Family Welfare Research Articles

Health and Well-being of Family ('Ohana) Caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

We aimed to describe the health and well-being of family caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), explore cultural values related to caregiving, and characterize barriers and facilitators to their health and well-being. Caregivers of NHPIs living with ADRD were recruited from across the United States to complete a multimethod study including a survey followed by an interview about their health and well-being. Eleven participants completed surveys, six of whom completed an interview. Themes included caring as a community, lōkahi (balance), and the importance of sleep, food, and physical activity. Cultural values included connection to cultural practices, kūpuna (elders) as cultural knowledge holders, and the kuleana (responsibility) of caregiving. Caregiving for an NHPI adult living with ADRD occurs beyond the dyad, and is a matter of family and community. Culturally-based interventions offered through community and healthcare organizations may be critical to promoting caregiver health.

ANALYTICAL STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE ATTITUDE AND PERSPECTIVES OF FEMALE PATIENTS ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian women, with an incidence of 25.8 per 100,000 women according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Late detection is responsible for poor quality of life (QOL), and it is the leading cause of death. Studies have shown that people are positive towards AI performing assessment tasks in healthcare in general and in mammography screening. Moreover, it is challenging to implement strategies based on self-breast inspection or do mammography in rural regions or low and middle income nations for a variety of reasons. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the perception and attitude of various female patients reporting to the radiology unit of a tertiary care centre regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in routine mammogram screening. Study Design: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted female patients attending the radiology unit of a tertiary Care Centre in Central Kerala. Methods: After obtaining, informed written consent was taken from the study participants. A predesigned, pretested, validated checklist was used to collect the required data. The Knowledge, attitude and practice was ascertained through Likerts scale and scoring done accordingly. Statistical tests of significance was employed to assess the possible associations between various variables with the knowledge, attitude and perceptions regarding Artifical Intelligence based Mammogram Results: Among the 170 study subjects analysed, 68.6% had a satisfactory knowledge about Artificial intelligence. Among the 170 study subjects analysed, 86% had a good attitude about being screened through AI enabled mammogram techniques. 92% of the total study subjects registered for mammogram had done it based on self choice. The association between age and willingness to get screened was found to be statistically significant. It was also seen that there was a statistically very high significance between Knowledge regarding AI and the independent decision to get screened. There was also a statistically significant association between age and scores >60% regarding knowledge and attitude regarding the vaccination among the study subjects. Conclusions: Majority of the study population was having a satisfactory knowledge regarding AI usage in healthcare.

Ten-year trajectories of postpartum depression of Japanese mothers and fathers

BackgroundPerinatal depression is a significant concern affecting both women and men during pregnancy and postpartum periods. While maternal postpartum depression has been extensively studied, paternal depression remains under-researched despite its prevalence and impact on family well-being. This study aimed to estimate the trajectories of perinatal and postpartum depression in Japanese parents over ten years and to determine the details of the symptoms of postpartum depression for each trajectory group, considering reciprocal effects between maternal and paternal depression. MethodsA total of 789 couples used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to rate their depressive symptoms prenatally; at 5 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postpartum; and then yearly thereafter until the 10th year. Parallel-process latent class growth analysis was used to group participants according to their longitudinal patterns of depressive symptoms. ResultsFor both mothers and fathers, four depressive symptom trajectories fit the data best and were most informative (escalating: 6.5 %; mothers low and fathers moderate: 17.2 %; mothers high and fathers low: 17.9 %; low: 58.4 %). A variance analysis showed significant class-parent interactions across anhedonia, anxiety, and depression subscales, indicating distinct patterns of depressive symptomatology. DiscussionTailored mental health programs and universal screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale are recommended to address the specific needs of each trajectory class. This study contributes to the understanding of long-term depressive symptom trajectories in parents and emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive support strategies to enhance family well-being and resilience.

The expanded Child Tax Credit and economic wellbeing of low-income families

The expanded Child Tax Credit and economic wellbeing of low-income families

Taking shared parenting seriously: a comparative study of how family policies accommodate shared physical custody in post-separation households

