Family Health Issues Research Articles

IMPACT OF EMPLOYEES ABSENTEEISM ON PERFORMANCE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF ONDO STATE. A POST COVID-19 STUDY

This study investigates the impact of employee absenteeism on performance within the local government areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. It ascertains the level of absenteeism, examines the influence of working conditions and irregular salary payments on performance, and identifies the primary causes of absenteeism among local government employees. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 592 respondents across three randomly selected local government areas: Owo, Akure North, and Odigbo. We adopted descriptive statistics and regression techniques to examine the relationships between absenteeism, employee performance, working conditions, and salary payments. Findings indicate a significant level of absenteeism, with older employees and those in specific departments showing higher absenteeism rates. Regression analysis reveals that both working conditions and irregular salary payments significantly impact employee performance. Positive working environments are associated with higher performance levels, while irregular salary payments contribute to financial stress and reduced motivation, leading to decreased productivity. The study also identifies key factors contributing to absenteeism, including employee habits, personal and family emergencies, health issues, and work-life balance. In the post COVID-19 context, the impact of absenteeism has been further worsened. The pandemic has exacerbated health concerns, disrupted working conditions, and caused financial instability, all contributing to higher absenteeism rates. Therefore, local governments must consider these new challenges when designing and implementing interventions. Enhanced safety protocols, flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health and wellness programs, equal distribution of palliatives, reliable and timely salary payment and provision of targeted employee training system are crucial in the post-pandemic era to mitigate absenteeism and boost employee performance. Department-specific interventions and robust monitoring and evaluation systems are also essential to address the unique challenges different departments face. Addressing absenteeism through targeted interventions can significantly enhance local government employee attendance and performance in Ondo state.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Coping Strategies among Adults in a Rural Community in Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Background and objective: Negative emotional status due to various life challenges have been reported very often among adult population. These problems increase the risk of developing mental health problems and accelerate their progression in communities. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, self-reported reasons for psychological distress and coping strategies among adults in Nagoda Divisional Secretariat area, Galle, Sri Lanka.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 280 adults aged 20-64 years, selected using cluster sampling from randomly selected five Grama Niladari divisions in Nagoda Divisional Secretariat area. Previously validated Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) was administered to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed using SPSS software (Version 23).Results: Of the participants, 59.3% were females. Around 40% were aged 35-50 years. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were identified as 33.2%, 18.6% and 59.6% respectively. Prevalence of symptoms of depression (37.9%) and anxiety (21.7%) were higher among females. Stress was more prevalent (52.6%) in males. Gender (p=0.042) and living arrangement (p=0.025) showed a significant association with depression. Presence of a comorbidity (p=0.040) showed a significant association with stress. The reasons for psychological distress perceived by participants were; health issues of family members (53.6%), own health problems (52.1%), relationship issues (44.3%) and dietary pattern associated issues (44%). A few participants reported meditation (15.4%), engaging in exercises (14.6%), seeking counselling support (13.9%) and recreational activities (14.3%) as their healthy coping strategies.Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of symptoms of stress compared to depression and anxiety among adults and major determinants of emotional symptoms were personal and family health issues. Only few individuals were practicing healthy coping strategies. The results emphasize the importance of improving adult health at community level that may contribute to positive mental health.

Credenciar-se ou não na pós-graduação: a percepção de docentes de uma instituição pública

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify the perception of doctoral staff members regarding their involvement in graduate programs considering motivational, personal, and organizational factors. A questionnaire was administered to 502 PhD professors from graduate programs at a public institution of higher education, obtaining 113 valid answers. The data were analyzed using the statistical software R. The results indicated that the affiliation to the graduate programs is linked to the affective dimension, as enjoying what they do (motivational) and their relationship with students (organizational) were the most highlighted factors. When asked about what would lead them to self-discredit, the individual dimension was emphasized, particularly concerning aspects related to a lack of personal fulfillment with the activity and personal or family health issues. Structural issues were also indicated, although not predominant. The strong connection of the professors' motivation related to personal and motivational factors may explain why these professionals choose to remain accredited in graduate programs in adverse conditions.

