Parent Focus Groups Research Articles

Exploring the Feasibility of Social Skills Programs for Autistic Youth Through Virtual Reality.

Many autistic individuals may desire support and services primarily in the areas of adaptive functioning and social well-being throughout their lifetime. There is a need for community-informed and person-centered social programs targeted for autistic adolescents and adults. New technology, such as virtual reality (VR), is being researched to assess the feasibility of providing therapeutic services to autistic individuals. This qualitative study aims to better understand and explore the perceptions of parents and autistic adolescents regarding social development and thoughts around social skills interventions delivered through technologies such as VR. Eight autistic adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17, and five parents participated across five focus groups. The focus group interviews were semi-structured, and qualitative data analysis was conducted through an open thematic approach and inductive coding process. Seven primary themes with sub-themes were identified throughout the focus group interview discussions: Social Skills of the participating autistic adolescents as reported by their parents and by self-report, Family Dynamics affecting social relationships within the family, Social Skills Goals both groups hoped to develop and improve, the existence and quality of In-Person vs. Online Friendships, Experience/Comfort With Technology, Openness to Virtual Environments, and Concerns for Virtual Environments. Researchers identified these themes across both parent and adolescent focus groups. This study provides guidance to the research community on investigating different innovative approaches for offering a social program that is supported by autistic individuals.

Assessment of the Differences in Juvenile Crime Based on Family set-up among Secondary School Students in Kisii County, Kenya

Juvenile crime is a huge concern across the world today. Young individuals engage in antisocial behaviors such as theft, robbery, rape, drug and substance misuse, drug trafficking, disdain for authority, and even murder. The purpose of the study was to assess the differences in juvenile crime according to family set-up among secondary school students in Kisii County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research approach was adopted. The study's target population comprised 6,357 students from selected secondary schools. The sample size included 610 students, 9 school officials (principals, deputy principals, and teacher counsellors, one from each school), and 9 parents. The sample only included pupils from grades two and three. Both probability and non-probability sampling approaches were utilized. The schools were chosen using the convenience sampling approach. In contrast, simple random sampling was used to pick student respondents from schools A and B, and purposive selection was used to select student respondents from school C and all school administrators. The parents were also picked using convenience sampling. Data was gathered through student and teacher surveys, principal interview schedules, and parent focus groups. Data was analyzed using correlation analysis with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed that upper-class adolescents were more delinquent than lower-class adolescents and that the media impacts juvenile crime. The research advised that media be used appropriately to minimize crime and that upper-class parents limit the digital gadgets available to their children.

The mental health of parent versus non-parent post-secondary students

Post-secondary students experience abnormally high levels of stress compared to the general population, and parents pursuing post-secondary education have additional demands that challenge their mental health. Understanding the mental health of parent versus non-parent students is imperative to support students in their academic pursuits. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional paper was two-fold: (1) to investigate the mental health (flourishing/languishing) of parents pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada with children/youth aged 0–18 years compared to non-parent post-secondary students; and (2) to explore parents’ and non-parents’ lived experiences of mental health (flourishing/languishing) while pursuing post-secondary education. A total of 374 students (n = 86 parents; n = 288 non-parents) completed an online survey that included demographics and the previously validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. A subset of participants (n = 10 parents; n = 10 non-parents) participated in one of six focus groups (3 parent focus groups; 3 non-parent focus groups). Results from the independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between the overall mental health scores. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes for student-parents: (1) factors that challenge mental health; (2) realities of being a student-parent; (3) social connectivity among family and friends; and (4) mental health fluctuations. A total of 6 non-parent specific themes were found: (1) social connectivity among peers; (2) factors that challenge mental health; (3) the bidirectional relationship between school and mental health status; (4) prioritizing academic roles; (5) finding purpose through academic pursuits; and (6) admiration for student-parents. Findings from the current study highlight the dichotomy in student-parent versus non-parent academic identities and are important for university personnel to understand to provide tailored supports.

