Feeling Of Well-being Research Articles

Mediating Effect of Recovery resilience and Fellow teacher, Director’s Trust in Relation of Teacher-Preschooler Interaction and Teacher’s Feeling of well-being

Mediating Effect of Recovery resilience and Fellow teacher, Director’s Trust in Relation of Teacher-Preschooler Interaction and Teacher’s Feeling of well-being

An Analysis of Mediating Effect of Parent's Play support belief and Play participation in Relation of Preschooler’s Playfulness and a Feeling of well-being.

An Analysis of Mediating Effect of Parent's Play support belief and Play participation in Relation of Preschooler’s Playfulness and a Feeling of well-being.

Analysis of Wellbeing in Nongovernmental Organizations' Workplace in a Developed Area Context.

An extremely useful theoretical approach to understanding the nature of work, health, and wellbeing is the job demand–control (JDC) model and the job demand–control–support (JDCS) model. In order for professional workers in the nongovernmental organization (NGO) sector to do their job, it is necessary for them to have a feeling of wellbeing. Despite this, in Europe, studies regarding the effects of the JDCS model in relation to workers’ wellbeing have not been carried out. This study is expected to fill this important gap in research by analyzing the relationship of wellbeing with work demands, work control, and social support. In order to corroborate the proposed hypotheses, an analysis of these constructs in employees in European nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) was developed and, using structural equation models, these relationships were tested. The results confirm the main hypothesis of the job demand–control–support (JDCS) model and the causal relationship among physical and psychological demands, work control, and support from supervisors and colleagues with the level of employee wellbeing.

Creativity in retirement: psychosocial experiences of recently retired people participating in a creative arts project.

A growing body of research literature features the provision of arts experiences for the older person but less attention has been given to those who are in the early years of retirement. This qualitative study aims to contribute to the existing field through exploring the contribution that creativity, in the form of active participation in the arts, can make upon the older person's transition to retirement. A total of 15 recently retired people in a Scottish town were invited to participate in a qualitative project which explored, using the creative arts, the participants' psychological and social experiences during this period of transition. The emphasis was on participants' active, rather than passive, involvement in different art modalities. An action research methodology was adopted, involving a circular flexible design. Qualitative information was generated through focus groups, participant observations and group discussions with participants attending arts workshops. Participants were also invited to record their thoughts and observations anonymously in written form. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Two co-researchers, who were recently retired people from outside the community, took part as participant observers. Key findings indicated that the need to feel challenged and stimulated was paramount for feelings of wellbeing. The feeling of belonging to a community was considered important and could be derived from creative arts activities. Psychological and social benefits of arts participation were derived from active participation, primarily in creating original work. Participants had disparate experience of arts but were united in their search for creative fulfilment. Implications for appropriate provision were considered.

Considering the Use of the Term \u2018Rehab Potential\u2019 within in-patient Mental Health Services: Its Usefulness and the Risks Associated with Getting it Wrong\u2014A Theoretical Perspective

‘Rehab potential’ is a term that is frequently used within in-patient mental health services as means of predicting one’s potential response to rehabilitation-focused interventions. However, there is no explicit and common understanding of the factors that contribute to concept of rehabilitation potential within the context of mental health rehabilitation, despite this being such a commonly used phrase. When accurate predictions are made about a person’s perceived rehabilitation potential, it has the power to enhance a person’s rehabilitation process. If these predictions are inaccurate, they can have negative consequences for the individuals involved. Consequences of inaccurately predicting an individual’s rehabilitation potential can include people being denied access to rehabilitation services or being confined to years of care and/or more restrictive services that may not promote independence or recovery from mental illness as effectively as rehabilitation-focused services. This can have significant implications for these individuals such as reduced feelings of well-being and quality of life. In other medical fields there is evidence that judgments of rehabilitation potential can also have negative implications for the members of staff expected to make these decisions on behalf of service users.

A New Life Satisfaction Scale Predicts Depressive Symptoms in a National Cohort of Older Japanese Adults.

