Family Perceptions Research Articles

Religious culture and cigarette use: University students’ attitudes towards smoking based on their Islamic value

The current examines the influence of Islamic values on smoking behaviors among undergraduate students at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan (N: 334). Tobacco use, in religious and cultural terms, is viewed as abhorrent; it is a significant concern for this population group. The study intends to identify how Islamic values affect the perception of students on smoking and, consequently, their smoking behavior. A self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data and the past 30 days of cigarette use. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, midpoint and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression, were used to analyze smoking behaviors, Islamic values, and demographic attributes. The study shows that Islamic values have a strong negative attitude towards smoking; students attributed smoking to religion, family and social expectations and perceptions, health and economic implications. Further, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that cigarette use, hookah and e-cigarette, gender, and attitude towards Islamic values were suitable predictors for cigarette use. This study advances knowledge regarding smoking behaviors from the cultural-religious perspective. It highlights the importance of historically and culturally informed gender-sensitive prevention programs that address smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and media outlets to integrate Islamic values into public health campaigns can reduce smoking among university students by aligning cultural and religious beliefs with health messaging.

Perception of Family and Non-Family Company Logos in Eye Tracking and Face Reading Studies

Theoretical background: This article continues the research on the use of eye tracking and face reading tools to analyze and meaning of visual and emotional activity in the marketing field. This research focuses on understanding how different elements of the visual identity of companies, both family-owned and non-family-owned, affect consumer perception and emotion. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study was to identify and characterize differences in the perception of logos of family and non-family businesses. The work aimed to determine whether family brands evoke stronger emotional and visual engagement compared to non-family brands. Research methods: The paper presents the methodology and results of the completed research on the elements of visual identity of family and non-family businesses. The study was carried out using eye tracking (eye tracking) and monitoring of respondents’ facial expressions (face reading). Data on respondents’ visual activity and facial expression were collected in parallel and subjected to qualitative analysis. Main findings: The results of the study confirm that consumers show greater emotional involvement in exploring family brands. They registered a higher percentage of positive emotions and a longer time of focusing their eyes on logos of family-owned companies compared to logos of non-family-owned companies. This analysis provides valuable information for marketing strategies, indicating the importance of family identity in building positive brand associations.

Perceptions of patients and caregivers toward the management of rare disease in Malaysia: a qualitative research study.

The management of rare diseases is rarely addressed among policymakers and public communities. It is hindered by the lack of information on its epidemiology and burden, especially from the perspective of patients and families with rare diseases. This study aims to understand the perceptions of rare disease patients and their families in the management of rare diseases in Malaysia. A qualitative interview was used to explore the perceptions of patients and families regarding the management of rare diseases in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted with the rare disease patients or their parents/guardians provided by three major rare disease advocacy groups, between 1 July and 15 September 2016. The interviews focused on two key areas: the challenges associated with rare disease and the issues related to accessing medication. Out of the nineteen recruited participants, seventeen (89.5 percent) completed the interview sessions. The significance of awareness, knowledge, and support from others emerged as crucial for families and patients living with rare diseases. Despite facing delayed diagnosis and treatment, a majority of patients and parents expressed satisfaction with the advancements in rare disease management. Nevertheless, a prominent challenge revolves around access to enzyme replacement therapy for eligible patients. This study emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals understanding patient with rare diseases perceptions to tailor communication strategies, provide accurate information, and address concerns effectively. The message underscores the significance of collaboration between healthcare providers and patient support groups to deliver adequate health information, potentially enhancing patients' understanding and their illness perceptions.

Transforming Nasal Irrigation Experience of Children and Families with Therapeutic Instructional Plays.

In Brazil, nasal irrigation is a common procedure for children hospitalized with respiratory conditions. However, it often causes stress for both the child and their family. Nurses need to rethink their approach to care, and the use of therapeutic play can be an ally in transforming the stressful context. To understand the family perceptions of nasal irrigation in hospitalized children after an educational intervention mediated by instructional therapeutic play (ITP). This descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative study was conducted from the perspective of Herbert Blumer's Symbolic Interactionism in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study included family members of hospitalized children aged 3-6 years who participated in an ITP intervention and remained for 6 hours afterward. Participants self-reported literacy with preserved cognition and verbal communication. This study was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 using semi-structured interviews with 38 family members. Data were analyzed using Bardin's thematic content and lexical analysis with IRAMUTEQ® software. The interaction of families with ITP for nasal irrigation in children led to a redefinition of the procedure from distressing to enjoyable. ITP was evaluated as an essential and stimulating method that familiarized the child with the procedure, facilitating the understanding process for both the child and the family. ITP is a caregiving technology that nurses can use to assist with nasal irrigation, re-signifying the experiences of children and their families during the procedure.

