Family Impact Research Articles

Qualitative analysis of Portuguese-language YouTube videos about autism spectrum disorders

BackgroundIn the digital age, social media platforms such as YouTube have become significant channels for disseminating health information, including content related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The quality and reliability of this information, especially when produced by healthcare professionals, are crucial for public health education and promotion. This study aims the content of Portuguese-language videos about the treatment of ASD on YouTube, produced by healthcare providers from 2019 to 2023, assessing their quality and alignment with evidence-based practices. MethodsA qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used, with content analysis based on Bardin's method. A total of 41 videos were selected using keywords related to ASD. Transcriptions were analyzed for discussions on treatment approaches, best practices, and professional recommendations according to DSM-V and ICD-10 guidelines. The quality of information was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire. ResultsThe analysis revealed significant variability in the quality of the information. Videos were categorized into four quality groups based on DISCERN scores: good (n = 6), moderate (n = 11), poor (n = 20), and very poor (n = 4). Good quality videos had the highest engagement metrics and overall quality scores. Common themes identified included defining and understanding ASD, ABA interventions and strategies, family and social impact, skills development, and challenges and solutions. ConclusionWhile some videos provided accurate, evidence-based information, a substantial portion did not meet minimum quality criteria. This highlights the need for improved mechanisms to ensure the dissemination of reliable health information on social media platforms.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among urban school adolescents in Vietnam: The role of youth, family, and school relationships

BackgroundAdolescents frequently encounter a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, predominantly depressive and anxiety disorders, along with various behavioral disturbances. ObjectiveThis investigation aims to delineate the prevalence of depressive disorders among adolescents in urban Vietnam and to elucidate the interrelationships between familial and school-related dynamics and adolescent depression. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022, involving 507 students aged 15 to 17 from high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - Second Edition (RADS-2) was used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. Social-demographic characteristics, adolescent-family and adolescent-school relationships, and academic environment characteristics of high school students were interviewed. Multivariate Tobit regression models were employed to discern contributory factors across four domains of RADS-2. ResultsAmong the 507 adolescents, the mean scores on the RADS scale were 15.1 ± 4.2 for the dysphoric mood domain, 16.4 ± 4.0 for the anhedonia-negative domain, 13.1 ± 4.4 for the negative self-evaluation domain, and 12.4 ± 3.7 for the somatic complaints domain. The analysis indicated that adolescents with suboptimal parental relationships, absence of confidants, frequent parental conflicts, exposure to parental arguments, substantial exam-related stress, or overwhelming academic demands were more likely to exhibit elevated depressive symptoms. Conversely, adolescents who were satisfied with their friendships at school and received care, support from teachers or friends, and involved in school's extracurricular activities lower exhibited levels of depression. ConclusionsFindings reveal the significant impact of family and peer relationships, as well as academic stress, on the development of depressive symptoms. These significant results inform the design and development of future interventions aimed at mitigating depression risks among high school students, emphasizing the crucial roles of both educational institutions and family dynamics.

Impact of Broken Families on Students Behaviour A Case of Public Sector Universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

This quantitative study investigated the impact of broken families on the behaviour of students at public sector universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). The study also compared the factors affecting the behaviour of broken family university students at AJ&K. A snowball sampling technique was employed to collect data from 200 undergraduate students from broken families, using a questionnaire that assessed five key domains: emotional behaviour, mental health, social problems, aggressive behaviour, and competitiveness. The study observed ethical considerations, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality. The results of this study provided valuable information about the behavioural changes students experienced following family breakups. Students from separated families exhibited more behavioural problems compared to those from divorced families. Similarly, students belonging to separated families and those not living with either parent experienced a greater impact on their behaviour than the students belonging to broken families due to death, separation, or divorce. The findings suggested psychological measures to address the behavioural issues of these students. This implies that universities should implement counselling services and encourage active participation in recreational and curricular activities to promote constructive behaviour among students from broken families.

Family Planning and Health of Users: A Case Study of Owan Community in Edo State Nigeria

Background: This study investigated the relationship between family planning and health of women in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Materials and Methods: the population of the study was 280,000 inhabitants with sample size of 140, Taro Yamane formula was used in determining the sample size with a significant level of 0.05%. The data analysis technique used for this study is simple percentage for questions by the respondents. Results & Discussion: This study has succeeded in identifying the impact of family planning on woman. The process of family planning prevents unwanted pregnancy and reverses the complications of pregnancy. Family planning has positive impact on the health of women. In view of the research and importance of family planning on women. Conclusion & Recommendation: The following recommendations were made, that government should encourage the use of contraceptives for the good of it involving reduction in population growth as well as its positive impacts and roles in the society. It is also recommended that seminars or public lectures be organized to educate the public on the significance of contraceptive use and its application effectiveness.

