Caregiver Status Research Articles

Race Differences in Purpose in Life Among Family Caregivers: Findings From the Caregiving Transitions Study.

Family caregiving may affect purpose in life, defined as the sense that life has meaning and intentionality. Few studies have compared caregivers to non-caregivers or examined the characteristics of caregivers associated with purpose in life. Using data from the Caregiving Transitions Study (n = 486), we conducted multiple linear regression analyses to test the effects of caregiver status, age, gender, social network, and physical and mental health on purpose in life. We also tested whether the effect of caregiver status differed by race and, among caregivers (n = 241), the associations between caregiving characteristics and purpose in life. Caregivers did not differ significantly from non-caregivers in purpose in life in adjusted analysis. Among caregivers, significantly greater purpose of life was observed among Black caregivers and those reporting higher positive aspects of caregiving. Future research should examine these issues longitudinally, and caregiver interventions should consider addressing purpose in life and positive aspects of caregiving.

The Effects of Home Language Use on Spanish Speech Measures in Bilingual Children With Hearing Loss Who Use Cochlear Implants and Their Peers With Normal Hearing.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the amount of home language use between the primary caregiver and bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs) versus their bilingual age-matched peers with normal hearing (NH) can impact speech outcomes in the home language. Thirty-four bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking children (17 CI users and 17 with NH) between the ages of 5;3 and 7;9 (years;months) participated in this study. Independent variables were the amount of home language use with the primary caregiver and hearing status, and dependent variables were vowels and consonants correctly produced and occurrence of selected phonological processes. The amount of home language use was ascertained from surveys, and the dependent measures were based on a single-word picture elicitation task. Bilingual children with CIs who are exposed to Spanish for more than 80% of the time via their primary caregiver performed better on Spanish segmental accuracy measures than those who are exposed to Spanish from only 20% to 50% of the time, specifically on vowels (partial η2 = .31) and consonants (partial η2 = .025). Children with NH outperformed children with CIs on all accuracy measures in Spanish. Preliminary results suggest the importance of language exposure through interactions with the primary caregiver for speech development in bilingual children. Future studies should investigate strategies to facilitate home language development in bilingual children with CIs, enabling them to reach their full potential.

A national cross-sectional survey on community spinal cord injury individuals profiles, health-related quality of life and support services in China: implications for healthcare and rehabilitation

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe, permanent functional changes and has become a global health priority due to its high incidence, cost, and disability rate. Current national epidemiological data on SCI in China are limited and outdated. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive, national cross-sectional investigation of SCI epidemiology in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 3055 SCI participants aged 8 to 78 years, conducted from May to September 2023. Data collected encompassed demographic characteristics, employment status, etiology, years lived with disability (YLD), family structure, caregiving status, income, health insurance, paralysis type, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Descriptive statistics analyses were used to assess demographic and injury characteristics. Group differences were assessed using t-tests, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. Significant factors were examined using multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe majority (88.9%) of respondents were aged 15 to 59 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.36:1. Car accidents caused 45.4% of tetraplegia cases, falls caused 35.9% of paraplegia cases, and myelitis was the leading cause of non-traumatic SCI. Among paraplegia participants, 65.5% had complete SCI, while 53.1% of tetraplegia participants had incomplete SCI. Functional improvement was reported by 9.58% of participants. Half (50.3%) of the respondents were unemployed, and 75% had incomes below the national average. HRQoL was significantly lower in the SCI population compared to controls, mainly influenced by injury site, income, age and etiology (p < 0.05).ConclusionsSCI participants in China exhibit low HRQoL and reemployment rates. Accessible community and vocational rehabilitation programs, alongside robust public medical services, are essential for enhancing reemployment and HRQoL among SCI participants, reducing the overall disease burden.

