Psychosocial Well-being Research Articles

A Relational Approach to Understanding Psychosocial Wellbeing, Including Suicidal Ideation, among MENA-background Adolescents

Adolescent refugees from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face significant acculturation challenges and stressors in the United States. This qualitative study draws upon the integrated motivational-volitional model to understand MENA-background adolescents’ psychosocial wellbeing and suicide risk in three U.S. cities. Local service providers served as key informants ( n = 27), sharing in-depth reflections on supporting newcomer students in education, mental health, and refugee services. Analysis also includes focus group discussions with MENA-background adolescents ( n = 11) who participated in a photovoice activity. Four key themes emerged: (1) acculturation stressors; (2) influence of family contexts; (3) community belonging, expectations, and support; and (4) school belonging. Service providers and students described adolescents’ challenges in navigating dual identities, conflicting expectations, and strong cultural norms surrounding gender and mental health. Implementation and evaluation of interventions to address both systemic and identity-based acculturative challenges are central to improving mental health and reducing suicide risk among this population.

A cross-sectional analysis of medications used by patients reporting alopecia areata on the FDA adverse events reporting system.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that leads to patchy, nonscarring hair loss. Its etiology remains unknown; the condition can be debilitating for patients, impacting their psychosocial wellbeing. Various triggers have been reported, ranging from genetic predisposition and infections to environmental factors. Medications have also been thought to be an inciting factor in AA. Using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS), all cases reporting AA as an adverse event were used to capture associated medications and patient characteristics. There were 1,331 AA cases reported as an adverse event with medication use. Monoclonal antibodies accounted for 6 out of the top 10 drugs associated with the highest number of AA cases. Males were more likely to report AA when taking adalimumab (OR: 1.79, P = 0.04) and dupilumab (OR: 2.56, P = 0.03) compared to females. Individuals between 42 and 64 years old accounted for 46.7% of AA cases. Lastly, females in older age groups showed greater odds of developing AA compared to males (OR: 1.03, P < 0.01). Based on the FAERS, there has been a steady rise in AA cases, and monoclonal antibodies were the most frequently cited medication class tied to AA. With a dearth of literature on triggers and patient demographics, we sought to describe features of AA cases that could increase awareness and be used to improve future clinical outcomes in patients.

A latent class analysis of community-based rehabilitation needs among Chinese older adults: a mixed study protocol.

Geriatric diseases (e.g., chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes) may result in impaired physical performance and a decline in the quality of life. The results of previous studies reported the positive effects of comprehensive community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services on physical and social functioning and psychosocial wellbeing. However, to provide adequate and personalised rehabilitation services, it is essential to understand the needs of the older adults population. There have been no studies on the need for CBR in older adults populations that consider their heterogeneity. Therefore, high-quality studies are required to recognise the heterogeneity and latent classes of CBR needs in older adults population groups. This study aims to identify the heterogeneity of the rehabilitation needs of older adults in the community and explore whether older adults with similar characteristics have similar needs through a cross-sectional survey and latent class analysis (LCA) to provide support for personalised rehabilitation services. The study is structured into four phases. The first phase will focus on constructing a comprehensive questionnaire to assess rehabilitation needs. In the second phase, a pilot study will be conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the completed questionnaire. This step ensures the robustness of the instrument for data collection. The third phase will involve cross-sectional surveys using the finalised questionnaires to collect the necessary data from the targeted population. The fourth phase will focus on conducting LCA to determine the CBR needs of the older adult population. The results of this study will provide novel and critical information for a better understanding of the rehabilitation needs, potential categories, and influencing factors of older adults in the community. The study will be conducted in Guizhou Province in western China, where economic and social development is relatively low, and the results will inform and benefit other regions and developing countries facing similar challenges. However, because of the complete social security and rehabilitation service systems in developed areas, our research results may not fully reflect the situation in these areas. Future studies may need to be conducted in places with different levels of social development. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=191398, ChiCTR2300071478.