Shared physical custody (SPC) is a care arrangement following parental separation, whereby children alternatively reside with their mother and father. Very little is known about how family policies accommodate SPC, which is all the more unfortunate, as it represents a key opportunity to understand how family policies can efficiently facilitate shared parenting. To address this gap, this article presents a modest attempt at designing a new comparative family policy approach that considers SPC arrangements, by examining the extent to which Belgian, French and Italian family policies accommodate a more equal sharing of parenting post-divorce. In so doing, we encourage studies of defamilialization to take better account of the diversity of contemporary family forms. The theoretical section traces back key feminist debates around defamilialization and proposes to consider SPC arrangements as an ‘atypical’ family configuration that best illustrates contemporary tensions around defamilialization and gender equality. It also takes stock of the few studies of family policy and SPC to highlight key issues at stake. The analysis section starts with the main characteristics of the family law, welfare regime and family policies of the three countries. Then, we examine a selection of emblematic and national-level family policies from the following areas: (1) Family benefits; (2) Financial support to access to services; and (3) Tax measures. Our comparison focuses on three main criteria: scope; entitlement; and shareability of benefits between parents in the context of SPC. Our analysis reveals the variety of approaches to SPC in family polices across countries and policy areas, and the significant lack of support for a more equitable distribution of parenting within SPC. We conclude by highlighting the usefulness of taking SPC into account in reflecting on and evaluating the implementation of defamilialization policies, and by identifying some of the challenges to be met by future research.

Pelatihan pembuatan sabun dari minyak jelantah pada Kader PKK Desa Merembu

Indonesian people have a strong preference for food processed using cooking oil. However, the continuous reuse of cooking oil can pose health hazards and have negative environmental impacts if disposed of directly into the soil and waterways. Therefore, innovation is needed to process used cooking oil waste into a product with economic value. Used cooking oil used for cooking can be transformed into soap which is environmentally friendly and has economic value. Hence, this community service aims to reduce the volume of waste cooking oil and improve the local economy. One area in West Nusa Tenggara that has the potential for this product development is the village of Merembu. Out of 2084 families, 727 are still classified as poor. Therefore, there is a need for business opportunities to improve the economy in the village, one of which is by transforming waste cooking oil into soap products. Community service activities in Merembu Village were well received and received positive responses from Empowerment of Family Welfare (PKK) group in Merembu Village. The positive response is reflected in the results of the final evaluation carried out. This activity is a means for PKK group to increase their knowledge of the dangers and methods of processing used cooking oil so that it does not become a pollutant for the environment.

A STUDY TO DETERMINE IF HEMATURIA IN PATIENTS WITH SNAKE BITE CAN BE USED AS A CRITERIA FOR FORCED ALKALINE DIURESISTO PREVENT AKI

Hematuria and Acute kidney injury (AKI) are important causes of morbidity and mortality among victims of snake bite. As per Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India, if the patient has oliguria or dipstick positive for blood give a trial of forced alkaline diuresis (FAD) within first 24 hours of the bite to avoid pigment nephropathy leading to acute tubular necrosis (ATN)19. In the current study we aim to determine if hematuria can be used as criteria for Forced Alkaline Diuresis in patient who present with hematuria following snake bite who later develop AKI. Results depicted that majority of the study subjects i.e., 88% AKI was not observed. However, urine output in study subjects at 6 hours was not significantly differed with the urine output of study subjects at 12 hours (χ2 = 0.219) and at 24 hours (χ2 = 0.066). Microscopic RBCs were present in 40%, 28%, and 24% of study subjects urine sample at 6 hours,12 hours, and 24 hours respectively. Furthermore, presence of microscopic RBCs in urine samples of study subjects at 6 hours significantly differed with the microscopic RBCs in urine samples of study subjects at 12 hours (χ2 = 0.000) and at 24 hours (χ2 = 0.001). In conclusion, patient with snake bite with presence of hematuria do not have AKI as a complication & hence hematuria cannot be used as criteria for Forced Alkaline Diuresis for the treatment of AKI in snake bite.

Parental adjustment to a burn-injured child: how to support their needs in the aftermath of the injury.

The physical pain of a burn is immeasurable, but the pain of seeing a child suffer is indescribable. Childhood burns not only affect the child directly, but also have a significant impact on the parents and the rest of the family. During the acute phase of the burn, the child's main allies in recovery are their parents, so they face emotional turbulence, having to support their children while witnessing the painful procedures they go through. They often feel helpless and distressed because they are unable to protect their children from suffering and have difficulty managing everything they feel. In addition to the often-present feeling of guilt, they also experience sadness and worry, particularly when returning home. After hospital discharge, fears increase, as do the challenges. There is a need to readapt the entire family dynamic to respond to the needs of the burned child who returns home. This readaptation often generates stress and anxiety, interfering with the entire family structure. It is crucial to try to understand these parents and give them all the support they need. Only capable and well-adjusted parents can ensure resilient family environments with safer and calmer children, thus promoting family well-being. In this perspective paper, the authors underline the role of parents of burnt children during the long trajectory of child rehabilitation and recovery. By acknowledging their needs, feelings and challenges healthcare providers can engage and support suffering parents toward more family-centered approach.