A - 88 Grandparent Caregivers Interaction with Experiences of Discrimination Effect on Perceptions of Cognitive Control

Abstract Objective This study hypothesized that perceptions of cognitive ability control will differ according to grandparent caregiving status and perceptions of discrimination based on age. Control beliefs mediate the relation between discrimination and executive function. Due to the intersectional nature of grandparents who raise grandchildren and minority statuses compared to non-caregiving grandparents, it is thought that perceptions of age being the main reason of discrimination will differentially affect caregiving grandparents compared to non-caregiving grandparents perceptions of control over cognitive ability. Method Data included 92 caregiving and 407 non-caregiving grandparent participants from the third wave of a longitudinal data collection survey Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS III). MIDUS III included self-administered surveys assessing caregiver status, perceptions of main reasons of discrimination, and perceptions of cognitive control. Result A 2-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the effect of grandparent caregiver status and age discrimination perceptions on perceptions of cognitive ability control. A 2-way ANOVA revealed there was a significant interaction between the effects of grandparent caregiver status and perceptions of aging discrimination (F(1, 498) = 7047, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions Grandparent caregivers are more likely to have higher perceptions of control over cognitive ability when they do not perceive age as a main reason for discrimination; whereas non-caregiving grandparents have higher perceptions of control over cognitive ability when they do perceive age as a main reason for discrimination. Perceptions of why individuals are discriminated against may interact with personal factors that contribute to perceptions of control in cognitive ability.

Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, and Psychosocial Support Status of Caregivers Having Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study From Bangladesh.

Background Although caregiving is considered a normal phenomenon for parents, delivering care to a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities can be taxing and disastrously impact parents' quality of life (QoL). This study explored the relationship between QoL, coping strategies, and psychosocial support status of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methodology This cross-sectional study included 906 caregivers of children having neurodevelopmental disabilities utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief and Perceived Stress Scale. A tailored questionnaire gauged coping strategies and psychosocial support. Linear regression was used to identify significant contributors. Results Most caregivers (78.8%) experienced a moderate level of stress, and their QoL scores were 14.4 (SD = 2.5) for physical health, 12.0 (SD = 2.4) for psychological health, 14.6 (SD = 1.9) for social relationships, and 12.1 (SD = 2.1) for the environment. Mothers had the lowest QoL of all caregivers. Negative influences on QoL encompassed caregiver and child age, perceived stress, and lower socioeconomic status. A higher coping score positively predicted a high health-related QoL score. Gender differences were observed in psychosocial support sources. Conclusions The study underscores the need for policymaking considering findings to develop psychosocial intervention programs for enhancing the QoL of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Cognitive status, psychological state and needs of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries: a qualitative study.

Aims/Background Pressure injury stands as a global healthcare concern, primarily affecting elderly individuals. As the ageing of the global population shows no signs of slowing down, both society and the families of the affected individuals continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of pressure injuries. The majority of pressure injury cases are managed at home, and the occurrence and progression of pressure injuries in the elderly are closely associated with informal caregivers. This study aims to qualitatively explore the cognitive status of caregivers for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, as well as their psychological state and needs during the caregiving process. Methods This research is qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological in nature. A purposive sampling method was used. Eighteen caregivers of elderly patients with pressure injuries were selected from Jiangnan University Medical Centre as interviewees from June 2023 to August 2023. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data regarding the caregivers' cognition, psychological state, and care-related needs while caring for elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries. The data were then organised and analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method and NVivo 11.0. Results Through the analysis of interview data from caregivers of elderly patients with home-induced pressure injuries, three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The data analysis also revealed that the caregivers surveyed lacked the crucial awareness of preventing pressure injuries and that their caregiving practices were not up to standards. During the caregiving process, they were challenged with substantial stress while also experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety or depression. They had a strong desire for persistent medical support to alleviate the psychological and emotional challenges. Conclusion The findings of this study establish a collaborative relationship network among the hospitals, family, medical staff, and caregivers in the management of pressure injuries, but with a special attention to the caregivers' needs for disease-related knowledge and psychophysical support. Such relationships streamline communication between medical staff, patients, and their caregivers, facilitating the adoption of active and correct methods by caregivers to prevent and care for pressure injuries. This can positively impact the quality of care for pressure injuries, further improving the life quality of patients and their caregivers, controlling the incidence of pressure injuries, and reducing readmission rates.

Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers - United States, 2015-2016 to 2021-2022.

Caregivers provide support to persons who might otherwise require placement in long-term care facilities. Approximately one in five U.S. adults provides care to family members or friends who have a chronic health condition or disability. Promoting the well-being of this large segment of the population is a public health priority as recognized by the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Although negative associations between caregiving and caregiver health are known, changes in the health status of caregivers over time are not. Data from the 2015-2016 and 2021-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to compare changes in the prevalence of 19 health indicators among cross-sectional samples of caregivers and noncaregivers at different time points. Caregivers experienced improvements in prevalence of four health indicators, whereas six worsened. Some health indicators, such as cigarette smoking, improved for both caregivers and noncaregivers, although smoking prevalence remained higher for caregivers (16.6% versus 11.7%). Prevalence of lifetime depression increased for both groups and remained higher among caregivers (25.6%) than among noncaregivers (18.6%). During 2021-2022, age-adjusted estimates for caregivers were unfavorable for 13 of the 19 health indicators when compared with noncaregivers. Strategies for supporting caregivers are available, and integrating these with existing programs to address mental health and chronic diseases among this population might improve caregiver well-being. For example, many community organizations support caregivers by offering interventions designed to relieve caregiver strain, including skills training, support groups, and care coordination.

The relationship between socioeconomic status, medical accessibility, hope and psychological resilience of caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease in China: structural equation model

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is the third most common cause of death after cancer and heart disease. The continuous treatment of children with CKD was greatly challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the CKD children’s prognosis and the caregivers’ psychological status. However, the influence mechanism of socioeconomic status, medical delay duration, traffic pressure, and online consultation duration on caregivers’ hope and psychological resilience still lacks relevant evidence.MethodsThis study investigated the general social information, hope, and psychological resilience of 247 caregivers with CKD in 13 provinces of China in March 2020. Factor analysis and an exploratory Structural Equation Model ( SEM ) were used to find the best-fit model, and Bootstrapping was used to calculate the 95% CI of indirect effects.ResultsThe factor analysis obtained four common factors, namely, socioeconomic status (annual family income, education, and career stability), medical accessibility (online consultation duration, medical delay duration, and traffic pressure), hope (positive attitude, positive action, and intimate relationship) and psychological resilience (optimism, tenacity, and strength), with the cumulative contribution rate of 65.34%. Bootstrapping obtains the socioeconomic status β = 0.30 (95% CI [0.14, 0.47], P = 0.002), medical accessibility β = 0.31 (95% CI [0.12, 0.47], P = 0.002), and hope β = 0.40 (95% CI [0.27, 0.52], P = 0.002) has a direct impact on psychological resilience of CKD children caregivers, followed by medical accessibility β = 0.20 (95% CI [0.10, 0.38], P = 0.001) and hope β = 0.23 (95% CI [0.16, 0.32], P = 0.001) plays a mediating role between socioeconomic status and psychological resilience. The indirect impact effect β = 0.35 (95% CI [0.25, 0.50], P = 0.001) is greater than the direct impact effect β = 0.30 (95% CI [0.14, 0.47], P = 0.002).ConclusionsSufficient attention should still be given to children with immunodeficiency after the COVID-19 pandemic, such as CKD, to avoid infection of deadly. Secondly, the government should vigorously develop Primary medical institutions to ensure efficient treatment of severe patients in tertiary hospitals; Finally, the professional literacy of medical workers in remote diagnosis and treatment should be improved to enhance the country’s emergency response capacity for similar major public events and the requirements for normalised epidemic prevention and control.

Effects of an online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis.