Effects of spirituality and religious attendance on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of inmates: a case study of Harare central prison, in Zimbabwe

The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of mental health problems at Harare Central Prison, Zimbabwe, in addition to assessing the prisoners’ levels of religiosity and spirituality, and furthermore ascertain how these affect their mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. This paper used a qualitative research design, whilst the target population constituted the inmates at Harare Central Prison with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions. Purposeful sampling was used, whilst the research instrument employed was structured interviews. Data were presented in narrative form and analyzed using thematic analysis. The major findings of this study were that religion and spirituality had beneficial effects on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of inmates, including working as a protective factor. It was concluded that all the various stakeholders concerned should work on promoting the functional and beneficial aspects of religion and spirituality at the prison.

ARE THE GINGIVAL DISPLAY AND THE SMILE ARC IN MALES AND FEMALES DIFFERENT?

Highlights Gingival display and smile arc enhance the aesthetic value of a person's smile and may be influenced through dental treatment. The individual profile photographs taken during social smiles can be used to evaluate dental treatment plans. Abstract Background: An aesthetic smile is part of a person's attraction and affects their level of psychosocial well-being. Gingival display and smile arc belong to smile components that enhance the aesthetic value of a person's smile. Objective: To determine the differences in gingival display and smile arc in social smiles between males and females. Material and method: This analytical observational study was conducted with a cross-sectional design. A total of 110 photographs (55 males and 55 females) of study subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were taken directly by Canon EOS-600D while performing social smile poses. The CorelDraw Graphic Suite 2022 measured gingival appearance and smile curves. The Chi-square test was performed to analyze the differences in gingival display and smile arc between males and females. Result: Based on gingival display, social smiles between genders were categorized into moderate (56.4% males and 58.2% females), low (30.9% males and 20% females), high (9.1% males and 18.2% females), and very high (3.6% males and females) smile lines. Social smiles based on smile arc were categorized into consonant (85.5% males and 96.4% females), straight (10.9% males and 3.6% females), and inverted (3.6% men and 0% women) smiles. No statistical differences were found in gingival display (p=0.397) or smile arc (p=0.113). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in gingival display or smile arc between males and females. Females, on the other hand, had an increased gingival show while smiling and no inverted smile arc.

Nature's Healing Touch: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Ecotherapy and Ecopsychology in Cancer Supportive Care

Cancer care demands holistic strategies to address the intricate challenges faced by individuals during their journey. This narrative review explores the emerging field of ecotherapy and ecopsychology, encompassing nature-based interventions to enhance psychosocial well-being in the context of cancer. Ecotherapy, defined as the connection between nature and human well-being, offers a diverse range of modalities, including nature-based interventions, animal-assisted therapies, and virtual reality. Drawing from Vedic traditions, it highlights the human-cosmos analogy, emphasizing the interconnectedness between individuals and the nature. Theoretical frameworks such as the Biophilia Hypothesis, Attention Restoration Theory, Systems Theory, Place Attachment Theory and Stress Recovery Theory underpin ecotherapeutic practices. This review outlines the multifaceted benefits of ecotherapy, spanning stress reduction, emotional well-being, medical recovery, resilience building, social connectedness, and empowerment. Future directions underscore the need for individualized approaches, healthcare professional training, and collaborative efforts to unlock the full potential of ecotherapy in promoting psychosocial well-being throughout the cancer care continuum.

Unmasking inadequate healthcare: Laser hair removal for transfemme adults in Germany

Background Facial and body hair alterations are crucial for some transfemme individuals. To date, no data on the healthcare quality of permanent hair removal for transfemme adults are available for Germany. Aims To analyze the financial and psychological distress, treatment satisfaction, and health service situation of transfemme individuals in Germany seeking laser hair removal. Methods This study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional clinical trial including adults from the routine cohort of the Laser Department at the University Medical-Center Hamburg. The Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and a self-developed, structured questionnaire were applied. Results In total, 80 transfemme people were included with a mean age of 30.3 years (SD 8.5; range: 19–56). Among respondents, 96.3% identified as female and 3.7% as nonbinary. Participants experienced significant burden in daily life, relationships, and work due to facial hair. BSI-18 results indicate great psychological distress. Laser hair removal was received with high satisfaction. The time from referral for laser hair removal to the initial consultation at the Laser Department was 4 months (IQR 4). Approval for cost coverage from health insurance after the first consultation took 4 months (SD 4.3). 40.0% received direct cost coverage approval by the health insurance, 34.5% received approval after opposition, with over 20% not receiving any cost coverage approval. Conclusion Unwanted facial and body hair has a massive impact on transfemme adults’ psychosocial and mental well-being. The current insurance framework indicates an insufficient healthcare situation of those individuals in Germany.

