Family Support Networks Research Articles

Evidence-based Standards in the Design of Family Support Programmes in Spain

The positive parenting approach has highlighted the importance of supporting families to perform the functions associated with their parental role and to improve children’s well-being. The aims of this study were to identify and describe the characteristics of family support programmes in Spain, and to examine the extent to which they meet evidence-based standards for programme formulation. The sample includes 57 programmes identified by the Spanish Family Support Network, which belongs to the pan-European Family Support Network(EurofamNet) . Frequency analyses and contingency tables were carried out. The results show that the Spanish programmes meet several evidence-based standards for programme formulation (i.e., manualization). However, further efforts are required in some areas, such as universality and interdisciplinarity of family support programmes. The findings provide a platform from which to design new initiatives in accordance with standards for prevention programmes, and inform stakeholders and politicians in drawing up evidence-based public policies.

Context, Process, and Participant Response in the Implementation of Family Support Programmes in Spain

Implementation research addresses how well a programme is conducted when applied in real-world conditions. However, research based on quality standards is still scarce as it requires monitoring context, process, and participant response. This study applies implementation quality standards to 57 Spanish parenting and family support programmes identified in the COST European Family Support Network project, using an ten-component evaluation sheet sheet. Descriptive analyses showed a good implementation level. The latent profile analysis identified four patterns defined by programme setting: profile 1, Social Services/NGO setting (21.1%), profile 2, Health setting (31.6%), profile 3, Multi-setting (14%), and profile 4, Educational setting (33.3%), differing in professional discipline, training, participant response, and professional perception of implementation. Profile memberships were related to programme outcomes, scaling up, and sustainability. Findings illustrate conceptual and practical challenges that researchers and professionals usually encounter during implementation, and the efforts required to deliver programmes effectively in real-world settings in Spain.

The Evaluation of Family Support Programmes in Spain. An Analysis of their Quality Standards

Since the well-known publication of the Society for Prevention Research about standards for evidence related to research on prevention interventions, a rigorous evaluation is considered one of the main requirements for evidence-based programmes. Despite their importance, many programmes do not include evaluation designs that meet the most widely agreed quality standards. The aim of this study was to examine the evaluation processes of fifty-seven Spanish programmes identified in the context of the COST European Family Support Network. The obtained results provide a fairly positive picture of the quality of programme evaluation standards, although more designs that include a control group, follow-up evaluations assessing long-term effects, and the evaluation of child and indirect outcomes are needed. The results are discussed from a comprehensive and plural perspective of evaluation which, in addition to methodological rigor, considers the usefulness, feasibility, and ethical rigor of evaluation research.

Can Resilience Buffer the Effects of Loneliness on Mental Distress Among Working-Age Adults in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Latent Moderated Structural Modeling Analysis.

The profound health consequences of loneliness are well-established. However, less is known about the protective factors which may alleviate the effects of loneliness on mental health especially among working-age adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw on the social ecology of resilience and examine whether resilience factors can buffer the effects of loneliness on mental distress. Data came from the National Well-being Survey-a national study of a demographically representative sample of U.S. working-age adults (N = 4014). We used (a) structural equation models with latent variables to examine the main effects of loneliness, psychological resilience, and perceived social support on mental distress, and (b) latent moderated structural equations to estimate the latent interaction effects. Results revealed that (a) loneliness was positively associated with mental distress and psychological resilience was negatively related to mental distress, and (b) psychological resilience and perceived social support moderated the strength of the relationship between loneliness and mental distress. Our study highlights the importance of psychological resilience and perceived social support as two protective factors in the relationship between loneliness and mental distress. Given that loneliness significantly predicts worse mental and physical health and higher mortality, identifying protective factors that might disrupt these connections is vital. As such, public health efforts to strengthen and expand familial and community social support networks and foster psychological resilience are urgently needed to support mental health among working-age adults during additional waves of the pandemic or future similar stressors.