Stronger together: race, power, and parent-teacher partnership in the COVID-19 era

ABSTRACT This article explores parent-teacher partnerships as a strategy for improving students’ educational experiences and addressing racial equity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a subset of qualitative open-response questions specific to family perceptions from a large-scale 2020 Boston Public Schools survey, the results of this study indicate that the demands of remote learning during the pandemic left families, particularly those of Black and Latinx backgrounds, desiring stronger relational connections with teachers and schools. This analysis furthers the literature on race and education by attending to how white racial domination influences educational opportunity, even in times of crisis. Accordingly, our findings emphasize how the wider society must reckon with the effects of racial capitalism as a driving force of racialized inequities in student and family experiences in education.

Poly-bullying victimisation in Indonesia: Prevalence and factors related to children exposure to multiple bullying incidents, and its correlation to subjective well-being.

Research on bullying in Indonesia remains limited, revealing significant gaps in understanding its prevalence and underlying factors specific to the Indonesian context. This study addresses these gaps through a three-pronged approach: (a) assessing the prevalence of poly-bullying victimisation, (b) identifying factors associated with poly-bullying experiences, and (c) evaluating subjective well-being (SWB) in cases of poly-bullying by comparing it with uninvolved children. Cummins' theory of SWB homeostasis was employed to interpret the findings. The study included 10,051 children aged 10 and 12years (50% girls) who reported experiencing poly-bullying in the past month. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Poly-bullying was measured across five indicators: physical, verbal, and emotional bullying by siblings and other children at school. The analysis considered five independent variables: sociodemographic factors, perceptions of family, friends, and school, and reported fights among students. The results were statistically significant (p<0.000), though the model explained only 5.1% of the variance in poly-bullying victimisation. Poly-bullying was prevalent in both public and non-religious schools. Significant contributors included the frequency of fights among students (β=0.129) and the belief that friends would help (β=0.045). The study's implications for preventing poly-bullying victimisation were also discussed.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES ON FAMILY PERCEPTIONS AMONG YOUTH

In modern psychology, childhood trauma is recognized as a critical factor influencing personal development and mental health. Traumatic experiences disrupt a young individual's inner world, affecting their life trajectory and relationships. While these experiences can cause distress and reduce quality of life, they also have the potential to build resilience. Among youth, trauma frequently reshapes family perceptions, impacting trust, emotional bonds, and family dynamics. This article aims to explore the complex interplay between trauma and family perceptions, with implications for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals. The study seeks to examine how traumatic childhood experiences influence youth perceptions of family dynamics, relationships, and values. By understanding these impacts, the study aims to provide insights into the role of family as a support system in fostering resilience and promoting trauma recovery among young people. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining theoretical analysis with empirical research involving 47 students from the National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic.” Data collection tools include the Traumatic Events Questionnaire, Eysenck’s Self-Assessment of Mental States, and the Childhood Trauma Presence Questionnaire. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data are examined through thematic analysis. A correctional-developmental training program, "The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Future Family Formation," is integrated to provide therapeutic intervention. The findings reveal that childhood trauma significantly impacts youth perceptions of family, often leading to heightened anxiety, frustration, and rigidity. Trauma was observed to affect family attachment and trust, with some youth perceiving their families as less supportive. Conversely, supportive family environments were shown to mitigate these negative effects, highlighting the protective role of positive family relationships in trauma recovery. The intervention program demonstrated potential in improving resilience and family perceptions among participants. The study underscores the importance of therapeutic programs that address the psychological effects of trauma on youth, with an emphasis on family-based interventions. By fostering resilience and supporting healthy family relationships, these interventions can help youth navigate the long-term impacts of trauma. Future research should explore the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on family perceptions and trauma recovery, to better inform intervention strategies across diverse populations.

Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review.

