Family Structure Characteristics Research Articles

Changes in Family Structure during Shantytown Redevelopment and Their Correlation with the Living Space

Amid rapid urbanization, shantytown redevelopment profoundly transforms urban environments and catalyzes substantial changes in social, economic, and family structures. Yet, most previous studies have focused narrowly on the outcomes of single residential mobility events, overlooking the complex dynamics that unfold across the pre-redevelopment, during-redevelopment, and post-redevelopment phases. This study investigates changes in family structure and their correlation with living space throughout all three phases of shantytown redevelopment in Heze City, Shandong Province, China, from 2016 to 2023. Collecting data through a community survey, we gathered 1035 valid responses to analyze family structure and residential characteristics. Our analysis, which included Sankey diagrams and cross-lagged panel models (CLPM), revealed a predominant trend of large families fragmenting into smaller nuclear units and demonstrated a significant positive correlation between family structure complexity (FSC) and living space. Notably, the FSC from a previous phase had a significant influence on the living space of the following phase, indicating lagged effects where housing choices are influenced by prior family structure. Further comparisons across different housing types and tenures during the temporary phase highlighted diverse structural changes among families. These insights are crucial for policymakers to refine urban redevelopment strategies, better meet residents’ needs, and enhance the efficacy of policies.

Changes in Family Structure during Shantytown Redevelopment and Their Correlation with the Living Space

Amid rapid urbanization, shantytown redevelopment profoundly transforms urban environments and catalyzes substantial changes in social, economic, and family structures. Yet, most previous studies have focused narrowly on the outcomes of single residential mobility events, overlooking the complex dynamics that unfold across the pre-redevelopment, during-redevelopment, and post-redevelopment phases. This study investigates changes in family structure and their correlation with living space throughout all three phases of shantytown redevelopment in Heze City, Shandong Province, China, from 2016 to 2023. Collecting data through a community survey, we gathered 1035 valid responses to analyze family structure and residential characteristics. Our analysis, which included Sankey diagrams and cross-lagged panel models (CLPM), revealed a predominant trend of large families fragmenting into smaller nuclear units and demonstrated a significant positive correlation between family structure complexity (FSC) and living space. Notably, the FSC from a previous phase had a significant influence on the living space of the following phase, indicating lagged effects where housing choices are influenced by prior family structure. Further comparisons across different housing types and tenures during the temporary phase highlighted diverse structural changes among families. These insights are crucial for policymakers to refine urban redevelopment strategies, better meet residents’ needs, and enhance the efficacy of policies.

Development and Validation of a Community-Based Prediction Model for Depression in Elderly Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In elderly diabetic patients, depression is often overlooked because professional evaluation requires psychiatrists, but such specialists are lacking in the community. Therefore, we aimed to create a simple depression screening model that allows earlier detection of depressive disorders in elderly diabetic patients by community health workers. The prediction model was developed in a primary cohort that consisted of 210 patients with diabetes, and data were gathered from December 2022 to February 2023. The independent validation cohort included 99 consecutive patients from February 2023 to March 2023. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the predictive model. We incorporated common demographic characteristics, diabetes-specific factors, family structure characteristics, the self-perceived burden scale (SPBS) score, and the family APGAR (adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolution) score. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to its calibration (calibration curve, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test), discrimination (the area under the curve (AUC)), and clinical usefulness (Decision curve analysis (DCA)). The prediction nomogram incorporated 5 crucial factors such as glucose monitoring status, exercise status, monthly income, sleep disorder status, and the SPBS score. The model demonstrated strong discrimination in the primary cohort, with an AUC of 0.839 (95% CI, 0.781-0.897). This discriminative ability was further validated in the validation cohort, with an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI, 0.779-0.935). Moreover, the nomogram exhibited satisfactory calibration. DCA suggested that the prediction of depression in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus was of great clinical value. The prediction model provides precise and user-friendly guidance for community health workers in preliminary screenings for depression among elderly patients with diabetes.

