Life Skills Training Research Articles

Financial life-skills training and labor market outcomes in Indonesia

This study examines the relationship between a United States Agency for International Development financial life skills training program for poor and vulnerable youth in Indonesia on labor market outcomes two years following the training. Longitudinal results indicate that self-efficacy and financial behaviors improved from pre-training to two years after the training, and a logistic regression analysis finds significant correlations between self-efficacy and financial behaviors with finding new or better employment. Because financial literacy education can be associated with improved financial behaviors, and soft skills acquisition can be associated with improved self-efficacy, we conclude that the training program led indirectly to new or better employment outcomes for participants. Reinforcing this result, between 92 % and 97 % of the trained youth attributed the training program to their observed improvements in work performance and/or to new or better employment opportunities.

The impact of digital technologies and social networks in young women and young mother’s entrepreneurship and employability

Young mothers face various obstacles in the labour market due to lack of skills in job search techniques, unpaid domestic labour responsibilities and, in developing countries, social isolation and restrictions. Business training programs targeting young mothers must be demand-driven and linked with private sector labour demands. In addition, life skills training programs aiming at work and life balance combined with the provision of childcare, are measures that if taken, can enhance young mothers’ entrepreneurship. Except for entrepreneurial program curricula, special attention should be given to the dissemination and implementation methods of lifelong learning programs in order to be able to reach young mothers where they are.

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy and early motherhood and its associated factors among late adolescent (15–19) years girls in the Gambia: based on 2019/20 Gambian demographic and health survey data

IntroductionPregnancy and early motherhood among teenage girls is the current issue of public health burden in developing countries. Although the Gambia has one of the highest adolescent fertility rates in Africa, there is no data record about it in The Gambia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of pregnancy and early motherhood and its determinants among late adolescent girls in the Gambia.MethodsIt is a secondary data analysis using the 2019–20 Gambian demographic and health survey data. A total of 2,633 weighted 15–19 years old girls were included in the study. Using Stata 14 version, a pseudo logistic regression analysis method was employed to declare factors significantly associated with pregnancy and early motherhood among 15–19 years old late-adolescent girls in the Gambia. Variables with a p-value of < 0.2 were entered into multivariable regression analysis, and after controlling other confounding factors adjusted odds ratio of 95% CI was applied to identify associated variables.ResultsPregnancy and early motherhood were found in 13.42% of late adolescent Gambian girls. Logistic regression analysis depicted that a unit increase in adolescent age was positively significantly associated with pregnancy and early motherhood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.93,2.39), after period ended knowledge of ovulatory cycle (aOR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.23,3.22), being from a family size of greater than ten (aOR = 1.25; 95 CI = 1.01,1.55) times more likely to become pregnant and early motherhood than their counterparts respectively. In contrast, rich in wealth (aOR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.23,0.54), having primary education (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.43,0.79), secondary and above education (aOR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.09,0.17).ConclusionPregnancy and early motherhood remain significant public health challenges in the Gambia. Strengthening female education, empowerment, reproductive health life skill training and awareness, encouraging disadvantaged females, and designing timely policies and interventions are urgently needed.

Awareness on Life Skill Education for Employment Oppurtunity among Prospective Teachers

The tasks of globalization in the modern era make the higher education institutions to struggle hard to produce employable prospective teachers as creative and dynamic human assets. In India the rate of unemployment of prospective teachers keeps on rising because the academic and technical skills provided by an educational institutions are not adequate and satisfactory to achieve the demands of the personnel. Academic- skills alone do not promise upcoming job perspectives of prospective teachers. The current analysis of literature vibrantly echoes that the absence of life skills is one of the main reasons for unemployment of them. In this background, a survey was conducted to find out the level of awareness of the prospective teachers on 21st century life skills such as Critical thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Cooperation, Creativity, Leadership, Effective Guidance, Character Development, Professional Ethics and Technology literacy.300 prospective teachers from three Colleges of Education in Salem district, Tamilnadu were selected as sample, by simple random sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that the awareness of prospective teachers on life skills was Low. Hence life skills training could be integrated in their curriculum which in turn give them proper employment opportunity.