Adaptation and validation of an adult patient classification instrument with emphasis on the family dimension.

to adapt and validate an instrument for classifying adult patients that emphasizes the family support network in the demand for nursing care. methodological study, carried out in three phases: adaptation of an instrument considering the reality of adult patients; content validation with seven experts and assessment of measurement properties (construct validity and internal consistency) with 781 hospitalized patients. in content validation, the indicators reached the values established for the Content Validity Index (0.85-1.00). In the confirmatory factor analysis, the 11 indicators were distributed in three domains and presented average variance extracted and factor loading greater than 0.5. Composite reliability was greater than 0.7. the present study adapted and made available, with evidence of validity and reliability, an instrument for classifying adult patients that considers the family support network in the demand for nursing care.

Alignment of Doctors' Understanding of Treatment Burden Priorities and Chronic Heart Failure Patients' Experiences: A Nominal Group Technique Consultation.

To identify and rank areas of treatment burden in chronic heart failure (CHF), including solutions, that should be discussed during the clinical encounter from a patient, and doctors' perspective. Patients with CHF and clinicians managing heart failure were invited. Nominal group technique sessions held either face to face or online in 2021-2022, with individual identification of priorities and voting on ranking. Four patient groups (N=22) and one doctor group (N=5) were held. For patients with heart failure, in descending order of priority Doctor-patient communication, Inefficiencies of the healthcare system, Healthcare access issues, Cost implications of treatment, Psychosocial impacts on patients and their families, and Impact of treatment work were the most important treatment burdens. Priorities independently identified by the doctors aligned with the patients' but ranking differed. Patient solutions ranged from involvement of nurses or pharmacists to enhance understanding of discharge planning, through to linkage between health information systems, and maintaining strong family or social support networks. Doctors' solutions covered timing medicines with activities of daily living, patient education on the importance of compliance, medication reviews to overcome clinical inertia, and routine clinical audits. The top treatment burden priorities for CHF patients were related to interaction with clinicians and health system inefficiencies, whereas doctors were generally aware of patients' treatment burden but tended to focus on the complexity of the direct treatment work. Addressing the priority issues identified here can commence with clinicians becoming aware of the issues that matter to patients and proactively discussing feasible immediate and longer-term solutions during clinical encounters.

VIDEOCLIPE PARA APRENDIZAGEM DA FISIOLOGIA DA LACTAÇÃO: AVALIAÇÃO PELA REDE DE APOIO FAMILIAR ÀS LACTANTES

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the adequacy of using a care-educational technology with video clips for learning the physiology of lactation by the family support network for breastfeeding women. Method: a methodological study guided by the Knowledge Translation in Action Model. The collection procedure was carried out from July to September 2022 in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After the childcare consultation, each puerperal woman indicated one or more members of her support network to participate in the research. In face-to-face interviews, 52 participants answered the following instruments: Assistive Technology Assessment and Face Validation of Educational Technologies in Health. Normality of the variables was verified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The quantitative variables with normal distribution were described by mean and standard deviation. Face Validity Index and Cronbach's Alpha were calculated. Results: the video clip was evaluated as adequate (1.75) in all attributes: Interactivity (1.75), Objectivity (2.00), Relevance and efficacy (2.00) and Clarity (2.00). Face validity was excellent (0.969). Both instruments obtained Cronbach's Alpha values of 0.883 and 0.852, respectively, indicating reliability in this population. Conclusion: the video clip for learning the physiology of lactation is suitable for use by the family support network for breastfeeding mothers.

Review: Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults, directed by Clay Tweel; Heaven’s Gate, hosted by Glenn Washington; The Cult Next Door: The Mystery and Madness of Heaven’s Gate, a Diane Sawyer Special, produced by ABC 20/20

Review: <i>Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults</i>, directed by Clay Tweel; <i>Heaven’s Gate</i>, hosted by Glenn Washington; <i>The Cult Next Door: The Mystery and Madness of Heaven’s Gate, a Diane Sawyer Special</i>, produced by ABC 20/20

Child Mental Health and Sleep Disturbances During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

Many children have experienced unprecedented levels of stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic due to school closures, strained resources, and excess morbidity and mortality. The current study examines change in children's mental health and sleep during the early months of the US pandemic and identifies risk and protective factors. In May 2020, a total of 225 parents reported on the mental health and sleep of each child (N = 392 children) living in their household prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and about their functioning in the past month. McNemar's test examined change in mental health and sleep disturbance across developmental stage. Bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations examined predictors of change in mental health and sleep. Each age group showed a significant change in mental health and sleep outcomes, but the development of mental health problems was greater for older children. Parental caregiving strain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-5.27) was identified as a risk factor associated with children developing anxiety, and income loss was associated with developing sleep disturbances (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.06-5.17). Parental receipt of emotional support was identified as a protective factor for all child health outcomes. Policies and interventions that promote access to mental health services, provide financial safety nets, and strengthen social support networks for families are needed.