Analysis of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder Trends in U.S. Active-Duty Service Women.

Introduction: Alcohol use (AU) and disorders (AUDs) have been increasing among women over the past decade, with the largest increases among women of child-bearing age. Unprecedented stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted AU for women with and without children. Little is known about how these trends are impacting women in the military. Methods: Cross-sectional study of active-duty service women (ADSW) in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps during fiscal years (FY) 2016-2021. We report the prevalence of AU and AUD diagnoses by FY, before/during the COVID-19 pandemic (2016-2019; 2020-2021, respectively), and by parental status. Log-binomial and logistic regressions examined associations of demographics, military, and family structure characteristics, with AU and AUD, during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 timeframes. Results: We identified 281,567 ADSW in the pre-COVID-19 period and 237,327 ADSW in the during COVID-19 period. The prevalence of AU was lower during the COVID-19 period (47.9%) than during the pre-COVID-19 period (63.0%); similarly, the prevalence of AUD was lower during the COVID-19 period (2.7%) than during the pre-COVID period (4.0%). ADSW with children had larger percentage decreases during the COVID-19 period. ADSW with children had a consistently lower prevalence and odds of AUD compared with ADSW without children in the pre- and during COVID-19 periods. Conclusion: Decreasing trends in AU and AUD among ADSW were unexpected. However, the prevalence of AU and AUD may not have been accurately captured during the COVID-19 period due to reductions in access to care. Continued postpandemic comparison of AU/AUD among women by parental status and demographic factors may guide targeted health efforts.

Structure and Function of ArnD. A Deformylase Essential for Lipid A Modification with 4-Amino-4-deoxy-l-arabinose and Polymyxin Resistance.

Covalent modification of lipid A with 4-deoxy-4-amino-l-arabinose (Ara4N) mediates resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides and polymyxin antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. The proteins required for Ara4N biosynthesis are encoded in the pmrE and arnBCADTEF loci, with ArnT ultimately transferring the amino sugar from undecaprenyl-phospho-4-deoxy-4-amino-l-arabinose (C55P-Ara4N) to lipid A. However, Ara4N is N-formylated prior to its transfer to undecaprenyl-phosphate by ArnC, requiring a deformylase activity downstream in the pathway to generate the final C55P-Ara4N donor. Here, we show that deletion of the arnD gene in an Escherichia coli mutant that constitutively expresses the arnBCADTEF operon leads to accumulation of the formylated ArnC product undecaprenyl-phospho-4-deoxy-4-formamido-l-arabinose (C55P-Ara4FN), suggesting that ArnD is the downstream deformylase. Purification of Salmonella typhimurium ArnD (stArnD) shows that it is membrane-associated. We present the crystal structure of stArnD revealing a NodB homology domain structure characteristic of the metal-dependent carbohydrate esterase family 4 (CE4). However, ArnD displays several distinct features: a 44 amino acid insertion, a C-terminal extension in the NodB fold, and sequence divergence in the five motifs that define the CE4 family, suggesting that ArnD represents a new family of carbohydrate esterases. The insertion is responsible for membrane association as its deletion results in a soluble ArnD variant. The active site retains a metal coordination H-H-D triad, and in the presence of Co2+ or Mn2+, purified stArnD efficiently deformylates C55P-Ara4FN confirming its role in Ara4N biosynthesis. Mutations D9N and H233Y completely inactivate stArnD implicating these two residues in a metal-assisted acid-base catalytic mechanism.

The family structural and socioeconomic characteristics of the family well‐being of Hong Kong people

AbstractThis study investigated the family well‐being of Hong Kong people through a randomized telephone survey of 2008 adults, using a standardized six‐domain index developed specifically for this population. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the heterogeneity of family well‐being according to demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics. The results showed significant gender and age differences in people's perception of family well‐being. Education, family income, and hiring a domestic helper were also associated with higher family wellbeing index scores, while the impacts of economic activity status, family size, and caring for young children were found to be insignificant. The impact of marital status was somewhat complicated. This article discusses variations observed in the influence of the set of demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics on overall and domain‐specific family well‐being. Implications for future studies and for social policy formulation and social work practice are suggested.