BackgroundExisting satisfaction measures cover general feelings of well-being among older adults, but it is not clear whether life satisfaction is associated with depressive symptoms that decrease psychological well-being. We developed a new life satisfaction scale to assess the associations of health, social factors, and interpersonal relationships with overall life satisfaction. The structural and predictive validity of the scale regarding the onset of depressive symptoms was examined.MethodsA 13-item questionnaire was developed based on a literature review. The response options for all of the questions were: 1 = poor, 2 = not very good, 3 = good, and 4 = excellent. For the analysis, a total satisfaction score was calculated by summing the individual scores (range = 13–52), and higher scores indicated higher overall satisfaction. Baseline data were obtained using the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form with a 30-month follow-up. Older Japanese adults (n = 1,792, mean age 70.1 ± 6.3 years, 46.4% male) participated in both surveys. An exploratory factor analysis and a logistic regression analysis were used to verify the construct and predictive validity.ResultsIn the exploratory factor analysis, a four-factor structure consisting of Personal Satisfaction, Societal Satisfaction, Community Satisfaction, and Health Satisfaction explained 63% of the total variance, with factor weights between 0.42 and 0.90, and internal reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86). About 13.8% of the sample was identified as having depressive symptoms during the follow-up period. The Youden index determined the cutpoints regarding the development of depressive symptoms identified by the life satisfaction scale as 39 points. The participants were classified as high life satisfaction (60%, n = 1,068) or low life satisfaction (40%, n = 724). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the scale (cutpoint at 39 points) predicted depressive symptoms while controlling for the effects of other relevant variables (OR = 5.14, 95% Confidence Interval 3.76–7.04, p < 0.001). The relative risk of the low life satisfaction group for developing depressive symptoms compared to the high life satisfaction group was 2.39.ConclusionsThe 13-item questionnaire is a valid instrument for measuring the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults.

Serotonin in the elderly

Serotonin is said to determine our emotions, moods and affect. The physiology of serotonin implies it in the regulation of biological functions in line with our mood, like accelerated heart rate and sweating triggered by feeling flustered. Serotonin has multiple pharmacological actions in the body and alterations in serotonergic function may account for behavioural disturbances commonly observed in the elderly. The clinical effectiveness of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is believed to be mediated through enhancement of extracellular 5 HT. Various studies have shown that the SSRIs are better tolerated in older people compared with the tricyclic antidepressant or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is obvious that serotonin plays a significant role in the emotional wellbeing of people – whether they are young or old and there are various ways of increasing serotonin in the body in order to create a feeling of wellbeing and content.

To compare abbreviated regimens of single dose and 12 hours magnesium sulphate administration with the conventional 24 hours postpartum in severe preeclampsia: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Preeclampsia and eclampsia have remained a major global public health threat in contributing significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality with incidence of 2.16% and 0.28% respectively. The treatment modalities of eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia include initial stabilization, rational use of antihypertensives, anticonvulsants and planning for delivery. Magnesium Sulphate, as anticonvulsant is drug of choice for convulsion prophylaxis but its benefit should always outweigh its adverse effects. Traditionally the use of magnesium sulphate has been recommended for 24 hour postpartum. By reducing the duration of therapy, the frequency of postpartum maternal monitoring may be curtailed and the possibility for the women to ambulate early and care for her newborn may be increased. The purpose of present study is to compare the effectiveness, side effects and maternal outcome of magnesium sulphate administration as single dose and 12 hours postpartum with the conventional 24 hours in the cases of severe preeclampsia. Aims and Objectives: To compare abbreviated regimens of single dose and 12 hours magnesium sulphate administration with the conventional 24 hours postpartum in severe preeclampsia.Material and Methods: A randomized prospective clinical trial was conducted on pregnant women presenting with severe preeclampsia. The patients were randomly allocated into group I (single dose), group II (12hour) and group III (24hour) postpartum MgSO4. The dosage and the route of administration of magnesium sulphate was similar in all three groups before delivery as per Prichard regimen. After delivery, a single maintenance dose of magnesium sulphate was given in group I, 12 hours group II and for 24 hours postpartum in group III. During the study period, the patients were assessed for various outcome parameters such as seizures, clinical outcomes such as time to return to ambulation in hours, duration of indwelling urinary catheter in hours, time until contact with the newborn infant in hour, urine output, adverse effects and evidence of toxicity in mother.Results: All patients in three groups were comparable with regards to demographic as well as obstetric characteristics. None of the patient in group I had any of the signs of MgSO4 toxicity, however in group II, one patient had loss of patellar reflex and in group III, two patients had loss of patellar reflexes and another two had oliguria. None of the patient had respiratory depression or convulsion in any of the three groups. The patients in group I and group II, ambulated much earlier as and had less duration of catheter as compared to group III. However there was no significant difference in the average time until contact with the newborn between the three groups. Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate for 24hrs is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis in patients with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia but benefits of magnesium sulphate should outweigh its adverse effects. But there was increase in the feeling of wellbeing in shorter regimens with early ambulation, lesser duration of indwelling catheter and early breastfeeding leading to better capability of the mother to take care of newborn. The present study suggests that the abbreviated postpartum MgSO4 regimens can be effective alternatives to the conventional 24 hours regimen for postpartum seizure prophylaxis in severe preeclampsia.

