Family Home Research Articles

Idealised notions of home and working-class mothers’ realities

This article considers the day-to-day impact on working-class mothers of the recent cost of living crisis, which has compounded the consequences of successive benefit cuts and freezes, coupled with the increase in privately rented housing. Joint effects of government-imposed benefit cuts and economic upheaval have dramatically increased the number of people affected by food and fuel poverty, and intensified the difficulties for those already struggling. The data drawn upon is part of a wider project exploring the everyday lives of working-class mothers. This was done through a narrative analysis of twenty biographical interviews with working-class mothers to recontextualise the gendered and classed impacts on this group. Interviews took place in a local authority in southeast England from late 2021 to early 2022. Not only are the effects of living in austere times difficult in and of themselves but, for working-class mothers the impact extends beyond the practical and serves to invalidate their mothering through their inability to provide a family home. Representations of home extend beyond a place in which we live to the provision of a stable, secure and private site of care that mothers provide as part of their ‘homemaking’. This article considers working-class realities that are characterised by displacement, impermanence and scarcity. Those aspects that contribute to creating the home, deemed universal, are value-laden and not a reality for many working-class women.

How to Define a Home: A Study on the Sense of Belonging among Digital Nomads

With the rise of digital nomadism as both a lifestyle and a working model, more people are choosing a mobile way of life, breaking away from traditional, location-based living. This study explores the motivations behind digital nomads decision to embrace mobility and examines how they develop a sense of belonging despite their constant movement. Using methods such as online ethnography and virtual interviews, the research finds that digital nomads no longer derive their sense of belonging primarily from physical spaces like family homes or local communities. Instead, their sense of belonging is increasingly shaped by their recognition of work value, personal fulfillment, and meaningful social interactions. This paper offers a fresh perspective on how digital nomads construct belonging, arguing that this process is multi-dimensional and constantly evolving. Rather than being tied to fixed geographic locations, a sense of belonging for digital nomads is now centered on self-worth, professional identity, and social recognition in a globalized world.

Key determinants of sales price in the residential developments in Prague

PurposeThe real estate residential market plays a crucial role in the economy and personal savings of a significant portion of the population. In recent years, the pricing of new apartments in Prague and other major European cities has experienced rapid growth but also a sharp decline during the global financial crisis of 2008. The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between the selling price per square meter of new residential developments in Prague and the macroeconomic determinants, as well as real estate sector variables.Design/methodology/approachThe econometric model developed for this study is based on quarterly observations from 2005 to 2021 and utilizes statistical learning (SL) techniques of lasso regularization combined with Bayesian model averaging (BMA).FindingsThe primary objective is to employ the model to identify the main determinants and provide insights into the price dynamics of new residential units. The outcomes of the model suggest that the set of variables selected in this paper – Net disposable income per household, Prague GDP per capita, Unemployment rate, Mortgage Interest rate and Covid dummy variable – provides a good explanation of the developments in real estate prices in Prague.Practical implicationsThis model can be reproduced also for other European capital cities and can be tested. Our goal is to expand this model also for the data in Warsaw and to update the data and model annually. The model’s high explanatory power (over 90% of variance explained) suggests that it can serve as a strong foundation for future forecasting models, though this was not the primary focus of our current analysis. We believe that this model can be used well for the prediction of residential price developments in Prague or other European capital cities.Social implicationsIn the current situation where the affordability of housing is becoming a more and more important policy topic, we strongly believe that a model like ours, that explains the price development can be helpful in explaining price movements and helping to understand changes in housing prices (thus affordability) in connection to the macroeconomic variables.Originality/valueThis paper is bringing a very long data series on the residential price of the new developments in Prague that were constructed in the early 2000s. Compared to the other research papers studied where the dependency of residential price is tested on only a few variables, in our model, we tested large scale of explanatory variables using SL techniques of lasso regularization combined with BMA. Our paper focuses on the price of new apartments, whereby most of the literature studied prefers the housing price (family homes) or apartment price including both primary as well as secondary markets.

Family socioeconomic status and home nurture environment in early childhood development: A mediation analysis in children under three in rural China.

