Holistic Program Research Articles

RECENT MOTIVATIONAL TRENDS IN IMPROVING THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Recent motivational trends in human resource management (HRM) of educational institutions and their implementation strategies. The focus on work flexibility, continuous career development, work-life balance, and employee engagement and participation are highlighted. The implementation of hybrid work models, use of technology to enhance flexibility, holistic career development programs, learning approaches that support career growth, focus on employee well-being, and implementation of work-life balance policies are explained in depth. Employee engagement mechanisms through collective decisions and the development of participation in the decision-making process are also detailed. The research method uses a library research approach to analyze current motivational trends in human resource management (HRM) of educational institutions. This research method is based on literature study and analysis of relevant documents from sources such as scientific journals, books, and related research reports. The research concludes that a holistic approach to HR management can create an adaptive, motivating and growth-oriented work environment, bringing significant benefits to employees and the educational institution as a whole.

Pengembangan Career Adaptability Melalui Inovasi Sumber Daya Manusia

This article discusses the development of career adaptability through human resource innovation at MA Bahrul Ulum Besuk. This research uses a qualitative case study approach, the research subjects consist of the Principal and several Deputy Heads. Data collection techniques use interviews, documentation, observation. Data analysis techniques use data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The focus of this research is that researchers want to describe Career Adaptability Development through Human Resource Innovation at MA Bahrul Ulum Besuk. This research data was obtained through interviews, observation and documentation. In the next stage, researchers checked the validity of the data by extending participation, diligent observation and triangulation. To get more accurate and accountable results, researchers conducted interviews with the Principal, Deputy Head of Student Affairs, Deputy Head of Curriculum and Teachers at MA Bahrul Ulum Besuk. The research results show that Career Adaptability Development through Human Resources innovation at MA Bahrul Ulum Besuk can be successfully carried out through human resource innovation by focusing on the dimensions of concern, control, curiosity and confidence. The implementation of a holistic career development program has proven its effectiveness in building self-confidence and readiness to face career changes. Regular monitoring of student skills and achievements provides a clear picture of the development of skills relevant to the world of work, enabling the identification of individual potential and the provision of constructive feedback. In addition, career resource centers are an important platform in providing the information, training and support needed to develop career adaptability. Overall, human resource innovation in the form of career programs, skills and achievement monitoring, and the role of career resource centers make a positive contribution in shaping individual career adaptability, creating a solid foundation for successful navigation in a dynamic world of work.

Early intervention service needs of mothers with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Turkey: A qualitative study

BackgroundEarly intervention services play a crucial role in the prevention and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With the increasing prevalence of ASD, understanding the specific needs of mothers and their children is essential for the development of effective interventions and support systems. MethodsThis interview study examines the early intervention service needs of Turkish mothers with children aged 2–6 who have been diagnosed with ASD. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with nine mothers. Thematic analysis was carried out following the guidance and six steps procedures described by Braun and Clarke. FindingsThe study's findings reveal six distinct themes that encompass the needs expressed by the participating mothers: 1) psychological support needs, 2) social support needs, 3) financial support needs, 4) strengthening the family, 5) government-based enhancement, and 6) the need for social awareness. DiscussionThe findings underscore the significance of comprehensive early intervention services tailored to address the needs of mothers. The stressors associated with the impact of ASD on families are highlighted, aligning with Guralnick's framework. The findings emphasize the need for holistic intervention programs and stress the importance of collaborative relationships among parents, educators, and service providers. Application to practiceThe practical implications of this study benefit healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. The emphasis lies in aligning interventions with the ASD needs of both mothers and children, ultimately aiding in the development of effective policies and the enhancement of the quality of care for individuals with ASD in Turkey.

Community-Based Health Movement: Social Innovation and Stunting Revolution in Supiori Regency

Stunting, which has become a critical social issue in Indonesia, has garnered significant attention from the government, with 100 cities/districts receiving special focus for intervention. However, the outcomes of these programs still exhibit considerable variation. Supiori Regency, with its distinctiveness and potential, serves as the focal point of this research, aiming to devise a strategic model to address this challenge. Adopting a qualitative approach, data was gathered through in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders and communities committed to health and stunting issues. The research findings underscore that stunting in Supiori is influenced not only by health factors but also by intricate economic and cultural dynamics. Moreover, the effectiveness of existing social protection programs needs enhancement. With a combined top-down and bottom-up approach, this region has successfully initiated a community-based health movement rooted in active participation from various governmental sectors and the local populace. This innovative implementation has birthed a series of adaptive and holistic programs, emphasizing the collective need to combat stunting. With the right commitment and strategies, Supiori is on a promising path to significantly reduce the prevalence of stunting.

