Child Family Life Research Articles

The Utility of Socioeconomic and Remoteness Indicators in Understanding the Geographical Variation in the Regional Prevalence of Early Childhood Vulnerability in Australia

The family lives of children and their early childhood development outcomes are attributable to the level of socio-economic disadvantage and relative isolation. This study aims to investigate how the disadvantage of the local area (i.e., socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA)) and the remoteness (i.e., accessibility/remoteness index of Australia (ARIA)) contribute to improved prevalence estimates of child development vulnerability in statistical areas level 3 (SA3) and 4 (SA4) across Australia. Data from the 2018 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) has been used. The study included 308,953 children involved in the AEDC 2018 where one-in-ten of them were considered to be developmentally vulnerable, nationally. We developed models in a hierarchical Bayesian framework at the SA3 level using SEIFA and ARIA indices as covariates to account for spatial and unobserved heterogeneity. The performances of developed models are examined based on the consistency at SA3, SA4, and state level. The results reveal that SEIFA makes a significant contribution to explaining the spatial variation in childhood development vulnerability across small domains in Australia. Further, the inclusion of the ARIA score improves the model performance and provides better accuracy, particularly in remote and very remote regions. In these regions, the spatial model fails to distinguish the remoteness characteristics. The chosen non-spatial model accounting for heterogeneity at higher hierarchies performs best. The utilization of socio-economic disadvantage and geographic remoteness of the finer level domains helps to explain the geographic variation in child development vulnerability, particularly in sparsely populated remote regions in Australia.

An Analysis of Parental Quality of Life Following an Autism Diagnosis for their Children

The primary goal of this study's contents is to systematically review earlier studies on the quality of life in parents of autistic children and provide a significant analysis of the ways in which societal themes and facets influence the current state of affairs. Using the four dimensions of the quality of life—the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains—as a guide, this analysis has attempted to address significant and noteworthy aspects as indicated by World Health Organization (2012).In the present study, I intend to explore the parents’ opinions regarding their quality of life towards diagnosis of their children with autism. This systematic review, which adhered to PRISMA principles, sought to find and evaluate pertinent studies on parents of autistic children's quality of life (QoL). Twenty-five studies were found to be potentially relevant after a preliminary search. 12 studies were eliminated after the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied because they did not meet methodological requirements, did not focus on the same demographic, or did not fall within the relevant timeframe. As a result, six papers were left in the final pool for additional synthesis and analysis. According to this review, mothers reported lower levels of physical, psychological, and environmental comfort than fathers. In the psychological and physical dimensions of QOL level, mothers and fathers differ significantly from one another. The majority of parents expressed dissatisfaction over their family life and relationships being negatively impacted by their inability to obtain funds, specialist intervention programs, and prompt diagnosis. Nonetheless, parents concurrently expressed favourable views of transformation resulting from diagnosis and successful intervention. Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may face additional stressors due to delays and challenges in diagnosis and service availability. Families' social and professional lives, as well as their connections with friends and relatives, are all impacted by raising a child with autism. The study suggests that raising awareness about the quality of life for families of children with autism is necessary. To protect the most vulnerable families, the state should enact laws and policies pertaining to disabilities and educate the public about the various kinds of disabilities. These initial results add to our understanding of the perspectives of parents of disabled children on their child's quality of life.

Impact of Care Burden on the Quality of Life in Families of Children with Solid-Organ Transplants.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of care burden on the quality of life of parents who have children who have undergone solid-organ transplant. The research was conducted as a descriptive correlational study. Researchers collected data through face-to-face interviews with parents of patients registered in the Solid Organ Transplantation and Pediatric Nephrology outpatient clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital. The data collection tools included a Descriptive Information Form, the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, Pearson correlation analysis, t tests, analysis of variance, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Parents in the study had a mean age of 32.12 ± 5.42 years; 100% of the parent participants were mothers. Among children who received transplants, 55.8% were boys. Solid-organ transplant types included 86% with liver transplants and 6.9% with kidney transplants. The mean burden of care score of parents was 38.72 ± 7.12, and the mean quality of life score was 28.14 ± 1.49. A significant negative correlation was found between the care burden of parents and their quality of life. Families of children with solid-organ transplants face a significant care burden, which negatively affects their quality of life. The burden extends beyond parents to siblings and the overall family dynamics. Health care providers should recognize and address this burden by implementing comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of these families. A multidisciplinary approach involving various professionals is necessary to provide effective support. Interventions such as respite care, support groups, counseling services, and educational programs can help alleviate the burden and improve the overall well-being of these families. Future research should aim to develop targeted interventions and explore the experiences of these families in more depth.