Linking chronic stress to insomnia symptoms in older adults: The role of stress co-occurrence during the pandemic.

Studies examining the associations of chronic stressors with sleep health in older adults have shown conflicting results. While the COVID-19 pandemic increased perceived stress at the population level, less is known about chronic stressors experienced by older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on sleep health in an aging population. This study aims to examine the association of older adults' chronic stress with insomnia symptoms during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using early-release COVID-19 data from the Health and Retirement Study. Data on chronic stressors and insomnia symptoms in older adults (N = 2021; mean age = 68.8) were examined. Co-occurrence network analysis, latent class analysis, Rao-Scott χ2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to characterize the co-occurrence of chronic stressors and associations with insomnia symptoms. The most common co-occurring chronic stressors during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were self-health issues, family-health issues, and financial stress. Older adults experiencing frequent stress co-occurrence had 91% higher odds of difficulty initiating sleep (p < 0.001), 40% higher odds of frequent nocturnal awakening (p = 0.028), and 83% higher odds of nonrestorative sleep (p < 0.001). However, adjustment for health risk factors and COVID-19 concerns attenuated the effects, leaving strongest association for difficulty initiating sleep (odds ratio = 1.51, p = 0.010). Frequent stress co-occurrence plays an important role linking chronic stress to insomnia symptoms in an aging population. Ongoing research is needed to examine the lingering effects of frequent stress co-occurrence on older adults' sleep health in the post COVID-19era.

Open and Online Distance Learning (ODL) Challenges During COVID-19: A Factor Analysis Among UiTM Students

In conjunction with the introduction of the movement control order (MCO) to help stop the spreading of the COVID-19 virus, academic establishments around the country have taken significant initiatives to make sure that their students could continue to learn through online mediums. Thus, students and educators must begin preparing their minds for alternative classroom instructions that do not involve face-to-face interactions. This shift has sparked anxieties about how school children and tertiary level students from various social and economic backgrounds will adapt to this new digital classroom setting. With the objectives to identify the challenges faced by UiTM students in adapting to the ODL mode at home and to examine the challenges faced by the students staying in three different localities; urban, sub-urban and rural, 1,931 students from all UiTM campuses answered a self-constructed online questionnaire. A descriptive analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted using IBM-SPSS version 24 software to analyse the data. The findings revealed that while most of the students did not face significant problems on the infrastructure aspect, students from rural and sub-urban areas faced problems following the scheduled timetable provided by the university for online learning. Personal factors of family commitment, health, and other personal issues were found to affect their ODL session most. Since UiTM students’ come from all over the country and from various family backgrounds, it is expected that the findings would enable the university administrators to better understand the challenges faced by the students, thus implementing effective and efficient learning environment that suits and supports the diversity of the students should there be a need for an ODL mode in similar outbreaks in the future

A scientific mind embraces medicine: Donald Lindberg's education and early career.

As a young pathologist, Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D., tirelessly sought scientific solutions to clinical and research problems. Directing several clinical laboratories at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Dr. Lindberg developed the world’s first computerized laboratory information system, speeding analysis and reporting. He directed his team in building computer systems to help clinicians retrieve medical knowledge, enable patients to find information about personal or family health issues, and provide expert automated assistance to physicians in reaching differential diagnoses outside their specialties. Developing superior functionalities with the limited information technologies of the time, Dr. Lindberg’s pioneering work in Columbia foreshadowed his subsequent inspired leadership as Director of the United States National Library of Medicine.

A Scientific Mind Embraces Medicine: Donald Lindberg's Education and Early Career.

As a young pathologist, Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D., tirelessly sought scientific solutions to clinical and research problems. Directing several clinical laboratories at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Dr. Lindberg developed the world's first computerized laboratory information system, speeding analysis and reporting. He directed his team in building computer systems to help clinicians retrieve medical knowledge, enable patients to find information about personal or family health issues, and provide expert automated assistance to physicians in reaching differential diagnoses outside their specialties. Developing superior functionalities with the limited information technologies of the time, Dr. Lindberg's pioneering work in Columbia foreshadowed his subsequent inspired leadership as Director of the United States National Library of Medicine.