Single Dry Cupping Treatment On Vascular Function In Healthy Young Individuals

Cupping, part of traditional Chinese medicine, is regularly observed to bring about pain relief and to increase a patient’s general feeling of well-being. It has been suggested that cupping promotes hyperemia (i.e., increased blood flow). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is a widely used method of assessment of vascular function that provides a surrogate index for arterial health. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of a single dry cupping treatment on vascular function among healthy young individuals. METHODS: Five apparently healthy young individuals (3 women and 2 men, average age: 22 ± 1.48 years) participated in this study. Dry cupping treatment was performed applying two plastic cups on the non-dominant arm of each participant. Before and after a 10-minute cupping treatment, brachial FMD was evaluated using a high-resolution ultrasound with a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer. RESULTS: Following the 10-minute cupping treatment, brachial FMD increased significantly after the treatment from 7.40 ± 0.65 to 8.98 ± 1.4%, p < 0.05. Participants did not experience complications as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that in healthy individuals, dry cupping treatment, was capable of increasing vascular function. This study underlies the role of cupping treatment in promoting vascular function improvements. Finally, cupping is an inexpensive and low-risk alternative therapeutic modality.

Relationship Between Muscular Fitness And Health Related Quality Of Life In Professional Firefighters

High muscular fitness levels are needed to perform occupational tasks for a professional firefighter. Common occupational tasks include heavy equipment carrying, forced entry and securing. However, current evidence suggests fitness levels often decline over the course of a firefighter’s career, which in turn impacts occupational task performance capabilities. Additionally, work-related stress occurring during the careers of firefighters contributes to higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder compared to civilian counterparts. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) considers the elements that impact individual feelings of well-being and its perception may be influenced by components of physical and mental health. Currently, limited research exists describing the relationship between muscular fitness and HRQoL in professional firefighters. PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between muscular fitness and HRQoL in professional firefighters. METHODS: 35 firefighters (31 males, 4 females, 36 ± 7 years, 178 ± 8 cm, 88.5 ± 18 kg) participated in the study. Five muscular fitness assessments were performed: maximum vertical jump, 1-repetition maximum bench press, maximum repetitions of pull-ups, maximum repetitions of push-ups, and the wall sit and reach. HRQoL was measured using the Short-Form (SF) 36 Questionnaire. Physical and mental composite scores were computed for the SF 36. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) were calculated for each variable. Pearson correlation tests were used to assess association between variables (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between pull-ups and the mental component of HRQoL (r = -0.37; p < 0.05). No other statistically significant relationships were found. Mean pull-up and mental health composite scores were 7.1 ± 6.5 repetitions and 80.3 ± 10.8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It was unexpected that none of the fitness assessments were found to have a significant relationship with the physical composite score. Furthermore, the finding that only a single component of muscular fitness had a significant relationship with mental health is a novel finding. Based on results, HRQoL of professional firefighters might be the product of numerous factors and deserves further study.