Parent and staff focus groups to address NICU racial inequities: "There's radical optimism in that we're in a different time and we're not doing it alone".

To understand local mechanisms of racial inequities and generate recommendations from community members regarding how to promote racial equity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In an urban tertiary care NICU, 4 semi-structured in-person focus groups with follow-up audio diaries were conducted with NICU parents and staff from 2022-2023 with support from interpreters, a psychologist, and a family advocate. Researchers coded transcripts independently and thematic analysis was utilized to generate and refine themes. 16 racially diverse and multidisciplinary staff and parents participated, and six themes emerged from the data. Mechanisms of racial inequities included power dynamics, interpersonal and institutional dehumanization, and societal inequities. Recommendations included redistributing power, transforming space and staff to promote humanism, and mitigating harm through peer support and resource allocation. Focus groups are a promising strategy to identify interventions to address racial inequities. Future research should focus on intervention implementation and evaluation.

The effect of the mathematics bag early education program

In this study, the effect of the Mathematics Bag Early Education Program (MAÇEP) on the mathematics skills (number/counting, geometry, measurement) of 57–69-month-old preschool children was investigated. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, follow-up test, and control group were used in the study. The study group consisted of 22 children attending preschool education and their parents. In the study, MACEP was applied to the experimental group in the form of 50 activities for 12 wk outside the preschool education program. Data were collected using the Early Mathematics Test (EMAT) and Parent Focus Group Interview Form. Mann Whitney U Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Friedman Test and content analysis were used to analyze the data. At the end of the study, it was determined that MACEP effectively improved the mathematics skills (number/counting, geometry, measurement) of 57–69-month-old children in the experimental group and the retention continued after the experimental period.

Informing adolescent substance misuse prevention: A parent focus group perspective

AbstractSubstance misuse during adolescence is an issue, and engaging parents in prevention efforts has significant positive impacts; yet barriers to engagement exist. The purpose of this qualitative parent focus group study was to understand the perspectives of participants (n = 5) about information and delivery platforms that will promote, engage, and support parents in prevention efforts. Thematic analyses identified five key themes from the semistructured interview: (1) educational support, (2) community support, (3) venues and platforms, (4) influences of other countries, and (5) potential barriers. Implications for clinical mental health and school counselors, and future research are discussed.

Designing a Website-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Decision Support Systems (DSS) for Parental Control of Children's Media

The massive amount of children's television programming poses a challenge for parents seeking to mediate suitable viewing habits. This research puts forward a website-based Decision Support System (DSS) leveraging Analytic Hierarchy Process to recommend appropriate shows per personalized criteria. The DSS allows parents to set priorities across factors like educational value, empathy, and social norms reflected in shows. Quantitative AHP methodology ranks options by synthesizing comparative judgments. A prototype is implemented on PHP/MySQL with an intuitive interface explaining decision logic. Testing with parent focus groups indicates significantly increased perceived utility over traditional controls. Recommendation accuracy metrics averaged 0.81 against test cases. Outcomes demonstrate feasibility and benefits of applying multi-criteria DSS techniques to aid value-based media selection for impressionable minds. The system aims to aid busy caregivers overwhelmed by the exponential growth in media choices, promoting discerning consumption. Further enhancements incorporating explanatory facilities and predictive analytics promises wider applicability inside content distribution ecosystems. This research highlights the importance of DSS-AHP integration for child development in the modern information age.

