Long-term Well-being Research Articles

Reversing the legacies: asset-based discourses for racialized social workers

ABSTRACT Social work has a lengthy history of ignoring and invalidating the assets that racialized practitioners bring to their work. This article seeks to shift the discourse in social work away from invisibility and diminishment toward visibility, positive valuing, and asset-rich perspectives. The rationale is rooted in original research, theory, and experience. We close the article with concrete recommendations for change. Research conducted in [state], USA, partnered with four culturally specific organizations and the university research team. An in-person Delphi study identified a set of 25 assets that these organizations agreed were pronounced within their workforce, and that contributed to the wellbeing of racialized clients. Defined as “staffing assets,” these experiences were then affirmed by a sample of 505 clients. To help organize the 25 assets into more standard constructs, we identify six domains in which to embed the assets: culturally grounded worldview and beliefs, effective advocate, invested in long-term community wellbeing, demonstrated respect and recognition, organic problem solver, and relationally focused. We then theorize these assets, drawing from previously published work. Closing with recommendations for improvements in the field, we prioritize workforce diversification, social work education reprioritizing, supervision improvements, building inclusive workplaces, infusing equity into research, and a shifted discourse within social work that foregrounds practitioners of color as holding essential assets for the wellbeing of racialized clients and communities. This contribution is a mere opening – as a field, we must dedicate scholarship and practice to building out practice frameworks that include social workers of color.

EXPLORING THE HOLISTIC APPROACHES FOR PROMOTING HAIR HEALTH FROM INSIGHTS OF AYURVEDA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Background: Hair health is a multifaceted aspect of human well-being, encompassing various physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Numerous factors, including family history (heredity), hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorder, are known to contribute to hair illnesses in contemporary medicine. Owing to the limitations and adverse effects of modern treatment, some hopeful out-comes from Ayurveda are anticipated. According to the Ayurvedic view, disturbance of Trisdosa (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is the main reason for common hair diseases, i.e. Aakal-Palitya, Khalitya and Darunaka with its curative and preventive methods like Pathya-Apathya, Nasya, Murdha taila, Lepa, etc. Ayurveda has a lot of potential in treating these illnesses. Aim: This abstract aim to elucidate the significance of holistic approaches in Ayurveda for promoting hair health, outlining the essential practices, routines, and lifestyle adjustments recom-mended for individuals to achieve vibrant and resilient hair. Methodology: To gather information on Ayurvedic perspectives on hair health, a comprehensive review of clas-sical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Bhavprakash, as well as contemporary literature and clinical studies, was conducted. Discussion: Ayurveda considers hair health as a reflection of overall well-being, influenced by the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the proper functioning of bodily tissues (Dhatus) and metabolic processes (Agnis). Daily regimens for hair care en-compass a range of practices tailored to individual constitutions and hair types. These may include oil massage (Abhyanga) of the scalp and hair with herbal oils, gentle cleansing using natural cleansers, such as herbal pow-ders (Shikakai, Reetha), maintaining scalp hygiene, nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, preventing premature greying, treat conditions such as hair loss, dandruff, and scalp infections and following dietary and lifestyle guidelines conducive to hair health. Abhyanga (Massage) improves blood circulation, increasing nutri-ents to the hair roots and scalp. Conclusion: Ayurveda offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to hair health, addressing hair disorders’ symptoms and root causes. By restoring doshic balance, optimizing digestion, and nourishing hair follicles with natural remedies, i.e. Daily regimens, wholesome diet, Rasayana, Panchakar-ma, and Yogic practices, Ayurvedic interventions aim to promote long-term hair vitality and overall well-being.