Psychological and emotional profiles of Australian uterine transplant potential recipients: A comparison with international trials.

Uterus transplant (UTx) has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals with uterine factor infertility (UFI). This study is the first in Australia to explore the psychosocial functioning of potential recipients assessed for the nation's initial UTx clinical trial and to compare their psychological profiles with those from international UTx trials. This is a mixed methods prospective study incorporating standardized psychological measures and semi-structured interviews. Conducted at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, the study involved 10 female Australian UTx potential recipients with UFI undergoing assessment for UTx surgery. Participants underwent comprehensive psychological evaluation using validated measures and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative measurement tools included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-36 Health Survey, Fertility Quality of Life, and the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. The Australian UTx potential recipients reported significantly higher Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores compared to the Australian general population in general health (p < 0.04), bodily pain (p < 0.02), social functioning (p < 0.02), and emotional well-being (p < 0.01). Compared with international UTx cohorts, the Australian UTx group showed comparable SF-36 outcomes, with minor variations observed for general health and physical function domains. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores revealed lower anxiety, but slightly higher depression levels compared to international UTx trial cohorts. Fertility quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the Australian UTx group compared to women experiencing primary infertility across four domains (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted the complex emotional impact of infertility, strong family and social support, and the perception of UTx as a transformative opportunity to achieve wholeness and motherhood. UTx represents a novel treatment option for women with UFI. This is the first qualitative study in Australia, it demonstrates the connection between women with UFI and their motivations for parenthood. These findings highlight the importance of tailored psychological assessments and establish a foundation for future research exploring the psychological characteristics of patient candidacy for UTxs.

The abolition of People’s Communes and fertility decline in rural China

This study investigates the impact of the abolition of People’s Communes in the early 1980s on rural fertility in China. Exploiting the staggered implementation of agricultural decollectivization, we show that decollectivization led to a significant decline in rural fertility, independent of the impact of family planning policies. Counties with higher levels of egalitarianism during the commune period experienced a sharper fertility decline following decollectivization, indicating that the elimination of egalitarian income distribution is the key mechanism behind this fertility decline. We find no evidence supporting the alternative hypothesis that the fertility decline was due to increased opportunity costs of childbearing associated with higher agricultural productivity after decollectivization.

Student-Centered Physical Education and Green School Curriculum

This study examined the effectiveness of student-centered physical education initiatives in Chinese schools, focusing on how they foster health and fitness awareness within the framework of a green school curriculum. It explored respondents' assessments of various principles like positive relationships, real-world relevance, and sustainability, while also evaluating the impact of family and community engagement on physical activity. Additionally, it sought to determine any significant differences in the assessments among respondent groups and to formulate strategies to promote health and fitness consciousness. In this study, the quantitative research method was utilized along with a descriptive correlational research design and utilized 307 students, 61 teachers and 33 administrators (total of 401 respondents) of the 3 selected universities in China. The study found that student-centered physical education initiatives in Chinese schools are effectively implemented, promoting health and fitness awareness, with no significant differences in assessments across respondent groups. However, the Green School Curriculum and these initiatives show very weak correlations, suggesting the need for further examination and the development of targeted strategies to better integrate health and fitness consciousness. School administrators should enhance "Time and Place" flexibility in physical education and strengthen family and community involvement. Additionally, the Green School Curriculum needs better integration with health and fitness initiatives, focusing on sustainability and physical well-being.

Understanding what aspects of Parkinson’s disease matter most to patients and families

Understanding what matters to people with Parkinson’s and their family is essential to derive relevant clinical outcome measures and guide clinical care. The purpose of this study was to explore what is important to people with Parkinson’s disease vs. family over time. A qualitative content-analysis of online survey data collected by Parkinson’s UK was conducted to identify types and frequencies of important symptoms and impacts of Parkinson’s for people with the disease vs. family of people with Parkinson’s. Independent T-tests were used to identify significance of between group differences for patients vs. family at < 2, 2–5, 6–10, 11–20, > 20-year durations. ANOVA was used to assess for within group differences by disease duration. We found that symptom priority changed significantly over time with longer disease duration. Tremor was reported less often later on, whereas mobility, dyskinesias, gait and speech/communication symptoms gained priority. In general, patients identified movement-related symptoms (e.g., walking, bradykinesia) as the most bothersome at all durations while family more strongly prioritized the physical and psychosocial impacts of disease (e.g., mobility, safety, interpersonal interactions, independence, and family impact). We conclude that important differences exist between family and patient perspectives of what matters and change over time with longer duration of disease.