The incidence of allergic rhinitis in children is high across the world, as well as in China. Allergic rhinitis in children has serious impact on physical and mental health of the children. At the same time, the caregivers of allergic rhinitis children have heavy burden of care, and their mental problems are severe. It is necessary to implement timely psychological intervention for the caregivers of allergic rhinitis children. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a safe and effective psychological therapy, and the effect of online intervention can be comparable to the traditional face-to-face intervention program. This study focused on the mental health status in the main caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis, and conducted a modified online MBCT intervention on the caregivers, in order to improve their adverse mental state, meanwhile, improve the quality of care they provide. The results show that online MBCT intervention is applicable to the main caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis, and can effectively reduce caregiver burden, relieve anxiety and depression, and improve the level of mindfulness in the caregivers.

The prevalence, characteristics, and psychological wellbeing of unpaid carers in the United Kingdom.

This study sought to describe the characteristics of unpaid carers in the UK and assess levels of depression, anxiety, and mental health treatment seeking behaviours in this population. Data was derived from Wave 9 (n = 2790) of the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) study, a longitudinal survey of adults in the UK. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the characteristics of unpaid carers, association between caregiver status and psychological wellbeing, and caregiver-specific factors associated with risk of poor psychological wellbeing. Approximately 15% (n = 417) of the sample reported providing unpaid care. Younger age, having three or more children in the household, and lower income were identified as significant correlates of caregiver status. Unpaid caregivers were at increased risk of depression or anxiety and mental health help-seeking. Unpaid caregivers who were younger, lived in households with one or two children, and had a lower income were at greater risk of depression or anxiety and engaging in mental health help-seeking. Caring for an individual with a terminal illness, long-term illness, learning disability or difficulty, mental health problems, physical disability, and other were linked to increased risk of depression or anxiety, while caring for someone with a learning disability increased risk of mental health help-seeking. This study indicates that at least one in eight people in the UK provide unpaid care, and that those who provide unpaid care have a far higher risk of experiencing depression or anxiety and seeking mental health treatment. The identification of risk factors associated with these mental health outcomes will facilitate the identification of those in most need of support.

Indicators of Wellness Among Social Work Students within an Urban Setting During Times of Crisis

ABSTRACT The emergence of a global emergency, Covid-19, forced social work programs to shift to virtual teaching, disrupting students’ learning abruptly. Social work students reported negative impacts from the pandemic on academic functioning as well as financial and emotional wellbeing. This study examines the relationships between demographic predictors (age, race, type of social work program, caregiver status, first-generation college student, household size) and challenges (emotional, academic/professional, financial, technological) social work students experienced during the pandemic. Participants included 332 BSW and MSW students from an urban university. Binomial regressions were conducted to determine the significance between student demographics and types of challenges. A Poisson regression was performed to determine the significance between student demographics and the total number of challenges. Students living in larger households, students with greater caregiver demands, BSW students, and students of color reported a greater number of challenges related to juggling school with caregiver demands, job searching, managing finances, food and housing, coping with grief and loss, and feeling disconnected with school (ps <.05). These findings contribute to the emerging body of literature on the impact of COVID-19 by informing ways social work schools can better address students’ educational, professional, financial, and emotional wellbeing during times of worldwide crisis.

Older caregivers’ depressive symptomatology over time: evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe

The prevalence of informal caregiving is increasing as populations across the world age. Caregiving has been found to be associated with poor mental health outcomes including depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the mean trajectory of depressive symptomatology in older caregivers in a large European sample over an eight-year period, the effects of time-varying and time-invariant covariates on this trajectory, and the mean trajectory of depressive symptomatology according to pattern of caregiving. The results suggest that depressive symptoms in the full sample of caregivers follow a nonlinear trajectory characterized by an initial decrease which decelerates over time. Caregiver status and depressive symptoms were significantly associated such that depressive symptoms increased as a function of caregiver status. The trajectory in caregivers who report intermittent or consecutive occasions of caregiving remained stable over time. Significant associations were found between sociodemographic, health and caregiving characteristics and the initial levels and rates of change of these trajectories. While these results point to the resilience of caregivers, they also highlight the factors that are related to caregivers’ adaptation over time. This can help in identifying individuals who may require greater supports and, in turn, ensuring that caregivers preserve their well-being.