Analysis of Distress in Patients with Gynecological Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Telephone Survey

Objective: To investigate distress levels in patients with gynaecological cancers during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identify factors associated with distress. Material and Methods: A total of 193 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for gynaecological cancer were included in our research. The patients were contacted by phone and provided detailed information about our study and the questionnaire that was to be applied. We performed distress screening using The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List (PL), developed for cancer patients. Results: In the study group, 51% of patients were categorized in the high-stress group. As practical problems, childcare (p<0.001), insurance/financial (p<0.033), work/school (p<0.001), treatment decisions (p<0.001), have significant differences between 2 groups in the present study. As family problems dealing with children (p<0.001), family health issues (p<0.014) have significant differences between the low-stress group and the high-stress group. All the emotional parameters evaluated by PL questionnaire have significant difference between the groups. The emotional significance levels of the parameters are as follows: depression (p<0.001), fears (p<0.001), nervousness (p<0.002), sadness (p<0.001), worry (p<0.012), loss of interest (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results send a message to the gynaecological cancer healthcare world about what conditions may plague the gynaecological cancer patient in COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying problem areas for patients in our study constitutes the first step in the intervention.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION: A REVIEW

The Nation’s development depends on the development of children. Child must be encouraged to live in a family environment which gives an atmosphere of happiness, understanding, love, affection and emotional support for development of child’s personality. The growth, development and personality of children is depended on the environment where the children grown up. Children are being institutionalized with various reasons such as destitution due to death of parents, poverty, inability of parents, unconducive family environment and health issues. As the children are living in the institutions away from their parents, it effects on physical, psychological and emotional development of children. The Government mandated child care institutions to maintain the minimum standards for providing effective rehabilitation services for children in need of care and protection. The child care institutions were managed by Government and Non-Government Organisations. Many studies have been conducted to see the services provided by child care institutions really meeting the needs of the children for their development to attain their goals and mainstreaming in the society. KEY WORDS: Vulnerability, protection, institutions, rehabilitation, development.

Influence of Parental Expectations and Involvement on the Learning Outcomes of Children with Special Educational Needs in Tamale

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of parental expectations and their involvement on the learning outcomes of students with special educational needs and disabilities in the Tamale Metropolis. The study was a quantitative survey. Parents of students with special needs formed the population of the study. A total of 50 participants were sampled through snowballing. These parents had various levels of education from basic to tertiary levels. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data were obtained personally by the researchers after they had made personal contacts with the parents. The data obtained were analysed in SPSS. Frequency distribution tables and percentages were used for analysing the descriptive data while the hypotheses were tested using multiple regression and Spearman Browns' correlation coefficient. It was revealed that parents had high expectations from the school and teachers concerning the education of children with special needs and disabilities. They were also actively involved in the education of their children however; a number of factors such as family health issues, transportation and language barriers influenced their involvement in the education of their children with special needs. A multiple regression was run to predict learning outcomes from parental expectations and their involvement. The two variables combined to show a statistical significant prediction of learning outcomes, F(2, 47) = 24.427, p (.000) <.0005, R2=.510. However, only parental involvement added statistically significantly to the prediction, p<.05.

Maternal stress during pregnancy and children’s diet: Evidence from a population of low socioeconomic status