An in-person and technology-implemented holistic health promotion program for older Black adults in low-income communities

The COVID-19 pandemic halted many in-person programs of research and required researchers to pivot to technology-enhanced approaches. To date, there are no examples or guidelines on how to use technology to implement health promotion programs rooted in the community-based participatory research (CBPR) model among low-income older Black adults. The aims of this paper are (a) to describe and report on the health-related outcomes of an in-person CBPR model-based health promotion intervention program for older Black adults in a low-income community, and (b) to describe the process of adapting this program to a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered format and provide preliminary evidence on the health-related outcomes and acceptability of this program. This paper highlights the potential benefits of a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered health promotion program among low-income older Black adults and provides recommendations to optimize such efforts to foster these benefits. These recommendations are aligned with the four domains of the CBPR model (i.e., contexts, partnership processes, intervention and research, and outcomes). We conclude that CBPR model-based, technology implemented health promotion interventions for low-income older Black adults are acceptable to such adults and should attend to the values, perspectives, and preferences of these individuals. The information in this manuscript is relevant to health promotion specialists at this seemingly ongoing though post-pandemic era because technology-enhanced interventions are scalable and cost-effective and those anchored in CBPR are well-positioned to promote health equity.

Development and Efficacy of Child's Holistic, Individualized Learning and Development Program for Children with Autism

The primary objective of treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is to alleviate symptoms that might disrupt everyday functioning and overall well-being. With this aim in mind, this research sought to highlight the benefits of employing the Child's Holistic, Individualized Learning and Development (CHILD.) Program as a therapeutic approach to enhance the quality of life for children with ASD. Utilizing a mixed methods research approach, the study was conducted at a child learning and development center, involving a cohort of 20 student participants. The researcher employed the Developmental Assessment of Young Children-Second Edition (DAYC-2) to gather data. From the significant findings of the study, it is inferred that the Child's Holistic, Individualized Learning, and Development Program effectively enhances the behavior of children diagnosed with ASD. Additionally, the locally developed program emerges as a credible and effective psychological intervention, presenting considerable potential for improving the skills and conduct of children with ASD. These findings emphasize the significance of personalized interventions to meet the varied needs of individuals with ASD, offering promising avenues for future research and practical implementation in clinical settings.

Incidence and risk factors for psychological distress in adult female patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cancer-related distress can be described as a complex and unpleasant combination of psychological (such as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional), social, and spiritual challenges that may impact an individual's ability to effectively cope with the physical symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Existing literature has confirmed psychological distress (PD) as an important sequela of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult female patients with breast cancer remain unclear; therefore, focusing on the PD of female breast cancer patients is meaningful, as they are at highest risk of contracting breast cancer, and might differ in their coping styles from men. This review aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for PD in adult woman patients with breast cancer, and to help guide targeted intervention to prevent distress. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL, PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, the Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database were searched for data regarding the incidence and risk factors of PD in adult women with breast cancer. The prevalence of PD, assessed using the distress thermometer, ranged between 11.2%-86.7%, and a meta-analysis of 47 studies with 15,157 adult female breast cancer patients showed that the pooled prevalence was 52.0%. Further, this study identified 40 risk factors. However, owing to the inclusion of at least two studies for a certain risk factor, 10 risk factors were merged for the meta-analysis. Independent risk factors included higher education level, late-stage tumor, emotional concerns, no medical insurance, modified radical mastectomy, and history of depression; age and neuroticism were not associated with PD; and higher monthly income was revealed as a protective factor against it. The incidence of PD in female patients with breast cancer is high and it involves 10 risk factors, though some are controversial owing to insufficient evidence. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of PD and develop risk factor-based holistic intervention programs to reduce its incidence. The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433578).

How Do Holistic Wrap-Around Anti-Poverty Programs Affect Employment and Individualized Outcomes?

How Do Holistic Wrap-Around Anti-Poverty Programs Affect Employment and Individualized Outcomes?

Moving towards health promoting schools: effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding heart attack, and CPR knowledge in high school students in Lebanon.

