Life Challenges Research Articles

Risk factors to mental health challenges among the LGBTI+ community in Gaborone, Botswana.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and other gender diverse groupings symbolised by + (LGBTI+) individuals experience adverse mental health problems, and several factors have been documented to facilitate such problems. However, in Botswana, the factors facilitating LGBTI+ individuals to experience mental health challenges have not been explored with previous studies only highlighting the poor mental health outcomes they experience. The aim of the study was to explore and describe factors that could cause mental health challenges in LGBTI+ individuals in Gaborone, Botswana. A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design was employed to examine the research question. In data collection, 15 unstructured in-depth telephonic interviews were conducted until data saturation. Data were analysed with a co-coder using the data analysis method by Colaizzi. Three themes emerged following data analysis and were reasons for experiencing mental health challenges, experiences of challenges in accessing healthcare services and the social challenges of everyday life. The findings indicate that a variety of factors influence the mental health problems in some LGBTI+ individuals.Contribution:The knowledge of the factors that cause LGBTI+ individuals' mental health challenges can inform mental healthcare to be rendered. The findings can apprise nursing curriculum development and policy regarding the needs of LGBTI+ individuals.

Testing Resilience: Secondary School Teachers’ First- Hand Experiences on the Full Implementation of Face-to-Face Classes

This study explored the lived experiences, challenges encountered, coping mechanisms, and insights of public secondary school teachers on the full imple- mentation of face-to-face classes in schools. The partici- pants were coming from Cogon National High School of the Island Garden City of Samal Division (IGACOS), Region XI. There were eight teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas from the participants. The participants were purposely selected as representatives from the group of secondary school teachers who are assigned in the same school. The virtual in-depth inter- view was employed to gather significant information with regard to their respective lived experiences. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged per- taining to their lived experiences: focusing on learners‘ interpersonal skills, teaching with limitations, and hur- dling work fatigues. There were three sub-themes that emerged from the challenges encountered or work fa- tigue by the participants. These are heavy additional workloads, interactions hindered by protocols, and obvi- ous learning gaps. The two coping mechanisms of teach- ers as participants in the challenges they experienced were creating recovery programs and professional de- velopment training for teachers in the new normal. The two educational management insights drawn from the participants were adherence to safety protocols and the importance of blended learning. Thus, Division officials, District Supervisors, School administrators and heads may encourage and support their teachers by reviewing their workloads and by supporting their efforts to ad- dress learning gaps in schools. They may also implement a comprehensive program or capacity building and pro- fessional development to help teachers to be effective and efficient in the full implementation of face-to-face classes and alternative modalities in schools.

Erin Mason: Thriving while navigating life's challenges

If you happened to wander down the Delaware hallway at this year's AACRAO meeting around 9:30 a.m. April 9th, you might have spotted the most vulnerable moment of the conference. At a session cheekily titled “80 years of mistakes and how to avoid them,” Erin Mason was telling the packed room about the emotional journey she's taken across four jobs and three states.

Factors Affecting the Resilience of Nurses in the COVID-19 Crisis: A Mixed Method Study from West of Iran

Background: The widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in an increase in hospitalizations and mortality in healthcare centers, directly affecting healthcare personnel, especially nurses. Resilience stands for one of the key non-cognitive skills that can ensure nurses’ optimal performance during crises. Hence, the present research was aimed at identifying the status of factors affecting resilience among nurses involved in the COVID-19 crisis at Shohada Hospital in Dehloran (Iran). Methods: This mixed-method study (qualitative-quantitative) was conducted in 2021 (Solar year 1400). Respectively in qualitative and quantitative parts, the research sample consisted of 18 academic members and executive managers in the healthcare sector and 118 nurses at Shahid Dehloran Hospital in Ilam province (Iran). Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA2020 software, and quantitative data analysis was performed using confirmatory factor analysis, AMOS 26, and SPSS 26. Results: The factors influencing the resilience of nurses were categorized into three main themes: personal factors (motivation, stress, personal life, Becoming obsessed, balance in personal life, resilience in personal life challenges), organizational factors (mental and psychological health, organizational leaders’ responsiveness), and environmental factors (lack of cooperation, lack of facilities and equipment). According to the results, among personal factors, motivation (R=0.88), among organizational factors, mental and psychological health (R=0.83), and among environmental factors, the lack of facilities has the most significant effect on nurses’ resilience (R=0.75). Conclusion: The findings highlight the considerable and significant impact of personal, organizational, and environmental factors on enhancing nurses’ resilience. Based on the research results, the proposed conceptual model can serve as a suitable mechanism for hospital managers to enhance the healthcare staff’s resilience.