ObjectivesThis study examined the relationship between maternal exposure to stress during pregnancy and children’s food preferences and diet in a population of low socioeconomic status. MethodsIndices of exposure to stress were constructed based on retrospective self-reported experience of stressful events during pregnancy (e.g., death of close family member, relationship difficulties, legal issues, health issues, financial issues, or other potentially stressful event[s]). Data were collected for >200 mothers of a low socioeconomic status with a child age 2 to 12 y. Data on mothers’ body mass index, current exposure to stress, current diet, and diet during pregnancy were collected at the same time, as well as data on children’s food preferences and current diet as reported by the mothers. Indices of the healthiness of food preferences and diet were constructed and used as outcome variables. ResultsMaternal exposure to stress during pregnancy significantly predicts children’s food and taste preferences, as well as their diet, in regression models controlling for maternal diet, current maternal stress, and demographic characteristics of both the child and mother. Higher average stress during pregnancy is linked with significantly less healthy food preferences and diet, as well as with weaker preferences for sour and bitter foods. This relationship is observed across different age groups. ConclusionsMaternal exposure to stress during pregnancy could have long-term detrimental effects on dietary outcomes and thereby on health conditions related to diet. Prenatal care and preconception counseling could be critical to develop preventive strategies to improve public health.

Adequacy of prenatal care services and associated factors in Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundPrenatal care is an important component for the continuum of care in maternal and child health services. Despite increased attention on prenatal care service coverage, the adequacy of service provision has not been well addressed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the status of the adequacy of prenatal care and its associated factors in Southern Ethiopia.Method A longitudinal study done by the Performance care Monitoring and Accountability (PMA2020) project was used. The study was conducted from August 2016 to January 2017 in Southern Ethiopia. A multistage stratified cluster design in which all enumeration areas were randomly selected using probability proportional to size and all households were screened to identify 324 pregnant women of six or more months. Questions regarding early attendance of prenatal care, enough visits, and sufficient services were asked to measure the adequacy of prenatal care. Finally, an ordered logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with the adequacy of prenatal care services.ResultsOf the total pregnant women 44.21 % attended enough visits, 84.10 % had early visits, and 42.03 % received sufficient services. The women residing in urban areas had 2.35 odds of having adequate prenatal care in reference to rural areas (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.35 [95 % CI 1.05–5.31]). Women who attended primary and secondary education had 2.42(aOR 2.42 [95 % C.I. 1.04, 5.65]), and 4.18 (aOR 4.18 [95 % CI 1.32, 13.29]) odds of adequate prenatal care in reference with those who never attended education respectively. The women participating in one to five networks have 2.18 odds of adequate prenatal care in reference to their counterparts (aOR 2.78 [95 % CI 1.01, 7.71]).ConclusionsThe adequacy of prenatal care services in Southern Ethiopia is very low. The Ethiopian health care system should strengthen one to five networks to discuss on family health issues. Further research, should validate the tools and measure the adequacy of the services in different contexts of Ethiopia using a mixed method study for an in-depth understanding of the problem.

Early Pandemic Experiences and Lessons Learned Within A Multinational Corporation: A Testimonial of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Early Pandemic Experiences and Lessons Learned Within A Multinational Corporation: A Testimonial of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Designing a couple-based relationship strengthening and health enhancing intervention for pregnant women living with HIV and their male partners in Zambia: Interview findings from the target community

IntroductionInterpersonal support can promote positive outcomes among people living with HIV. In order to develop an acceptable psychoeducational couples-based intervention aimed at strengthening the relationship context and improving HIV outcomes before and after pregnancy, we conducted qualitative interviews with pregnant women living with HIV and their male partners. MethodsWe interviewed a convenience clinic-based sample of pregnant women living with HIV (n = 30) and male partners (n = 18) in Lusaka, Zambia. Interviews included pile sorting relationship topics in order of perceived priority. Interviews also focused on family health concerns. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Pile sorting data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsAll female participants were living with HIV; 61% of the male partners interviewed were additionally living with HIV. The most prioritized relationship topic among both genders was communication between couples. Honesty and respect were important relationship topics but prioritized differently based on gender. Female participants considered emotional and instrumental support from male partners critical for their physical and mental health; men did not prioritize support. Intimate partner violence was discussed often by both genders. Family health priorities included good nutrition during pregnancy, preventing infant HIV infection, safe infant feeding, sexual health, and men's alcohol use. ConclusionsA major contribution of this study is a better understanding of the dyad-level factors pregnant women living with HIV and their male partners perceive to be the most important for a healthy, well-functioning relationship. This study additionally identified gaps in antenatal health education and the specific family health issues most prioritized by pregnant women living with HIV and their male partners. The findings of this study will inform the development of an acceptable couples-based intervention with greater likelihood of efficacy in strengthening the relationship context and promoting family health during and after pregnancies that are affected by HIV.