The economic value of reducing avoidable mortality.

Living longer and healthier boosts individual and family welfare. As part of the World Bank's Healthy Longevity Initiative, we quantified the economic value of achieving the highest possible life span. We estimated the economic value of reducing avoidable mortality, defined as the difference between observed (or projected) mortality and lowest achieved (or projected) mortality, by world regions, sex, and age, between 2000 and 2021, with projection to 2050. In 2019, 69% of mortality, or 40 million deaths, was avoidable. The economic value of avoidable mortality globally was 23% of annual income, meaning that, globally, populations would be willing to give up about one-fifth of their current income in exchange for a year living at the lowest achieved mortality rate. This value ranges from 19% in China to 34% in sub-Saharan Africa. Under the rapid-progress scenario, in which countries experience fast but plausible mortality reductions from 2019 to 2050, we would expect globally the gap between projected and frontier life expectancy to be halved by 2050, and the economic value after achieving this scenario is equivalent to 14% of annual income. Our work provides supportive evidence on the high economic value placed on improving health.

Intergenerational Care and Subjective Well-being: A Study of the Particularities of Ageing Amongst the Indigenous Peoples of Chile

Abstract This empirical study explores intergenerational caregiving and subjective well-being amongst older adults in Indigenous communities in rural Chile. Facing substantial social and economic challenges, these communities depend heavily on cultural traditions and family support systems. Data were collected from 1,348 older adults, aged sixty and above, using surveys to assess caregiving practices, intergenerational support and subjective well-being, measured by the Personal Wellbeing Index and the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. Findings reveal that caregiving is deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts, with positive aspects such as increased satisfaction and social connectedness, and negative aspects including stress and social isolation. Women predominantly assume caregiving roles, maintaining cultural traditions and supporting family well-being. Notable differences in intergenerational support and subjective well-being were observed based on ethnic group and gender. The implications for social work practice are insightful. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive social work policies and inclusive strategies that address the well-being of older adults in these communities. Social workers and policymakers must consider cultural nuances and the unique needs of Indigenous populations, taking into account cultural identity, economic conditions and acculturation to develop effective support programmes.

Polish adaptation and validation of a family appraisal of caregiving questionnaire for palliative care (FACQ-PC)

Increasing numbers of people are taking on the role of informal caregivers of oncology patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The outcomes of such a decision are both positive (e.g. strengthening of bonds) and negative (e.g. strain). Their assessment is necessary to customise appropriate interventions for caregivers and is made possible by the FACQ-PC (multi-dimensional Family Appraisal of Caregiving Questionnaire for Palliative Care) – a tool used to assess the functioning of informal caregivers of patients receiving home-based palliative care. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation of the FACQ-PC. The study involved 150 informal caregivers of patients receiving palliative care at home, including 106 women and 44 men aged between 22 and 77 years. Study participants completed the Polish version of the FACQ-PC and a series of questionnaires measuring positive and negative feelings (SUPIN), stress (PSS-10) and satisfaction with family life (SOR- H). The study did not confirm the four-factor structure of the questionnaire; instead, a three-factor structure was found to be more appropriate. The following factors were determined: negative outcomes, positive caregiving appraisals and family well-being. Based on a validation review, the high reliability of the individual scales was established, and internal relevance was confirmed. FACQ-PC-PL was adopted as the abbreviated name of the tool. This tool can be used in scientific research and for initial assessments conducted in a clinical setting.

“Virtual Mothering”: A Study of Mothering Practices of Trinidad and Tobago Mothers Stranded Abroad After COVID-19 Border Closures

The COVID-19 pandemic presented threats to the welfare of children and families due to spatial distancing measures, disruption of employment, virtual learning, changes in caregiving, and social isolation. Many studies highlighted the impact of the pandemic on the caregiving practices of mothers. However, little is known about the experiences of mothers who were separated from their children because of COVID-19 border closures. This study used a qualitative methodology to explore the lived experiences of five Trinidad and Tobago mothers stranded abroad and shows the ways in which the COVID-19 border closures altered their caregiving practices with children left behind. Findings show that mothers stranded abroad encountered several challenges in negotiating the physical distance away from their children and the ways that stranded mothers developed digital transnational mothering practices to alleviate the tensions of spatial separation from their children. Although borders have since re-opened, this article argues that the impact of separation between mothers and their children may have lasting effects. The study provides family support professionals and policymakers with an understanding of the experiences of mothers abroad and the need to lend specialized support to this vulnerable group.