GREEN WARRIOR: Empowering Women’s Economic Innovation Program Based on Green Sociopreneur through Mission-Based Learning Method for Economically Vulnerable Women (PRSE) in West Java

Economically Vulnerable Women (PRSE) are one of the vulnerable groups affected by poverty. Thus, the strategy to accelerate poverty alleviation is not merely a matter of capital and technical skills, but also about how to instill the feeling of being able to overcome life's challenges with dignity and empowerment. The purpose of this program was to enhance innovation and productivity of Economically Vulnerable Women to become Sociopreneurs capable of establishing businesses based on the concept of Green Economy. The research location is in Cibunut Village, Sumur Sub District, Bandung City. The method involved qualitatively describing the condition of Economically Vulnerable Women and outlining the concept of Green Warrior innovation. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Green Warrior was an innovative program designed in the form of solving a mission or challenge that involved knowledge, values, and social entrepreneurial skills. Its implementation consisted of five missions: Warrior Motivation Class, Warrior Coaching Class, Warrior Creative Class, Warrior Selling Class, and The Masterpiece of Warrior to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit of Economically Vulnerable Women using the Mission-Based Learning method. Thus, with the presence of the Green Warrior innovation, it was hoped to drive poverty alleviation through sustainable economic growth and inclusive human development by developing human resource capacity in line with economic transformation, through skills enhancement and mentoring for vulnerable workers to become more productive, creative, and innovative, as well as being able to network as part of the supply chain to support the vision of 2045 Golden Indonesia.

Validation of the Internal Coherence Scale (ICS) in Healthy Geriatric Individuals and Patients Suffering from Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and Cancer.

With increased life expectancy, the coexistence of functional impairment and multimorbidity can negatively impact life quality and coherence in geriatric individuals. The self-report 10-item Internal Coherence (ICS) measures how individuals cope with and make sense of disease-specific life challenges. The aim of this study was to validate the ICS in a sample of geriatric individuals. In a cross-sectional study, geriatric individuals with and without chronic diseases were recruited. A factor analysis with principal component extraction (PCA) and a structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to assess the ICS factor structure in a geriatric sample. To measure convergent validity, the following scales were used: Short Health Survey (SF-12), Karnofsky Performance Index (KPI), Trait autonomic regulation (Trait aR), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A sample of n = 104 (70-96 years of age) patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (n = 22), cancer diseases (n = 31) and healthy controls (n = 51) completed the ICS. PCA and SEM yielded the original two-factor solution: 1. Inner resilience and coherence and 2. Thermo coherence. Overall internal consistency for this cohort was satisfying (Cronbach's α with rα = 0.72), and test-retest reliability was moderate (rrt = 0.53). ICS scores were significantly correlated to all convergent criteria ranging between r = 0.22 * and 0.49 ** (p < 0.05 *; p < 0.01 **). Study results suggest that the ICS appears to be a reliable and valid tool to measure internal coherence in a geriatric cohort (70-96 years). However, moderate test-retest reliability prompts the consideration of potential age-effects that may bias the reliability for this specific cohort.

Negative Implications of Drug and Substance use on Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which encompasses aspects such as thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Several factors including drug abuse have been recognized to cause mental health disorders; hence, the urgent need to globally address these factors. Drug abuse emerges as a complex public health issue, involving the misuse of legal and illegal drugs, with consequences extending beyond individual health. The relationship between mental health and drug abuse intensifies challenges, as drug misuse contributes to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. This review examined biological, psychological, and social determinants, and advocate for a standardized approach to address the complex issue of drug abuse. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and others, were used to access resources, in which thirty-three (33) literatures were reviewed. Results of the reviewed literatures revealed that the impact of drug abuse on mental health involves neurobiological alterations affecting neurotransmitter levels and structural changes in the brain. This does not only affect individuals, but also results in societal burdens, such as increased healthcare costs and criminal justice involvement, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The classification of drugs into legal and illegal categories highlights the diversity of substances and emphasizes the need to understand their effects on mental well-being. Categories include legal drugs, prescription medications, socially accepted substances, and illegal drugs with varying dependency potentials. Addressing mental health disorders induced by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategies like Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Peer Support, 12-Step Programs, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). These methods guarantee a care continuum that centers on the individual and emphasizes recovery, acknowledging the relationship between mental health and drug abuse disorders. Nevertheless, the review highlights a research gap in that, in-depth research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned interventions. Additionally, exploring innovative strategies to address challenges such as stigma, limited treatment accessibility, and the cyclical nature of addiction would enhance intervention effectiveness.