COVID-19: Presumed Infection Routes and Psychological Impact on Staff in Administrative and Logistics Departments in a Designated Hospital in Wuhan, China.

Objective: Our aim was to explore the presumed infection routes and psychological impact of COVID-19 on staff in administrative and logistics departments (ALDs).Methods: We gathered data from all 18 staff members with COVID-19 in ALDs in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. The baseline, job before diagnosis, presumed infection environment, use of protective equipment, and psychological status before and after diagnosis were collected and analyzed. A total of 18 uninfected staff members working alongside them in the same environment and 18 random matched infected doctors and nurses formed two control groups; the psychological impact of these three groups was then compared.Results: Of the 18 members of staff, 88.89% were infected due to the working environment (hospital), and nine had face-to-face conversations with doctors and nurses in their daily work. Many staff members did not take any protective measures in their routine work. Before they were diagnosed, 12 staff members were aware of the seriousness of the epidemic, and most of the staff maintained a neutral attitude to the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 77.78% of the staff experienced psychological stress or emotional changes after diagnosis, which were mainly caused by family health and disease related issues. Most of them managed their emotions by self-control and video calls with their families. There was no significant difference in psychological impact among the three groups, but uninfected staff members were fully aware of the seriousness of the epidemic.Conclusions: Effective protective measures should be taken for staff members in ALDs. Psychological interventions are very important to help infected staff members in ALDs cope with psychological distress.

Caregiver and patient distress in young adults with new cancer diagnoses.

e24165 Background: A cancer diagnosis is stressful for both patients and caregivers, and there may be interdependence of mental health. Integration of caregivers into support for AYAO patients may improve outcomes. Methods: We enrolled dyads of AYAO patients (age 15-39) and their caregivers within the first month of treatment. Eligible patients were treated with curative intent or expected remission of at least 5 years. We assessed participants at baseline using validated self-reported survey methods, including the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST), Impacts of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), Adult Self-Report (ASR), NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List, and FACT-G and FACT-GP instruments. Results: We enrolled 13 dyads with patient age range 22 to 39 (median 29) years with 60% male patients and 30% male caregivers. Median scores for the NCCN Distress Thermometer were 5.0 for patients (sd 2.9) and caregivers (sd 2.4), with a score of 3 consistent with significant distress. On the Problem List, greater than half of both patients and caregivers reported “yes” to problems with “insurance/financial,” “work/school,” “treatment decisions,” “fears,” “sadness,” “worry,” and “fatigue,” and independently with “family health issues” and “work/school,” respectively. Median patient FACT-G summary score was 78, with median sub-scale scores (27.5 social, 19.5 functional, 17.5 emotional, 15.5 physical). Likewise, median caregiver FACT-GP score was 58 with sub-scale scores (20 physical, 20 functional, 15 social, 10 emotional), with higher scores indicating better quality of life. COST median scores were 12 for patients (sd 9) and caregivers (sd 7), where max score 44 indicates least financial toxicity. IES-R median patient and caregiver scores were 16 (sd 16) and 46 (sd 26), respectively, with scores &gt;24 concerning for PTSS. In contrast, median patient and caregiver ASR depression and anxiety sub-scales were not in the range for concern. Conclusions: Diagnosis is a critical moment of distress for caregivers and patients alike. Effective interventions are needed to alleviate acute suffering and to improve short-term psychological and financial wellbeing for both caregivers and patients. Such outcomes may translate to longer-term benefit. As we continue to accrue dyads, we will follow them over 6 months to assess changes in distress pattern over time and identify the critical time periods for intervention.

Improving outcomes for marginalised rural families through a care navigator program.