National Rural Health Mission's impacts: A Public Welfare initiative in the Indian Wellness Region

Abstract The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is a safe motherhood scheme by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This scheme was launched on April 12, 2005. The scheme was launched by the Government of India to meet the target set by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations. It examines the role and functioning of NRHM in providing basic health care services in rural India. It aims to provide basic health facilities and quality services in India, focusing on fertility, infant mortality rate (IMR), maternal mortality rate (MMR), total fertility rate (TFR), child health and adolescence (RMNCHA), etc. The scheme is one of the most important public health priorities for providing antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care to women. Under which the scheme aims to provide integrated, comprehensive, and effective health care to women and children from deprived and vulnerable sections of society, This study also highlights the character of NRHM in providing equitable, affordable. This study mainly focuses on the vision, implementation, key issues, impact, achievements, and evaluation of the National Rural Health Mission program.

PENDIDIKAN BERKELANJUTAN DALAM PENINGKATAN SDM DI DESA CIBODAS KECAMATAN RUMPIN KABUPATEN BOGOR

People can take education from everywhere, such as formal education conducted in schools. Additionally, there is non-formal education, which can occur outside formal education, such as in courses, training institutions, study groups, and others. Continuous education involves activities that aim to enhance evolving knowledge in one's job or responsibilities, leadership training, and improving managerial skills to manage institutions, finances, facilities, and human resources. This community service activity took place in Cibodas Village, Rumpin District, Bogor Regency/City, with the aim of raising awareness among the community about the importance of continuous education to improve human resource quality. The low level of education (above 75% at the elementary education level) is a social problem in the village. This training include materials about continuous education, entrepreneurship, and digital promotional media as a form of continous education. The training was provided to 50 participants from the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) of Cibodas Village, resulting in the creation of village flagship products. Through this training, participants will become catalysts, spreading information to raise awareness in the community and improve continuous education to achieve greater well-being and quality of life.

Impact of occupational stress on healthcare workers’ family members before and during COVID-19: A systematic review

We aimed to explore the experiences, needs, and mental health impact of family members of healthcare workers (HCWs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eleven quantitative and nine qualitative studies were included in this review. Based on the narrative synthesis, we identified five outcomes: ‘Mental health outcomes’, ‘Family relationships, ‘Coping skills and resilience’, ‘Quality of life and social life’, and ‘Practical outcomes’. Our findings indicated that there was a high risk to the mental health and well-being of families of healthcare workers both before and during the pandemic. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, some experiences and mental health issues of families were worsened. There was also a negative association between working long hours/shift work and family relationships/communication, family social life, and joint activities, and family members taking on more domestic responsibilities. Families tended to use both positive and negative coping strategies to deal with their loved one’s job stress. Organisations and support services working with people in health care work should consider widening support to families where possible. With this understanding, HCWs and their families could be supported more effectively in clinical and organisational settings. Trial registration: Systematic Review Registration Number: CRD42022310729. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022310729.

Financial Education and Level of Indebtedness for Popular and Solidarity Economy Organizations in the Province of Los Ríos and its Areas of Influence. Period 2023 – 2024

The project “Financial education and level of indebtedness for popular and solidarity economy organizations in the province of Los Ríos and its areas of influence” aims to improve financial education and the management of indebtedness of organizations in this sector in Ecuador. Through methodological strategies, it seeks to provide beneficiaries with the necessary skills to efficiently manage their financial resources, thus promoting the sustainable growth of their businesses and family well-being. The project, implemented by the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, involves a five-year intervention with the participation of finance students. In addition to training members of the organizations, scientific articles will be published to disseminate the project's progress and results. It is expected that at least 95% of the beneficiaries will acquire the skills to better manage their indebtedness and financial projection, generating a positive impact on their families and the community.