2905. Development of a Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) for Skin Infection Clinical Trials

Abstract Background Infectious disease clinical trials treatment outcomes have almost exclusively been dichotomized into cure and failure. The novel Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) method uses a hierarchical ordinal outcome of intervention outcomes. DOOR measures are more sensitive for detection of differences between groups compared to dichotomous outcomes and thus can lead to dramatic reduction of the number of required trial participants. Additionally, the DOOR design addresses patient-centered outcomes that are ignored in traditional infectious diseases clinical trial outcomes. DOOR methodology has neither been used for skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) clinical trial outcomes nor incorporated patients about their experiences with SSTIs. Methods We conducted 6 focus groups of providers, patients, and parents at two medical centers in Los Angeles and St. Louis. Focus groups were composed of clinicians who treat SSTIs (n=2), patients who had SSTIs (n=3) and parents of children who had an SSTI (n=1). Focus group participants were given a series of SSTI clinical scenarios with various outcomes and asked to rank these 10 outcomes on a numerical scale from most to least desirable. We fitted 4 CART (classification and regression tree) models for overall, provider, patient and parent responders, respectively. Results In total, we had 62 focus group participants (24 providers, 30 patients, and 8 parents). Overall, the most desirable outcome was no complications (rank value = 1.0), followed by rash or nausea (mean rank values = 4.9 - 5.1), diarrhea or recurrent infection (= 5.9), dizziness or stomach ache (= 6.1 - 6.2), recurrent drainage procedure or household transmission (= 7.0 - 7.2), and hospitalization (= 8.3). Least desirable outcomes differed between groups, with providers choosing hospitalization while patient/parents indicated household transmission. Variance in outcome desirability differed more widely between patients compared to providers. (Figure). Conclusion We developed a DOOR outcome for SSTIs clinical trials that incorporates both provider and patient perspectives. This metric could be tested in clinical trials as a means to reduce sample size and to incorporate patient-focused outcomes. Disclosures Loren G. Miller, MD MPH, ContraFect: Grant/Research Support|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Medline: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Paratek: Grant/Research Support

Development and validation of a questionnaire for assessing pathomorphoisis and pathoplasty of stereotypes in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia in childhood

Relevance: repetitive behaviors, limited interests, and other unusual sensory behaviors often significantly affect the lives of many people with developmental disabilities, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and childhood schizophrenia (PSD). Identification of specific patterns of atypical behavior in these disorders can improve the specificity of diagnoses and monitor response to treatment. Therefore, it would be useful to have an approved questionnaire for the assessment of pathomorphosis and pathoplasty of stereotypes in ASD and schizophrenia in childhood, aimed at parents and caregivers of children in this cohort. Objective: To develop and validate a questionnaire for assessing the manifestations and dynamics of stereotypes in ASD and ADHD in childhood, aimed at parents and guardians of children in this cohort, for further use in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: in accordance with international and Russian standards, a questionnaire was developed to assess the manifestations and dynamics of stereotypes and tested on a focus group of parents (legal representatives) of children diagnosed with ASD and PSD, followed by an assessment of the results of psychodiagnostic testing - reliability, validity and sensitivity of the results obtained. developed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica, version 9.0. Results: according to the results of testing with the participation of a group of parents (legal representatives) of the selected cohort, the acceptability of the questionnaire and high validity rates were confirmed. The conducted factor analysis testifies to the adequacy of the grouping of questions of the questionnaire according to the expected factors and stable construct validity. Conclusion: the results obtained indicate the reliability, validity and sensitivity of the questionnaire for assessing the manifestations and dynamics of stereotypes in ASD and SDV in childhood and the possibility of its use in epidemiological studies both for clinical practice and for scientific purposes in the field of psychiatry.

Evaluation of variation in special educational needs provision and its impact on health and education using administrative records for England: umbrella protocol for a mixed-methods research programme

IntroductionOne-third of children in England have special educational needs (SEN) provision recorded during their school career. The proportion of children with SEN provision varies between schools and demographic groups, which...

Generating mutual support in multifamily therapy to promote father involvement and family communication quality of Chinese families of adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Aqualitative study.