Evaluating the healthfulness of Asian American young adult dietary behaviors and its association with family structure: Disaggregated results from NHIS 2015.

Background: Asian Americans (AA) young adults face a growing non-communicable disease burden linked with poor dietary behaviors. Family plays a significant role in shaping the diet of AA young adults, although little is known on the specific types of family structures most associated with different dietary behaviors. Aim: This analysis explores the changes in dietary behaviors across different AA young adult family structural characteristics. Methods: Nationwide data of 18-35-year-old self-identified Asians surveyed in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. Family structure was measured through family size, family health, and family members in one's life. The Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) measured the average intake of 10 food and nutrient groups. Published dietary guidelines were used to calculate the number of dietary recommendations met. Results: 670 AA young adults with dietary data were analyzed (26.1% Asian Indian, 26.1% Chinese, 19.3% Filipino, 28.5% other Asian). Participants had an average family size of 2.3. In weighted analyses, 19% of AA young adults met none of the examined dietary recommendations, and only 14% met 3-4 guidelines. Living with a child was associated meeting more dietary recommendations (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.42). The adjusted association between living with an older adult and lower odds of meeting dietary recommendations approached significance (AOR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.49, 1.00). Conclusions: Findings revealed the important role of children and older adults in influencing the diet of AA young adults. Further mixed-methods research to disentangle mechanisms behind the influence of family structure on diet is warranted.

Impact of family structure and sociodemographic characteristics on parents headed families in Ramadi City, Iraq

Background: Several factors in the family profile contribute significantly to determining the effective policy when heading the family. This study aims to evaluate the sociodemographic and economic burdens on parents-headed families in Ramadi City, west of Iraq. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional household-based survey was conducted from 1st to 28th February 2019 among Iraqi people residents in Ramadi city, Anbar province. A multistage sampling technique was recruited to identify the eligible sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview (face-to-face) the respondents. Data from 267 households have undergone univariate and bivariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression, odds ratio (OR), and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to explore the predicting variables. The statistically significant is considered at less than 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 43.88 (± 12.1) years (range: 25 to 69 years). Out of the total surveyed people, 52.8% were young (less than 44 years), male-headed families (59.6%), low educated level (65.5%), unemployed (52.4%), married (67.4%) and headed big families of seven members and above (43.1%). History of chronic diseases and smoking habits was positive among 46.4% and 45.7% of respondents, respectively. Findings of the binary logistic regressions showed that history of smoking (OR = 7.201, 95% CI: 3.254 to15.936), families of 7 members and above (OR = 6.239, 95% CI: 2.938 to 13.250), unhappy (OR = 5.237, 95% CI: 2.140 to 12.818), aged 44 years and above (OR = 3.518, 95% CI: 1.581 to 7.829), being single (unmarried, divorced, widow) (OR = 2.697, 95% CI: 1.230 to 5.914), and had a monthly income of less than USD400 (OR = 2.333, 95% CI: 1.112 to 4.859) are significantly associated with female-headed family. Conclusion: Priority must be given to some elements such as genetic, physical differences, biopsychosocial factors, and the economic situation when discussing parents' behavior in heading the family.

Determinants of bacterial and fungal microbiota in Finnish home dust: Impact of environmental biodiversity, pets, and occupants.