“When we were allowed to go back … the freedom, the vista, the delight … It was just magic”: Disruption and adaptation among people ageing-in-place in Ireland during COVID-19

COVID-19 person-place disruptions may dislocate enabling resources and affect the short- and long-term wellbeing of individuals ageing-in-place. However, outcomes may vary according to individuals' personal experiences and capabilities to put in place adaptive strategies. Underpinned by the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, this study aimed to identify shifts in older people's relationships to place during the pandemic and to gain a deeper understanding of their adaptive strategies. We analysed data collected between April–May and October–November 2021 from the [Details omitted for double-blind reviewing], a qualitative investigation of community-dwellers based in Ireland and aged 65 years or over. Participants (n = 57) completed written submissions, narrative interviews and/or go-along interviews detailing their experiences during the pandemic. The mean age of participants was 74.9 years, 53% were female, 46% lived alone, and 86% lived in areas with high urban influence. Our framework analysis identified three thematic categories: 1) Characterization of individuals experiencing flow or disruption of place-resources; 2) Effects of place-resource disruptions; and 3) Adaptive strategies to manage disruption. Findings suggest that during the pandemic individuals ageing-in-place experienced trajectories of resistant flow, resilient flow, chronic disruption, or delayed disruption of place-resources, Participants' health and wellbeing was influenced in diverse ways by the threat of- and actual loss of material, social and affective resources. To compensate for disruptions, participants developed multiple adaptive strategies that highlight older people's potential to transform themselves, others, and their environments during times of adversity. These findings showcase the processes by which health enabling places may be maintained and generated, and present areas of opportunity for public health interventions seeking to support ageing populations during public health emergencies and beyond.

Effectiveness and uptake of a transdiagnostic emotion regulation mobile intervention among university students: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGoing to university is a major life event, which can be stressful and negatively affect mental health. However, it also presents an opportunity to establish a foundation for positive life trajectories. To support university students, a mobile transdiagnostic emotion regulation (ER) intervention has been developed, offering both broad-based (universal) and targeted (indicated) preventative support. ER, a transdiagnostic factor underlying various mental health problems, is a critical intervention target in students, a demographic particularly susceptible to mental health issues. Cultivating ER can help manage immediate stressors and foster long-term wellbeing. This paper describes the study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness and uptake of such mobile transdiagnostic ER intervention. MethodThe superiority parallel-group RCT involves 250 participants randomized to either the intervention condition (i.e., full access to the mobile intervention, (n = 125) or to a waitlist control condition (n = 125). Primary outcomes include ER skills and stress symptoms. Secondary outcomes include mental health parameters (anxiety, depression, resilience) and intervention uptake (i.e., objective engagement, subjective engagement, ER skills application in real life). Outcomes are assessed at baseline, week 3, 8 and 12, with continuous log-data collection for user engagement. DiscussionThis study evaluates the effectiveness and uptake of a transdiagnostic ER mobile intervention for the student population addressing their ER developmental needs. If successful, the results will validate our approach to intervention development and whether focusing on learning transfer (i.e., application of the learnt skills in real-life) and personalization using a recommendation system, can boost the real-world application of skills and intervention impact.

A STUDY SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR AN INDIVIDUAL FOR OVERALL FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Personal financial management (PFM) is essential for individuals and families to achieve financial stability and meet their goals. This research highlights the different facts of PFM, including budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, retirement planning, and more. Drawing from extensive literature, it examines the dynamics of financial behaviour, the role of financial education, technological advancements, and socioeconomic factors influencing PFM. The research involves data collection from 102 participants, offering insights into financial behaviour, preferences, and attitudes. Discoveries unveil areas for enhancement in savings allocation, emergency preparedness, seeking professional advice, and retirement planning. Additionally, the study presents the "50/30/20 rule" as a practical framework for managing finances effectively. Overall, the study emphasizes the significance of comprehensive PFM strategies tailored to individual circumstances for long-term financial well-being. KEYWORDS: Personal financial management, PFM, budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, retirement planning, financial behaviour, financial education, socioeconomic factors, 50/30/20 rule.

Concentration of critical events over the life course and life satisfaction later in life

Critical events create turning points, disrupt individuals’ life courses, and affect wellbeing. Periods of life densely populated with critical events may translate into an acute resource drain, affecting long-term wellbeing more strongly than if the same events were sparsely distributed. We investigate how the co-occurrence of critical events and their concentration in time influence life satisfaction in later life. To do so, we construct a novel indicator, the Concentration Index, based not only on the number but also on the time lag between occurrences. Using retrospective information on critical events in family, work, health, and residential trajectories in Switzerland, we show that the higher the concentration in time of critical events is, the stronger their negative long-term relation to wellbeing, net of sociodemographic characteristics, the total number of events ever experienced, and the time since the last event. Furthermore, relevant gender and social origin differences emerged with a stronger negative association with wellbeing among men and respondents from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Our work clearly shows that simply counting the number of events gives only a partial and potentially inaccurate measure of the complexity of the life course and its relationship with quality of life. Not only how many events experienced matter but also the spacing between them.