STATISTICAL RESEARCH ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BMI AND GLYCOSYRED HEMOGLOBIN IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Diabetes is a significant global challenge to the health and well-being of people, families and countries. The main objectives of this research are: to statistically determine the correlation between BMI and the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and to analyze the eating habits and lifestyle of the 109 subjects who were included in this study. The research was conducted in the period from 01.06.2023-30.06.2023. by the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Tetovo and VT Diet Club - Bitola. The data from the 109 respondents (35 men and 74 women) aged from 5 to 81 years. were collected by an online questionnaire. Information about minors was obtained from their parents - guardians. The following statistical methods were used: Pearson's correlation coefficient and relative numbers. 68% of the respondents suffer from diabetes type 2, and 32% of the respondents suffer from diabetes type 1. Most of the patients with diabetes (29.4%) are aged 45-54 years. The value of the correlation coefficient r = 0.04 indicates that there is a very weak correlation between BMI and the value of glycated hemoglobin. This means that the value of glycated hemoglobin is influenced by other factors such as: diet, physical activity, use of therapy with oral antidiabetics and/or insulin, etc. 41.3% of respondents are overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), and the same percentage of respondents are obese (BMI = 30 and more kg/m2). Crucial negative food habits practiced by the respondents are: 69% of the respondents indicated that they have 3-4 meals a day (diabetics should have 3 main meals and 2 snacks) and the same % of respondents indicated that they consume food with a high glycemic index. From this study, it can be concluded that a healthy and balanced diet and physical activity are crucial for leveling glycemia in diabetics, as well as for the prevention of complications caused by diabetes.

Baltimore community resident and collaborator perspectives on the influence of guaranteed income on health: a formative qualitative study

BackgroundGiven increased interest and investment in guaranteed income initiatives across North America, it is critical to understand the impact of guaranteed income on health, an understudied outcome. As part of Baltimore, Maryland’s guaranteed income pilot, we conducted formative research to understand the influence of increased income on health and develop concrete recommendations for implementation and evaluation of the pilot.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with Baltimore community residents (n = 8) and community collaborators (n = 8), probing on familiarity with guaranteed income; effect of guaranteed income on overall health and specific health outcomes (e.g., mental health, nutrition); and recommendations for program structure (e.g., eligibility, target population). Data were analyzed thematically using a framework analysis approach.ResultsRespondents agreed that guaranteed income could have beneficial effects on health though some were unsure of specific mechanisms. Respondents emphasized pathways through which guaranteed income could improve health: (1) reduced financial-related stress; (2) improved nutrition through purchase of healthier foods; (3) improved family well-being including child health and parent-child relationships; (4) increased utilization of health services; (5) improved community health through increased community cohesion and decreased violence. Respondents described decreased feelings of time scarcity as a social determinant of health. Most respondents reported that Baltimore’s guaranteed income program should prioritize young, low-income families with $1,000/month or more for at least one year.ConclusionsThis formative research on the potential health impacts of guaranteed income in Baltimore highlights important health outcomes and pathways, such as social cohesion and decreased feelings of time scarcity, to prioritize for evaluation.

Siblings Gender: Fulfillment of Rights, Role Allocation, and Responsibilies of Children in The Family

Gender equality within the family has become an important goal in social development. The modern family is a place where decisions are made collectively, responsibilities are shared fairly, and each family member is respected in their diverse roles. This paper discusses how parents involve both boys and girls in the decision-making process, include them in discussions, provide them with the space to make choices, grant them the right to pursue education, and assign equal or unequal household tasks, a concept known in sociological studies as siblings gender. Using survey methods and in-depth interviews, this study involved 87 respondents who met the criteria required for the research. The results indicate that many respondents feel that their families have implemented gender equality. Both boys and girls feel they are treated well and fairly, and decisions are made by mutual agreement. However, some respondents reported being treated unfairly as they were not allowed to pursue education outside their current city, unlike their brothers who could attend college elsewhere. Other positive impacts of gender equality within the family include improved family welfare, harmony in family relationships, and the formation of positive behavioral patterns among family members.

How does health visiting in the first year of life vary by family characteristics? A longitudinal analysis of administrative data.

The health visiting service in UK promotes the health and wellbeing of families with young children and comprises a universal offer (three mandated contacts between birth and 12months) and additional contacts based on need. We aimed to understand how the level of health visiting support received varies by family characteristics. Using the Community Services Data Set linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, we identified 52 555 children in 10 local authorities with complete health visiting data for 12months between April 2016 and March 2020. We analysed variation in health visiting contacts by deprivation, child ethnicity, maternal age, adversity and previous live births. 41 340/52 555 children (79%) received the universal service; 63% received ≥1 additional contact and 25% received ≥3 additional contacts. The likelihood of receiving ≥3 additional contacts was greatest for children whose mothers had a history of hospital admissions relating to mental health, violence, self-harm or substance misuse (adjusted relative risk=1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.92). Most families received health visiting support in addition to the universal service. Policymakers and commissioners should consider how health visiting services can be expanded or targeted more effectively to ensure all families receive the support they need.