The indoors is where many humans spend most of their time, and are strongly exposed to indoor microbiota, which may have multifaceted effects on health. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of indoor microbiota is necessary. We collected dust samples from 295 homes of families with young children in the Helsinki region of Finland and analyzed the bacterial and fungal composition based on the 16S rRNA and ITS DNA sequences. Microbial profiles were combined with extensive survey data on family structure, daily life, and physical characteristics of the home, as well as additional external environmental information, such as land use, and vegetational biodiversity near the home. Using permutational multivariate analysis of variance we explained 18% of the variation of the relative abundance between samples within bacterial composition, and 17% of the fungal composition with the explanatory variables. The fungal community was dominated by the phyla Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota; the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominant. The presence of dogs, multiple children, and firewood were significantly associated with both the fungal and bacterial composition. Additionally, fungal communities were associated with land use, biodiversity in the area, and the type of building, while bacterial communities were associated with the human inhabitants and cleaning practices. A distinction emerged between members of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, Ascomycota being more abundant in homes with greater surrounding natural environment, and potential contact with the environment. The results suggest that the fungal composition is strongly dependent on the transport of outdoor environmental fungi into homes, while bacteria are largely derived from the inhabitants.

Health Utility of Drinkers' Family Members: A Secondary Analysis of a US Population Data Set.

Background. Problematic alcohol use is known to harm individuals surrounding the drinker. This study described the health utility of people who reported having a family member(s) whom they perceived as a “problem drinker.”Methods. We conducted a secondary analysis of the US National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 3 (NESARC-III, 2012–13) data to estimate the independent associations of a family member’s problem drinking on the respondent’s health utility, also known as health-related quality of life, assessed via the SF-6D. Participants included 29,159 noninstitutionalized adults, of whom 21,808 reported perceiving a family member or members as having a drinking problem at any point in that person’s life. Respondent drinking was assessed via self-report and diagnostic interview. We used population-weighted multivariate regression to estimate disutility. Results. After adjusting for the respondent’s own alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder (AUD), family structure, and sociodemographic characteristics, the mean decrement in SF-6D score associated with perceiving a family member as a problem drinker ranged from 0.033 (P < 0.001) for a spouse/partner to 0.023 (P < 0.001) for a grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle. The mean decrement in SF-6D score from having AUD oneself was 0.039 (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Perceived problem drinking within one’s family is associated with statistically significant losses in health utility, the magnitude of which is dependent on relationship type. The adverse consequences associated with problem drinking in the family may rival having AUD oneself. Implications. Family-oriented approaches to AUD interventions may confer outsize benefits, especially if focused on the spouse or partner. Economic evaluation of alcohol misuse could be made more accurate through the inclusion of family spillover effects.HighlightsSpillover effects from problem drinking in the family vary by relationship type.One’s perception of their spouse or child as having a drinking problem is associated with a utility decrement of equal magnitude to having alcohol use disorder oneself.Medical decision makers should consider the outsize effects of family spillovers in treatment decisions in the context of alcohol consumption, particularly among spouses and children of problem drinkers.Economic evaluation should consider how to incorporate family spillover effects from problem drinking in alcohol-related models.

Associations of Obesity and Neighborhood Factors With Urinary Stone Parameters

Obesity is associated with kidney stone disease, but it is unknown whether this association differs by SES. This study assessed the extent to which obesity and neighborhood characteristics jointly contribute to urinary risk factors for kidney stone disease. This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with kidney stone disease evaluated with 24-hour urine collection (2001-2020). Neighborhood-level socioeconomic data were obtained for a principal component analysis, which identified 3 linearly independent factors. Associations between these factors and 24-hour urine measurements were assessed using linear regression as well as groupings of 24-hour urine results using multivariable logistic regression. Finally, multiplicative interactions were assessed testing effect modification by obesity, and analyses stratified by obesity were performed. Analyses were performed in 2021. In total, 1,264 patients met the study criteria. Factors retained on principal component analysis represented SES, family structure, and housing characteristics. On linear regression, there was a significant inverse correlation between SES and 24-hour urine sodium (p=0.0002). On multivariable logistic regression, obesity was associated with increased odds of multiple stone risk factors (OR=1.61; 95% CI=1.15, 2.26) and multiple dietary factors (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.06, 1.67). No significant and consistent multiplicative interactions were observed between obesity and quartiles of neighborhood SES, family structure, or housing characteristics. Obesity was associated with the presence of multiple stone risk factors and multiple dietary factors; however, the strength and magnitude of these associations did not vary significantly by neighborhood SES, family structure, and housing characteristics.