Childhood Cancer and the Family: A Pilot Proposal for Comprehensive Intervention at the Time of Diagnosis

Childhood cancer has a great impact on children and their environment. To minimize this, countries such as Canada and the USA have protocols in the field of social work, although these are scarce in Europe and especially in Spain. This paper aims to develop a pilot protocol in Aragon (Spain) for the practice of onco-pediatric social work in one of the hardest moments: the diagnosis. For its elaboration, a previous study was carried out in three phases, which provided data on the disease and its impact on the family and children and a methodological basis for the intervention from social work, all considering the participation of the agents involved as a fundamental element. Variables have been identified that influence the impact on the family support network and its quality of life at the time of diagnosis of childhood cancer. In addition, different indicators have been explored, based on the reality of these families. Finally, a pilot proposal for a comprehensive family intervention protocol in the diagnosis of childhood cancer has been elaborated. This work is intended to be a guide for intervention and delimitation of quality standards to be considered when dealing with the diagnosis of childhood cancer.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Family Support, and Depression: Evidence from Internal Migrants in China.

Previous studies have linked poor family support and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to increased risk of depression; however, little is known about the interplay between the two when it comes to their effects on depression. Therefore, the current study examined if family support moderated the cumulative effect of ACEs on depression. Based on data from a migrant survey in Shiyan, Hubei Province, in 2019 (N = 1,326), this study used the ordinary least squares method to analyze the effect of ACEs on depression and evaluate whether family support moderated this effect. Higher exposure to ACEs and lower scores of family support were associated with higher depression levels in adulthood. The moderation model indicated that family support significantly moderated the relationship between ACEs and depression. Appropriate interventions to reduce depression should target internal migrants with history of ACEs. Community nurses should consider ACEs as an integral part of psychosocial assessment. Negative effects of ACEs can be reduced through teaching skills that increase effective family interaction and maintain supportive family networks. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(3), 19-25.].

Redefining Fatherhood in a Migratory Context: A Narrative Inquiry into the Experiences of African First-time Fathers in Belgium.

Many African fathers face practices in their host countries that conflict with the conceptions of fatherhood in their countries of origin. They deal with negative stereotypes, including notions of paternal irresponsibility when it comes to embracing child care. This article looks at how exposure to the Belgian norms of fatherhood may redefine the fatherhood practices of African first-time fathers residing in Belgium. Drawing on a qualitative narrative approach, this article explores the perceptions and experiences of African migrant fathers in Belgium and examines how they adapt to a different fathering culture. The findings show that while African first-time fathers acknowledged their primary role as providers, they also embraced new practices that transgress defined gender lines in African culture. In the absence of a larger family support network, respondents face the responsibility of providing prenatal and postnatal support and sharing in child care responsibilities. Findings also shed light on how African fathers with European partners engage in shared decision-making and negotiate on core African values such as male circumcision.

Trends in assessing and offering tobacco treatment to support persons as part of cancer care.