Family socioeconomic status and home nurture environment in early childhood development: A mediation analysis in children under three in rural China.

The Administration for Community Living: More Than a Decade of Policies Promoting the Health of Older Adults, People Living With Disabilities, and Their Families and Caregivers.

As the Administration for Community Living (ACL) reaches its 13th year as an organization within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, current plans for restructuring will result in its closing. The current article reflects on the policies and programs led by the ACL for more than a decade, promoting the health and independence of older adults and people living with disabilities, including their families and caregivers. A brief overview of exemplars focused on family caregivers, fall prevention, and home- and community-based services highlight the potential impact of the closing of the ACL on vulnerable communities. As a result, a list of growing organizations and advocates, including health care and scientific professional groups, have voiced their concerns for the future without the ACL and limited details regarding the continuation of services and resources. The historic nature of these changes calls for gerontological nurse leaders, clinicians, and researchers to stay informed and engaged in support of the population and communities we serve. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51(5), 7-11.].

Does accumulated family risk inhibit adolescent physical activity at home? An examination with a longitudinal latent growth model

BackgroundThe escalating prevalence of problem behaviors among adolescents, primarily stemming from accumulated family risk has emerged as a significant concern in contemporary school and family education. This phenomenon warrants particular attention as it may directly lead to reduced physical activity levels among adolescents within their domestic settings, potentially resulting in significant long-term consequences. Grounded in ecological systems theory, this study seeks to elucidate the cumulative effects of family risk on adolescent development. Through the application of a latent growth model across three distinct observation periods, we aim to systematically examine and clarify the longitudinal development trajectories and underlying interaction mechanisms of the variables under investigation.MethodsA simple random cluster sampling method was utilized to select four middle schools from Sichuan Province, Guangdong Province, Hebei Province, and Beijing City as the research sites. A total of 682 primary and middle school students participated in three waves of follow-up surveys. Data were collected using validated scales, including the Accumulated Family Risk Scale and the Home Physical Activity Scale, to assess the respective constructs.Results(1) Adolescent accumulated family risk and home physical activity exhibited relative stability over the three observation periods, and a significant negative correlation was observed between these two variables. (2) The initial levels of adolescent home physical activity and accumulated family risk were significantly negatively correlated. Furthermore, these initial levels were found to significantly predict the growth rate of accumulated family risk, with the direction of influence being negative.ConclusionThe findings suggest that higher levels of physical activity and lower initial levels of accumulated family risk may serve as protective factors against the escalation of accumulated family risk levels during adolescence. These findings offer novel empirical evidence and theoretical insights for designing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating accumulated family risks among adolescents.

Psychological Distress and Perceived Life Changes Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Roles of Family Support and Gender

Objective: To examine associations among psychological distress, perceptions of life changes, and perceptions of family support among college students during the quarantine period of the pandemic. Background: A supportive family can buffer psychological distress during crises. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, many college students abruptly returned to their family home, disrupting a developmental stage typically oriented toward independence and peer connection. While previous research has highlighted the stressors of this period, less is known about the role of perceived family support in shaping students’ mental health outcomes. Method: Data from a cross-sectional sample of 339 college students were collected. Statistical analysis included a hierarchical multiple regression and moderated moderation to investigate the relationship between the life changes college students experienced due to COVID-19 and distress and how family support moderated this relationship while treating gender as a secondary moderator. Results: Perceptions of worsening life conditions due to COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of distress and vice versa. Perceptions of emotional forms of family support moderated this relationship, but only among male participants. Conclusions: This study contributes to our understanding of the mental health implications of the pandemic on college students by identifying emotional family support as a gender-specific protective factor. Implications: Insights from this study may inform mental health interventions that consider family dynamics and gender-specific coping during large-scale crises. These findings may also guide strategies for supporting students facing the long-term psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Factors Influence on Utilisation of Antenatal Care Among Married Women: A Quantitative Research Study Conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan is one of the developing countries with high maternal mortality rate 186/100000 live births. Sociologists argue that the social and demographic dynamics of society are one of the contributing factors to poor maternal health care. This study investigates the influence of social and demographic factors on the use of antenatal health care in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A cross-sectional household survey approach was used, and data was collected from 470 married women aged 15-49 years. Statistical analysis explained that majority (75%) of married women stay in home during antenatal care in the study locale, in mountains areas 81.5 percent women stay in home during antenatal care checkup, and 71 percent stay in home in joint family. The study suggests that an awareness program should be started to reduce girl child marriages in Pakhtunkhwa and cash incentives should be started to encourage institutional antenatal care.