Identification and Analysis of the EIN3/EIL Gene Family in Populus × xiaohei T. S. Hwang et Liang: Expression Profiling during Stress

The ethylene-insensitive 3-like (EIN3/EIL) gene family, as a transcriptional activator in plants, not only plays an important role in the ethylene-signaling pathway in regulating plant growth and development but also participates in the defense against various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there are few studies on the functions of EIN3/EIL genes in woody plants. Populus × xiaohei is a kind of tree species with strong drought resistance and salt-alkali tolerance and, thus, is an ideal subject for studying abiotic stress mechanisms in trees. Eight EIN3/EIL genes were cloned from Populus × xiaohei. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the PsnEIN3/EIL gene contained a highly conserved EIN3 domain, N-terminal sites rich in proline and glutamine, and other EIN3/EIL family structural characteristics. The results of a multi-species phylogenetic analysis showed that the family EIN3/EIL proteins were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). EIL3 and EIL4 belonged to groups A and B, while EIL2 and EIN3 generally belonged to group C. Analysis of tissue expression characteristics showed that PsnEIN3/EIL was expressed in different tissues and was involved in the development of stem nodes and leaves. The response analysis of the expression of PsnEIN3/EIL under abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stresses (salts, heavy metals, alkaline conditions, and drought) showed changes in expression, suggesting that PsnEIN3/EIL may be involved in the processes of plant hormone responses to salts, heavy metals, alkaline conditions, and drought. This study provides a foundation for further elucidation of the functions of EIN3/EIL genes in forest growth and development and abiotic stress responses.

Some Characteristic Features of Family Structure in the Old Uighur Societies (as Reflected in Contractual Documents)

In this paper, I introduce some characteristics of family structure in the Old Uighur societies, based on previous studies. The corpus used as a source for the investigation comprises 13th–14th century contractual documents. I summarize the features of family structure in the Old Uighur society from three aspects. Firstly, the family structure is the extended paternal family consisting of kin groups. The ties between family members are strong, and blood relationships are particularly important. Secondly, males play a dominant role in the family and society. Thirdly, relatives can be freely traded and pawned. In addition, I also briefly explain the reasons for these peculiarities.

Structural Characterization of the PawL-Derived Peptide Family, an Ancient Subfamily of Orbitides.

Plants are an excellent source of bioactive peptides, often with disulfide bonds and/or a cyclic backbone. While focus has predominantly been directed at disulfide-rich peptides, a large family of small, cyclic plant peptides lacking disulfide bonds, known as orbitides, has been relatively ignored. A recently discovered subfamily of orbitides is the PawL-derived peptides (PLPs), produced during the maturation of precursors for seed storage albumins. Although their evolutionary origins have been dated, in-depth exploration of the family's structural characteristics and potential bioactivities remains to be conducted. Here we present an extensive and systematic characterization of the PLP family. Nine PLPs were chosen and prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis. Their structural features were studied using solution NMR spectroscopy, and seven were found to possess regions of backbone order. Ordered regions consist of β-turns, with some PLPs adopting two well-defined β-turns within sequences as short as seven residues, which are largely the result of side chain interactions. Our data highlight that the sequence diversity within this family results in equally diverse structures. None of these nine PLPs showed antibacterial or antifungal activity.