Economic Hardship at the End of Life for Families of Children With Complex Chronic Conditions

ContextMany children with complex chronic medical conditions (CCC), though living longer, die prematurely. Little is known about family economic hardship during end of life (EOL), nor associated differences in patterns of care. ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence, experience, and characteristics of families of patients with CCC who report great economic hardship (GEH), and associations with end-of-life care patterns and suffering. MethodsWe conducted a 183-item cross-sectional survey of bereaved parents of patients cared for at Boston Children's Hospital and chart reviews for each patient. Fifteen survey items on economic hardship related to financial and material hardships including food, housing, and utility insecurity. ResultsA total of 114 bereaved parents completed the survey (54% response rate) and economic hardship data was analyzed for 105. Nearly a fifth reported GEH. This group was characterized by fewer two parent households. Children from families with GEH had spent more time hospitalized than those without GEH. ConclusionEconomic burden on families of children with CCC correlates with higher health care utilization demonstrating the need for ameliorative resources and preventative measures.

Exploring bidirectional relationships: Child sleep duration, child behavior problems, and parenting stress in families of children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundYouth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at-risk for sleep and behavior problems, and their parents are at-risk for high stress. Child sleep duration, behavior problems, and parenting stress are interrelated; however, directionality of these associations is unclear and research including youth with ASD is lacking. Using a day-to-day, within-person design, this study explores the directionality of these relationships in families of children with ASD. MethodTwenty-six children (ages 3–5, 73.1 % male, 65.4 % Hispanic/Latino) with ASD and their mothers participated in a 14-day study. Child sleep duration (parent-report and actigraphy), behavior problems, and parenting stress were measured daily. Constructs were decomposed into their within- and between-person components and analyzed with random intercept cross-lagged panel models. ResultsWhile between-person relationships were directionally expected in that shorter sleep, more behavior problems, and greater parenting stress were associated, within-person relationships were complicated. Better-than-average child behavior was associated with less next-day parenting stress, yet more parenting stress than average was associated with better next-day child behavior. As expected, longer-than-average child sleep was associated with less next-day parenting stress, while greater child behavior problems were associated with less sleep that night. ConclusionsUnderstanding the directionality of associations between child and parent factors allows for the optimization of interventions to improve the quality of life for families of children with ASD. Interventions that target child behavior and/or help parents manage stress while maintaining effective parenting strategies for sleep and behavior may be useful.

Measuring parental stress, illness perceptions, coping and quality of life in families of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

A variety of psychosocial factors have been shown to affect the quality of life of families (FQoL). This study aimed to assess the impact of mother's demographic characteristics, parental stress, illness perceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coping strategies, ASD severity and time since diagnosis on FQoL during the initial period following diagnosis (≤6 months). Fifty-three mothers of children newly diagnosed with ASD completed the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, the Autism Parenting Stress Index, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the demographic characteristics of the family. Eta coefficients and Pearson's analysis were used to determine the associations between the variables and the FQoL dimensions. Hierarchical regression was used to determine whether variables explained a statistically significant family quality of life variance. Pearson's analysis and eta coefficients indicated several correlations. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that higher parental stress related to core autism symptoms was associated with poorer FQoL (95% CI -0.08 to -0.02, P = 0.001), and higher perceived treatment control was associated with better FQoL (95% CI 0.04-0.16, P = 0.001). In addition, stronger perceived personal control was associated with higher physical/material well-being (95% CI 0.01-0.16, P = 0.022) and higher disability-related support (95% CI 0.30-0.61, P = 0.001). Higher family monthly income was associated with better FQoL (95% CI 0.08-0.027, P = 0.000), whereas marital status (divorced mother) was correlated with poorer FQoL (95% CI -0.68 to -0.16, P = 0.002). Interventions should emphasise managing the disorder's characteristics and implementing psychoeducational and supportive programmes for parents, immediately after the diagnosis, to enhance FQoL.