“Queer people are excellent caregivers, but we’re stretched so very thin”: Psychosocial wellbeing and impacts of caregiving among LGBTQI cancer carers

BackgroundLGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or intersex) communities are increasingly recognized as a vulnerable and high-risk population in oncology. LGBTQI cancer carers, including carers who are LGBTQI and other carers of LGBTQI people, experience many of the same stressors as LGBTQI patients but their support needs are often overlooked in the cancer literature.MethodThis mixed-methods study examined distress and quality of life in LGBTQI cancer carers. Online surveys were completed by 129 carers and 31 carers took part in a one-to-one semi-structured interview. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) tested for differences in psychosocial outcomes and carer experiences by gender, sexuality, age, carer relationship and carer/patient LGBTQI status. Reflexive thematic analysis of interviews and open-ended survey responses facilitated in-depth examination of subjective experiences.Results42.6% of participants reported high or very high distress. Distress was significantly positively correlated with discrimination in cancer care, health impact, financial impact and lack of family support; it was negatively correlated with comfort in LGBTQI sexuality and gender identity, social support and quality of life. Four themes were identified in thematic analysis of qualitative data: (1) Identity on the sidelines: LGBTQI sexuality and gender pushed aside during cancer caregiving; (2) Fear of being shut-out: rejection and exclusion of LGBTQI cancer carers; (3) Lack of support for LGBTQI caregivers; and (4) Closer and stronger relationships due to a culture of mutual caregiving.ConclusionsLGBTQI cancer carers must contend with typical caregiving demands whilst also managing additional minority stressors, including discrimination, rejection from family, isolation from LGBTQI communities, and invisibility in healthcare and support services. Despite this, LGBTQI carers showed resilience in building their own mutually supportive networks to rally around the person with cancer, which were reported to ameliorate psychosocial vulnerabilities. Service providers need to recognize the needs of LGBTQI cancer carers through inclusive and reflective practices. This will facilitate trust and patient and carer sexuality and gender identity disclosure, with positive consequences for wellbeing and satisfaction with cancer care.

Sociodemographic factors, parental mental health and movement behaviours in the early years: the SUNRISE Finland study protocol

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the prevention of obesity in young children as one of its key priorities for the 21st century, and 24-hour movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) play a key role in this priority. The SUNRISE Finland Study is part of the international SUNRISE Study, which examines the movement behaviours of young children in 64 low-, middle- and high-income countries. The SUNRISE Finland Study will investigate what proportion of 3- to 4-year-old children living in Finland meet the WHO global guidelines on 24-hour movement behaviours, and how that proportion and children’s motor and cognitive skills compare with children from other countries involved in the SUNRISE Study. We also aim to identify potential correlates of children’s movement behaviours, focusing on socioeconomic factors, residential environmental features, and parents’ mental health. In addition, this study will examine the associations between children’s movement behaviours, motor and cognitive skills, adiposity, and psychosocial wellbeing. Finally, we aim to establish a cohort of families who participate in the study and conduct follow-ups in the future. Methods We will recruit 1,000 children aged 3.0 to 4.9 years and their caregivers through early childhood education and care centres in Finland (50% in urban and 50% in rural areas). We will assess children’s 24-h movement behaviours using two accelerometers and a parental report. Children will perform validated tests to measure gross and fine motor skills and executive functions, and their height, weight and waist circumference will be measured. Caregivers will complete questionnaires regarding sociodemographic factors, nature visits, their own movement behaviours, symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, nomophobia, social media self-control failure, and happiness, and child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used to examine residential environmental features. Discussion In addition to facilitating international comparisons on movement behaviours and motor and cognitive skills, the SUNRISE Finland Study will provide novel evidence on factors associated with movement behaviours in young children. The results of this study will help in planning actions to promote healthy levels of movement behaviours at an early age and equal opportunities for healthy development. Clinical Trial Number This is not a trial study.