Factors Influencing Childbearing Intentions among Female Employees of Department M in the Public Sector in China under the “Two-Child” Policy

Since China implemented a comprehensive two-child policy in October 2015, it has not reached the expected peak birth rate. Therefore, birth willingness, determining factors and policy optimization have become key topics of discussion and analysis. This study examined the factors influencing childbearing intentions among female employees of Department M in the Public Sector in China under the “Two-child” Policy Using a questionnaire survey and interview guide both capturing three dimensions that are individual basic information, actual marital status and family structure characteristics, data were collected from female employees of Department M in the Public Sector in China. Data were collected from 280 female employees. Logistic binary regression was carried out for quantitative data using SAS software while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed that the influencing factors of the current female employees’ willingness to bear children in the Department M were marital factors, birth and support costs, growth environment, family conditions and external conditions. Therefore, it was concluded that the severe cost of childbirth and its own development situation will affect the willingness of female employees to bear children. And the recommendations of this study are that the government should pay more attention to the fertility environment of the whole society.

Investigation of Relationship Between Levels of Self-Efficacy and Self-Care in Middle School Adolescents in Turkey

: In this research it is aimed to investigate the relationship between the self-efficacy and self-care levels in adolescents which are aged between 11 - 15 years old. For this purpose, the socio-demographic characteristics of the students are utilized including, age, grade, gender, longest residence, family type, current residence location, family structure, academic success status, income-outcome balance, chronic diseases, education level of mother, education level of father, mother profession, father profession of students. Accordingly, the most known scales namely general self-efficacy scale and self-care agency scale were considered to investigate related characteristics of adolescents from Mersin Province of Turkey. It is implied from results that there is a significant relationship between the self-efficacy scale scores with the academic success status, family type and family structure characteristics of these adolescents. As well, there existed a significant relationship between the mean scores of the self-care scale with the age, grade, education level of their mothers, economic status of their families, academic success status and their family types. Based on the results, especially in the case of the single-parent type family structures, conducting a democratic family discipline and academic success status of students lead to increase in the self-efficacy belief of adolescents. In the similar way, the education level of mothers, economic status of the families, achieved high academic success and holding a democratic family discipline resulted in the high self-care agency level of the adolescents. Additionally, as the self-efficacy level of the adolescents increased, the self-care agency level of the adolescents may be increased additionally.

PARENTING CRAFTSMEN BAMBOO IN EDUCATION CHILDREN

This study aims to determine the parenting pattern of bamboo craftsmen in educating children by focusing on the parenting patterns of bamboo craftsmen in educating children, the factors that determine the parenting patterns of bamboo craftsmen in educating children and the efforts of parents of bamboo craftsmen in improving children's education. This research uses qualitative research type. The data collection procedure is by observation method, interview method, and documentation method. The research findings show that the parenting pattern of bamboo craftsmen is by authoritative or democratic parenting type. Factors that determine parenting are influenced by the characteristics of family structure, parent profession, parent competence, characteristic of child structure and interaction between parent and child. Efforts made by parents of bamboo craftsmen in improving children's education that is by staying beside children, accompanying children when learning and give sympathy to their children. In addition, giving love to children by giving rewards to children when the child managed to do something.

Risk factors for child sexual abuse victimization: A meta-analytic review.

Experiencing child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health problem with serious consequences for CSA victims. For effective assessment and (preventive) intervention, knowledge on risk factors and their effects is crucial. Here, the aim was to synthesize research on associations between (putative) risk factors and CSA victimization. In total, 765 (putative) risk factors were extracted from 72 studies, which were classified into 35 risk domains. A series of three-level meta-analyses produced a significant mean effect for 23 of the 35 risk domains ranging from r = .101 to r = .360. The strongest effects were found for prior victimization of the child and/or its family members, such as prior CSA victimization of the child and/or siblings (r = .360), prior victimization of the child other than child abuse (r = .340), prior or concurrent forms of child abuse in the child's home environment (r = .267), and a parental history of child abuse victimization (r = .265). Other identified risks were related to parental problems (e.g., intimate partner violence, r = .188), parenting problems (e.g., low quality of parent-child relation, r = .292), a non-nuclear family structure (e.g., having a stepfather, r = .118), family problems (e.g., social isolation, r = .191), child problems (e.g., having a mental/physical chronic condition, r = .193), and other child characteristics (e.g., being female, r = .290). Moderator analyses suggested that contact CSA victimization may be better predicted than noncontact CSA victimization. It was concluded that an ecological perspective on preventing CSA victimization is necessary. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Family environment, socioeconomic conditions and childhood health and wellbeing in informal settlements in Mozambique