The Socio-Economic Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Review of the Literature

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses complex challenges, involving social, communication and behavioural intricacies, with its rising worldwide prevalence. In Kazakhstan, Soviet classifications have a lasting impact on the identification and care processes for ASD, creating distinctive barriers. ASD's socio-economic impact is far-reaching, affecting education, employment and the overall welfare of families. These obstacles are substantial owing to the rising number of diagnoses, the lack of a cure, and the extended social and medical aid that results in high economic costs. The significant variation in expenses per person with ASD worldwide underscores the necessity for precise and comprehensive approaches to combat the economic repercussions on individuals, families, and society. This study analyses the socio-economic costs associated with ASD on a global scale, focusing on regional disparities and advocating for targeted aid measures. There is an urgent need for research in Kazakhstan to investigate medical, non-medical, and indirect expenses to inform tailored policies and support programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families of children with ASD. Their aim is to tackle the intricate challenges that these families face in healthcare, education, and social integration domains.

KETERLIBATAN ORANG TUA DALAM RUMAH TANGGA ANAK DI KELURAHAN GURAPING KECAMATAN OBA UTARA


 
 
 The purpose of this study was to determine the form of parental involvement in children's households in the Guraping Village, North Oba District, Tidore Islands City. The results of the study describe the habits of parents who do not understand their position in the midst of children's family life so that parents are not the arbiters between their children's disputes as husband and wife, but as unilateral decision- making that harms life between husband and wife in this case their children. The conclusion from this study is that parental involvement in children's households does not always have a positive impact on their children. In Islamic law the involvement of parents in a child's household is permissible as long as it does not contain elements of tyranny, mediating between children's disputes is not based on reasons of economic conflict. Parents must be a source of solutions for both.
 
 

Relationship between Children's Lifestyle and Fear during Dental Visits: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose was to analyze the relationship between new family and social patterns and child emotions in the dental clinic. The sample consisted of 174 children between the ages of four and nine. Parents completed 20 questions that referred to social, family, cultural, and economic factors. The Wong-Baker scale was completed by the children after the end of the treatment. A total of 129 of the children were found to be extremely happy (45.4%) or happy (28.7%) with the dental care received. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger children and sad and incredibly sad faces on the Wong-Baker test with a strong association (V > 0.3). Regarding children who practiced team sports, the chi-square test revealed a very significant association with happy and incredibly happy faces (p < 0.001) and the Cramer statistic evidenced a strong relationship between team sports and less dental fear (V > 0.3). Considering the limitations, small children (4-6 years) would be more fearful. In addition, stable environments in the family life of children (appropriate routines, adequate time spent with videogames, sport activities) could be interesting factors for improved control of fear and emotions in children. Further research is needed in this field.

Quality of life in families of children with Down Syndrome: A grounded theory approch

Quality of life in families of children with Down Syndrome: A grounded theory approch

The Effectiveness of Counseling Programs in Enhancing Quality of Life for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordan

This study examined the effectiveness of a developed counseling program in enhancing quality of life of families of children with autism spectrum disorder and its relationship with selected variables, and thirty parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were selected randomly. The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) was developed by the researchers and used before and after applying the counseling program. The findings showed statistical differences in the post-measurement in favor of the experimental group, demonstrating the program's effectiveness. In addition, there were no statistical differences found in the level of quality of life related to the severity of the autism disorder and social and economic status. The study concluded that having a disabled child in the family, regardless of social and economic level, imposes the family to consider their child’s situation and develop their abilities to the fullest extent through having the required information of the child’s situation and searching for educational alternatives to suit their abilities.