The role of psychosocial well-being and emotion-driven impulsiveness in food choices of European adolescents

BackgroundIt is unclear whether a hypothetical intervention targeting either psychosocial well-being or emotion-driven impulsiveness is more effective in reducing unhealthy food choices. Therefore, we aimed to compare the (separate) causal effects of psychosocial well-being and emotion-driven impulsiveness on European adolescents’ sweet and fat propensity.MethodsWe included 2,065 participants of the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort (mean age: 13.4) providing self-reported data on sweet propensity (score range: 0 to 68.4), fat propensity (range: 0 to 72.6), emotion-driven impulsiveness using the UPPS-P negative urgency subscale, and psychosocial well-being using the KINDLR Questionnaire. We estimated, separately, the average causal effects of psychosocial well-being and emotion-driven impulsiveness on sweet and fat propensity applying a semi-parametric doubly robust method (targeted maximum likelihood estimation). Further, we investigated a potential indirect effect of psychosocial well-being on sweet and fat propensity mediated via emotion-driven impulsiveness using a causal mediation analysis.ResultsIf all adolescents, hypothetically, had high levels of psychosocial well-being, compared to low levels, we estimated a decrease in average sweet propensity by 1.43 [95%-confidence interval: 0.25 to 2.61]. A smaller effect was estimated for fat propensity. Similarly, if all adolescents had high levels of emotion-driven impulsiveness, compared to low levels, average sweet propensity would be decreased by 2.07 [0.87 to 3.26] and average fat propensity by 1.85 [0.81 to 2.88]. The indirect effect of psychosocial well-being via emotion-driven impulsiveness was 0.61 [0.24 to 1.09] for average sweet propensity and 0.55 [0.13 to 0.86] for average fat propensity.ConclusionsAn intervention targeting emotion-driven impulsiveness, compared to psychosocial well-being, would be marginally more effective in reducing sweet and fat propensity in adolescents.

Toward an Understanding of GSD5 (McArdle disease): How Do Individuals Learn to Live with the Metabolic Defect in Daily Life.

Glycogen storage disease type 5 (GSD) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic myopathy caused by a deficiency of the enzyme muscle glycogen phosphorylase. Individuals with GSD5 experience physical activity intolerance. This patient-led study aimed to capture the daily life experiences of GSD5, with a focus on adapting to and coping with their physical activity intolerance. An online survey was composed in close collaboration with patient organizations. It consisted of customized and validated questionnaires on demographics, general health and comorbidities, physical activity, psychosocial well-being and functioning, pain, fatigue and adapting to and coping with GSD5. One hundred sixty-two participants (16 countries) participated. The majority, n = 86 (69%) were from the Netherlands, USA or UK. We observed a high rate of misdiagnosis prior to GSD5 diagnosis (49%), surprisingly a relatively high proportion had not been diagnosed by DNA testing which is the gold standard. Being diagnosed had a strong impact on emotional status, daily life activities and important life choices. A large proportion had not received any rehabilitation (41%) nor medical treatment (57%) before diagnosis. Engagement in vigorous and moderate physical activity was reduced. Health related quality of life was low, most likely related to low physical health. The median Fatigue Severity Score was 4.3, indicating moderate to severe fatigue. Participants themselves had found various ways to adapt to and cope with their disability. The adaptations concerned all aspect of their life, including household chores, social and physical activities, and work. In addition to lack of support, participants reported limited availability of information sources. Participants have provided guidance for newly diagnosed people, including the advice to accept one's limited abilities and maintain an active lifestyle. We conclude that adequate counseling on ways of adapting and coping is expected to increase both health-related quality of life and physical activity.