Background. A possible relationship between slum residence and children’s health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa has been relatively under-researched. Objective. To investigate the relationship between the type of area of residence and children’s and adolescents’ health and wellbeing in urban Mozambique. Methods. Descriptive and logistic regression techniques were employed on data from 1 913 children and 798 adolescents, to analyse several key outcomes. Results. The descriptive findings indicate that children in slum areas are the most disadvantaged, followed by those in quasi-slum areas, in terms of school enrolment, health and the type of care received in the home. Similar descriptive results were found for the adolescents’ outcomes. Multivariate analyses showed that compared with children in slum areas, those in non-slum areas were more likely to be attending school (odds ratio (OR) 4.22; confidence interval (CI) 1.73 - 10.31), less likely to be typically sick (OR 0.26; CI 0.14 - 0.47) and less likely to be left alone in the household (OR 0.29; CI 0.18 - 0.48). Adolescents in non-slum areas tended to have completed ≥6 years of education (OR 3.01; CI 1.78 - 5.07), to be aware of HIV/AIDS programmes (OR 4.29; CI 2.43 - 7.55), to believe that HIV/AIDS may be transmitted through unprotected sex (OR 13.01; CI 3.76 - 45.02) and to have parents or caregivers who had ever talked to them about matters related to sex (OR 3.15; CI 1.76 - 5.65). Family structure and sowcioeconomic characteristics, together, account for most of the differences between slum and quasi-slum areas, particularly for children’s outcomes. Conclusion. The health and the wellbeing of children and adolescents in slums is negatively affected, compared with other urban places in Mozambique. However, for children, family structure and other socioeconomic factors remove most slum/quasi-slum effects.

Analysis of Family Functioning and Parent-Child Relationship between Adolescents with Depression and their Parents.

BackgroundDrug therapy combined with family therapy is currently the best treatment for adolescent depression. Nevertheless, family therapy requires an exploration of unresolved problems in the family system, which in practice presents certain difficulties. Previous studies have found that the perceptual differences of family function between parents and children reflect the problems in the family system.AimsTo explore the characteristics and role of family functioning and parent-child relationship between adolescents with depressive disorder and their parents.MethodsThe general information and clinical data of the 93 adolescents with depression were collected. The Family Functioning Assessment Scale and Parent-child Relationship Scale were used to assess adolescents with depressive disorder and their parents.Resultsa) The dimensions of family functioning in adolescents with depressive disorder were more negative in communication, emotional response, emotional involvement, roles, and overall functioning than their parents. The differences were statistically significant. Parent-child relationship dimensions: the closeness and parent-child total scores were more negative compared with the parents and the differences were statistically significant. b) All dimensions of parent-child relationship and family functioning in adolescents with depression except the time spent together were negatively correlated or significantly negatively correlated. c) The results of multivariate regression analysis showed: the characteristics of family functioning, emotional involvement, emotional response, family structure, and income of the adolescents with depressive disorder mainly affected the parent-child relationship.ConclusionsThere were perceptual differences in partial family functioning and parent-child relationship between adolescents with depressive disorder and their parents. Unclear roles between family members, mutual entanglement, too much or too little emotional investment, negligence of inner feelings, parental divorce, and low average monthly family income were the main factors causing adverse parent-child relationship. These perceptual differences have a relatively good predictive effect on family problems, and can be used as an important guide for exploring the family relationship in family therapy.