Health promoting schools (HPS) prioritize the health of students and community. One important target of HPS is noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including prevention of heart attacks, due to their burden on healthcare. This study assesses the effectiveness of an educational intervention to promote knowledge of signs and symptoms, beliefs and attitudes towards heart attack, and promote knowledge of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The intervention consisted of a 6-minute educational video between a pre-and post-survey. Among other questions, the survey included the Calgary Charter on Health literacy scale, the acute coronary syndrome response index questionnaire, and items assessing knowledge of CPR. A total of 401 high school students participated (58.9% females). Few students had adequate baseline knowledge of heart attack symptoms (22%) and CPR (7%). The sample showed moderate level of health literacy (12 ± 2.7). Chest pain was the most identified symptom (95%) while abdominal pain was the least identified (14.25%). The intervention significantly increased knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards heart attack, and knowledge of CPR (p < 0.001). Following the intervention, 83.2% of students demonstrated sufficient knowledge of heart attack symptoms, and 45% exhibited adequate knowledge of CPR. Variables predictive of better attitude, in other words higher confidence in recognizing and reacting to symptoms of heart attack, included having higher health literacy and prior knowledge of risk factors (p < 0.05). Needing help reading medical instructions sometimes predicted worse belief in their capacity to act if they experienced or witnessed a heart attack [score (p < 0.05)]. It was also predictive of worse attitude towards heart attack (OR = 0.18). High school students in Lebanon lack appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward heart attack, and lack CPR qualifications. Scale up of this educational initiative, along with training of teachers and school personnel, can be used as part of a holistic HPS program aimed at raising awareness of heart attack and first responder preparedness.

Enhancing healthcare communication education: Standardised patient programmes.

This article delves into standardised patients' (SP) roles in healthcare education, using role-play and in-person methodology for realistic scenario simulation and learner technical and non-technical skill enhancement. Key to the success of the SP programme are phases like recruitment, onboarding, training and continuous quality improvement, cultivating a qualified pool of engaged SPs. Sustained SP engagement involves strategies such as tailored training sessions, quizzes, just-in-time videos and anaesthesia-specific self-assessment tools. The benefits of sessions led by SPs lie in their flexibility, providing anaesthesia learners with a controlled, experiential learning environment, where they can safely learn from mistakes. Addressing challenges in launching SP programmes for training, the article underscores clear objectives, strategic resource allocation, curriculum integration and specialised SP training. Implementing technology, quality assurance and ongoing evaluations are vital for dynamic SP programmes. The article advocates holistic SP programme implementation and optimisation, with continuous improvement for acquiring skills by anaesthesia professionals.

Linear perspective as aesthetic form

Background. The article provides a theoretical reconstruction of the linear perspective functioning as more than just an artistic technique that emerged and became an attribute of paintings starting with the Italian Trecento, in particular, in the works of Giotto. The purpose of the article is to reveal the heuristic potential of aesthetic form not in reflecting the consequences of the economic landscape transformation, but in anticipating its transformation and directing the efforts of the subject in its reorganization. The research's methodology is focused on the dynamics of cultural forms through the optics of art history and aesthetic theory, as well as on socio-historical reconstruction of the context without trying to prevent vulgar sociological reductionism and economic determinism. This approach reveals the relationship between the aesthetic text and the context, and the former's potential in clarifying the subtext by articulating the serial principle's aesthetic value and promoting the modern historical type of cultural production and consumption. Methods. This artistic guideline transformed not only the order of the signifiers of the painting (in particular, it replaced the golden background, which had been mostly filled with geometric shapes, humanized the illusory space, and saturated it with mathematically verified figures and objects) but also the order of signifies in the logic of the "picture of the world" (rehabilitation of sensory perception, declaration of the infallibility eye, autonomization of vision, dominance of pictorial space, compression of time to the moment of now, unification of the status of a separate thing in the general order, legitimization of holistic anti-metaphysical programs). Results. The article reveals the connection between the antimetaphysical program of linear perspective in the artistic dimension and the Cartesian homology of space in the theoretical dimension. It also emphasizes the architectonic principle of linear perspective: the rhythmicity of geometric shapes, a stable balance of nodal points, and dynamics of basic forms' reproductions and repetitions. Conclusions. Conducted research substantiates the understanding of linear perspective not as a method of legitimizing the correct vision of things, but as a representation of the valid order and scale of the world through a clear coordinate system, aimed at unification of the system of things and equivalent exchange within it.