Problem-Solving Skills Training for Parents of Children With Chronic Health Conditions

Problem-solving skills training (PSST) has a demonstrated potential to improve psychosocial well-being for parents of children with chronic health conditions (CHCs), but such evidence has not been fully systematically synthesized. To evaluate the associations of PSST with parental, pediatric, and family psychosocial outcomes. Six English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library), 3 Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang), gray literature, and references were searched from inception to April 30, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that performed PSST for parents of children with CHCs and reported at least 1 parental, pediatric, or family psychosocial outcome were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. Data were pooled for meta-analysis using the standardized mean difference (SMD) by the inverse variance method or a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses of children- and intervention-level characteristics were conducted. The psychosocial outcomes of the parents, their children, and their families, such as problem-solving skills, negative affectivity, quality of life (QOL), and family adaptation. The systematic review included 23 RCTs involving 3141 parents, and 21 of these trials were eligible for meta-analysis. There was a significant association between PSST and improvements in parental outcomes, including problem-solving skills (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27-0.58), depression (SMD, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.23), distress (SMD, -0.61; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.40), posttraumatic stress (SMD -0.39; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.31), parenting stress (SMD, -0.62; 95% CI, -1.05 to -0.19), and QOL (SMD, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.15-0.74). For children, PSST was associated with better QOL (SMD, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.04-1.47) and fewer mental problems (SMD, -0.51; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.34), as well as with less parent-child conflict (SMD, -0.38; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.16). Subgroup analysis showed that PSST was more efficient for parents of children aged 10 years or younger or who were newly diagnosed with a CHC. Significant improvements in most outcomes were associated with PSST delivered online. These findings suggest that PSST for parents of children with CHCs may improve the psychosocial well-being of the parents, their children, and their families. Further high-quality RCTs with longer follow-up times and that explore physical and clinical outcomes are encouraged to generate adequate evidence.

Increase in Long-Term Care Residents with Serious Mental Illnesses Presents Challenges for Facilities and Staff: Case Reports

Background. The increase in the number of residents with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder in long-term care facilities in the United States presents serious challenges to those seeking admission to these facilities, their staff, and facility administrators. Aims. Our purpose is to illustrate the situations for which long-term care facilities have been cited for failure to meet standards of care related to their residents' psychosocial well-being and behavioral expressions. Methods. Publicly available data was accessed from several U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data centers. Data obtained included the percentage of facilities that received citations for seven F-tags (a federal coding system) most relevant to effectively addressing residents' psychosocial well-being and behavioral expression needs. Case reports related to each of the selected standards (F-tags) were identified and summarized, and data on the facility involved was obtained for each case report. Results. In the first half of fiscal year 2024, 25% of the long-term care facilities surveyed were cited for deficiencies related to protecting residents from abuse or neglect, and 19% were cited for failing to keep residents as free as possible from unnecessary psychotropic medication. The case studies illustrate the wide range of behavioral expressions that need to be addressed, from severe withdrawal and attempts to self-harm to sexual approaches to other residents to purposeful soiling of bed linens and aggression toward staff or other residents. In many instances, it was clear that facility staff did not know the requirements for an adequate response to the situation or how to respond effectively. Conclusions. The case studies and related data reveal multiple, often interacting, assessment and care challenges that many long-term care staff are not prepared to handle effectively. They demonstrate the adverse impacts of untreated negative behavioral expressions and consequently suggest that staff may be unprepared to manage these multifaceted conditions. Poorly resourced facilities need support to adequately respond to this ever-growing, complex mix of service needs, less than generous reimbursement structures, and resident demographics.

Evaluating the efficacy of a modified mindfulness program in enhancing psychosocial wellbeing and cognitive functions of community dwelling older adults

Objective To assess the effects of a modified Mindfulness for Senior Wellbeing (MSW) program on older adults’ psychosocial wellbeing (flourishing, sleep quality, self-transcendence, purpose and meaning) and cognitive functions (working memory, episodic memory, speed of processing, cognitive flexibility). Methods Twenty-eight community dwelling older adults were recruited to participate in the 5-week mindfulness training out of which nineteen (mean age = 69.7 years) who met the training requirements were included in the data analysis. Due to practical limitations, a single-group pre–post study design was adopted. Participants completed the outcome measures before and after the training program. Results Participants experienced significant improvements in their levels of mindfulness, sleep quality, and some aspects of cognitive functions (working memory, episodic memory, cognitive flexibility), and reduced worrying thoughts related to a financial subscale of flourishing. Other outcome measures showed slight improvements albeit not statistically significant. Conclusion Taken together, these preliminary findings shed light on the feasibility and potential of the locally tailored mindfulness program to bring about positive benefits to the older adults.