The Effect of Healing Garden to Improve the Patients Healing: An Integrative Literature Review

Background: Healing Garden (HG) is developed as one of the therapies that do not only help in the physical recovery of the patient but also helps to restore mental, social, and spiritual health. This paper aims to determine the benefit of Healing Garden for the patients in the hospital and to produce evidence that Healing Garden relates to the positive experiences of the patients and contributes to their feeling of well-being.&#x0D; Method: The study utilized An Integrative Literature Review of Literatures through EBSCO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The articles searched were within 10 years, starting in 2007 until 2017 using the following terms for Boolean Search: “Healing Garden AND/OR Healing environment AND Hospital”. Systematic search related to the topic was started on January 26, 2018 to February 6, 2018.&#x0D; Results: The results of the study revealed seven themes which include 1). Nature provides positive energy for patients, 2) Healing Garden as a protected self-expression space, 3). Healing Garden has the potential to improve the quality of life for patients both physically and psychologically 4). Nature provides space to relate and socialize for patients and families, 5). Garden therapy as a bridge between the outside and spiritual world, 6) Nurses have an important role as a professional in creating a healing environment, and 7). The garden as a “Healing Garden” that should be visible, accessible, quiet, and comfortable.&#x0D; Conclusion: The report of the study gives an overview that Healing Garden therapy has the various advantage that can effectively accelerate holistic healing. It is recommended to build healing gardens such as at the workplaces, schools, public areas, and other places where people can relax and unwind.

Building Connections: Reducing Social Isolation for Mothers in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities through a Sharing and Learning Group

Background: Social isolation is an everyday experience for many mothers and children within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Engaging in group experiences with others provides authentic opportunities to make social connections, along with sharing common interests. Aim: This paper reports on a project that involved working within a transdisciplinary team at a community group in Brisbane, Australia. The Women and Children’s Learning and Sharing Community Group was a targeted program to foster mental health and feelings of well-being for mothers and children who were identified as at risk of social isolation. Methods: Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted to gain the experiences of being involved in the community group from the perspectives of mothers and support workers. Summative Content Analysis is used to explore the transcribed accounts of the mothers and support workers who came together at the women’s sharing and learning group and, in particular, how the group facilitated growth-fostering connections to reduce the impact of social isolation. Results: Using a Relational-Cultural Theory and a Relational Agency Framework lens, thematic Content Analysis of the mothers’ accounts reveal three themes of 1) Freedom, 2) Connection, and 3) Transformation. Exploration of mothers and support workers’ accounts highlighted four interactional elements as foundational to the program: 1) Respecting Group Identity, 2) Building a relaxed, mother-focused, and child-inclusive atmosphere, 3) Respecting diversity and the mutual enhancement of competence and 4) Fostering positives and strengths of the members. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided when working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities include: 1) Provide concrete support; 2) Make use of participants’ strengths and partnerships, 3) Provide culturally sensitive and inclusive practice, 4) Build a sense of community, mutual support and connections. Proposed key learnings highlight the importance of transdisciplinary teams and strength-based approaches when working in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

P1228IMPROVEMENT OF BODY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, BETA2-MICROGLOBULIN LEVEL AND RESISTANCE TO ERYTHROPOIESIS-STIMULATING AGENTS BY HYBRID PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PLUS HEMODIALYSIS THERAPY