Advanced Dietitian Using Machine Learning

The "Advanced Artificial Intelligence Dietitian" (AI-Dietitian) project explores the potential of AI to revolutionize personalized nutrition. Traditional dietary approaches often struggle with individual complexities and lack continuous guidance. We propose an AI-powered system that transcends these limitations, offering: · Comprehensive Data Integration: The AI-Dietitian analyzes diverse data sets, including medical records, genetic information, activity trackers, and food intake sensors, building a holistic understanding of individual needs and preferences. · Adaptive & Personalized Plans: Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, the AI-Dietitian generates dynamic, personalized meal plans that adapt to real-time data and user feedback, ensuring continued effectiveness and adherence. · Continuous Coaching & Support: The AI-Dietitian acts as a virtual coach, providing real-time feedback, nutritional education, and motivational support through natural language interaction and personalized content. · Predictive & Preventative Healthcare: The AI-Dietitian leverages its predictive capabilities to identify potential health risks and recommend preventative dietary interventions, promoting long-term health and well-being. This project addresses the limitations of traditional dietetics and explores the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare. We believe the AI-Dietitian has the potential to democratize personalized nutrition, promoting healthier communities and reducing healthcare costs. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Personalized Nutrition, Health Coaching, Predictive Healthcare, Ethical AI

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Predicting Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use with Machine Learning Applied to Longitudinal Electronic Health Record and Wearable Data.

Managing acute postoperative pain and minimizing chronic opioid use are crucial for patient recovery and long-term well-being. This study explored using preoperative electronic health record (EHR) and wearable device data for machine-learning models that predict postoperative acute pain and chronic opioid use. The study cohort consisted of approximately 347 All of Us Research Program participants who underwent one of eight surgical procedures and shared EHR and wearable device data. We developed four machine learning models and used the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) technique to identify the most relevant predictors of acute pain and chronic opioid use. The stacking ensemble model achieved the highest accuracy in predicting acute pain (0.68) and chronic opioid use (0.89). The area under the curve score for severe pain versus other pain was highest (0.88) when predicting acute postoperative pain. Values of logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and stacking ensemble ranged from 0.74 to 0.90 when predicting postoperative chronic opioid use. Variables from wearable devices played a prominent role in predicting both outcomes. SHAP detection of individual risk factors for severe pain can help health care providers tailor pain management plans. Accurate prediction of postoperative chronic opioid use before surgery can help mitigate the risk for the outcomes we studied. Prediction can also reduce the chances of opioid overuse and dependence. Such mitigation can promote safer and more effective pain control for patients during their recovery.

Empowering design literacy: a toolkit for promoting the design of positive experiences through rules of thumb

AbstractThis paper presents a toolkit of heuristics for enabling non-professionals to design for wellbeing, merging design, psychology, and ergonomics. It demystifies design, focusing on happiness and long-term wellbeing, making design principles accessible to all. This toolkit narrows the divide between design theory and practice, advocating design as a tool to enhance life for individuals and society.

Midlife health crisis of former competitive athletes: dissecting their experiences via qualitative study

Sports participation confers many health benefits yet greatly increases injury risk. Long-term health outcomes in former athletes and transition to life after competitive sports are understudied. Ending a sport may...

BOOK REVIEW: SOCIAL LEADERSHIP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE: AN INTRODUCTION

Social leadership in early childhood education and care refers to the ability of educators to guide and promote positive social behaviors in young children, as well as create a supportive learning environment that fosters cooperation and empathy. It involves using a range of strategies and techniques to help children develop social skills, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. Social leadership in early childhood education and care is an essential factor in supporting positive social and emotional development in young children in the UK. According to a study by Breslin and colleagues (2019), effective social leadership involves creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, promoting positive social behaviors, and using evidence-based strategies to help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence. The study emphasizes the importance of social leadership in improving children’s academic and social outcomes, as well as their long-term well-being. Moreover, the research suggests that social leadership can be especially beneficial in supporting the development of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Impact of Yoga on Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review