Exploring the impact of social media short-form videos on adolescents’ psychological and psychosocial well-being

This research paper examines the positive and negative impacts of social media short-form videos on adolescents’ psychological and psychosocial well-being. In most circumstances, parents and schoolteachers would equal the usage of social media with bad influences and results to their children and students. However, with the rapid development of social media, it is easily accessible to everyone, including adolescents as one of the major user groups. They choose to use social media to meet their certain needs and gratifications. So, there should be some positive impacts that go along with the usage of social media, particularly the short-form videos. Incorporating responses from interviews, this study demonstrates that the short-form videos on social media have both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts play an important role on the usage of social media, which includes improving recognition level, enhancing social interactive skills, relieving stress level, etc. The adolescents’ social media dependency is not as heavy as most of the adults assume. This paper puts forward several suggestions to allow adolescents to use social media, especially short-form videos, benefiting their psychological and psychosocial well-being to the most and prevent short-form video addiction.

The Effectiveness of Social-Cognitive Competence Skills Training on Positive Affects and Executive Functions of Adolescents

Background and Objective: Executive functions and positive affect are crucial aspects of adolescents' psychosocial development, significantly impacting their well-being and academic and social success. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social-cognitive competence skills training on positive affect and executive functions in adolescents. Methods and Materials: This randomized controlled trial included 40 adolescents (22 boys and 18 girls) from district 11 of Tehran. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The experimental group received ten 75-minute sessions of social-cognitive competence skills training. Data were collected at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up, and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Findings: The results indicated that social-cognitive competence skills training significantly improved executive functions (F = 46.27, p &lt; .001) and increased positive affect (F = 56.18, p &lt; .001) in the experimental group. The mean scores for executive functions in the experimental group increased from 30.25 in the pre-test to 42.68 in the post-test and 41.87 at follow-up. The mean scores for positive affect increased from 22.45 in the pre-test to 34.89 in the post-test and 33.97 at follow-up. Conclusion: Social-cognitive competence skills training can significantly enhance executive functions and increase positive affect in adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of implementing similar educational programs in schools and counseling centers to improve adolescents' psychosocial well-being.

The Psychosocial Impact of Migration on Family Roles and Identity

Objective: Migration significantly affects individuals and families, reshaping identities, roles, and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to explore the nuanced psychosocial impacts of migration on family roles and identity, seeking to understand the complexities of adjustment, identity transformation, and emotional well-being within the migratory context. Methods and Materials: Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 participants from various migratory backgrounds. Theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the experiences and perceptions of migrants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize the primary themes and concepts emerging from the data, focusing on the psychosocial dimensions of migration. Findings: Three main themes were identified: Adjustment and Adaptation, Identity and Belonging, and Emotional and Psychological Well-being. Under Adjustment and Adaptation, categories such as Cultural Integration, Educational Challenges, Employment and Financial Stability, and Social Networks and Community Support were explored. Identity and Belonging encompassed Family Role Dynamics, Personal Identity Transformation, and Interactions with the Host Society. Emotional and Psychological Well-being included Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Intergenerational Conflicts, Loss and Grief, and Hope and Resilience, each providing insights into the emotional and psychological experiences of migrants. Conclusion: The study highlighted the profound and multifaceted psychosocial impacts of migration on individuals and families, revealing the challenges and adaptations necessary for cultural integration, the renegotiation of identity and family roles, and the emotional and psychological experiences encountered. These findings underscore the necessity for supportive policies and practices that address the complex needs of migrants, facilitating smoother integration and promoting well-being.

Assessment of Quality of Life among Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care at Hospice Centre, Ahmedabad City, India.