The care of critically ill patients involves communication and shared decision-making with families and determination of goals of care. Analyzing these aspects through electronic health records (EHRs) can support research in ICUs, associating them with outcomes. This review aims to explore studies that examine these topics. A scoping review was conducted through a systematic literature search of articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases using MESH terms up to 2024, conducted in ICU settings, focusing on communication with families, shared decision-making, goals, and end-of-life care. A total of 10 articles were included, divided into themes: Records and family, and records in quality improvement projects. Variables based on records with common characteristics were identified. Outcome analysis was performed through questionnaires to family members, healthcare professionals or by analyzing care processes. The studies revealed associations between family members' perceptions and mental health symptoms and documented elements such as communication, therapeutic limitations, social and spiritual support. Studies evaluating quality communication improvement projects did not show significant impact on documented care, except for those that assessed improvements based on palliative care. The analysis of documented care for critically ill patients can be conducted from various perspectives. Processes amenable to improvement, such as communication with family members, definition of goals of care, limitations, shared decision-making, evaluated through EHRs, are associated with mental health symptoms and perceptions of families of critically ill patients. Documentation-based studies can contribute to improvements in patient- and family-centered care in the ICU. de Aquino VW, da Silveira GF, Boniatti MM, Terres MS. Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):977-987.

Family Concept Representation in English and Chinese Media: A Cognitive Matrix Modelling Approach

This article examines the representation of the FAMILY concept in English and Chinese newspapers. The research material was gathered from ten information sources and included 200 news articles, selected through continuous sampling using the keyword FAMILY / 家庭. The articles were analyzed to identify relevant issues and categorized based on their thematic content. In each article, key content elements—words and phrases that carry significant semantic meaning—were identified and used for cognitive matrix modeling. The findings reveal cognitive asymmetry in how the FAMILY concept is portrayed in English and Chinese media. In English-language media, the concept is centered on fundamental semantic components that form the cognitive core of the FAMILY concept, such as family members and their relationships. The representation also extends to areas like family activities, children, finances, employment, family pets, and legal issues. In contrast, Chinese media emphasizes the government’s role in educating the younger generation on family behavior, fostering a new generation of families that adhere to the country’s ethical norms, traditional cultural values, and moral standards. The central aspect of the FAMILY concept in Chinese media is the significant governmental support and societal focus on family needs and moral education, with family being viewed within the broader context of societal relations. The observed asymmetry is attributed to cultural, economic, social, and political differences. In capital-oriented social systems, the family is seen as an independent unit capable of self-sufficiency without substantial government intervention. This study is particularly relevant for understanding the role of professional discourse in shaping public perceptions of family across different cultures, highlighting how media narratives reflect and influence broader societal values and professional communication practices.

Family Concept Representation in English and Chinese Media: A Cognitive Matrix Modelling Approach

This article examines the representation of the FAMILY concept in English and Chinese newspapers. The research material was gathered from ten information sources and included 200 news articles, selected through continuous sampling using the keyword FAMILY / 家庭. The articles were analyzed to identify relevant issues and categorized based on their thematic content. In each article, key content elements—words and phrases that carry significant semantic meaning—were identified and used for cognitive matrix modeling. The findings reveal cognitive asymmetry in how the FAMILY concept is portrayed in English and Chinese media. In English-language media, the concept is centered on fundamental semantic components that form the cognitive core of the FAMILY concept, such as family members and their relationships. The representation also extends to areas like family activities, children, finances, employment, family pets, and legal issues. In contrast, Chinese media emphasizes the government’s role in educating the younger generation on family behavior, fostering a new generation of families that adhere to the country’s ethical norms, traditional cultural values, and moral standards. The central aspect of the FAMILY concept in Chinese media is the significant governmental support and societal focus on family needs and moral education, with family being viewed within the broader context of societal relations. The observed asymmetry is attributed to cultural, economic, social, and political differences. In capital-oriented social systems, the family is seen as an independent unit capable of self-sufficiency without substantial government intervention. This study is particularly relevant for understanding the role of professional discourse in shaping public perceptions of family across different cultures, highlighting how media narratives reflect and influence broader societal values and professional communication practices.