The health status and life satisfaction of caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s

Introduction: The health status of caregivers is associated with satisfaction with life and so in the way of delivering care to the elderly with Alzheimer’s. Objective: To evaluate the health status and life satisfaction of family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s, users of a Reference Center for Care in Alzheimer’s disease in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. The convenience sample consisted of 208 family caregivers and selected during the period December 2009 to February 2010, through the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was conducted in the Reference Center. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and application of the scales: Zarit caregiver burden interview, Subjective Well-Being and Functional Staging. For statistical analysis, we applied the Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test, using Epi-Info 6.04. Results were considered statistically significant if their level was less than 5% (p

Investigating the Differential Impact of Short- and Long-Term Informal Caregiving on Mental Health Across Adolescence: Data From the Tokyo Teen Cohort

PurposeYoung caregivers experience, on average, poorer mental health outcomes than non–caregiving young people. However, it is unknown to what extent these effects differ with age, or among short-term versus long-term caregivers. Using repeated assessment of young caregiving across multiple waves of a prospective adolescent cohort study, we conducted repeated cross-sectional analyses of caregiver status and contemporaneous depressive symptoms, self-harm, and suicidality in early to middle adolescence. MethodsFour waves of questionnaire data from a large, longitudinal population-based cohort study (Tokyo Teen Cohort) were analyzed. Caregiver status was collected from participants aged 10, 12, 14, and 16 years. Mental health outcomes assessed were depressive symptoms, self-harm and suicidal feelings. Logistic regression analyses were conducted assessing effects of a) young caregiver status and b) new, long-term, and ex-caregiver 2-year categorizations on mental health outcomes at 12, 14, and 16 years, both unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders (sex, low income, single-parent household, and parental distress). ResultsDepressive symptoms were elevated among long-term caregivers at 14 years (unadjusted odds ratio (uOR): 3.11 [1.33–7.27], adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.49 [1.03–5.99]). Borderline associations between long-term caregiving and self-harm (uOR: 3.14 [1.06–9.35], aOR: 2.51 [0.82–7.63]) and suicidal feelings (uOR: 2.49 [0.98–6.34], aOR: 2.06 [0.80–5.33]) were detected at 16 years. No associations were found at age 12 years in primary analyses; sensitivity analyses indicated possible increased depressive symptoms. DiscussionYoung caregivers with long-term caregiving roles are at the greatest risk for negative mental health outcomes, with effects concentrated in later adolescence. These findings highlight urgent need for early identification and practical and psychological support for young people shouldering caregiving burdens.

Perception of Caregivers about Oral Health Services for Institutionalized Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study.

In India, the absence of formal training in geriatric dentistry and the lack of recognition of it as a speciality contributes to the deterioration of oral health in the older adults. India lacks specific oral healthcare policies for older adults. Additionally, caregivers' perspective in old age homes regarding oral healthcare services remains underexplored, necessitating further studies in this context. A mixed method study was conducted, and the quantitative component focused on assessing the oral health status of institutionalized older adults and caregivers' perceptions using a questionnaire. The qualitative part evaluates caregivers' perceptions of providing oral healthcare services for older adults through in-depth interviews. Mean DMFT among institutionalized older adults was 15.52±8.23. More than 50% of caregivers perceived that the oral health status of institutionalized older adults was fair. Barriers to oral health services include autonomy, difficulty in traveling, lack of financial support, lack of knowledge and time. Approaches to enhancing oral health services for institutionalized older adults include oral health education for older adults and their caregivers, monthly dental visits to the institution, utilization of portable dental chair services, collaboration with dental colleges/dental clinics, distribution of oral health education materials, and provision of oral hygiene aids. Findings from our study indicate the need to collaborate with dental institutions to provide oral health services in old age homes, to improve the oral health status of older adults and caregivers&apos; knowledge.