Cancer has been the leading cause of death worldwide, and palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness. Hospice care helps patients and their family to cope with the change from treating the cancer to living life as fully as possible through their final days. This study aimed to (1) assess the sociodemographic and clinical profile of terminally ill cancer patients, (2) assess the QoL among terminally ill cancer patients receiving palliative care, and (3) study various determinants affecting their QoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among terminally ill cancer patients receiving palliative care at the Hospice Centre, Community Oncology Centre, Ahmedabad. Based on previous years' admission data, a sample size of 360 was taken. Patients who are seriously ill up to the extent that they were unable to respond and had a previous positive history of psychiatric illness before the diagnosis of cancer were excluded. Institutional ethical committee (IEC) permission was obtained before the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The mean age of participants was 48.1 ± 13.0 years. The gender distribution of participants was males and females (226 (62.8%) and 134 (37.2%)), respectively. On studying, the involvement of various anatomical sites as "primary site of cancer" revealed that head and neck carcinoma had the highest (63.3%) involvement and hematological cancer had the lowest (0.6%) involvement. Of total, 62% of participants had "below-average QoL," followed by 34.9% of participants having "significantly poor QoL." There was a significant association between different age groups, time lag in cancer diagnosis, and treatment initiation and QoL. Spearman's rank correlations between the majority of factors fell in "low partially positive" category except for the physical well-being (factor 2) and psychosocial well-being (factor 3) with optimism and belief (factor 7), where they were in "low partially negative" category.

Social support via Internet communication technology for diabetes self-management: a scoping review.

The global prevalence of diabetes has been increasing over the past 30 years, leading to a rise in complications; diabetes is the leading cause of amputations, blindness, and kidney failure in developed countries. Diabetes self-management is challenging due to the complex lifestyle changes required. Social support from family and friends plays a crucial role in overcoming barriers to healthy behavior choices. Integrating Internet and communication technologies with social support interventions has the potential to improve diabetes self-management. A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed, Ovid, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library databases for studies combining diabetes, Internet and communication technologies, and social support interventions. Inclusion criteria focused on adult patients with diabetes and primarily Internet and communication technologies-based strategies to initiate and enhance social support. Data abstraction included study population, design, outcomes, social support domains emphasized, support relationship intervention strategy, and Internet and communication technologies modality. The review identified 39 articles and 33 unique studies representing 27 unique interventions utilizing peer web forums, interactive voice recordings, messaging-based interventions (including Short Message Service and instant messaging), and email as Internet and communication technologies modalities. Various outcomes were reported, including improvements in perception of social support, psychosocial well-being, behavior changes, and clinical outcomes. Existing support relationships may be more effective in promoting behavior change and clinical outcomes compared to developing new relationships. Studies that explicitly measured patients' perception of support consistently showed improvements in psycho-social, behavioral, and clinical outcomes. This scoping review highlights the pivotal role of social support in diabetes self-management. By integrating Internet and communication technologies into interventions, diverse modalities such as web forums and text messaging have shown promise in enhancing patients' perception of support and improving psychosocial well-being, behavior changes, and clinical outcomes. The emphasis on leveraging existing support relationships, rather than establishing new ones, underscores the effectiveness of personalized, patient-centered approaches. These findings provide essential insights for healthcare strategies, emphasizing the need to harness technology and existing social networks to empower individuals in managing diabetes effectively.

ENHANCING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND WELLBEING: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF A NEW SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMME IN FREE STATE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

In response to the pervasive violence affecting children's psychosocial wellbeing in South Africa, the Adopt-a-School Foundation introduced the Thari programme, targeting behavioural challenges that manifest in gangs, substance abuse and classroom disruptions. This article presents findings from a pilot project in Botshabelo, Free State, where gangsterism, academic struggles and social issues prevailed. The main study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design (qualitative/quantitative), but this article reports only on a part of the qualitative data from group and individual interviews that explored participants' perspectives. The study focused on children's behavioural challenges and observed school changes during implementation of the Thari programme. Results show a notable reduction in gangsterism and psychosocial issues, leading to decreased disruptive behaviour among children and highlighting improved behaviour after the introduction of psychosocial services. Keywords: child and youth care worker, psychosocial services, school safety, school social work, vulnerable children