Development Of Self-care Skills Research Articles

Behavioural Training and Self-Care Skill Development in Early Childhood Down Syndrome in Jordan

This study evaluated a behavioural theory-based training program aimed at improving self-care skills in early childhood Down Syndrome (DS) patients in Jordan. A quasi-experimental research approach involving 36 children aged 3-6 years from special education centres, the study randomly assigned participants to the training program or traditional care. Utilising the Self-Care Assessment Tool for Children with Down Syndrome (SCATC-DS), the research measured skills before and after intervention. Results showed significant improvements in the training group, particularly in Basic Hygiene, Dressing, Food Preparation and Eating, Indoor Navigation, and Emotional Expression. While Communication skills improved, they did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest the program’s potential for enhancing self-care skills in young children with DS in Jordan, indicating a need for its integration in educational and therapeutic settings. Future research might focus on program duration, larger sample sizes, and enhanced communication training.

Perceptions of the key components of effective, acceptable and accessible services for children and young people experiencing common mental health problems: a qualitative study

BackgroundChildren and young people’s (CYP) mental health is a major public health concern internationally and the recent Covid-19 pandemic has amplified these concerns. However, only a minority of CYP receive support from mental health services due to the attitudinal and structural barriers they and their families encounter. For over 20 years, report after report has consistently highlighted the shortcomings of mental health services for CYP in the United Kingdom and attempts to improve services have been largely unsuccessful. The findings reported in this paper are from a multi-stage study that aimed to develop a model of effective, high-quality service design for CYP experiencing common mental health problems. The aim of the stage reported here was to identify CYP’s, parents’ and service providers’ perceptions of the effectiveness, acceptability and accessibility of services.MethodsCase studies were conducted of nine different services for CYP with common mental health problems in England and Wales. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 41 young people, 26 parents and 41 practitioners and were analysed using the Framework approach. Patient and Public Involvement was integrated throughout the study with a group of young co-researchers participating in data collection and analysis.ResultsFour key themes defined participants’ perceptions of service effectiveness, acceptability and accessibility. Firstly, open access to support with participants highlighting the importance of self-referral, support at the point of need and service availability to CYP/parents. Secondly, the development of therapeutic relationships to promote service engagement which was based on assessment of practitioner’s personal qualities, interpersonal skills and mental health expertise and underpinned by relational continuity. Thirdly, personalisation was viewed as promoting service appropriateness and effectiveness by ensuring support was tailored to the individual. Fourthly, the development of self-care skills and mental health literacy helped CYP/parents manage and improve their/their child’s mental health problems.ConclusionsThis study contributes to knowledge by identifying four components that are perceived to be central to providing effective, acceptable and accessible mental health services for CYP with common mental health problems irrespective of service model or provider. These components could be used as the foundations for designing and improving services.

Restoration of Upper Limb Motor Function After Stroke

Since the task of eliminating the consequences of a stroke remains unsolved, research on the use of robotic simulators equipped with feedback to restore upper limb motor functions is of particular relevance. Aim of the study was to conduct an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of the Anika sensory glove with biological feedback for the restoration of upper extremity motor function in the early period of ischemic stroke. Materials and methods. We analyzed 108 medical histories and selected 28 patients with a single history of stroke and moderate cognitive disorders, which were divided into 2 groups - control and experimental with 14 individuals each. Patients of the control group engaged in therapeutic physical culture according to the traditional methodology adopted in neurological practice and aimed at restoring muscle strength, passive and active movements of the upper extremity. Trainings using the sensory glove Anika with biological feedback were included in the therapeutic physical culture training program for the experimental group. Results. The inclusion of special exercises on the Anika simulator with biological feedback in a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program increases the effectiveness of the recovery process, contributing to improving articular mobility, reducing spasticity, increasing muscle strength of the hand, reducing the level of personal and situational anxiety, normalizing psychoemotional state and increasing the functional mobility of stroke patients. Conclusion. The use of the sensory glove Anika with biological feedback in the early recovery period contributed to the expansion of the motor activity of patients, the development of self-care skills, psychological and social adaptation.

Factors Impacting Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a treatment sequela with negative physical and psychological implications. BCRL is a lifetime concern for survivors and is currently incurable. With the increase in the Latino population in the United States, it is critical for the cancer care community to address factors that increase BCRL risk and negatively impact long-term quality of life. This literature review undertook to identify successful intervention strategies for BCRL among Latina survivors. Multiple databases were searched for published articles from 2006 to 2020. PRISMA guidelines were utilized. Data were extracted related to physical activity, diet, and psychosocial stress concerns of Latinas at risk for or living with BCRL. Eleven interventions combined education and skill-building techniques to address physical activity, diet, and stress management for BCRL. Family involvement, peer-mentoring, culturally tailored education, and self-care skill development were identified as important for Latina survivors. Latina survivors may benefit from culturally tailored BCRL education programs and self-management interventions. Health care professionals and researchers should consider cultural influences when developing clinical intervention strategies to enhance outcomes for Latinas at risk for living with BCRL. In addition, including family members and/or peers in such strategies may be helpful to Latina survivors.

Improving the Transition to Adult Care for Young People with Chronic Kidney Disease

The transition from pediatric- to adult-oriented care typically occurs during emerging adulthood, a developmental stage during which the risks of poor treatment adherence and adverse outcomes are elevated. Inadequate support during this change in care environment may augment the risks. With a focus on chronic kidney disease, we will briefly review the evidence linking transition from pediatric- to adult-oriented care to adverse medical, social, and quality of life outcomes, and outline potential reasons for the associations between transition and adverse outcomes. Then we will summarize the recent literature on potential interventions to improve the transition from pediatric- to adult-oriented care. We will examine strategies to improve (1) preparation for transition (including positive youth development, peer mentoring, education, and self-care skill development), (2) the transition process itself (including different models of transition care), and (3) the care structures/systems available for emerging adults within the adult-oriented care environment (including expectations of young people and parents, adaptation of adult care to the emerging adult, and improved education of adult care providers in issues of importance to emerging adults). The perspectives of patients, parents, and healthcare providers will be considered throughout.

Development of self-care skills and helping behaviors of adolescents in a group home through correspondence training

The present study used a do-report correspondence training procedure to develop self-care skills and helping behaviors among adolescents of a group home. Points were delivered contingent upon true reports about behaviors (self-care skills and helping behaviors) performed earlier. Two multiple-baseline designs (across behaviors and across groups) were employed. The results showed increased levels of self-care skills and helping behaviors (the corresponding nonverbal behaviors) during reinforcement of true reports, relative to baseline conditions. These levels were maintained during the introduction of a follow-up (maintenance) phase, in which subjects were exposed to similar procedures of correspondence training but with no reinforcement contingencies for truthful reports about prior behaviors.