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has the advantages of not causing rapid changes in the body fluid levels or solute contents in the blood due to the continuous treatment on all days of the week, and of not needing the patients to visit the hospital 3 times a week or lie on a bed for 4 hours to receive treatment. PD alone can, however, not adequately remove all the uremic toxins and excess water, and the patients are likely to be resistant to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). These drawbacks could be potentially improved if PD and hemodialysis (HD) were used together. The aims of the present study were to clarify the changes in the body weight, serum β2-microglobulin (β2MG) level, and resistance to ESA in PD patients switched from PD alone to PD-HD hybrid therapy (hybrid therapy). Methods The data of seven patients who were switched from PD alone to PD-HD hybrid therapy at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed to determine the changes in the body weight, serum β2MG level, dose of ESA (Darbepoetin Alfa) and the hemoglobin level before and at 3 months after the switch to hybrid therapy; in hybrid therapy, the patient received HD once a week and did not receive PD on that day. We also carried out a questionnaire survey to determine the changes in the feeling of well-being and quality of life of the patients after the switch to hybrid therapy. Results and Discussion The body weight decreased significantly from 67.4 ± 11.8 kg to 63.7 ± 8.7kg (p = 0.0345) after the switch from PD alone to PD-HD hybrid therapy, indicating that the control of the body fluids was much easier with hybrid therapy than with PD alone. The mean serum β2MG level in the patients decreased from 37.3 ± 11.6 μg/mL to 32.6 ± 5.9 μg/mL (p = 0.1607, not significant), ; in particular, in those patients in whom the serum β2MG levels were over 30 μg/mL, the level decreased significantly from 42.5 ± 8.7 μg / mL to 34.4 ± 6.1 μg / mL (p = 0.0337). The dose of ESA decreased significantly in all patients from 193 ± 74 μg/month to 69 ± 38 μg/month (p = 0.006), while the hemoglobin level remained unchanged (from 10.2 ± 1.7 g/dL to 11.2 ± 1.2 g/dL, p = 0.1406). In the questionnaire survey, almost all the patients expressed positive feelings about the switch of the treatment modality, such as “it became easier to go up the stairs,” “improved working efficiency,” and “comfortable feeling.” Since the peritoneum was allowed to rest once in a week, on the day of the HD, it could also preserve peritoneal functions. Therefore, hybrid therapy was also considered to be effective from the viewpoint of performing PD over the long term. Conclusion We can expect easier management of the body fluid, efficient β2MG removal, and improvement of ESA resistance by switching the dialysis treatment modality from PD alone to HD-PD hybrid therapy.

P0858A MULTICENTRE PROSPECTIVE DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF INTRAVENOUS IRON IN IRON DEFICIENT BUT NOT ANAEMIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ON FUNCTIONAL STATUS

Abstract Background and Aims Iron deficiency is common in patients with CKD due to inadequate dietary intake of iron, poor iron absorption from the gut, and increased iron losses from the body. In addition to preventing anaemia, iron is also important for normal heart function, being involved in processes that generate a necessary continuous energy supply. Post hoc analysis of studies of people with iron deficiency and advanced CKD suggest treatment with intravenous iron leads to improvement in heart function and feeling of wellbeing. The aim of the study was to investigate whether intravenous (IV) iron could improve exercise capacity in comparison to placebo over 3 months in non-anaemic CKD patients who have iron deficiency. Method The Iron and the Heart Study was a prospective double blinded explorative randomized, multi-centre study designed to assess the effect of IV iron supplementation (ferric derisomaltose/iron isomaltoside 1000 (FDI); Monofer®) in iron deficient but not anaemic patients with advanced CKD on functional status. Adults with established CKD stages 3b-5 and serum ferritin (SF) &amp;lt; 100mcg/L and/or transferrin saturation (TS) &amp;lt;20% were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 1000 mg IV FDI or placebo solution. Each participant was followed up at months 1 and 3. The primary outcome was the difference in exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at 3 months. Secondary objectives included effects on haematinic profiles and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Results are given as mean and standard deviations (SD). Data was analysed using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline. Results Between October 2016 and April 2018, 54 individuals from 3 UK centres were randomized to FDI (n=26; mean age 61.6 (10.1) years) or placebo (n=28; mean age 57.8 (12.9) years). Mean serum creatinine (167.0 (40.2) vs. 204.9 (67.3) and eGFR (32.1 (9.6) vs. 29.1 (9.6)) at baseline were similar in FDI and placebo groups respectively. Adjusting for baseline 6MWT, the 6MWT at 1-month showed no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.736) (Figure), and no significant difference at 3 months (p=0.741). The absolute mean change from baseline to 1 month and 3 months, showed no statistically significant differences between group (p=0.952_, p=0.895). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in Hb at 3-months (p=0.152) but there were statistically significant differences in SF and TS, which both increased post FDI infusion at 1 and 3 months; p&amp;lt;0.001 (Table). Conclusion The Iron and the Heart Trial showed a significant increase in iron parameters and maintenance of Hb concentration in iron treated patients. There was a numerical increase in functional capacity at 1-month and to lesser extent at 3 months post iron infusion. This finding was not significant, which reflects the limited sample size and possible differences in population during randomisation with the large difference in 6MWT at baseline. A larger study will be required to demonstrate a possible short-term functional benefit on exercise capacity of IV iron in CKD patients with biochemical functional or absolute iron deficiency without anaemia.