Health Coaching Improves Outcomes of Informal Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Caring for someone with heart failure takes an emotional and physical toll. Engaging in self-care may decrease stress and improve the health of informal caregivers. We conducted a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a virtual health coaching intervention, compared with health information alone, on the self-care, stress, coping, and health status of heart failure caregivers. We enrolled 250 caregivers providing care at least 8 hours/week, reporting poor self-care, and able to use technology. All received a tablet device programmed with websites providing vetted information on heart failure and caregiving. Half were randomized to also receive 10 synchronous support sessions virtually with a health coach over 6 months. Data on self-care, stress, coping, and health status were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the interaction between time and treatment group. The sample was majority female (85.2%), White (62.2%), spouses (59.8%), and aged 55±13.6 years. Many were employed full time (41.8%). They had been caring for the patient 8 hours/day for a median of 3.25 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, caregivers who received the health coach intervention had statistically and clinically greater improvement across 6 months compared with the control group in the primary outcome of self-care maintenance (5.05±1.99; P=0.01) and stress (-4.50±1.00; P<0.0001). Self-care neglect declined significantly (-0.65±0.32; P=0.04), but the difference between the treatment arms disappeared when the results were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Mental health status improved statistically but not clinically (3.35±1.61; P=0.04). Active coping improved in both groups but not significantly more in the intervention group (P=0.10). Physical health status was unchanged (P=0.27). This virtual health coaching intervention was effective in improving self-care and stress in heart failure caregivers.

The social and emotional burden of Dravet syndrome on Spanish caregivers

BackgroundDravet syndrome (DS) is a rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that presents with frequent and prolonged seizures resistant to treatment as well as cognitive problems such as behavioral and developmental delays. However, there is a lack of scientific literature on the impact of this condition on caregivers and the family unit. ObjectivesTo find out the social and emotional impact of DS on the family unit, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease's effects on both the family and caregivers. Materials and methodsA tailored online survey was administered to Spanish DS families, collecting data on the employment, financial, emotional, and social status of patients and caregivers. ResultsA total of 112 Spanish caregivers participated in the study. The mean age of the 112 parents was 46.61 years, and 77.68 % of them were mothers. The majority of caregivers had to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours to take care of their child with DS, being the most of them mothers. Most of the caregivers felt that they were not well-informed by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the Spanish National Health System (NHS). Despite access to resources, families often face financial strain and challenges in obtaining sufficient support, highlighting the need for enhanced social, economic, and psychological backing. In addition, both sentimental and social relationships were negatively impacted in the vast majority of respondents. ConclusionsThe study advocates for policy reforms, integrated social services, community programs, and multidisciplinary efforts to improve the quality of life and social integration for those affected by DS.

Baseline Sociodemographic Characteristics and Mental Health Status of Primary Caregivers and Children Attending Schools on the Navajo Nation During COVID-19.

Despite historical and contemporary trauma, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN; Indigenous) communities responded with resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, AIANs experienced disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, death, and reduced life expectancy. School closures exacerbated disparities, leading to learning loss, economic instability, and mental health challenges among AIAN youth. The Project SafeSchools cohort study employed a comprehensive longitudinal convergent mixed-methods approach, integrating community-based participatory research principles. The study enrolled Navajo Nation caregivers whose children were eligible to attend local reservation-based schools. We conducted an analysis of caregiver self-report baseline data collected between August 2021 and May 2022. A total of 242 caregivers completed at least part of the baseline assessment and were included in data analysis. Caregivers were primarily female (88.7%), non-Hispanic (97%), and Indigenous (97%). Most caregivers were in their late 30s (mean age 38), with varying educational backgrounds and employment statuses. Children were evenly split between males and females and distributed across different age groups. Most children attended school at baseline in various formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online-only settings. Caregivers reported a range of psychosocial and behavioral risks, including general mental distress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety for themselves and their children. Furthermore, caregivers and children exhibited various protective factors, such as strong cultural identity, resilience, and academic self-efficacy. This study highlights the higher rates of mental health distress among participating caregivers and children compared to national averages. Despite these challenges, cultural protective factors remained strong and should guide future crisis response efforts.