Health promotion programs are based on the premise that health and well-being is impacted by a person's living circumstances, not just factors within the health arena. Chronic health issues require integrated services from health and social services. Navigator positions are effective in assisting chronic disease patients to access services. This family program in a small rural town in Western New South Wales targeted marginalised families with children under five years of age with a chronic health issue. The navigator developed a cross-sectoral care plan to provide services to address family issues. The study aimed to identify navigator factors supporting improved family outcomes. Participants included parent/clients (n=4) and the cross-sectoral professional team (n=9) involved in the program. During the interview, participants were asked about their perspective of the program. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed informed by the Chronic Care Model underpinned by Health Promotion Theory. The program improved client family's lives in relation to children's health and other family health and social issues. Trust in the care navigator was the most important factor for parents to join and engage with the program. The care navigator role was essential to maintaining client engagement and supporting cooperation between services to support families. Essential care navigator skills were commitment, ability to persuade and empower parents and other professionals. SO WHAT?: This descriptive study demonstrated the positive influence of the care navigator and the program on high risk families in a small isolated community. It can be adopted by other communities to improve life for families at risk.

Kualitas hidup ditinjau dari pengetahuan keluarga tentang perawatan lansia

Families have a significant role in developing, preventing, adapting, and improving health problems found in families. Family health issues are interconnected with the problems of other family members if one family member with health problems will undoubtedly affect the implementation of the functions Family. Similarly, the elderly will affect the quality of family life as a whole will affect the quality of life of the elderly. The purpose of this study to determine the relationship of family knowledge about elderly care with the quality of life in the elderly in pekon Ambarawa East 2017. type of research using quantitative design with cross-sectional.sampel in this study as many as 48 people. The results of the study were obtained from 48 people, and it is known some respondents with poor quality of life that is as many as 24 people (50 percent) and good quality of life as many as 24 people (50 percent) .of 48 people, it is known most respondents with poor quality of life that is as much 24 people (50 percent) and good quality of life as many as 24 people (50 percent), there is a relationship of knowledge with quality of life of elderly with p-value 0,037 and OR 4,491. Based on the results of the study, it is suggested to the family to increase knowledge about health care for the elderly, and families to be more active to ask health workers about the good elderly care for the sake of the quality of life of the elderly is good.

Family Nursing as an Improvement Strategy of Family Health Index in Indonesia: A Literature Review

The occurrence of health issues in the family affected by the ability of the family itself to carry out the role and task of family health care. Family nursing has been developed in various countries as a solution to solve individual, family, and community health issues in a region. The family health status in Indonesia is measured by the Family Health Index (FHI) value, comprising the category of unhealthy families (FHI &lt; 0.50), pre-healthy families (FHI value of 0.50 to 0.80), and healthy families (FHI &gt; 0.8). This study aims to generate a literature review on strategies that can be used to improve the Family Health Index. The search database includes CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar with several keywords: 'family nursing', 'family health', and 'family health status'. 102 articles published between the year of 2000 until 2019 have been obtained. The results of the literature review indicate that family nursing is an innovative and efficient strategy to achieve a preferable health status as well as a better quality of human life. Family nursing has a positive correlation with the increased ability of families to carry out their task in maintaining, preventing and overcoming family health issues independently. Research on the families' ability to carry out health care tasks to improve the health status by measuring FHI has never been done previously. Future research is required to discuss the relationship of families' ability in carrying out the five health care tasks to improve FHI independently in Indonesia.

Mentoring Program for Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

ABSTRACTUsing descriptive case studies, this paper describes a short-term mentoring program using goal attainment scaling for young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Two participants received three and seven visits, respectively, before dropping out of the program with no significant change in goal attainment scores. Although the program supported meaningful individualized goals, repeated and cumulative effects of hospitalizations, sickle cell pain episodes, family health issues, unsafe location of residence, and transportation appeared to remain significant barriers for to achieve stated goals. While the value of an individualized, community-based mentoring experience that addresses goal attainment remains unanswered, this project documents the complex and health barriers of young adults living with SCD.