Previous studies have suggested the negative impacts of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on parent-adolescent interactions. Yet engaging parents, particularly the fathers, to participate in family-based interventions has been challenging in Chinese contexts given the traditional concerns about keeping the family's "face" and the influence of affiliate stigma. Empirical evidence supports multifamily therapy as an effective modality for parental engagement. This study explores the role of mutual support in promoting parental engagement and family communication quality of Chinese families of adolescents with ADHD. Inclusion criteria of the study were (a) Chinese family of at least one adolescent child having an ADHD diagnosis, (b) the adolescent child was aged between 11 and 15 years, and (c) the family participated in a multifamily therapy program. Families who had not completed a multifamily therapy program were excluded. Fourteen Chinese families of adolescents with ADHD who participated in a pilot multifamily therapy program from June 2017 to September 2018 were recruited for this qualitative study. Photo-elicited parent focus groups and photo-elicited individual interviews with adolescents were conducted. The thematic analysis revealed that a low level of hierarchy in the therapist-client relationship contributed to the building of mutual support among the families in the therapy process. The mutual support was found to play a key role in promoting acceptance, father involvement, and open communication within families of adolescents with ADHD. Discussion was conducted on the importance of the nonexpert stance of the therapist for promoting mutual support among Chinese families in a multifamily therapy process.

Health literacy profiling of parents in two disadvantaged inner-city areas in the United Kingdom

Abstract Background Health literacy refers to the ability to understand, access and use health information and services. Limited parental health literacy is associated with ineffective preventive behaviours and worse child health outcomes. Limited financial and social resources are associated with low health literacy. Profiling the health literacy strengths and limitations of individuals allows the multidimensional nature of health literacy to be considered and highlight patterns of need. This study aims to identify the health literacy profiles of parents using family hubs in two disadvantaged UK regions using the Optimising Health Literacy and Access framework. Methods A mixed method study using the Health Literacy Questionnaire Parent (HLQ-Parent) and semi-structured focus groups was conducted among parents attending family hubs or libraries in two cities. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to identify clusters with varying health literacy strengths and needs based on the HLQ-Parent domains. Clusters were translated into health literacy profiles using HLQ-Parent patterns and demographic data. Then, using an explanatory sequential approach, vignettes were created to represent the different health literacy profiles. Results Participants’ (n = 175, age range 18-59 yrs., mean age 33 yrs., 98% female) lowest mean HLQ-Parent score in city 1 was present in domain 4 “Social support for health” and domain 2 “Having sufficient information to manage my child's health” in city 2. Eight clusters were identified each with unique health literacy profiles. Both cities had one cluster (44% of participants) scoring highly on all domains and one cluster (20% of participants) reported difficulties across all domains. Conclusions Eight distinct health literacy profiles were identified among parents attending family hubs. These profiles in vignette format will facilitate the co-design and co-development of parental health literacy interventions. Key messages • This study emphasises the health literacy challenges faced by parents in disadvantaged areas, and the potential barriers they face in navigating and using health services for their children. • The vignettes developed in this study provide an authentic description of the health literacy profiles of parents in this context proving a promising starting point for co-designing interventions.

Using the Child Behavior Checklist to Screen for PTSD: A Mixed Method Study of Syrian Refugee Youth

This study investigated the utility of using an omnibus measure of child functioning, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), to screen for symptoms of PTSD. Although measures to assess trauma symptoms exist, they are often not linguistically and culturally valid for many school-age populations. Data from parents of Syrian refugee youth (ages 10-18 years, M = 13.54, SD = 2.27, n = 70) who recently resettled in the U.S. were analyzed, as their refugee status implies they likely have experienced traumatic events during the Syrian War. A mixed-method design was employed, comparing qualitative data from parent focus groups to quantitative responses on the CBCL. Results provide preliminary support for use of CBCL items as a culturally-responsive screening tool for screening symptoms of PTSD in school-aged children, though it should not replace formalized assessment.

From practice-to-research-to-practice: leveraging reciprocal partnerships to advance racial justice in education across contexts and ecological levels

ABSTRACT African American families face significant racial barriers to their educational attainment. Within the experience of schooling specifically, anti-Black oppressive forces manifest in both structural and interpersonal forms, and existing challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Black families have consistently developed strategies for navigating racialized educational barriers. Moreover, their own agency has been enhanced through engagement with justice-oriented community partnerships. The current study captures how a reciprocal university-community partnership advanced African American parent agency before and during the pandemic. The history of the partnership is first detailed, followed by a qualitative study of data from six parent focus groups regarding parents’ perceptions of barriers to educational success across public and private school contexts, their own efforts to overcome those barriers, and the role of the community university partnership in advancing the families’ educational aims. Findings reveal ecologically distinct racialized barriers in public and private school settings, with economic barriers transcending educational contexts. Black parents navigated these barriers with adaptative strategies across parent involvement domains. Implications for research, practice, and university-community partnerships are discussed.