An Analytical Study on Depression among the Geriatric Population of Rural Field Practice Area of Private Medical College in Andhra Pradesh State

Abstract Background: Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 300 million people affected at any time. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived, emotional response to challenges in everyday life. In India, most of the elderly live in the rural areas and the access to the health care facilities is meagre. The depressive symptoms are likely to be dismissed as “normal” by the older persons, their family members and even by health care providers. Objectives: To estimate the level of depression among the geriatric population in a rural community. To study the association of socio-demographic profile with the levels of depression identified among them. Methodology: It was an observational analytical cross-sectional study done over a period of 2 months (7th August 2018 to 7th October 2018). Study population includes the geriatric population of rural field practice area at a private medical college. A minimum sample of 210 was included in the study by systematic random sampling method. Questionnaire consists of two parts. Part-1 consists of socio demographic characteristics. Part II consists of GDS 15-point questionnaire. Results: Out of the total 210, majority of subjects were less than 70 years of age (69 p.c). Prevalence of depression in the study was (33.8 p.c.). Depression was significantly high in financially dependent study subjects (56 p.c.). A significant relationship was observed between factors like Living status, Marital status, Education and levels of depression (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression among elderly population. It was associated with living alone, presently not married, illiteracy.

Prężność psychiczna matek dzieci ze spektrum zaburzeń autystycznych (ASD) a spostrzegane wsparcie społeczne

Introduction: Social support is a significant moderator of quality of life. Psychological resilience is a personal resource that promotes adaptation to life challenges. Research Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the level of psychological resilience of mothers of children with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their perceived formal social support. Formal support is understood as a form of institutional assistance provided to children and mothers as part of using the services of the Early Intervention Center. Method: One hundred and forty-three mothers of children with ASD were surveyed using the Resilience Scale (SPP-25) and the Questionnaire for Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Results: Mothers of children with ASD had a higher level of psychological resilience compared to the standardised group. Mothers with higher levels of psychological resilience perceived social support better. Conclusions: The study emphasises the need to develop psychological resilience in mothers of children with ASD, which may contribute to coping more effectively with the challenges of motherhood when faced with a child’s disability.

Research on Vegetable Replenishment and Pricing Optimization Decision Based on SARIMA Model and Regression Analysis

In the context of fresh supermarkets, which are confronted with the challenges of short shelf life and susceptibility to deterioration of vegetable products, these establishments require daily replenishment and careful pricing. To develop more rational pricing strategies, this study starts by using regression analysis to create a linear regression equation that correlates total sales volume with cost-plus pricing. Through a rigorous statistical analysis, a regression equation with heightened reliability is derived to better forecast the relationship between total sales volume and cost-plus pricing. Subsequently, a Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model is implemented. Drawing on historical sales data, the study forecasts the daily replenishment quantities and pricing strategies for various categories of vegetables in the upcoming week.

Negotiating access and belonging: Recounting the lived experiences and challenges of migrant women returnees in Nigeria

The study explores the lived experiences of women migrant returnees in Nigeria. It aims to highlight the motivation and push factors for migration, understand the challenges and lived experiences of migrant women, and appraise their integration and sense of belonging. Through referrals and purposive sampling, a total of 20 migrant women were recruited and interviewed. The inclusion criteria include those who have lived and worked in the diaspora for a minimum of 5 years and 2 years as a returnee in Nigeria, respectively. The exclusion criteria involve women who migrated with families and those considered professionals. Themes were identified with the NVivo (v.12) qualitative software and the Content Qualitative Analytical tool employed to interpret these themes. The need for migration for many women includes access to improved economic life, infrastructure, and amenities, means of sustaining families in the home country, and improved social and political security. The lived experience of women migrants in the diaspora includes sexual harassment, rape, forced and inhumane labour practices, low wages, isolation and depression, and xenophobia. For many returnees, the challenge includes unemployment, integration, family support, inflation, and financial insolvency. The quest for integration and belonging is limited for many returnees. The paper argues for more robust migration policies and a well-established policy of integration for migrant returnees. The study recommends a more monitoring effort of the activities of the Nigerian border. This recommendation becomes crucial with the porous borders in Nigeria through which people, including women, migrate to other countries illegally and undocumented.

The relationship between perceived social support and rumination among parents of children with autism: moderating effect of the degree of intervention received by children.