Childhood Family Income and Adult Cardiovascular Health: Indirect Effects Through Childhood Neighborhood Socioeconomic Advantages and Disadvantages in a Prospective Sample of Young Men.

Childhood family income may impact men's cardiovascular health (CVH), partly through exposure to neighborhood advantages and disadvantages experienced across childhood. One hundred thirty-one boys (52.7% Black or bi/multiracial) born into low-income households in an urban environment were followed throughout childhood and completed a health assessment in adulthood. Childhood family income and home addresses were collected when participants were ages 1.5 to 17 years (13 waves). Annual income was averaged across waves to calculate mean childhood family income. Addresses were geocoded and linked with Census data to estimate neighborhood socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage at the Census-tract level and averaged across waves to estimate cumulative childhood neighborhood advantage and disadvantage. At age 32 years, participants underwent a physiological assessment, and CVH was estimated using Life's Essential 8 metrics: body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, sleep, smoking, and physical activity (diet not available). The Hayes' MEDCURVE macro was used to estimate indirect effects of childhood family income on adult CVH through neighborhood socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage across childhood. Higher childhood family income was associated with better CVH among men through greater exposure to childhood neighborhood advantage. Greater childhood family income was also protective for men's CVH through reduced exposure to childhood neighborhood disadvantage; however, the indirect effect through neighborhood disadvantage varied by childhood income and was the most robust among men raised in relatively higher-income households throughout childhood. Improving socioeconomic neighborhood conditions may have the potential to benefit adult CVH among racially diverse boys born into low-income urban environments.

Ethnic Aspects of Contemporary Education of Children and Youth in Podhale

The formation of ethnic identity is one of the many tasks of modern education. It is the way to educate an aware and creative human being capable of taking care of their ancestral heritage and multiply the cultural assets of the region where they come from and live. Not all regions can boast a well-preserved ethnic culture so it is worth drawing on the experience of those that have their own heritage and take numerous measures to pass it on to future generations. In Poland, models and inspiration can be sought in Podhale where the tradition and culture of the region is still alive. It is obviously the family home that is essential in the process of passing it on. However, effective regional education must also be carried out outside the home, which is why this paper presents a broad spectrum of activities of various institutions, organisations and communities involved in the transmission of Podhale culture to children and young people. The various forms of culture-oriented education present in Podhale that are analysed in the article below

Reducing Health Inequity for Children and Young People in Rural Australia: Are Digital Interventions a Panacea? A Rural Generalist's Commentary.

To explore the role of digital interventions in improving health equity for children and young people (CYP) in rural Australia from a rural generalist's perspective. Rural Australian CYP experience worse health outcomes than their urban peers and have insufficient access to early intervention and support. Rural paediatric outpatient waiting times as long as 6 years have been reported, with some regions having no services. Digital interventions have expanded since the COVID pandemic, providing new opportunities to improve quality and access to care for CYP in rural settings. Here we provide a synthesis of the literature and health policy, from the perspective of a clinician working in rural Australian paediatric care, to describe the role and limitations of digital interventions to support CYP in rural areas. Digital interventions such as telephone and video consultations, online tools, child-friendly robot ward rounds, and digital GP-paediatrician co-consulting models show great promise in helping to bridge the gap in health outcomes for rural Australian CYP. Models of care that utilise digital components can provide care closer to home for rural families; however, research to evaluate the effectiveness of these models in the Australian context is lacking. Infrastructure challenges, cultural considerations, and patient preferences limit the utility of digital interventions for some populations. A panacea? Unfortunately, not; however, these technologies herald an exciting new phase in healthcare for rural Australian CYP, and digital interventions are likely to play an increasingly important role in increasing access to care for this population.