Empowering patients with sickle cell anemia and their families through innovative educational methods.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders caused by a mutation in the beta subunit of hemoglobin (HbS). SCD will hereafter be referred to as sickle cell anemia (SCA) as this is the term our patients and their families prefer. There are approximately 5000 Canadians living with SCA including children. Pediatric SCA patient education can: improve knowledge, decrease hospitalization, improve medication possession ratio, lead to better SCA-related functioning, and lower pain impact. Innovative educational materials were developed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy regarding the illness management of patients and parents/guardians. Patients (n=5; aged 8-18) with SCA and parents (n=5) of patients (aged 0-18) were recruited via flyers sent directly to patients and distributed through partner patient organization Sickle Cell Awareness Network of Saskatchewan. Patient and parent focus groups were held separately over Zoom to receive feedback for the video. An additional interview was held for a participant that required a translation of the video. Audio recordings were transcribed using Zoom and Otter.ai. The coding of transcripts was facilitated by NVivo (QSR International Pty Ltd, 2022, release 1.6.2). The thematic analysis centered around SCA management concepts relevant to the research aims. Important themes that emerged included 'Age Appropriateness', 'Empowerment', 'Knowledge Gaps', 'Linguistic Accessibility', 'Medication Adherence', 'Strength in Community', and 'Transition to Adult Care'. The video was well received, and "brought peace of mind". Patient feedback was incorporated into the final version of the educational materials.

Swedish parents' satisfaction and experience of facilitators and barriers with Family Check-up: A mixed methods study.

Family Check-up (FCU) was introduced in Sweden more than a decade ago. Little is known about what parents experience as FCU's key mechanisms leading to changes in parenting. The aim of this study was to investigate Swedish parents' satisfaction with FCU, and their experiences of facilitators and barriers for making changes in their parenting. A mixed methods approach was employed using a parent satisfaction questionnaire (n=77) and focus groups (n=15). General satisfaction with FCU was adequate, with an average rating of 4 on a five-point scale (range 3.1-4.6). The analysis of quantitative and qualitative data resulted in eight themes representing facilitators and four themes representing barriers, organized into three categories: (1) access and engagement; (2) therapeutic process; and (3) program components. Ease of access to FCU facilitated initial engagement. Individual tailoring and access to FCU during different phases of change facilitated sustained engagement and change. Therapeutic process facilitators were a meaningful, supportive relationship with the provider, psychological benefits for parents and benefits for the whole family. Program components that facilitated change in parenting were new learning of parenting strategies and use of helpful techniques such as videotaping and home practice. Negative experiences with service systems prior to starting FCU, parent psychological barriers, and parent-provider mismatch were described as potential barriers. Some parents desired other program formats that were not offered, and some felt that new learning was insufficient to improve child behavior. Understanding the parent perspective can contribute to successful future work with implementing FCU.

Health in Down syndrome: creating a conceptual model.

Down syndrome (DS) has a unique medical and psychological profile that could impact how health is defined on three dimensions: physical, social and mental well-being. In 2021, we presented our proposed conceptual model to three expert panels, four focus groups of parents of individuals with DS age 0-21years and four focus groups of individuals with DS age 13-21years through videoconferencing technology. Participants gave feedback and discussed the concept of health in DS. Feedback from participants resulted in iterative refinement of our model, retaining the three dimensions of health, and modifying constructs within those dimensions. Experts and parents agreed that individuals with DS have unique health concerns that necessitate the creation and validation of a syndrome-specific health model. We present key themes that we identified and a final conceptual model of health for individuals with DS. Health in DS is a multi-dimensional, multi-construct model focused on relevant constructs of causal and effect indicators. This conceptual model can be used in future research to develop a syndrome-specific measure of health status.