Supporting caregivers of children living with disability in a humanitarian context: realist-informed evaluation of the ‘Mighty Children’ programme in Afghanistan

IntroductionTo ensure that humanitarian action is disability-inclusive, evidence is needed to understand how different strategies to support children living with disabilities and their families can work in these settings. Evidence...

African American Family Caregivers' Experiences and Mental Health: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study.

Caregiving in the African American community is informed by strong cultural expectations but may be associated with negative experiences and poor mental health outcomes. The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study is to understand the relationship between caregiving experiences and mental health and explore stress management strategies in African American family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions. African American family caregivers (N = 100) were recruited using community-engaged methods and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D-10) Scale. A subsample (n = 24) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using linear regression and content analysis. A matrix was developed to integrate quantitative and qualitative results. Participants were on average 59 years old. Most were women and provided care to a parent. Lack of family support (B = 1.37, P = .03) and impact of caregiving on caregivers' finances (B = 1.74, P = .004), schedule (B = 2.92, P < .001), and health (B = 3.26, P < .001) were associated with depressive symptoms and were reported as stressful experiences. Negative interactions with the care recipient and caring for multiple people emerged as other sources of stress. Participants used independent and interpersonal coping strategies, as well as strategies to facilitate their caregiving role to reduce their stress. Values of reciprocity, limited use of community-based resources, and mental health stigma emerged as important cultural considerations. Our findings suggest the need for culturally-sensitive interventions to improve communication and care coordination within African American family caregiving networks and educational programs about mental health and caregiving resources endorsed by trusted community sources.

Sex Differences in ADHD Symptomatology Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in the world. In this thesis, I investigated sex differences in the symptomatology of childhood ADHD within a Canadian sample while also seeking to see if these symptoms increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were drawn from a larger study examining child and family impact throughout the pandemic. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were found in childhood ADHD symptomatology between sexes both at the onset of the study and throughout the pandemic. However, a general increase in ADHD symptom severity throughout the pandemic was in fact found. Further investigation found this increase to be influenced in part by the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on children. These findings support the current literature of post-pandemic changes in the symptomatology of ADHD and suggest that further research be done to understand what factors brought about this increase in symptom severity.

Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in arresting early childhood caries: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

Evaluate the effectiveness of biannual 38% SDF in arresting early childhood caries (ECC) compared to atraumatic restorative treatment (ART). One hundred children (aged 2-5 years) with ECC were (2-5 years) divided equally and randomly into two groups. Test group: 38% SDF biannually; Control group: ART. The primary outcome was caries arrestarrest, which was assessed at the 3,6,9, and 12 months interval. Oral health- related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated at base line and after 12 months using the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and Family Impact Scale (FIS). SDF was considerably more effective in arresting ECC after 12 months compared to ART. An overall significant improvement of OHRQoL was reported for both groups with SDF being faintly superior to ART.

The Impact of Family Functioning on Self-Esteem and Resilience Among Young Adults in the Southern Region of Bangladesh

Family functioning, such as family adaptability and family cohesion, is a crucial component of every individual’s life, can influence his/her self-esteem and resilience, acting as protective factors in the environment. The present study examined the impact of family functioning on self-esteem and resilience among university students in the southern region of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 400 students from four different universities situated at Gopalganj, Khulna, Barisal, and Jessore. Bangla version of Resilience Scale for Adults, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale II, and Personal Information Form were used for data collection. Independent sample ‘t’ test revealed significant gender differences in family functioning; Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed significant positive relationship among family functioning, self-esteem and resilience; regression analysis showed both self-esteem and resilience can be predicted by family functioning. The results can inform efforts to strengthen family relationships and enhance communication within families. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 87-95, 2024 (July)

Development of a signs and symptoms outcome measure for caregivers of patients with methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia (MMAPAQ)