Reciprocal influences between marital quality, parenting stress, and parental depression in Chinese families of children with oppositional defiant disorder symptoms

An increasing body of research showed families with ODD children struggle with impaired quality of family interactions, such as low marital quality and high parenting stress. Yet relatively little is known about their interplay in families of children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. To examine longitudinal, reciprocal associations, we utilize a three-year, cross-lagged design with a sample of 340 Chinese families of children with ODD symptoms. We also examined the role of parental depression. Marital quality, parenting stress, and parental depression were measured at each wave (T1, T2, and T3) across three years. Results support the “spillover” hypothesis in both directions, such that parenting stress significantly and directly predicts low marital quality, and impaired marital quality predicts parenting stress largely through parental depression. Our findings clearly evidenced the reciprocal relationship between marital and parent-child relationship, and further revealed two different processes for their interplays, among families of children with ODD symptoms. The present study extended the prior understanding of associations between marital and parent-child subsystems and provided suggestions for enhancing the quality of whole family life for families of children with ODD symptoms.

Family quality of life for families of children with disabilities in African contexts: a scoping review.

Family Quality of Life (FQOL)is an important outcome for families of children with disabilities and is influenced by context and culture. Minimal research explores FQOL in African contexts. This scoping review identifies factors contributing to FQOL for families of children with disabilities in African contexts. We were guided by Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, searching for research papers from the following electronic databases: CINAHL, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and PsycINFO. Using pre-determined eligibility criteria, two authors independently reviewed articles for inclusion via Covidence, a reference manager that facilitates blind reviewing. Two other authors independently extracted data from studies using a data-charting form based on Zuna and colleagues' FQOL framework. Reviewers met regularly for discussion to reach consensus. Fifty-three articles met the inclusion criteria, and findings demonstrated a broad variety of factors contributing to FQOL within the FQOL framework related to family unit factors, individual member factors, and external support factors. We found that poverty, stigma, and spirituality were particularly prominent factors affecting FQOL negatively and positively in African contexts. Whilst there are universal factors that contribute to FQOL, recognising the influence of context-specific factors (i.e. poverty, stigma, spirituality) is important in order to provide effective, culturally relevant support that enhances FQOL for families of children with disabilities in African contexts.

The Efficacy of Cash Supports for Children by Race and Family Size: Understanding Disparities and Opportunities for Equity.

More than one-third of US children live in families with three or more children. The contemporary impact of larger family size on children’s family resources remains an under-explored point of inequity. Larger family size is not only more common among Black and Hispanic children, but Black and Hispanic children in larger families (Black children, especially so) face higher poverty risks relative to White children in larger families. This analysis uses children’s number of siblings and children’s race and ethnicity to chart the intersectional aspects of disparity in the risk and incidence of poverty and the anti-poverty effects of large federal cash supports, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. It draws upon 2014–2017 Current Population Survey data and the NBER TAXSIM calculator to apply 2018 tax law, inclusive of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It reveals well-documented disparities in poverty rates and benefit access and receipt experienced by children of color are further exacerbated by policy structures that discriminate against an under-acknowledged aspect of children’s family life: their family size. Racial bias in policy design that sees tax credit access mechanisms and earnings and benefit structures disproportionately exclude that Black and Hispanic children also disproportionately exclude Black and Hispanic children by their family size. Without reforms that tackle both inequities, policy action that closes the poverty gap between larger and smaller families will see the racial gap in child poverty remain.

Let’s not go back to ‘normal’! lessons from COVID-19 for professionals working in childhood disability