The Role of Digital Technologies in Maintaining the Mental Health of Foreign Language Teachers

The article examines the complex and multifaceted role of digital technologies in maintaining and preserving the mental health of foreign language teachers. In the context of the constantly growing use of digital tools in the educational process, the study opens a discussion about how digitalization affects the efficiency, organization and quality of work of foreign language teachers. On the one hand, digital tools open up new horizons for pedagogical practice, giving teachers access to a variety of educational resources, innovative teaching methods, and tools for effective time and materials management. This, in turn, can contribute to an increase in overall efficiency and job satisfaction, as well as provide new opportunities for professional development. However, along with the benefits of digital technologies, the article also draws attention to their potential risks and negative consequences. In particular, it focuses on issues such as digital burnout caused by excessive use of technology, feelings of isolation due to the reduction of direct interpersonal contacts and the risk of information overload. The article examines how these factors can negatively affect the psychological well-being of foreign language teachers, causing stress and a decrease in professional motivation. The authors emphasize the importance of providing effective psychological support, which can be a key element in preventing and solving these problems. The paper also highlights the need for further research in this area, emphasizing the importance of developing new strategies and approaches that can contribute to a better understanding and resolution of digital challenges. In particular, the authors call for research into the effectiveness of various methods of psychological support, the study of the impact of digital technologies on various aspects of mental health, and the development of holistic programs that include digital literacy training, stress management strategies, and techniques for supporting social interaction. In general, the aim of these studies is not only to improve the quality of the professional life of foreign language teachers, but also to ensure their general well-being in a rapidly changing digital world. The authors emphasize that such research is important not only for maintaining the individual health of teachers, but also for ensuring the sustainable development of educational institutions as a whole.

Pengembangan diri pensiunan perantau jawa melalui pelatihan Seni Gamelan di Lombok Timur

This study examines the positive impact of Javanese Gamelan training activities on retired Javanese migrants in East Lombok. The main focus of the research is on strengthening cultural identity, the effectiveness of training activities, contributions to education and self-development, and designing holistic social activity programs. Active participation in traditional arts, especially Javanese Gamelan, positively impacts participants' psychological well-being, strengthens their sense of cultural identity, and improves life quality in retirement. The activity not only develops cultural and artistic skills but also creates strong social networks and a sense of togetherness, reducing the risk of social isolation. This holistic approach includes active cultural arts education and skill development through Gamelan training. The research highlights the importance of understanding different cultural backgrounds and the challenges of maintaining cultural heritage and designing inclusive and supportive programs. Additionally, social activity programs are directed toward meeting participants' psychological, social, and emotional needs, creating an experience that goes beyond mere physical activity. Overall results indicate that integrating cultural arts activities with a holistic approach can have a significant positive impact on cultural identity, psychological well-being, and retirees' quality of life. Besides, social activities, particularly Gamelan training, are deemed essential for enhancing retirees' physical and mental well-being and helping them adapt to new roles post-retirement. Social and cultural activities, especially those related to traditional arts, play a crucial role in supporting retirees, preserving culture, and creating mutually supportive communities.

Формирование профессионально-эстетической готовности и медиаграмотности студентов педвузов

Процессы, происходящие в культуре последнего десятилетия, целенаправленно меняют традиционные представления о роли эстетического воспитания в формировании личности учителя. Поэтому на данный момент возникают вопросы разработки и реализации целостной программы по формированию профессиональной и эстетической готовности (ПЭГ) будущего учителя. Также ситуация с коронавирусом показала, что профессионально-эстетическая готовность должна подкрепляется медиаграмотностью будущих учителей изобразительного искусства. В статье представлены результаты формирования профессионально-эстетической готовности будущих учителей изобразительного искусства, изучены направления по формированию профессионально-эстетической готовности. В формировании ПЭГ также применяются информационные технологии как основа последующей грамотности в использовании интернет-ресурсов в педагогической деятельности. Данная работа будет полезна педагогам педагогического вуза в виде инструмента проверки профессионально-эстетической готовности студентов. Авторами определен уровень сформированности профессионально-эстетической подготовки исследования: «Определение формирования ценностных ориентаций»; использованы тесты «Узнавать эмоции», «Категории анализа художественного содержания произведений изобразительного искусства» и «Мотивация профессиональной деятельности». Результаты работы демонстрируют низкий общий уровень познания эстетических знаний, методических умений использовать эстетический багаж в учебном процессе, стремление к творческой самореализации в художественно-педагогической сфере. Студенты показали средний и низкий уровни сформированности эмоционально-ценностного, познавательного, рефлексивно-конструктивного компонентов профессионально-эстетической готовности будущих учителей изобразительного искусства. Авторами статьи предложены параметрические характеристики и набор диагностических инструментов для оценки подготовки будущих учителей изобразительного искусства. Выделенные компоненты позволяют диагностировать степень сформированности каждого компонента профессионально-эстетической готовности педагогов образовательного направления «Искусство».

МЕЖДИСЦИПЛИНАРНАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ИМИДЖА СТРАН

The relevance of the study is due to the realities of modernity taking place all over the world, when the formation of a positive image of the country at the domestic and international levels is the most important strategy for the security of the state. Over the past decades, scientists of various scientific fields have studied various phenomena of the image of the state, but in order to create a holistic productive program for the formation and promotion of a positive image of Russia, it is important to go beyond one approach and deal with issues of the image of the state interdisciplinary. The author conducted empirical studies of the image of the country among Russian youth twice, with a difference of 20 years. The empirical study of the structure and factors of the formation of the country's image in 2002–2006 resulted in the creation of a universal model of the country's image. Based on this model, a socio-psychological structural model of the image of countries was compiled and a semantic differential was developed to study the image of the state among modern youth. Using the model of the country's image, a repeated empirical study was conducted in 2020–2023, additional methods were developed to study the image of countries during the pandemic. In the course of the study, an interdisciplinary theoretical analysis was additionally carried out, confirming the existing structural components of the universal model of the image of countries, the component "health care" was singled out separately from the "social institutions", the importance of which among young people increased during and after the pandemic. The structural components of the interdisciplinary model of the image of countries are foreign policy, domestic policy, the country's population, economy, armed forces, science and education, geographical and climatic parameters, development and progress, social institutions, culture, healthcare, history, religion, mentality, sports. It is necessary to use the created interdisciplinary model of the image of countries in order to monitor the state of its structural components on its basis and develop programs for improving each of them, as well as create a Federal State Educational Standard for the upbringing and education of opinion leaders on the Internet (bloggers, media personalities), whose activities eventually become image-forming information about Russia.

Fostering an enabling environment for equality and empowerment in agri-food systems: An assessment at multiple scales

Inequalities by gender and intersecting sources of social differentiation in access to resources, exercise of agency, and desirable outcomes persist in agri-food systems in low- and middle income countries. Despite decades of development and theoretical assessment efforts calling for multiscale approaches to addressing inequalities in agri-food systems, common approaches remain specific to a scale rather than holistic.In this paper, we make the case that achieving lasting equality and empowerment in agri-food systems requires transformative change. This depends on fostering an enabling environment by relaxing ‘deeper’ – often interrelated – institutionalized constraints to equality and empowerment across multiple nested scales of the state, markets, communities, household and individuals.Based on a review of recent literature focused on agri-food systems in low- and middle income countries, we present newly emerging thinking and a status update of key structural constraints to equality at different scales – rooted in policy and discriminatory, formal and informal, social and economic institutions, including norms. We give examples that show how structural constraints to equality at different nested scales are interdependent and mutually reinforcing; demonstrating the need for holistic approaches tackling constraints at multiple scales to foster transformative change in agri-food systems. We recommend designing holistic policy and development programs that combine strategies for relaxing constraints to equality and empowerment at multiple scales using inclusive processes of tailoring and prioritizing. To inform the design of such programs, we present recent evidence of effective or promising strategies for addressing structural constraints to equality that relate to policy, market systems, collectives and norms.

LIVING FOREVERWELL IN RURAL AMERICA: RESULTS FROM A QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF A YMCA HEALTHY AGING PROGRAM