Background and objectiveMethylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA) are rare inborn errors of metabolism with shared signs and symptoms that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. No disease-specific clinical outcomes assessment instruments for MMA and/or PA currently exist to capture the patient perspective in clinical trials. Because patients with these conditions are generally young and have cognitive impairments, an observer-reported outcome (ObsRO) instrument is crucial. We report results from qualitative research supporting development of the Methylmalonic Acidemia and Propionic Acidemia Questionnaire (MMAPAQ), a signs and symptoms ObsRO measure for caregivers of patients with MMA and/or PA. MethodsConcept elicitation (CE) interviews were conducted with 35 participants across 2 studies who were aged ≥18 years and caregivers of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MMA or PA, and an additional 5 patients aged ≥6 years with MMA or PA in Study 1, to identify core signs/symptoms for inclusion in the MMAPAQ. All interviews were conducted in English. Study 2 included cognitive interviews (CI) with caregivers and clinical experts to further assess content validity. CE and a conceptual framework review were also conducted with clinical experts to further support findings. ResultsA consistent set of signs/symptoms of MMA and PA were reported by eligible caregivers interviewed in study 1 (n = 21) and study 2 (n = 14), representing 11 patients with MMA and 20 with PA. Based on concepts reported in study 1, a draft instrument was constructed and compared with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) and Family Impact module, demonstrating face validity for measuring key signs/symptoms important to patients and caregivers. The PedsQL™ and Family Impact modules were preferred to assess patient and caregiver impacts. Two waves of CE and CIs were conducted in study 2, with wave 1 resulting in removal of 7 items and other revisions to improve clarity, and wave 2 resulting in modification of examples used for 2 items. The final instrument consisted of the following 7 items assessed over the past 7 days using a Likert-type response scale ranging from “never” to “very often”: uncontrollable or involuntary movements, dehydration, rapid breathing at rest, appearing lethargic, appearing disinterested in eating, refusing to eat, and vomiting. ConclusionsThis study establishes the content validity of the MMAPAQ as the first ObsRO questionnaire for measuring core signs and symptoms of MMA and PA in clinical trials and community research. Scoring and psychometric measurement properties of the MMAPAQ will be established in future studies. The PedsQL™ was found to have face validity in measuring concepts that affect the MMA and PA patient populations and should also be considered for use in clinical trials in MMA and PA.

The influence of brand image, price, foreign branding, brand ambassador, family, and peer group on repurchase decisions in the fashion industry

The industrial sector has heightened competitiveness as the economy progresses, especially among companies producing similar products. These conditions require companies to adapt to changes in both the social and cultural landscape. This study aims to determine the impact of brand image, price, foreign branding, brand ambassadors, family, and peers on repurchase decisions and to identify which variables wield the most influence among brand image, price, foreign branding, and brand ambassadors. Sampling was conducted using non-probability methods employing purposive sampling techniques, yielding 245 respondents who purchased Geoff Max products at least twice a year. Based on the test, the brand image positively affected repurchase decisions, while price exhibited a negative effect. Similarly, foreign branding showed a negative effect, whereas brand ambassadors, family, and peers all displayed positive effects on repurchase decisions. Other test results show that brand image, price, foreign branding, brand ambassador, family, and peer group collectively positively affect repurchase decisions.

Queer households and possibilities for shared housing: a policy case study analysis

ABSTRACT Kinship structures among Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) individuals differ from conventional nuclear families. Heteronormative models of family and cohabitation impact housing options, resulting in the marginalization of queer households in Canada. This paper examines systemic factors in federal, provincial, and municipal policies, focusing on two specific policies: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods, which limit housing provision for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Using Toronto as a case study, it evaluates how these policies affect the household needs of 2SLGBTQI+ adults based on queer kinship and identifies opportunities for change.

Paid Family Leave and Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections in Young Infants

Acute respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in US children, with highest risks in the first 2 months after birth. Out-of-home childcare settings increase the spread of respiratory tract infections. The study team hypothesized that access to state-paid family leave could reduce acute care encounters (hospital admissions or emergency department visits) for respiratory tract infections in young infants by reducing out-of-home childcare transmissions. To determine if the 2018 introduction of paid family leave in New York state reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in infants 8 weeks or younger. This population-based study of acute care encounters took place in New York state and New England control states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont) from October 2015 through February 2020. Participants included infants aged 8 weeks or younger. Controlled time series analysis using Poisson regression was used to estimate the impact of paid family leave on acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections, comparing observed counts during respiratory virus season (October through March) with those predicted in the absence of the policy. Acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in 1-year-olds (who would not be expected to benefit as directly from the policy) were modeled as a placebo test. New York State Paid Family Leave policy, introduced on January 1, 2018, providing 8 weeks of paid leave for eligible parents. Emergency department visits or hospitalizations with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD) codes for upper or lower respiratory tract infections or associated symptoms (ie, fever, cough), excluding newborn hospitalizations. The secondary outcome was acute care encounters for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. There were 52 943 acute care encounters for respiratory infection among infants 8 weeks or younger. There were 15 932 encounters that were hospitalizations (30%) and 33 304 of the encounters were paid for by Medicaid (63%). Encounters were 18% lower than predicted (relative percentage change = -17.9; 95% CI, -20.3 to -15.7) after the introduction of paid family leave. RSV encounters were 27.0% lower (95% CI, -30.9 to -23.5) than predicted. Similar reductions were not observed in 1-year-olds (relative percentage change = -1.5; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.6). New York state's paid family leave policy was associated with reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in young infants. These findings may be useful for informing implementation of paid family leave federally and in the states that have not enacted paid family leave policies.