Background: As cancer survival rates improve, survivors face numerous physical and psychological challenges. Yoga, an ancient practice integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health, has shown potential in alleviating cancer treatment-related symptoms and enhancing overall health. Methods: This scoping review conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, focusing on randomized trials that assessed yoga’s effects on cancer survivors post-treatment. The review spanned studies published between 2018 and 2022, emphasizing physical and psychosocial benefits. Results: Eight randomized trials were identified, demonstrating yoga’s diverse benefits across physical and psychological dimensions. Significant findings include reductions in depression, improvements in shoulder mobility, pain, and anxiety, management of cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine profiles, suggesting holistic benefits in managing cancer side effects. Conclusion: Yoga presents a holistic, low-risk intervention that significantly improves quality of life, manages fatigue, and supports psychological well-being in cancer survivors. Future research should investigate yoga’s therapeutic potential and develop personalized interventions for survivors’ recovery and long-term well-being.

Design of Training Load Monitoring and Adjustment Algorithm for Athletes: Based on Heart Rate Variability and Body Index Data

The training load monitoring and adjustment algorithm for athletes, based on heart rate variability (HRV) and body index data, offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury. By leveraging HRV data, which reflects the autonomic nervous system's response to training stress, and body index measurements such as body mass index (BMI) or body fat percentage, the algorithm provides insights into athletes' physiological readiness and recovery status. The design of an effective training load monitoring and adjustment algorithm is critical for optimizing athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury and overtraining. This paper proposes a novel approach that integrates heart rate variability (HRV) and body index data to tailor training programs to individual athlete needs. This paper presents an innovative approach to training load monitoring and adjustment for athletes, utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) and body index data. Through continuous monitoring and analysis of HRV metrics such as RMSSD and LF/HF Ratio, in conjunction with body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage, personalized load management strategies are developed to optimize athletic performance while mitigating the risk of injury and overtraining. The optimization algorithm outlined in this study allows for real-time adjustments to training loads based on individual physiological responses, ensuring that athletes receive tailored training programs that maximize performance gains and promote long-term health and well-being. By leveraging HRV and body index data, coaches and sports scientists can enhance athletic performance outcomes and support the overall development and longevity of athletes' careers.

Adult and late adolescent complications of pediatric solid organ transplantation.

There have been over 51 000 pediatric solid organ transplants since 1988 in the United States alone, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors who face complications of childhood organ failure and long-term immunosuppression. This is an educational review of existing literature. Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease, skin cancers, and growth problems, though the severity of impact may vary by organ type. Pediatric recipients often are able to complete schooling, maintain a job, and form family and social networks in adulthood, though at somewhat lower rates than the general population, but face additional challenges related to neurocognitive deficits, mental health disorders, and discrimination. Transplant centers and research programs should expand their focus to include long-term well-being. Increased collaboration between pediatric and adult transplant specialists will be necessary to better understand and manage long-term complications.

Pre-Pregnancy Obesity and Infants' Motor Development within the First Twelve Months of Life: Who Is Expected to Be the Ultimate Carrier of the Obesity Burden?

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a significant public health concern with profound implications for maternal and child health. The burgeoning evidence suggests that maternal obesity prior to conception is intricately linked with an increased risk of gestational complications, as well as with adverse neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, the long and short-term health of offspring, including the risk of early motor development impairment, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adulthood, may be adversely affected as well. Addressing pre-pregnancy obesity is critical for improving overall maternal and child health outcomes, and therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the connections linking pre-pregnancy obesity with infants' motor development within the first twelve months of infants' lives. This study included 200 mother-infant pairs divided into two groups based on their pre-pregnancy body mass index values. To assess infants' early motor development, we used the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and evaluated the parameters of infants' early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was significantly associated with excessive gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), fetal macrosomia (p = 0.022), and a family history of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.048 and p = 0.041, respectively), as well as with all observed parameters of early motor development at the ages of three, six, nine, and twelve months: AIMS 3 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 6 months total (p < 0.001), AIMS 9 months total (p < 0.001), and AIMS 12 months total (p < 0.001). Furthermore, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was a significant predictor for AIMS 6 months total (p = 0.043) and AIMS 6 months supination (p = 0.017). Pre-pregnancy obesity is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes and offspring early motor development, with possible far-reaching implications for children's long-term well-being. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes preconception weight management, targeted interventions during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, and ongoing research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective strategies for prevention and management.