Randomized controlled trial evaluating a virtual parenting intervention for young children at risk of obesity: study protocol for Parenting Addressing Early Years Intervention with Coaching Visits in Toronto (PARENT) trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight (15%) and obesity (6%) in children under 5 years of age in Canada are high, and young children with overweight and obesity are at increased risk of the development of chronic disease(s) in adulthood. Prior research has demonstrated very few published trials on effective obesity prevention interventions in young children at risk of obesity, within primary healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to determine if 18–48-month-old children at risk for obesity, who are randomized to receive the Parents Together program (i.e., intervention group), have reduced body mass index z-score (zBMI), compared to those not receiving the intervention, at a 12-month follow-up. Secondary clinical outcomes between the intervention and control groups will be compared at 12 months.MethodsA pragmatic, parallel group, 1:1, superiority, randomized control trial (RCT) through the TARGetKids! Practice Based Research Network will be conducted. Young children (ages 18–48 months) who are at increased risk for childhood obesity will be invited to participate. Parents who are enrolled in the intervention group will participate in eight weekly group sessions and 4–5 coaching visits, facilitated by a trained public health nurse. Children and parents who are enrolled in the control group will receive the usual health care. The primary outcome will be compared between intervention arms using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed by parent focus groups and interviews, and fidelity to the intervention will be measured using nurse-completed checklists. A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) will be conducted.DiscussionThis study will aim to reflect the social, cultural, and geographic diversity of children in primary care in Toronto, Ontario, represented by an innovative collaboration among applied child health researchers, community health researchers, and primary care providers (i.e., pediatricians and family physicians in three different models of primary care). Clinical and implementation outcomes will be used to inform future research to test this intervention in a larger number, and diverse practices across diverse geographic settings in Ontario.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03219697. Registered on June 27, 2017.

The multilingual children’s library as physical and metaphorical ‘space’ within the community: Practical and emotional considerations

Following the establishment of a multilingual children’s library section in Sheffield, England, this paper explores logistical and emotional considerations concerning the set-up and running of the library, and its role within the community. Adopting a case study approach, data are derived from book stock and borrowing statistics, feedback from multiple events (including multilingual storytelling and story writing events, and a reading scheme), as well as a library staff and a parent focus group. Data were analysed thematically according to logistical and emotional concerns, with subthemes – such as borrowing patterns, identity, belonging and physical and metaphorical ‘space’ being identified within the data. The research highlights shortcomings in cataloguing facilities, and in the way in which ‘successes’ are measured in library management and research, while adding significantly to our understanding of the contribution multilingual resources and events in public libraries makes to a community’s sense of identity and belonging. The notion of real and metaphorical ‘space’ for multilingualism as part of library provision forms a vital addition to the way libraries might consider their roles in diverse societies.

Development of comphrehension skilss in 3rd grade

The article is about the peculiarities of understanding information text. How to identify the problem, implement an intervention to help correct the problems. The problem is relevant, because we are dealing with issues of raising the literacy level of pupils. To do this, let the pupils fall in love of reading, develop the ability to understand what they read, so that they can easily understand the informational text. For the latter, we should help pupils develop thinking skills. Let,s introduce the importance of thoughtful reading to the pupil and his parents. The aim of research is to improve the understanding of the informational text in the 3rd grade by using effective activities. The task of research is to reveal the causes and problems of existing difficulties, to find ways to solve and eliminate them. The main research question is: how to improve pupils’s reading and understanding of  important information from informational text. For this purpose, I used the diagnostoc of pupils (at the beginnging and at the end), focus group of teachers and parents. At the diagnosis stage, we chekes the pupils’ ability to understand the informational text. We have planned appropriate interventions to overcome to problems. By using interventions, the result doubled almost everywhere, with consistent activities and methods, it was possible to make pupils fall in love with reading; The selected strategies helped the pupils to actively engage in the learning process and understand the read of text.