Purpose The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost all aspects of our lives, and the field of childhood disability is no exception. Methods This article is based on an invited lecture by the first author at a conference–the eHealth Summit (“Pediatric Rehabilitation in a Digital Space”)–organized by the other authors and their colleagues in May 2020. Results The first author offers his own experiences and perspectives, supplemented by comments and observations contributed by many of the 9000+ attendees at this talk, as curated by the second and third authors. The basic messages are that while life for families of children with developmental disabilities, and for service providers who work with them, is significantly altered, many important lessons are being learned. Conclusions The comments from participants support the currency of the ideas that were presented, and encourage childhood disability professionals to reflect on what we are learning, so that we can seize the opportunities they afford to do things differently–and we believe better–moving forward. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Ideas generated by colleagues and parents suggest that there may be alternatives to “business as usual” in childhood disability services after the COVID pandemic is over. People are recognizing opportunities, and benefits, to offering services virtually, including being able to see children in their natural environments, saving parents time, money and hassles to attend clinics in person, and perhaps increasing the availability of services. Many issues remain to be investigated systematically, including, among others, what services (assessments and interventions) require hands-on connections, what payment structures can accommodate new models of services, how professionals can work together in a virtual world, and what families will want. Regardless of the final answers to these issues, we believe that we should not simply “go back to normal”; rather, we should expand the range, nature and locations of our services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.

Supporting foster carers and looked-after children

Fostering provides a family life for children who are unable to live with their biological parents. The wellbeing of foster carers is important and can have a direct impact on emotional, social and behavioural outcomes for children

Nurses' perception on social network of children with chronic illness: qualitative study, Brazil

Abstract Introduction The high prevalence of chronic diseases in childhood is a serious public health problem in Brazil. The family life of children with chronic illness is marked by numerous determinant and conditioning factors, whether they are biological, psychological, cultural and social. Such factors are more relevant in the absence of a social support network for care. Therefore, the greater the support offered by health professionals, the greater the resources available for the family to face vulnerability. Objectives describing primary care nurses' perception of the social network approach for children with chronic diseases. Methods Qualitative research conducted in October 2019 through an interview with ten nurses from family health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committees of the participating institutions. Thematic content analysis was used. Results For nurses, social network meant support from family members and from secondary and tertiary level services. In their practice, these professionals are often unaware of the health situation of children with chronic diseases, and they perceive lack of articulation in referral those children to other services of the Health Care Network. Conclusions There are gaps between knowledge and practice of these professionals on the social network approach. It is important to highlight frailties in comprehensive care of children with chronic illness and the service counter-referral to the family health unit. It is necessary to carry out training courses for professionals, helping them to belong to the social network of the family of the child with chronic disease. This strategy could implement effective approach of support, surveillance and health promotion of children. Key messages There is a gap in the knowledge of social network approach among primary care nurses. The social network approach of children with chronic diseases favors comprehensive care and implementation of effective strategies focused on supporting, monitoring and promoting child health.

Family Life for Children in State Care

Abstract This paper examines what set of familial circumstances allow for the justifiable interference with the right to respect for family life under Article 8, echr. We analyse all the Courts’ judgments on adoptions from care to find out what the Court means by a “family unit” and the “child´s best interest”. Our analysis show that the status and respect of the child’s de facto family life is changing. This resonates with a view that children do not only have formal rights, but that they are recognised as individuals within the family unit that states and courts must address directly. Family is both biological parents and child relationships, as well between children and foster parents, and to a more limited extent between siblings themselves. The Court’s understanding of family is in line with the theoretical literature, wherein the concept of family reflects the bonds created by personal, caring relationships and activities.

Areas and Indicators of Family Life in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Areas and Indicators of Family Life in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Can a combination of mental health services and ADL therapies improve quality of life in families of children with autism spectrum disorder?

Due to the nature and complexity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which typically requires coordination among various treatments targeting different areas of need, the entire family is impacted. Family quality of life (FQOL) research has emerged to address the range of adaptation families experience when raising a child with ASD. One factor that is likely to impact FQOL relates to families' service use to support their child's needs. The goal of the present study was to examine the relations between specific domains of FQOL and service usage type among families of children with ASD. A total of 164 caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD were asked which autism services they were currently using and completed the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale and the Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form. Findings revealed that service usage type significantly predicted families' satisfaction with their emotional well-being, physical/material well-being, and disability-related support. Specifically, families using a combination of mental health services and ADL therapies reported greater satisfaction in these FQOL domains. Present findings underscore that families need access to a sufficiently broad range of child services and supports in order to benefit their FQOL.