Zarządzanie wydatkami na opiekę osób z niepełnosprawnościami. Podejście międzynarodowe. Część II: Ohio, Stany Zjednoczone

IntroductionFour years of managing a housing network for people with disabilities prompted a rethinking of the financial management of the services offered. Clients with different needs require diverse professional staff for their home care. Emergency situations require that professionals offering assistance maintain the highest level of education possible. Financial resources often limit the quality of care for people with disabilities.MethodThis paper is based on a literature search and on professional experience (Dana Pugh) in the management of a housing program for people with disabilities in Cleveland, Ohio (USA).FindingsIn Poland, people with disabilities usually live with their families, and specialized services are offered outside their place of living. However, community housing is being developed to resemble the family home. In the United States, individuals with disabilities often live in housing with specialized basic assistance. To improve living conditions, we suggest stratifying different levels of care to offer specialized services relative to the needs of residents at each level.DiscussionAn international approach to the care of people with disabilities allows for a comparison of different methods of service delivery, depending on financial resources, community traditions, and the professional knowledge of care providers. The authors suggest a specific model of service that promotes a high quality of professional knowledge despite financial constraints.

Family's perceptions of their members who use nyaope in Tshwane, South Africa.

Over the last two decades, nyaope use has evolved to become a prominent substance use disorder in South Africa, posing a significant public health burden. The majority of users are young people who are solely concerned with their next nyaope joint. This study aimed to explore the perception of family members on the factors associated with the use of and dependency on nyaope. This was a descriptive exploratory qualitative study conducted in Tshwane, South Africa. Data were collected from 32 family members of Nyaope users via three focus group interviews conducted by a retired psychologist nurse in the three townships of Tshwane. The findings revealed a complex and interconnected web of elements that shape the journey of individuals from the onset of nyaope use to the point of dependence and eventual departure from their family homes. Rather than following a linear path of events, this pathway is characterised by a dynamic interplay of seven distinct themes, namely concealed nyaope use, family concerns and suspicions regarding nyaope use, confirmation of nyaope use, possible reasons for using nyaope, barriers to obtaining assistance for nyaope users, family distress, and the transition from home to a life on the streets. Most users ended up being disconnected from their families. Family members' opinions noted that the problem is perceived to be a web of elements working together rather than a linear path of events. The findings have implications for substance use services, social services, health and police services as well as schools.

Short- and long-term characteristics and outcomes in patients aged 65 or older living in nursing homes. EDEN-40 study.

Short- and long-term characteristics and outcomes in patients aged 65 or older living in nursing homes. EDEN-40 study.

Social Determinants of Health and Parent and Child Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Exploration among Socioeconomically and Racially and Ethnically Diverse Families.

PurposeTo examine the associations between baseline social determinants of health (SDOH) and physical activity (PA) in children and parents cross-sectionally (baseline) and longitudinally (18-months later).DesignCross-sectional and longitudinal.SettingFamily Matters Cohort Study, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.SampleParents with children aged 5-9 years (n = 1146).MeasuresParent self-reported (1) 25 SDOH factors mapped across 5 domains and (2) parent and children moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).AnalysisAdjusted linear regression models.ResultsEach of the SDOH domains were positively associated with parents and children MVPA levels (all P < 0.05), except Economic Stability (all P > 0.05). Families with high family functioning reported higher MVPA among children, cross-sectionally (β 1.27; 95% CI [0.67, 1.87]) and longitudinally (β 0.87; 95% CI [0.29, 1.46]). Parents exhibited higher levels of MVPA both cross-sectionally (β 0.66; 95% CI [0.11, 1.21]) and longitudinally (β 0.73; 95% CI [0.21, 1.26]) when they had greater social capital. Children also exhibited increased MVPA (β 1.10; 95% CI [0.41, 1.79]) when living in areas with high walkability to recreational places.ConclusionResults indicate that SDOH may shape the PA habits of parents and children in a racially/ethnically diverse population. To advance health equity and support engagement in PA, researchers and clinicians should take into consideration SDOH factors related to a family's educational, social, home, family functioning, and neighborhood environments.