Psychological Impact of Caregiving for Children With Eye Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To identify and characterize the psychological impact of caregiving for children with eye disease. Awareness of the caregiving experience and insight into the factors related to caregiver burden is necessary to support high-quality ophthalmic care and develop supportive interventions. The databases MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar were queried up to June 25, 2021. Studies included assessed the psychological impact of providing care to children with eye diseases. A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Modified Downs and Black Checklist. Demographic data and measures of burden were extracted and tabulated. A total of 2,823 articles were screened, 28 underwent data extraction, and 7 were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated significant levels of burden (40% mild, 95% CI: [0.28 to 0.53]; 59% moderate, 95% CI: [0.36 to 0.82]; 7% severe, 95% CI: [0.02 to 0.11]) and depression (26% mild, 95% CI: [0.17 to 0.35]; 8% moderate, 95% CI: [0.03 to 0.14]); 11% severe, 95% CI:[0.03 to 0.10]). Interventions such as educational programs, life skills training programs, and other home-based early intervention programs were shown to improve psychological well-being of families. Caregivers experience significant levels of burden and depression, which may, in turn, affect the level of ophthalmic care they can provide for their children. Further studies investigating educational or psychological interventions for parents are needed, because the small number of studies that investigated these types of interventions have reported reduced parental stress and improved well-being. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(4):238-247.].

The changing landscape of dental education - Glasgow Dental School.

Glasgow Dental School was set up in 1879, and since that time, dental education has been changing and evolving into the current landscape we recognise today. Changes in demographics and numbers of dental students have led to a more diverse community of students from wide and varied backgrounds. The years have also seen the development of educational theory and practice, and in more recent times, the introduction and expansion of digital and technology-enhanced learning and teaching have revolutionised the delivery of the dental curriculum. One of the most notable changes in the dental programme is the incorporation of student support, health and wellbeing. The modern dental course takes a more holistic approach to education, with the provision of training in generic and life skills, as well as the clinical skills required in an ever-expanding field. The demands and pressures of studying dentistry in the setting of modern, fast-paced life cannot be underestimated and the course must be ever-changing to reflect this. However, the one thing that has not changed is the enduring Glasgow Dental School community.

The Effectiveness of Online Life Skills Training in Parent-Adolescent Conflicts and Adolescents’ Academic Procrastination during the Outbreak of COVID-19

The Effectiveness of Online Life Skills Training in Parent-Adolescent Conflicts and Adolescents’ Academic Procrastination during the Outbreak of COVID-19

Alcohol Use among High School Learners in the Peri-Urban Areas, South Africa: A Descriptive Study on Accessibility, Motivations and Effects.

Learners are vulnerable to alcohol use and its negative effects, largely due to accessibility of alcohol products, especially in the localities with poor socioeconomic status and infrastructure. This study aimed to determine the accessibility, motivations and effects of alcohol use among high school learners (n = 403) in Tshwane North and West, South Africa, using a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using STATA 17. Learners (16 ± 2 years) had poor demographic status and lifestyle behaviors. Availability of alcohol outlets (54%) near schools was reported, and learners indicated easy access (65%) to taverns and bottle stores (30%), and purchasing alcohol without a proof of identity document (70%). Motivations for alcohol use were self-pleasure (36%), coping with stress (24%) and increasing self-esteem (19%). Almost half of the learners (49%) introduced themselves to alcohol use, while others were influenced by friends (36%) and family (14%). Reported alcohol related effects were a negative impact on health (56%), brain function (25%) and school work (12%), in addition to social harms, including problems with friends (25%) and parents (17%), physical fights (19%) and engaging in risky sexual behaviour (11%). Effective strategies are necessary to address underage alcohol use and should include regulating the proximity of alcohol outlets to schools, life skills training to address learners’ drinking motives and constantly alerting parents about the relevance of modeling behaviour.

Developing Personal and Social Life Skills to Protect Children and Youth From Substance Addiction

This article focuses on life skills training within the scope of substance abuse prevention programs. The paper clarifies prevention programs and their importance withing the scope of teaching life skills to children and youth. Life skills, and life skills training programs and approaches specifically related to addiction prevention in America and Turkey are briefly covered. This paper presents an extensive and in-depth literature review of the information from pertinent documentation related to substance abuse, life skills, life skills training and the effective implementation of such programs in a number of countries. Finally, based on the textual analysis, recommendations on life skills education on addiction prevention are offered for application in Northern Cyprus.

CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN KIBRA SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: This study sought to examine the influence of case management on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya. Mainly, the study aimed to assess the effect of the healthy domain, safe domain, schooled domain, and stable domain interventions on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was anchored on Resilience Theory, Empowerment Theory, and Case Management Model and adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study used a sample size of 165 adolescents living with HIV aged between 10-19 years and 16 key informants. A stratified sampling technique was used to select adolescents living with HIV, while key informants were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The study used questionnaires and interview guides to collect data.&#x0D; Findings: It is observed that case management interventions explained 80.0% of the resilience of adolescents living with HIV. More importantly, the study found that healthy domain, safe domain, schooled domain, and stable domain interventions had a positive and significant effect on the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in Kibra Sub-County. The case management interventions contributed significantly to the resilience of adolescents living with HIV in informal settlements. The most significant predictor of resilience was stable domain interventions, followed by schooled domain interventions, safe domain interventions, and healthy domain interventions.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that organizations or facilities dealing with adolescents living with HIV need to strengthen health education training, viral load monitoring, assisted disclosure, and follow-ups and bolster basic counselling, enhanced adherence counseling, and life-skill training. They should also support needy adolescents with sanitary pads and school fees/levies, monitor school attendance, provide relief food support to families experiencing emergencies, and provide career guidance and business and vocational/technical training. The findings contribute significantly to project management since all development projects aim to build the resilience of beneficiaries and enable them to become self-reliant. In order to support the findings that successful case management contributes to higher resilience and improved wellbeing, the researcher invites more research to identify other variables under case management intervention.

Progress in qualitative study on mental health service demand of children and adolescents with adverse childhood experiences.

As a global public health problem, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is an important factor leading to serious psychological and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Mental health service plan based on mental health service needs is the key to effectively improve the psychological problems of children and adolescents with ACEs. Emotional support, life skills training, mental health education, and individualized psychological intervention can effectively improve the mental health of children and adolescents with ACEs. Among them, emotional support is an important way to help individual reduce psychological and behavioral problems; secondly, life skills training can significantly improve the individual's psychosocial ability; and mental health education is a necessary way to promote the development of individual mental health. Individualized psychological intervention can promote individual to obtain more professional mental health service and improve their psychological symptoms, which is crucial for preventing the occurrence of mental health problems. Future research can develop targeted mental health interventions based on the specific mental health service needs.

Longer-Term Efficacy of a Digital Life-Skills Training for Substance Use Prevention

The main objective of this study was to test the longer-term and differential efficacy of a mobile phone‒based life-skills training program designed to prevent substance use among adolescents. A 2-arm, parallel-group, cluster RCT with assessments at baseline and follow-up after 6 and 18 months was conducted. The efficacy of the intervention was compared with that of an assessment-only control condition. A total of 1,473 students with a mean age of 15.4 years were recruited in 2019/2020 within 89 Swiss secondary and upper secondary school classes. The automated intervention program included online feedback and individually tailored text messages provided over 22 weeks. The contents were based on social cognitive theory and addressed self-management, social, and substance use resistance skills. Primary outcomes included 30-day prevalence rates for problem drinking and tobacco use. The 18-month follow-up assessments were completed by 1,232 study (83.6%) participants. Those in the intervention group reported lower tobacco-smoking prevalence than the controls (OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.47, 0.96), but no significant difference in problem drinking (OR=0.84; 95% CI=0.61, 1.17) was observed. Among secondary outcomes, the intervention was effective at reducing cannabis-smoking prevalence (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.39, 0.76) and cannabis use days (Cohen's d= -0.19; 95% CI= -0.29, -0.09), whereas no effects were observed for quantity of alcohol use, quantity of cigarettes smoked, well-being, or social skills. No significant moderators of the primary outcomes were observed. An automated mobile phone‒based life-skills training program produced longer-term effectiveness in preventing tobacco smoking and cannabis use, whereas no effects were observed for problem drinking. These results suggest that digitally delivered life-skills training programs are similarly effective and are an easy-to-implement alternative to training conducted within a school curriculum. This study is registered at ISRCTN41347061 (registration date: 21/07/2018).

