective of professionals that work at different organisations in endemic contexts.MethodologyA qualitative study was carried out with the written response to an open question questionnaire which was sent by email. The script content was related to positive aspects and difficulties in daily work, participation from the community in activities, contribution to gender equality and programme sustainability. 27 health professionals were interviewed, 14 women and 13 men, all of which belonged to 16 organisations in India and Brazil. Once the content of the interviews was analysed, two main topics emerged: barriers perceived by professionals and proposals to improve the sustainability of the programmes.Principal findingProfessionals identify barriers related to social stigma, inequalities, gender inequalities, difficulty managing the disease, limited services, lack of resources and lack of community participation. Furthermore, some necessary recommendations were taken into account to improve programme development related to: Eliminating stigma, reaching gender equality, developing adequate and effective services, guaranteeing adequate and quality resources and achieving compassion among professionals.ConclusionsAlthough introducing community programmes with people affected by leprosy has a long history in countries such as India and Brazil, there are still several barriers that can hinder their development. Based on the specific needs of the contexts, recommendations are suggested that, with the involvement of all parties and with sensitive approaches towards human rights and gender, they could help to guarantee universal health coverage and the sustainability of said programmes.

Loneliness and psychological well-being among community-dwelling elderly people: the mediating role of death anxiety

Purpose The present study aims to investigate the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being and examine whether death anxiety mediates the association between loneliness and psychological well-being among community-dwelling elderly people in the Kerala state of India. Design/methodology/approach A total of 209 participants (125 males and 84 females) were selected for this study through the convenience sampling method. SPSS (version 22) was used to estimate descriptive and correlational indices. Mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes Process macro-Version 3.5 and 5,000 bootstrapped sample-based analysis. Findings Results indicate the significant indirect effect of loneliness on psychological well-being through the influence of death anxiety. It was thus concluded that lonely feelings among elderly people lower psychological well-being and death anxiety partially mediates the relationship of loneliness and psychological well-being. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional study with the use of questionnaires might not be adequate to establish causal links. All the participants were from community-dwelling. So it reduces the possibility of generalizing the findings to institutional settings. The study recommends the need and importance of mental health support for elderly people through community intervention programs to reduce their feeling of loneliness. Originality/value The present study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by substantiating the mediating role of death anxiety in the relationship between loneliness and the psychological well-being of elderly people staying at home.