e13542 Background: Individuals from the family and social support network of cancer patients can have a pivotal role in reinforcing patients’ efforts to become and remain tobacco-free. This support is critical along the entire continuum of cancer care. While NCI-designated cancer centers across the US are increasingly offering tobacco cessation services, as a result of the NCI Cancer Center Cessation initiative, engaging patients’ family and other support network in tobacco treatment is not yet routine practice and has not been well described. We present findings from NCI designated cancer centers on the practice of assessing and offering tobacco treatment to support persons as part of care. Methods: A 24-item survey was administered (July-August 2021) across 50 cancer centers participating in C3I. Questions focused on the practice of routine assessment, offering information on quitting, referral to tobacco treatment, involving the family and social support person in tobacco treatment, provide tobacco treatment and document treatment for support persons of cancer patients. Responses assessed frequency of these practices, which included “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “always (routine),” and “don’t know”. Additionally, strength of support from leadership for these practices and program access to linguistic and culturally appropriate resources were assessed using responses “not at all,” “some,” “great,” “full extent” and “don’t know”. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS (V. 28). Results: Representatives from 45 centers (90%) completed the survey. Less than half of centers (44%) indicated they always identified and 29% always offered resources to patients’ support persons or family members who used tobacco. Fewer clinics (18%), always provided treatment to patients’ support persons or family members and only one reported billing for tobacco use treatment encounters with support persons. For patient’s secondhand smoke exposure, less than half of the clinics report routinely (always) assessing (44%), documenting (49%) and providing intervention (29%). Importantly, 60% of centers reported having access to linguistically and culturally appropriate, population-specific resources to address support persons tobacco use to a great or full extent. Leadership support to address family and support persons’ tobacco use was indicated by 56% of clinics. Conclusions: While some NCI designated cancer centers report routine practices for patients’ support persons, including family members who use tobacco, there is substantial room for improvement. The importance of routine practices to assess and treat support persons who use tobacco can dramatically improve tobacco cessation and ultimately overall outcomes for cancer patients. Similarly, addressing secondhand smoke exposure for cancer patients and their support person(s) who smoke, is critical along the entire continuum of cancer care.

Barriers to an effective voucher programme for community-based aged care: a professional perspective

Abstract Long-term care for older people is increasingly turning to consumer-directed approaches. As a case in point, the Hong Kong Government recently implemented a new voucher programme for community-based aged care based on a consumer-directed approach: the Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly (CCSV). The objectives of this study were to explore the lived experience of professional workers vis-à-vis the new programme and to identify barriers to effective voucher use by older people in Hong Kong. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 16 professionals who had primary responsibility for the voucher programme for community-based aged care. The interview guide covered five main areas: (a) professional's perception and experience on the voucher programme; (b) the decision-making process around the voucher programme; (c) personal capacities of older people; (d) family support and social networks; and (e) institutional support. Findings indicate several barriers to effective use of the CCSV including: lack of self-awareness of service needs, lower education level, poor health condition, lack of financial resources, lack of family support, inadequate family involvement in decision-making, lack of peer and professional support, lack of available services and poor service accessibility. Suggestions for strengthening the voucher programme include institution of a case management model and public education. Different factors or elements are required to facilitate older people to make sound and informed choices, and a case manager can assist in combining different resources and forms of support towards effective use of the CCSV.

Caregivers' perception of the role of the socio-environment on their extremely preterm child's well-being

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore primary caregivers' perception of how social-environmental characteristics, and their own role as primary caregivers, affected their extremely preterm adolescent's well-being. MethodsParticipants were 20 mothers who identified as the primary caregiver of an adolescent born extremely prematurely (<28 weeks gestation) enrolled in the ELGAN cohort study. Data was collected through individual interviews and was analyzed using inductive content analysis. ResultsA total of three themes, and five subthemes, were identified. The two main themes were “familial impact to health and well-being,” and “contributors and barriers at the community level.” This study described specific familial and community contributors to child and caregiver well-being, including: the importance of advocacy, participating in community activities, and social and familial support networks. ConclusionsOverall, while there are individual level characteristics that contribute to well-being, a support structure at the family and community level is essential to children born extremely prematurely, and their mother's, well-being. Practice implicationsHealthcare providers caring for these families should understand that not only are extremely preterm youth affected by prematurity, but caregivers are also deeply impacted. Therefore, it is essential that maternal and family care is emphasized by nurses and healthcare providers.

Holistic Health Practices of Rural Thai Homebound Older Adults: A Focused Ethnographic Study.

Supporting independent functioning of homebound, chronically ill older adults (HOAs) is a major concern across cultures. In Thailand, actions HOAs take to remain independent and maintain their holistic (mental, physical, and spiritual) health is understudied. Therefore, we explored self-care practices used by rural Thai HOAs to maintain their independence. We used a focused ethnographic approach, recruiting HOAs, their families, and community members from a rural area in Southern Thailand. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Sixteen HOAs and 23 family/community members participated. Three themes emerged: self-care to stay healthy, sharing life with family and society in a positive way, incorporating both folk and modern medicine to maintain health. Factors facilitating holistic health practices were supportive family network, Thai cultural beliefs, community strength and support, and health care services. These findings may help health care professionals develop interventions supporting holistic health practices of Thai HOAs to remain independent.