Self-esteem, peer pressure, and demographic predictors of attitude toward premarital sexual practice among first-year students of Woldia University: Implications for psychosocial intervention

Adolescence is s period of storm and stress mainly caused by dramatic social, emotional, biological, and psychological changes. Unless supported and guided by parents, teachers, peers, and other stakeholders, they may be exposed to a variety of risky sexual behaviors. In the study area, there is no research work showing the influences of peers, self-esteem, and demographic factors on the premarital sexual practice among students. Ideas and knowledge gained in this area will enable the delivery of effective health and psychosocial intervention strategies. Thus, the objectives of this research were to assess self-esteem, peer pressure, and demographic predictors of attitude toward premarital sex among Woldia University first-year students. Correlational design was used and 343 students were selected as samples by a simple random sampling method. Relevant information was gathered using a questionnaire. The data were quantitatively analyzed using logistic regression, one sample, and an independent sample t-test. This research work showed that level and exposure to peer pressure among first-year university students having the experience of premarital sex have below-average levels of self-esteem (t = −40.93, p = 0.000) and have been exposed to a higher level of peer pressure (t = 23.27, p = 0.000). The study suggests that male first-year students with the experience of premarital sex have a higher level of self-esteem and exposure to peer pressure than their female counterparts. Self-esteem negatively predicted attitude toward premarital sex. Therefore, the researcher recommended delivering effective counseling and gender-based guidance, and life skill training for fresh students in the university.

Community-Based Integrated Care System for People with Mental Illness in Japan: Evaluating Location Characteristics of Group Homes to Determine the Feasibility of Daily Life Skill Training

As a global trend in mental health and welfare services, the community is increasingly considered to play a central role in the lives of people with mental illness. Group homes (GHs) are used globally as a means of promoting deinstitutionalization and establishing community life. The Japanese government issued a call to build Community-Based Integrated Care Systems for people with mental illness (CICSM). Therefore, we evaluated the location characteristics of GHs to determine the feasibility of daily life skills training, using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The target area was Ishikawa Prefecture. The size of everyday living areas (ELAs) for older adults was set at 1.8 km, and at 2.5 km for adults. We counted the number of service providers (SPs). Two GHs in the adult ELA and two GHs in the older adult ELA did not have SPs. Eight GHs had only one SP in their ELAs. Results showed that GHs with no or a few SPs in their ELAs are disadvantaged in shopping skills training. These findings may help people with mental illness in various countries develop support plans to effectively provide daily life training, considering the characteristics of the geographical environment and social resources around their living bases.

The role of life skills in developing an authentic leadership attitude in public health students: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Poland

BackgroundDecision-making skills are considered crucial life skills that condition proper social functioning within groups (i.e., support authentic leadership skills and increasing one’s chances of success and wellbeing in life). Nonetheless, the number of scientific papers addressing the role of life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students is limited. The aim of the present study was to develop a theoretical model to determine the role of selected life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students.MethodsThe study was conducted from January 16 through February 28, 2018. In total, 653 students undertaking in-service training in Master’s degree programs qualified for the study, and complete data sets were obtained from 329 students (response rate 50.38%). The data were collected by means of a paper questionnaire. Four research tools were used in the study: The Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire, The Moral Foundations Questionnaire, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, and The Youth Leadership Life Skills Development Scale.ResultsTwo subgroups were identified among the public health students in the study: 1) the extra life skills training group (N = 113) and 2) the no extra life skills training group (N = 216). Both groups of study participants did not differ significantly in terms of age (M (SD): 25.0 (3.89) vs. 25.0 (3.66); t = 0.068, P = 0.946). On the other hand, clear differences were observed in the case of the respondents’ participation in voluntary service. The respondents from the extra life skills training group declared participation in voluntary activities less frequently than the respondents from the second identified group (48.7 vs. 31.9%).ConclusionsA verified theoretical model showed that course aimed at strengthening authentic leadership competences should be modular, should focus on self-improvement and critical reflection, and should be spread over time to enable and encourage each participant to grow and flourish at their own pace.

Preventing Substance Abuse in Adolescents: A Review of High-Impact Strategies.

Substance abuse has been an intractable societal concern in the US for more than half a century. The recent opioid epidemic has only accentuated this problem. Adolescents are significant long-term contributors to the crisis due to their susceptibilities to drug abuse and impressionable age. This review examines the particular vulnerabilities of the adolescent brain to drug abuse and the risk and protective factors thereof, especially in light of the Rat Park studies. In addition, the article provides an overview of the evidence-based prevention program registries and offers detailed summaries of two: Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development (Blueprints) and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP). By combining inputs from Blueprints and WSIPP, five programs with the highest benefit-cost ratios (BCR) were identified: Functional Family Therapy, Positive Family Support, Lifeskills Training, Positive Action, and Good Behavior Game. In light of their outstanding characteristics, these programs are poised to be widely implemented and to make a measurable difference in the fight against substance and opioid abuse.

THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY – HEAD- MOUNTED DISPLAY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER -A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Virtual reality has been a focus of evidence-based studies in educating autistic children for more than a couple of decades. It is suggested that the evolving technology creates a real-world that targets social and life skills training in a very safe, controllable, and repeatable scenario. The development of affordable head-mount displays leads a pivotal role in its wide range acceptability. The paper aims to discuss these concerns in detail. Design/methodology/ approach: Focused on the empirical studies that used VR among children with Autism, a systematic search of the electronic document was done. The literature review identified limited studies in this area characterized byFindings: types of application, individual differences of participants, and the technology implemented. Research limitations/implications: It is essential to have more studies in the educational settings with the use of technology to substantiate the recommendations that could be made on its implementation, results, and reliability.

Effectiveness of life skills training based on self-care on mental health and quality of life of married Afghan women in Iran

BackgroundOne of the major issues that immigrants, especially Afghan women face, is their self-care disability. This will cause problems in their mental health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of life skills training based on self-care on mental health and quality of life of married Afghan women living in Taft.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest posttest design with control group. Statistical population was all married Afghan women living in Taft (Yazd province) of whom 60 women were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 as experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 sessions of life skills training based on self-care. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Quality of Life of the World Health Organization Questionnaire (WHOQ-BREF) were used to collect data. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to analyze the data.ResultsResults showed that following the intervention, the mean scores of quality of life (p < 0.0001) and mental health (p < 0.019) in the experimental group increased in the posttest compared to the pretest and the effect of intervention was significant.ConclusionResults suggested that providing a training opportunity for Afghan women to learn life skills based on self-care, enables them to realize their strengths and weaknesses and improve their quality of life and mental health.

Educational Programmes, Rehabilitation and Management of Juvenile Delinquents in Lagos State Juvenile Homes, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of educational programmes on the rehabilitation and management of juvenile delinquents in Lagos State juvenile homes. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised a total of 332 people. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 20 juveniles from each of the juvenile homes. The managers and members of staff of the two selected juvenile homes were selected using total enumeration sampling technique and this made a total of two managers and 33 members of staff. Three research instruments were used to collect data for the study. (i) An interview guide titled “Rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents” (RJD) (ii) An interview guide titled “Management of Educational Programmes in Juvenile Homes” (MEPJH) (iii) A questionnaire on the “Influence of Educational Programmes on Rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents” Percentage scores and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse the data collected. Results showed that majority of the respondents 77.5% alluded that educational programmes were made available at the juvenile homes also, 55% said that academic, counselling and vocational education were the only educational programmes available at the homes. Respondents claimed that the juvenile homes were managed by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the educational programmes and teacher recruitment were handled by the State Ministry of Education. The study concluded that educational programmes had positive and very notable influence on the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents in Lagos State juvenile correctional homes. Based on the findings of this research, it was recommended among others that: Literacy and life skills training should be included as part of educational programmes in the juvenile homes. Expansion of available accommodation facilities to cater for current population of juveniles and also future increase and that in the Juvenile homes, the children offenders should be separated from those who have not committed offenses, those who are just in need of care and protection.

A Graduation Approach-Based Program for Victims of Colombia’s Armed Conflict: Lessons for Economic Inclusion

Abstract Transformando Mi Futuro (Transforming my Future) is a poverty reduction program implemented by the Colombian government as part of the strategy to support and repair the victims of the armed conflict. The program is based on the graduation approach that implies a comprehensive intervention in which the household receives consumption support, financial education, asset transfer, technical training, and instruction in life skills. However, unlike other graduation programs, this one targeted the urban population and did not offer direct transfers. Its primary purpose was to build capacities among those households who reported wanting to invest their legal monetary compensation as victims in productive projects. A before-after approach was employed to evaluate this program. The main results highlight positive changes in well-being and a reduction in the gap between the current perception of well-being, expectations for two and five years in the future, and positive changes in labor income and informal savings. These results suggest that the program contributed to improve the living conditions of participating households. However, a heterogeneity analysis shows that changes are differentiated according to participants’ initial labor status.