Challenges and Academic Performance of Re-Admitted Teenage Mothers in Kenyan Secondary Schools

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of challenges faced by admitted teenage mother students on the academic performance in secondary schools in Kenya. The study addressed two specific objectives to achieve its aims These were to examine the challenges faced by the teenage mothers in the learning environment upon being re-admitted to school and its influence on their academic performance; and to explore the family and community perception of teenage mothers and its influence on the academic performance of admitted teenage mothers. Study Significance: The study assesses the impact of re-entry policy on teenage mothers' academic performance in Kenyan secondary schools, highlighting the need for improved support systems. It aims to inform educational practices, enhance program delivery, and contribute to achieving Vision 2030 goals. Study Design: The study a Mixed Methods Design that used a convergent parallel approach. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in Kenya in four counties namely: Trans Nzoia,xWest Pokot,xUasin Gishu andxElgeyo Marakwet. The variables ofxthe study included challenges faced by teenage mother and academic performance of the admitted teenage mother. The study was conducted in 2022. Methodology: The study used random, stratified and purposive approaches to select the 596 respondents from 102 schools in selected counties. Of this 458 responded to the questionnaire and interviews (72 Principals comprising 52 females and 20 males between 42 – 54 years; 74 Guidance and Counselling teachers 48 females and 24 males with an average age of 38 years; 66 Directors of Studies comprising 50 males and 16 females with a modal age of 36 years; 246 teenage mothers with an age range of 16 – 21 years). Results: The study found out that the challenges the teenage mothers experienced were both from home and the school environment which contributed to their academic performance. The teenage mothers found support from teachers while in school upon being admitted. Conclusion: Parents, schools and even other stakeholders should work in unity to ensure that the teenage mother do not go through challenges that can contribute to poor academic performance.

Exploring the Perceptions of Families and Nurses After Signing a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order for Patients in Respiratory Care Wards.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of family caregivers and nurses after the signing of a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order for patients in respiratory care wards (RCWs). The goal was to facilitate nurses' preparedness for responding to family reactions and feelings in future DNR situations. Methods: The study employed semi-structured interviews with ventilator-dependent patients' families and nurses recruited from RCWs in regional and district hospitals in New Taipei City. It explored the feelings, motivations, and decision-making processes concerning DNR orders. Thematic analysis identified key themes and patterns. Results: Twenty-two family members and 12 nurses, caring for 22 patients, participated in the interviews, resulting in 44 interview transcripts. The majority of family members were male (54.5%), whereas all nurses were female. Family caregivers and nurses had nuanced perceptions and showed emotional responses after the signing of DNR orders. Family caregivers grappled with feelings of guilt, uncertainty, and the weight of decision-making, while nurses navigated ethical dilemmas and sought to support families through the process. Common themes included the desire to minimize the patient's suffering, concerns about quality of life, and the need for clear communication and support. Conclusion: The understanding of family caregivers' and nurses' perceptions of DNR orders for patients in RCWs illuminates complex end-of-life care challenges. A key gap in the study was its limited generalizability due to focusing on specific RCWs. Nonetheless, the insights gained may enable health care providers to tailor support, facilitate informed decision-making, and promote compassionate care for ventilator-dependent patients and their families.

Development of a Hospice Perceptions Instrument for Diverse Patients and Families: Establishing Content and Face Validity.

For many, the perception of "hospice" is synonymous with "death." Even clinicians struggle to have conversations that distinguish between hospice and palliative care for fear that discussing hospice may diminish hope. To date, there are no existing measurement tools to evaluate patient and family perceptions of hospice care. This research aimed to develop a Hospice Perceptions Instrument (HPI) to capture these perceptions among diverse patients and families. Building on previous studies and literature, 79 potential items were drafted for the instrument. Our interprofessional team independently and collectively evaluated these, resulting in 36 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Overarching domains include (1) hospice philosophy and definitions; (2) hospice services; (3) values; and (4) counter-perceptions. Sixteen national subject matter experts from various professions and roles were invited to participate in the content-validity index and five hospice caregivers were invited to participate in face validity. Fourteen experts responded, with ten meeting inclusion criteria: one physician, four nurses, three social workers, and two chaplains. Six of the ten identified as Black. Three items were removed (I-CVI ranged from 0.5-06), and nine items were revised (I-CVI ranged from 0.6-07). The overall Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.83, indicating excellent content validity. After revisions, five hospice caregivers assessed face validity and no changes were made based on feedback. Results reveal a disconnect between professional expertise and patient/family voices related to hospice perceptions. Development of this instrument invites a better understanding of perceptions leading to new opportunities for patient/family engagement.