Family Conflict Non-negotiation and HIV Disclosure Associated With ART Adherence in a Disadvantaged Population

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is vital for reducing racial and gender disparities in morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Little research attention has been given to aspects of family functioning affecting ART adherence among PLWH vulnerable to disparities. Data were from n = 313 participants (93% African American) in the BEACON study, which recruited injection-drug-using PLWH on ART. Using factor analysis and longitudinal structural equation modeling, we found that current substance use and negative family conflict tactics (i.e., non-negotiation) predicted PLWH's lower probability of ART adherence at 12-month follow-up; and greater HIV disclosure to support network members predicted a higher probability of adherence. These findings suggest the importance of family and other support network members in this vulnerable population's ART adherence. Social network-focused interventions promoting prosocial response to conflict and negotiation skills are important for improving vulnerable PLWH's HIV outcomes and reducing health disparities.

Business recovery in Aceh and North Sumatra following the Indian Ocean Tsunami

This paper looks at patterns in business recovery two years after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami using longitudinal household survey data for Aceh and North Sumatra gathered 5–14 months and 17–28 months after the event. The base sample contains 2879 households. Applying a weighted probit model that controls for pre-tsunami characteristics the paper finds that the probability of households discontinuing businesses two years after the event increases significantly by 9.6% points in heavy damage areas compared to no/light damage areas. The paper argues that the differences in business recovery may be due to differences in asset recovery patterns. The tsunami wiped out 2/3rd the value of business assets in heavy damage areas and two years later, stocks were still at only half the pre-tsunami values. For these areas business asset growth was significantly correlated with continuity. Higher business discontinuity in heavy damage areas may also be due to higher losses to family and financial support networks experienced by households in these areas with a third of those that discontinued being in temporary accommodation for 6 months or longer. Increased aid and cash-for-work initiatives are unlikely to have been a disincentive to business continuation. The results suggest that given sufficient reconstruction of public infrastructure, asset recovery through livelihood interventions and formal financial market mechanisms is central to business continuity. It also suggests a closer investigation of households that have been displaced for a longer period as the support they require maybe systematically different to support required by other households.

Online Learning Methods during COVID-19 Pandemic: On an Indonesian Nursing Student Experience

BACKGROUND: The policy of limiting community activities during the COVID-19 pandemic affects the learning process. The expectation of the online learning methods is a stressor for the students. For this reason, it is necessary to explore the experiences of the students during online learning. AIM: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences, especially hopes and needs of the students, while undergoing online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study applied a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. The participants involved were six health students from the Faculty of Health Sciences in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through online interview. The data were then analyzed using the Colaizzi technique. RESULTS: The results illustrated that there are two themes of the students’ expectations during the learning, including the expectations of the learning process and the expectations of the lecturers. There are two themes for the students’ needs during the online learning, namely, family support and internet network support. The students expect that the learning process is carried out with a combination of learning methods and the lecturers to understand the problems faced by students. CONCLUSION: The students need the support of a good internet network and family support so that they can participate in the online learning well.

“I Had to Figure It Out”: A Case Study of How Community College Student Parents of Color Navigate College and Careers

Objective: Community colleges, which can lead students to job opportunities and well-paying careers, are one of the main entry points to higher education for student parents. We use a conceptual framework that bridges career capital and community cultural wealth to understand student parents’ college and career trajectories. This study asks (a) How do student parents of color navigate community college? (b) How do student parents of color make educational and career decisions?, and (c) What, if any, institutional resources do student parents of color utilize to learn about career planning and workforce transition resources at their campus? Method: This qualitative case study draws from individual and focus group interviews with 67 student parents of color to better understand how they tap into their cultural knowledge and lived experiences to navigate college and make career decisions. Results: Data speaks to (a) student parents’ difficulty maneuvering life as a college student and parent; and (b) the importance of students’ familial and institutional support networks as they seek college and career information. Contributions: We hope these findings will encourage community colleges to (re)consider their current practices relating to the student parent population which includes identifying and tracking student parents, implementing guided pathways with their unique needs in mind, communicating services offered to student parents, and creating a more welcoming environment for students and their families.