Factors Predicting Caregiver Contributions to Self-care in Patients with Heart Failure

Introduction Caregivers play an important role in contributing to self-care in patients with heart failure (HF). To date, knowledge regarding factors associated with caregiver contributions to self-care remains limited, particularly in Thai patients with HF. Objective This study aimed to 1) describe caregiver contributions to self-care, and 2) examine factors predicting caregiver contributions (self-care maintenance, symptom perception, self-care management) of patients with HF. Design This correlational predictive study was guided by a situation-specific theory of caregiver contributions to heart failure self-care. Methodology The study included 128 caregivers of patients with heart failure, who were purposively selected based on the following inclusion criteria: aged at least 18 years, unpaid for their caregiving tasks, and living with the patients who attended the heart failure clinic and general internal medicine clinic at an outpatient department of a super-tertiary hospital from April to August 2023. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and record forms, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression. Results The majority of the participants were female (75.78%), with an average age of 46.10 years (SD = 13.74). Caregiver contributions (CC) to symptom perception and self-care maintenance were found to be adequate, with means of 73.38 (SD = 14.83) and 72.72 (SD = 13.75), respectively. In contrast, self-care management was deemed inadequate, with a mean of 68.83 (SD = 16.56). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that health perception and self-efficacy together predicted CC for symptom perception, explaining 35.20% of the variance. Health perception, self-efficacy, and positive aspects of caregiving together predicted CC to self-care maintenance, explaining 31.50% of variance. Self-efficacy and comorbidities in patients together predicted CC to self-care management, explaining 21.20% of variance. While the status of caregivers to patients was not a statistically significant predictor of all three dimensions of CC to self-care in the patients with HF in this study. Recommendation The results of this study can be utilized to develop specific programs aimed at enhancing caregiver contributions to the self-care of patients with HF, particularly in promoting self-efficacy, positive aspects of caregiving, caregivers’ health perception, and managing the comorbidities of the patients.

Impacts of anemia and its determinants among 6–59 months age children residing in Dayniile internally displaced person’s camps, Banadir region, Somalia

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anemia in children under 5 years of age is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, leading to diverse findings across studies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among children under 5 years of age living in internally displaced persons camps in the Dayniile district of Somalia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and July 2023 in Mogadishu, Somalia. Blood samples from children under 5 years of age were checked for malaria and parasites, as well as for hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean cell volume, and hematocrit. SPSS version 27.0.1 was used for data analysis, involving descriptive and inferential statistics. Fisher’s exact test examined anemia associations due to low expected counts. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia among children under 5 years old was 17.6%. Anemia severity varied from mild (8.4%) to moderate (8.7%) to severe (0.5%). No significant correlation was found between a child’s primary caregiver and anemia status nor between anemia and sex, age, maternal factors, or family income sources. However, the presence of income from other relatives was statistically significant (P = 0.046*), indicating that financial support from extended family members may reduce the incidence of severe anemia in young adults. Children with a history of malaria had notably higher rates of mild and moderate anemia (25.0% and 75.0%, respectively) than those without. CONCLUSION: Our study, along with previous research, underscores the complexity of the prevalence of childhood anemia and its contributing factors. Addressing anemia in children from lower-income families and urban areas requires tailored intervention. In addition, controlling malaria and promoting breastfeeding are essential strategies for reducing the prevalence of anemia in young children. Overall, a multifaceted approach considering socioeconomic, health, and dietary factors is crucial for the well-being of children under 5 years old.