“It's a much more relaxed atmosphere”: Atmospheres of recovery at a peer respite

The peer respite model is an emerging model of community mental health support in the United States, yet, it remains understudied and undertheorized in post-asylum geographies and posthuman scholarship on recovery. A focused ethnography sought to address this gap by considering the sensibilities and urgencies that emerged at a peer respite in the U.S. Southwest. More broadly, this paper describes atmospheres of recovery that formed within the space itself, among peer staff who aimed to motivate guests (service users) to acquire social services during their stay and guests who often experienced homelessness. Beyond an anthropocentric, individualized notion of recovery, we describe the spatial arrangements, temporal urgencies, and material scarcities that mediated guests’ experiences of their stay and suggest that the peer respite can be understood as a site of transformation that both enables and limits possibilities for feelings of wellbeing and recovery to arise.

Enfermement carcéral, confinement socio-sanitaire et moyens d’évasion. Danser sa peine et au-delà…

Jail incarceration and social confinement due to a sanitary stay-at-home law against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are compared to the introduction of dance workshops for imprisoned women charged with long sentences, then followed by an outside performance Soul Kitchen. The whole experience, organized by a famous contemporary choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, is filmed by Valérie Müller, producing Danser sa peine (To dance her sentence/her sorrow), nominated for an award. The sessions are planned: two hours and a half, 2 times a week, for four months, no technique required. A group of five women start with ordinary easy functional movements, gaining in innovative and expressive qualities, spatial perceptions, feelings and interpersonal interactions, lead by A. Preljocaj in a helpful and empathic mood. At the same time, he discovers the cooking authorization in their jail cell. The relevant results shift into a dynamic successful piece Soul Kitchen (2019) performed in town (Dance Festival in Montpellier, south of France) with dancing and cooking occurrences on stage. It makes sense, specially about self-esteem, body image and positive opinion from the audience. The women's physical and psychological states linked with a long lack of space and sensitivity… move to a better self-balance and feelings of well-being. In a similar state of mind, the French confined population –youth to elderly– try to find different and imaginative strategies at home as moving in a restrictive area, enjoying family cooking… through trainings provided by Internet, looking for reducing anxiety, depressive disorders and other social problems. A panel of situations goes from deleterious conflictual relationships, dramatic isolation, to funny and positive ones using creativeness to escape, facing the disruption of daily life.

Counseling clients during New York City's COVID-19 pandemic: observations on fundamental elements of emotions management.

New York City is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care centers are stretched beyond capacity. Daily death rates are staggering. The city's population is hunkered down in fear. Our anxiety treatment center is treating patients via video appointments. We are helping anxious individuals adapt to tumultuous changes that we ourselves are experiencing. Our work in this time has reinforced our core beliefs about managing one's emotions; that difficult times require more active coping and that we all draw heavily from social support and familiarity to create a feeling of well-being. These principles and the experiences of our patients are discussed.

Parental Well-being of Mothers and Fathers in Latin America: A Systematic Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT The relationship between being a parent and personal well-being has been the topic of interest and debate in recent decades. However, most of the studies in this field are from high-income countries in North America and Europe. This is an important limitation since parenthood is a phenomenon highly dependent on sociocultural context. The purpose of this article was to identify and examine the main findings related to the well-being of mothers and fathers in Latin America through a systematic review of the scientific literature. This review shows that, in general, mothers and fathers expressed feelings of well-being. However, parenthood significantly affected their daily lives and simultaneously represented a source of frustration and displeasure. Gender stereotypes, the type of family and work–family conflicts were variables relevant to these factors. Our results show the importance of developing policies and strategies that favour gender equity and provide support for vulnerable families in Latin America countries.