Implicações da resistência bacteriana por Staphylococcus spp. na medicina veterinária

This bibliographical review aims to comprehensively analyze the resistance observed in Staphylococcus spp. in veterinary medicine. Staphylococcal infections are often complicated by antibiotic resistance of the strains involved, which causes difficulties for animal therapy. Multiresistant Staphylococcus spp. isolates from humans and animals have been reported in recent decades and pose a challenge not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine. Resistance to Staphylococcus spp. in veterinary medicine is a complex and constantly evolving challenge. Awareness, vigilance, and the adoption of proactive measures are crucial in preserving the effectiveness of treatments, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of companion animals and contributing to mitigating the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance and public health. Addressing resistance to Staphylococcus spp. in veterinary medicine requires a comprehensive view, integrating responsible clinical practices, continuous research and coordinated actions to preserve the effectiveness of treatments, guarantee animal and human health and promote a safer environment for all.

Analyse Subjective Wellbeing- Based on Definition, Measurement, and Limitations

The literature on subjective well-being (SWB) is evaluated in three sections: definition, measurement, and limitations. Subjective well-being (SWB) is a branch of psychology that studies people's assessments of their lives. Researchers have been investigating the idea of employing subjective well-being measures for potential policy implications since the inception of happiness economics. Despite the growing body of literature on the issue, no unambiguous definition of subjective well-being or indices such as life satisfaction or happiness exists. These assessments may be purely cognitive (e.g., life satisfaction or marriage satisfaction) or may consist of the frequency with which people feel positive emotions (e.g., pleasure) and bad emotions (e.g., sadness, as evaluated by the experience sampling approach). Researchers in the discipline are attempting to comprehend not just undesired clinical situations, but also distinctions between persons in terms of long-term well-being. The paper provides a brief summary of studies on SWB defining, measurement, and limitations in SWB reporting.

Climate Guardians: Navigating the Future in the 2021 German Climate Verdict and Constitutional Landscape

In the realm of intergenerational justice, green constitutionalism underscores the necessity for present generations to make choices that do not jeopardize the capacity of future generations to fulfill their needs independently. The climate verdict defending the rights of future generations by the German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) of March 2021 was a game changer in that regard. For the first time in Germany’s climate litigation, the fundamental rights of future generations were subject to constitutional claim and enforceable. They were no longer just a normative claim. Constitutional courts can be seen as defenders of the fundamental rights of future generations where constitutions include such normative perspectives. While the Court upheld the infringement of the fundamental rights of the adolescent plaintiffs in the future, the representation of not-yet-born generations remains unclear. This article examines how the 2021 German climate verdict and constitutional provisions address the representation and protection of the interests of future generations represented by the plaintiffs concerning climate change on the one hand and discusses the potential of protecting the fundamental rights of not-yet-born future generations. The article considers the implications for intergenerational justice and explores how these legal frameworks provided by the Constitution may contribute to the formulation of sustainable policies aimed at ensuring the long-term well-being of future generations. There is an urgent need to develop an institutional regime where the needs and rights of future generations are being considered and included in decision-making processes.

Multidimensional factors of community behavioral responses and implications to landfill closures: A case study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This study examines how a community in Yogyakarta, Indonesia reacts to the closing of local landfills. It identifies different groups within the community, such as those primarily concerned with health and aesthetics, those exhibiting proactive behaviors, and those acutely aware of the broader impacts. These groups show varying responses to the closures, from adjusting personal habits to calling for policy changes. The findings suggest a need for policies that are flexible and considerate of the community's diverse priorities and behaviors. In conclusion, landfill closures have complex effects on communities that require a thoughtful analysis. The study shows that personal choices and proactive behaviors are crucial in encouraging community involvement in waste management. However, there's a hesitancy to pay more for such services, indicating a gap in community responsibility and environmental stewardship. The research advocates for sustainable waste management solutions that are aligned with the community's values and behaviors, urging policymakers to design inclusive and sustainable systems for waste management that support the long-term well-being of both the community and the environment.