Analysis of determining factors of fertility rate in Karangasem District

The purpose of this study is to analyze the simultaneous and partial influences of the ideal number of children, women's employment status, family perceptions of male children, age at first marriage, and women's education level on fertility rates in the Karangasem District, as well as to analyze the role of women's education level in moderating the impact of age at first marriage on fertility rates in the Karangasem District. This study employs a quantitative method with an associative approach. It utilizes Snowball Sampling and Accidental Sampling techniques for sampling. Data collection was conducted using observation, structured interviews, and in-depth interviews with a sample size of 99 Couples of Reproductive Age (CRA). The data analysis technique used is moderation regression analysis. The results of this study indicate: 1) The ideal number of children, women's employment status, family perceptions of male children, age at first marriage, and women's education level have a simultaneous and significant effect on fertility rates; 2) Age at first marriage and women's education level have a negative and significant impact on fertility rates; 3) The ideal number of children and family perceptions of male children have a positive and significant impact on fertility rates; 4) Women working in the formal sector have lower fertility rates than those in the informal sector; 5) Women's education level as a moderating variable strengthens the influence of age at first marriage on fertility rates.

Parental perceptions of an oral health promotion program in early childhood education and care settings: A qualitative study.

Early Childhood Caries is a global health problem. The Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program seeks to equip educators, children, and parents with skills and knowledge about oral health promotion habits early in life. The aim of this study was to examine parental perceptions of the BSBF program and identify key facilitators and barriers for its implementation. Twelve mothers of children who participated in the BSBF program in five Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings in NSW, Australia were recruited in this qualitative study. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, transcribed verbatim and coded to categorize for inductive thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: Promoters of the BSBF oral health program, barriers to the BSBF oral health program implementation and participation, online resources, impact of the BSBF oral health program, and strategies for enhancing the BSBF oral health program. While participants reported that the program encouraged their children's toothbrushing, they found issues with the program's materials, ECEC center attendance, and communication about the oral health program with their children. The program improved message retention, attitudes, routines, and family perceptions toward oral health. Participants recommended oral health literacy, changed delivery formats, increased dental access, and inclusion of interactive elements to enhance the program. The findings from this study provide insight to improve parents' experiences and engagement in oral health promotion. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of child oral health among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to inform public health policy discussions.

Resident and Fellow Perspectives on Family Planning and Building During Training

Physicians, especially surgeons, delay family building, and face age-related complications of pregnancy. To explore factors that are associated with family building decisions among residents and fellows and to understand their thoughts on accessing family building supports, workplace culture, and attitudes toward family planning. This qualitative study was conducted from May to August 2022 at postgraduate training sites across Ontario, Canada. Participants included 29 postgraduate learners. Purposive sampling from 80 eligible trainees was used to ensure diverse demographics, including sex, specialty, and institution. Semi-structured individual interviews lasting 30 to 90 minutes were conducted over a virtual platform. Participants were asked to share their thoughts and experiences on family planning in a medical career, family building goals, the role of mentorship, and knowledge of current family planning supports. Themes associated with residents' perception of family planning within the context of a medical career. Twenty-nine trainees, ages 25 to 37 years old (22 [75.9%] were female, 26 [89.7%] were heterosexual; median [range] age, 30 [25-37] years) from various institutions took part in this study. The participants included both 24 residents (82.8%) and 5 fellows (17.2%) and 8 (27.6%) were from surgical specialties, 3 (10.3%) from pediatrics and subspecialties, 4 (13.8%) from internal medicine and subspecialties, 2 (6.9%) from obstetrics and gynecology, 3 (10.3%) family medicine, 2 (6.9%) from anesthesia, and 7 (24.1%) other medical specialties. Four themes were identified: (1) tension between role as a physician and role as a parent; (2) impact of role models and mentorship on family planning choices; (3) family building is discouraged during training, especially in surgical specialties; and (4) need for tangible family planning supports in training. In this qualitative study of residents' and fellows' perspectives on family building, trainees did not perceive residency and fellowship programs as supportive for individuals who want to family build during training leading to personal and professional dissonance. Trainees identified that more tangible supports, transparent information, and mentorship may improve a trainees' feeling of support.

Peran Pendampingan Pastoral dalam Pemulihan Trauma Keluarga Korban Longsor di Palangka dengan Pendekatan Spiritual-Psikologis

This study aims to explore the role of pastoral care in the recovery of trauma experienced by landslide victim families in Palangka. Pastoral care, which combines spiritual and psychological approaches, is expected to provide holistic support to victim families in their recovery process. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach to analyze the experiences and perceptions of victim families and the pastoral caretakers involved. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that pastoral care plays an important role in providing emotional and spiritual support, strengthening mental resilience, and helping victim families cope with loss and trauma. The spiritual-psychological approach applied by pastoral caretakers helps rebuild hope, reduce stress, and accelerate the healing process. This study highlights the importance of integrating spiritual and psychological support in post-disaster interventions to improve the mental and emotional well-being of victims.