Latine perspectives on the impact of family, perceptions of medication, health systems, incarceration, and housing on accessing opioid agonist therapy: A thematic analysis

IntroductionOpioid-related overdose deaths rates among Latine individuals are increasing rapidly and, in Massachusetts, have exceeded rates among non-Hispanic White individuals. Yet Latine individuals are less likely to receive opioid agonist therapies (OAT) methadone and buprenorphine, which have been demonstrated to prevent opioid deaths. Amid climbing Latine overdose rates, we lack qualitative data from Spanish-speaking people who use opioids about their views on and access to OAT. In this paper, we sought to assess variables affecting Latine individuals' initiation of OAT. MethodsWe conducted 21 semi-structured interviews – half in Spanish – with Latine-identifying individuals recruited from four locations–three residential treatment sites and one city shelter–in Boston offering services to people who use drugs. We utilized thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to starting and continuing OAT. ResultsThe following themes – which cut across individual-, interpersonal-, and systems-level variables – emerged as core considerations shaping Latine participants' OAT engagement: (1) family, (2) medication desirability and accessibility, (3) health care resources, (4) housing stability, and (5) incarceration. First, family members were prominent interpersonal influences on participants' treatment decisions. For some participants, family introduced participants to opioids at young ages and later supported them in recovery. Second, engagement with OAT was shaped by individual-level opinions on the medications as well as by systems-level experiences with trying to access the medications. Participants identified benefits and drawbacks of methadone versus buprenorphine, with greater access difficulties for methadone. Third, the health care setting in Boston provided notable systems-level facilitators to OAT access, including outreach workers, Medicaid, and Spanish-speaking providers. Fourth, housing instability impeded some from accessing OAT while motivating others to initiate the medications. Finally, incarceration created systems-level barriers to OAT engagement. Most participants had been incarcerated in jail or prison but did not have access to OAT during incarceration or during their transition back to the community. ConclusionsApproaches to increase OAT engagement among Latine individuals should consider integrating family into recovery pathways, tailoring information in Spanish, developing bilingual/bicultural staffing, ensuring supportive insurance coverage systems, addressing housing needs, and making OAT available for individuals involved in the legal system.

Exploring the impact of family, school and society on the perception and reputation of vocational training in Pakistan:a statistical analysis

PurposeThe Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic development of a country. Still, it is often stigmatized as a secondary choice in the Global South. This study explored the interrelationships and impacts of factors such as family, school, and society on the perception and reputation of TEVTA.Design/methodology/approachBy employing quantitative methods, the analysis focused on how family, society, and school support influence these perceptions and reputations within TEVTA programs. Social Cognitive Theory is the theoretical underpinning of this study, in which 350 students from 13 TEVTA institutes participated by filling out questionnaires. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and IBM SPSS 28.FindingsThis study indicates that family and societal influences significantly shape students' perceptions, confirming their pivotal role in enhancing the reputation of these programs. School support also emerged as a critical factor, significantly impacting students' perceptions but not directly influencing the programs' reputation. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding the sociocultural context to develop effective strategies for the TEVTA sector in Pakistan. This clear understanding is essential for developing effective strategies to improve the reputation of TEVTA programs in this setting. Moreover, this research offers policy suggestions to make vocational education more attractive and accessible to diverse students, ultimately contributing to the country's socioeconomic development.Originality/valueThis study applied Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to explore how individual thoughts, environmental influences (such as family, school, and society), and behaviors interact within the context of TEVTA programs. This approach fills gaps in current research and offers a clearer understanding of what affects TEVTA's perception and reputation.

Paternal Exposure: Two patients' perspectives in an evolving landscape of therapeutics. Can we now provide reassurance?

There is now substantial evidence of safety in pregnancy for several newer medications, particularly biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, although clinician confidence varies. There is much less information available regarding paternal exposure. This article provides insight from two patients who describe the impact of family planning on their therapeutic decision making.