As the number of children diagnosed with autism rises year by year, the issue of nurturing this particular group becomes increasingly salient. Parents of autistic children, as the nearest and most reliable caregivers for their children, shoulder immense psychological strain and accountability. They are compelled to confront an array of daily life challenges presented by their children, as well as endure multiple pressures such as societal scrutiny and financial burdens. Consequently, the mental health status of the parents is of utmost significance. In this study, questionnaire survey combined with literature analysis were applied. The rumination thinking scale and the social support scale were used to investigate the relationship between social support perceived by parents of autistic children and rumination. Meanwhile, the moderating effects of intervention on children with autism were also explored. It hopes that our research would provide a basis for alleviating psychological stress and improving the mental health levels of the parents. A total of 303 parents of children with autism were collected (including 160 females and 143 males). Corresponding data analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0. Parents of autistic children generally exhibited high levels of rumination, with significant gender differences. At the same time, the perceived social support by the parents significantly influenced their level of rumination. It showed that the higher the social support received by parents, the lower the level of rumination. More importantly, the extent of intervention received by the children had a regulating effect on rumination of their parents. The personalized psychological support programs should be developed based on the actual situation of parents, to better manage the challenges presented by raising a child with autism. Our findings would provide important theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for psychological intervention efforts aimed at families of autistic children. Moreover, these findings offer novel insights for future research, with the potential to advance the field of mental health studies concerning parents of children with autism.

World experience of legislative regulation for Lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries considering their second-life application in power sector

Understanding and incorporating global regulatory experiences and standards related to battery management is of greatest importance, particularly when considering the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) market and its implications for energy storage and sustainability. This is especially relevant for Ukraine, where the burgeoning secondary market for EVs and a keen interest in renewable energy sources underscore the need for proactive policy-making and standardization to address the challenges of battery second life and recycling. This article delves into the role of Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion batteries within the ambit of the circular economy, underscoring the significance of legislative frameworks across the globe with a particular focus on European initiatives in light of Ukraine's EU integration ambitions. This encompasses extending battery life through recycling and repurposing, thereby ensuring both economic viability and minimal environmental footprint. The narrative outlines the varied legislative landscapes internationally, noting the differences in strategies from Asia's technological and safety emphasis to Europe's robust regulatory directives aimed at battery lifecycle management. In Europe, the drive towards sustainable battery utilization is marked by comprehensive policies like the EU Battery Directive and the emerging Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries, which set forth ambitious recycling targets and introduce innovative concepts like the battery passport. Drawing from this global overview, the article posits a set of recommendations for Ukraine, suggesting the development of extensive battery management legislation, adoption of European standards to smooth the path towards EU membership, investment in recycling infrastructures, fostering of public-private partnerships, and public awareness initiatives. These recommendations are designed to elevate Ukraine's position in the sustainability, promoting environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness. The growing importance of secondary lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in supporting and harmonizing renewable energy sources is emphasized, and accordingly, the need for adequate legislation and standardization to support a closed-loop economy. Keywords: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Second-Life Application, EV Battery Life Cycle, Circular Economy, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycling, Standards, Regulation, Legislation.

The Existential Crisis in Naipaul’s Novel a Bend in the River

The novel A Bend in the River presents the transitional period from colonial to postcolonial in an unnamed African country through the life experiences and challenges that the main character, Salim, goes through. Naipaul presents everything through Salim’s perspective by making him the representative of all the migrants that have to undergo a double tragedy: losing their native country, its culture, and customs and tradition by adopting into the new country. The second tragedy occurs when they no longer are seen as part of this new country, where they have already tried to make themselves fit to the new culture, traditions, and mentally they consider themselves as an integral part of it. Thus, Salim and all the migrants go through this transitional process but with a very high cost: losing themselves, their identity, and the feeling of rootlessness. This paper focuses on the crisis of identity and their existential quest in this never-ending process of transformation toward political democracy and prosperity. Received: 9 February 2024 / Accepted: 19 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

MindMate: Nurturing Mental Wellness

In today's challenging times, the importance of emotional well-being has never been more pronounced. With the widespread shift to remote work and social isolation from loved ones, the mental health landscape has become increasingly precarious. Addressing these pressing concerns requires proactive monitoring and intervention before issues escalate. This project will tackle these challenges head-on by introducing a user-centric mental health tracker application to promote tranquility and wellness. The primary goal is to empower users to manage daily stressors and cultivate better emotional health habits. Recognizing the varying needs of users, particularly those experiencing mental health issues, the application prioritizes simplicity and accessibility. Utilizing Java technologies, the application will boast a user-friendly interface and straightforward functionality. Upon logging in, users will be guided through questionnaires tailored to assess their emotional well-being. Based on their responses, the application will provide personalized insights and recommendations to foster mental wellness. In cases where intervention is deemed necessary, the application will facilitate access to appropriate resources, including medication and professional support. By leveraging technology to promote self-awareness and proactive mental health management, this application aims to empower users on their journey toward improved emotional well-being. Through its intuitive design and tailored approach, this mental health tracker application aspires to be a valuable companion in navigating life's challenges and promoting lasting emotional wellness. Keywords—Emotional well-being, mental health, android application, Java.