A Qualitative Assessment of Healthcare Providers’ Insights towards Utilization of Symptothermal Method to Ameliorate Unmet Need for Family Planning among Women in Kisumu County, Kenya

Purpose: To attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) 3- target 3.7, that highlights the need to improve women’s sexual and reproductive health status through means including family planning, information and education, a safer family planning method that could ameliorate unmet need for family planning, is urgently required. Healthcare providers’ knowledge and perception of natural family planning might influence decision of women interested in Symptothermal method (STM). We investigated healthcare providers’ factors influencing utilization of STM as a strategy to ameliorate unmet need for family planning among women in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methodology: Focus group discussion technique was used involving 14 healthcare providers and 8 STM users purposively selected. Phenomenology approach to enquiry which aims to investigate experiences from the perspective of the participants was adopted. Reflexive Thematic analysis was used. Data were transcribed and the thematic codes categorized were applied to assess all focus group transcripts. Dedoose 9.2.005 software was used for the analysis. Findings: Three themes were identified. Disclosure of untapped demand emerged as a significant insight, with healthcare providers admitting their previous oversight of the role of STM as part of other family planning methods. To ensure the successful integration of STM in healthcare facilities, healthcare providers identified training and community awareness as primary strategies. A major challenge identified was limited dissemination of information to clients, with healthcare providers often prioritizing and promoting contraceptive methods in which they are more confident. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Comprehensive training would play a pivotal role in fostering a thorough understanding of STM among service providers. This understanding would instill confidence in healthcare providers, empowering them to effectively convey information to clients with assurance and clarity.

Measuring Pectus Excavatum Severity, External Caliper, or Cross-Sectional Imaging: Family Perceptions

IntroductionPatients with pectus excavatum (PE) often undergo cross-sectional imaging (CSI) to quantify severity for insurance authorization before surgical repair. The modified percent depth (MPD), an external caliper-based metric, was previously validated to be similar to the pectus index and correction index. This study explored family perceptions of CSI and MPD with respect to value and costs. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional survey study including families of patients enrolled in an ongoing prospective multicenter study evaluating the use of MPD as an alternative to CSI for quantifying PE severity. Families of PE patients who underwent both MPD and CSI completed a survey to determine their perceptions of MPD and costs of CSI. Responses were described and associations were evaluated using chi squared, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression as appropriate. Statistical significance was set to 0.05. ResultsThere were 136 surveys completed for a response rate of 88%. Respondents were confident in MPD (86%) and confident in its similarity to CSI (76%). Families of females were less confident in the measurements than males (55% versus 80%, P = 0.02; odds ratio 0.30 (0.11, 0.83). Obtaining CSI required time off work/school in 90% and a copay in 60%. Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported CSI was a time/financial hardship. Increasing copay led to decreased reassurance in CSI (55%: copay > $100 versus 77%: lower copay/75%: no copay; P = 0.04). ConclusionsFrom the family perspective, MPD is valuable in assessing the severity of PE. Obtaining CSI was financially burdensome, particularly for those with higher copays. MPD measurements provide high value at low cost in assessing the severity of PE.

Family Perceptions About the Methodology of the “We All Are Campus” Training Program

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The transition to adulthood involves not only the acquisition of professional skills but also the development of social and emotional competencies that enable individuals to fully integrate into society. The educational program "We all are campus" of the University of Murcia focuses on preparing young people with intellectual disabilities for the ultimate goal of employment. In this study, 30 family members or guardians of people with intellectual disabilities (PcDI) participated and were consulted about their perceptions of this educational program. The research was conducted using a mixed qualitative methodology, adopting a case study approach. The main results indicate that the training received by the students improves aspects such as their interpersonal relationships and development. In addition, it is relevant to highlight that the family members emphasize an increase in maturity and the knowledge of the people with intellectual disabilities who attended the program "We all are campus". It is concluded that there are several aspects that are relevant to the families, among them, the optimism and support that their relatives need in the face of the uncertainty of their future.&lt;/p&gt;