Abstract Older adults benefit from community programs that promote physical and mental health, reduce social isolation, and offer connections to community resources. However, older adults living in rural communities have access to fewer health and social services and experience barriers to participation such as access to transportation. Recognizing these challenges, the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) expanded ForeverWell, a healthy aging model, to 17 YMCAs (“Ys”) serving adults aged 55+ living in rural areas. Developed by the YMCA of the North in Minnesota, ForeverWell is a flexible set of Y activities focused on five dimensions of healthy aging: mind, body, community, spirit, and nature. The goals of ForeverWell are to improve health and well-being, decrease social isolation, and increase community connections among older adults. NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a qualitative evaluation of ForeverWell’s expansion in 17 communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. NORC conducted virtual interviews with 25 Y staff members and 24 program participants to identify facilitators, challenges, and outcomes. NORC transcribed interviews and conducted qualitative content analysis to identify themes. This session describes findings from the interviews. A key facilitator of success was the flexibility of the model. Challenges included staff and financial resources, outreach in rural areas, and transportation access. Ys developed and enhanced older adult programming and created new partnerships. Program participants reported improvements in physical and mental health and strong social connections. ForeverWell is a flexible, holistic healthy aging program that shows promise for older adults living in rural communities.

HOPE—A UNIQUE MODEL TO PROVIDE ORAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Abstract Optimal oral health care is an essential component of primary health care for all individuals but especially among the older adults due to chronic health issues and polypharmacy. Moreover, there are several barriers to oral health care for the older adults that include but are not limited to cost of dental care, lack of perceived need for care, dearth of transportation, and fear for dental care. To address these barriers to access, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry launched Holistic Oral Health Program for Elders (HOPE) program that aims to address oral health needs of nursing home residents living within a 65-mile radius of San Antonio, TX. The HOPE team is formed of trained dental and public health professionals who work together as a group to ensure that preventive, palliative, and clinical oral health services are provided to all eligible residents of the nursing home. For successful implementation of the HOPE program, the team efficaciously completed several critical steps while planning and developing the program, such as- establishing a relationship and procuring contracts with several nursing homes, collaborating with social workers and nurses, and following an interprofessional approach to provide oral health care to the nursing home residents. Since its inception, the HOPE program has successfully signed contract agreements with several nursing homes and has addressed the oral health needs of more than 300 nursing home residents. The HOPE program aims to continue serving this vulnerable and underserved population to address their oral health needs.

Stakeholders' Perspectives, Needs, and Barriers to Self-Management for People With Physical Disabilities Experiencing Chronic Conditions: Focus Group Study.

While self-management programs have had significant improvements for individuals with chronic conditions, less is known about the impact of self-management programs for individuals with physical disabilities who experience chronic conditions, as no holistic self-management programs exist for this population. Similarly, there is limited knowledge of how other stakeholders, such as caregivers, health experts, and researchers, view self-management programs in the context of disability, chronic health conditions, and assistive technologies. This study aimed to obtain insight into how stakeholders perceive self-management relating to physical disability, chronic conditions, and assistive technologies. Nine focus groups were conducted by 2 trained facilitators using semistructured interview guides. Each guide contained questions relating to stakeholders' experiences, challenges with self-management programs, and perceptions of assistive technologies. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted on the focus group data. A total of 47 individuals participated in the focus groups. By using a constructivist grounded approach and inductive data collection, three main themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) perspectives, (2) needs, and (3) barriers of stakeholders. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of physical activity, mental health, symptom management, medication management, participant centeredness, and chronic disease and disability education. Participants viewed technology as a beneficial aide to their daily self-management and expressed their desire to have peer-to-peer support in web-based self-management programs. Additional views of technology included the ability to access individualized, educational content and connect with other individuals who experience similar health conditions or struggle with caregiving duties. The findings suggest that the development of any web-based self-management program should include mental health education and resources in addition to physical activity content and symptom management and be cost-effective. Beyond the inclusion of educational resources, stakeholders desired customization or patient centeredness in the program to meet the overall needs of individuals with physical disabilities and caregivers. The development of web-based self-management programs should be holistic in meeting the needs of all stakeholders. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05481593; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05481593.

The Spoken Language, Written Language, and Executive Functions of Female Adolescents with High Risk Factors

This study examined the spoken language, written language, and executive functions of 19 female adolescents with high risk factors in a long-term, holistic program. Standardized assessment results revealed that 63.2% of the participants had below-average spoken language, 68.5% had below-average written language, and 68.4% and 42.1% had some level of elevated executive functioning challenges (as reported by themselves and by the program staff, respectively). However, these profiles did not match their current disabilities: none had a speech/language impairment, 26.3% had a learning disability, and 78.9% had emotional/behavioral disorder. Additionally, there were stark differences in the number of disabilities and assessment scores between participants involved with the juvenile justice system and those who were not. Participants involved with the justice system had the greatest challenges in all areas. This and other findings from the study are described and discussed.