Protocol and Baseline Data of a Multicentre Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Study of Intravenous Iron on Functional Status in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to an inadequate dietary intake of iron, poor absorption from the gut and increased iron losses. In addition to preventing anaemia, iron is important for normal heart function, being involved in processes that generate a necessary continuous energy supply. Treatment with intravenous (IV) iron has been suggested to lead to improvement in heart function and well-being in people with ID and CKD. In the Iron and the Heart Study, we hypothesized that IV iron treatment will primarily improve exercise capacity and may secondarily impact the feeling of well-being in comparison to placebo over 3 months in non-anaemic CKD patients who have ID. Methods: This was a prospective double-blinded explorative randomized, multi-centre study designed to compare the effects of IV iron supplementation and placebo in iron-deficient but not anaemic patients with established CKD stages 3b-5 on functional status, and in addition cardiac structure and function. The study included 54 adults with serum ferritin (SF) <100 µg/L and/or transferrin saturation <20%, randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 1,000 mg IV ferric derisomaltose or placebo. Following randomization, participants underwent baseline assessments and then received IV iron or placebo infusion. Each participant was followed up at months 1 and 3. At each visit, patients underwent clinical review, measurements of hematinics and haemoglobin (Hb), and assessments of physical function and well-being. The primary outcome was exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test. Secondary objectives included effects on hematinic profiles and Hb concentration, changes in myocardial parameters assessed with speckle tracking echocardiography and change in patients’ quality of life. Results: Between October 2016 and April 2018, 55 from 326 individuals from 3 UK centres attended screening and were randomized. The mean (SD) age was 59.6 (11.7) years, 26 (48%) patients were male, the majority were Caucasians (42; 78%), and 32 (59%) were non-smokers. The mean (SD) body mass index was 30.3 (6.5); SF was 66.3 (44.1) µg/L, TS was 20.1 (7.4) % and Hb was 128.7 (10.1) g/L at randomization for the whole group. Mean (SD) serum creatinine was 186.7 (58.6) µmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate was 31.1 (9.6) mL/min/1.73 m² and urinary albumin and protein/creatinine ratios 60.9 (133.3) and 83.8 (128.4) mg/mmol respectively. The mean (SD) C-reactive protein was 5.0 (4.4) mg/L and the mean (SD) 6-minute walk distance at baseline was 401.2 (120.2) m. Conclusion: The Iron and the Heart Trial will provide important information on the short-term effects of IV iron treatment in CKD patients with ID without anaemia on measures of exercise capacity, quality of life and mechanistic data on myocardial structure and function. Trial Registration: European Clinical Trials Database (No. 2014-004133-6; REC no. 14/YH/1209; Sponsor ref. R1766).

Getting Physically Active by E-Bike: An Active Commuting Intervention Study

<strong>Introduction:</strong> Increased physical activity (PA) is a major component in promoting public health, and active commuting could make an important contribution. Using an electric bicycle (e-bike) is reported to be of at least moderate intensity PA and is an alternative to other modes of transport for commuting. We aimed to explore the experience of commuting by e-bike in an intervention study. <strong>Methods:</strong> Focus group interviews with 21 previously inactive participants from three cities in Norway, who were given access to an e-bike for commuting for three (N = 2) or eight months (N = 19). Participants cycled for 226 days on average. The interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation. <strong>Results:</strong> The use of e-bikes and active commuting stimulated some participants to take on additional PA in their leisure time. Others preferred active commuting to be their daily PA. Participants’ experiences of commuting by e-bike were characterized by a motivational shift from external reasons for e-biking, such as pressure to get fit, to feelings of well-being, enjoyment and recognition of the health benefits. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Commuting by e-bike was convenient and promoted good health. Promoting e-bikes could lead to long term changes among inactive people because positive experiences stimulate autonomous reasons for active commuting.