Impact of Socioeconomic Determinants on Academic Performance of Medical Students in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Academic performance among students is recognized to be significantly influenced by socioeconomic status (SES) with factors such as family income, parental education and home environment profoundly shaping students' academic outcomes. Limited studies have evaluated the role of socioeconomic factors on medical student performance in Pakistan. Objective: This study aims to investigate how family income, parental education, and home environment influence the academic performance of medical students in Lahore, Pakistan Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months across public medical institutions in Lahore, Pakistan. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 272 medical students participated in an online survey. The sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula to ensure adequate representation and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to assess significant relationships. Results: Among the 272 participants, 54.4% demonstrated high academic performance (above 70%), 33.5% had average performance (60-70%), and 12.1% exhibited low performance (below 60%). Statistical significance was found between family income and academic performance (p &lt; 0.05), with high-income students performing better academically. Conclusion: Findings from this cross-sectional study indicate that socioeconomic factors particularly family income and parental education, significantly impact the academic performance of medical students. Addressing SES disparities through targeted educational policies could support academic equity

The Transition From Family Home to Alternative Living Arrangements: Experiences of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Family Members

ABSTRACTBackgroundIt is well documented that many adults with intellectual disabilities live with ageing parents, often without concrete plans for transitioning to alternative living arrangements. Little is known about transition experiences once they occur. This study explores the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities and their family members of this transition through a relational lens.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 25 people: 8 adults with intellectual disabilities, 13 parents, and 4 siblings.ResultsThree themes were constructed from the data: ‘Gaining independence and letting go’, ‘negotiating unfamiliar relationships’ and ‘social inclusion and making new connections.’ConclusionAdults with intellectual disabilities discussed numerous benefits associated with moving out of the family home, including increased autonomy and opportunities for new relationships. Family members also described benefits of the transition, but some grappled with needing to ‘let go’ whilst at the same time retaining some degree of control over their family members’ lives.

Challenges hindering family involvement in the hospital nursing care of a child with autism

Background: Family involvement is crucial in a child’s treatment; however, many professional nurses still neglect to involve families in their child’s care. Studies have indicated that the perceived lack of family involvement in hospitalised children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a problem in many countries. Few studies have been conducted in Africa with none relating to family involvement, highlighting the need for further research.Aim: To develop in-depth insights into the challenges regarding family involvement in hospital nursing care of children with ASD, in the South African context.Setting: Paediatric wards at selected private hospitals and family homes in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used. A sample of 10 professional nurses and 10 family members was achieved by purposive sampling. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured in-depth interviews.Results: The following challenges were identified by the participants: the lack of knowledge of nurses regarding ASD, nurses not listening to family, uncaring attitude of nurses, nurses’ lack of time and shortage of nursing staff.Conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges to family involvement, in the hospital nursing care, of a child with ASD. Making nurses aware of the challenges will help improve family involvement in hospitals nursing for the child with ASD.Contribution: This study added to the body of knowledge by identifying the challenges to the involvement of families in the hospital nursing care of a child with ASD.

Factors related to risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking in Spanish college students: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky alcohol consumption and regular binge drinking, and their associated factors, in Spanish college students.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted.SettingThis...

Domesticating data-generating technologies in Australian homes

ABSTRACT Family homes are now sites of data generation. Devices, smart home technologies, and connected toys generate data that can be collected and processed to bring detailed insights into family life. This article combines critical data studies with domestication theory to investigate how data-generating technologies are integrated into family routines. Drawing on two detailed case studies, the article explores how Australian families with children under the age of 8 years acquire and incorporate data-generating technologies in their daily life. We focus on the socio-material considerations families make and apply domestication theory to help identify and understand these processes. We find key differences in how hardware and software are domesticated in the family home and ongoing cycles of domestication as software is updated as children reach new life stages. The discursive construction of some ‘smart’ technologies is so powerful, we find instances where families are domesticated by the technologies rather than the other way around. The processes behind datafying technologies are deliberately opaque and not always directly accessible to understand and incorporate into the moral economy of the family. The article concludes with a future research agenda and some reflections on domestication theory in the age of datafication.