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in The Relationship Between Self-Determination Motive and Academic Engagement Among Undergraduate Students

Academic engagement (AE) is an educational concern, and universities seek to increase its level by identifying the factors affecting it. Self-determination theory (SDT) and self-efficacy (SE) have been assumed to affect academic engagement directly or indirectly. Recognizing the significance of investigating AE and the factors influencing it, a notable research gap is spotted in the exploration of the mediating influence of SE in the relationship between SDT and AE. The current study tried to fill this gap and aimed to reveal the levels of self-determination, self-efficacy, and academic engagement of undergraduate students as well as the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between the self-determination motive and academic engagement. After applying the relevant measures to a sample of 240 undergraduate students, the results showed that self-efficacy and autonomy as a dimension of self-determination had a medium level, while the level of relatedness was high; moreover, the level of academic engagement was high and self-efficacy was low. Autonomy and competence as components of self-determination were also revealed to directly and indirectly affect academic engagement. The results also demonstrated the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between self-determination motive and academic engagement. In light of the previous findings, there are some important implications, through which the teachers and faculty members can identify the factors affecting AE to help students increase their participation in educational activities. Psychological Counsellors can also use the findings to help students in coping with academic life challenges and positively interacting with their educational environment.

Right Brain: The Unraveling.

"The Unraveling" is a personal reflection from my perspective as a new fellow in Multiple Sclerosis/Neuroimmunology on the impact of multiple sclerosis on patients and their loved ones. I compare my more recent patient encounters with past experiences working with a different, also mostly female, patient population that included those affected by intimate partner violence. Female vulnerability and the spectrum of human suffering serve as common themes throughout. However, my ultimate goal is to empower readers, from trainees to faculty to patients, to overcome their unique challenges in life and help others do the same.

Konstruksi women empowerment dalam film Memoria

Women empowerment is a form of women's resistance to the domination of power and gender-based violence. This research aims to reveal the construction of women empowerment in the film Memoria (2016) by Kamila Andini through analysis of the film's narrative structure and cinematographic elements. The identification of the film's narrative structure uses Gérard Genette's narratology theory through the concept of focalization and the identification of cinematographic aspects using Metz semiotics. The method used in the research is the descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques were carried out by reviewing film sequences, literature studies, and identifying cinematographic aspects. The results show that Maria's focalization dominates the story, moves the story, and there are six grand syntagmas, namely descriptive syntagma, parallel syntagma, bracket syntagma, scene, episodic sequence, and insert subjective. Analyzing the narrative structure and the cinematographic aspects of the film through a series of syntagms, both represent the construction of women empowerment continuously. Maria is a woman who survives various life challenges and can heal the trauma within herself. The healing process starts from within oneself (self-healing) and then sharing stories (sharing) with family or trusted people. These things are steps toward freedom, justice, and women empowerment.

Living with non-cardiac chest pain - An inductive qualitative interview study of spouses' perspectives.

To explore spouses' experiences of living with a partner suffering from non-cardiac chest pain (NCPP). An inductive qualitative study. Individual interviews (n = 10) were performed with spouses of partners having NCCP and cardiac anxiety. The analysis was performed according to Patton's guide for content analysis of qualitative data. Three categories and seven subcategories were identified. First, 'a feeling of being neglected', where spouses felt ignored by healthcare professionals and excluded by their partners. Secondly, 'a tension between hope and despair' encompassed feelings of faith, support, unpreparedness for chest pain and situational frustration. Lastly, in 'a threat to ordinary life', spouses noted chest pain-induced changes impacting daily life, finances, leisure and relationships. To conclude, NCCP in partners significantly affects their spouses emotionally and practically. Spouses felt neglected and isolated, oscillating between hope and despair and experiencing faith, powerlessness and frustration. They also faced challenges in daily life and relationships.

A Conversation with Nadina Hassan

Abstract: In a video interview with Journal of Singing Associate Editor Melissa Treinkman on May 19, 2023, musical theatre performer Nadina Hassan discussed her career and her experience playing Regina George in the first national tour of Mean Girls . She described what it felt like to be a role model for young performers of color, revealed the challenges of life on tour, and expressed her appreciation for her singing teachers. A QR code is included at the end of the article which contains the link to the recorded interview with Nadina Hassan, posted on the NATS YouTube channel.