Young Lives Research Articles

‘How Does Living in Institution Impact Young Lives?’—Insights From Young People in Ci'aiyuan

ABSTRACTInstitutional care often carries a negative reputation due to its perceived adverse effects on children and young people. However, it remains a significant form of alternative care in China. In Xiangxi, childcare institutions, known as ci'aiyuan, have been further expanding by involving wider populations in recent years. However, little knowledge is known about this new practice. This study sought to explore lived experiences in one such institution by involving 14 young people who were 15–18 years old and lived in ci'aiyuan at the time of data collection. Through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews, the findings revealed three overarching themes. Living in ci'aiyuan has impacted young lives through (i) providing more supportive relationships in their social networks, (ii) increasing their self‐perceived social support and (iii) facilitating positive life trajectory shifts for certain individuals. The findings present a softer and more compassionate aspect of institutional reality, even though this represents a minority experience, challenging the dominant criticisms typically directed at institutional care. However, this study maintains that continued efforts are needed to address the complexities and challenges associated with such care settings.

Separation of life stages within anaerobic fungi (Neocallimastigomycota) highlights differences in global transcription and metabolism.

Anaerobic gut fungi of the phylum Neocallimastigomycota are microbes proficient in valorizing low-cost but difficult-to-breakdown lignocellulosic plant biomass. Characterization of different fungal life stages and how they contribute to biomass breakdown are critical for biotechnological applications, yet we lack foundational knowledge about the transcriptional, metabolic, and enzyme secretion behavior of different life stages of anaerobic gut fungi: zoospores, germlings, immature thalli, and mature zoosporangia. A Miracloth-based technique was developed to enrich cell pellets with zoospores - the free-swimming, flagellated, young life stage of anaerobic gut fungi. By contrast, fungal mats contained relatively more vegetative, encysted, mature sporangia that form films. Global gene expression profiles were compared from two sample types (zoospore-enriched cell pellets vs. mature mats) harvested from the anaerobic gut fungal strain Neocallimastix californiae G1. Despite cultures being grown on glucose, the fungal zoospore-enriched samples were transcriptionally primed to encounter plant matter substrate, as evidenced by upregulation of catabolic carbohydrate-active enzymes and putative carbohydrate transporters. Furthermore, we report significant differential gene expression for gene annotation groups, including putative secondary metabolites and transcription factors. Understanding global gene expression differences between the fungal zoospore-enriched cells and mature fungi aid in characterizing fungal development, unmasking gene function, and guiding cultivation conditions and engineering targets to promote enzyme secretion.

A deep learning approach for classifying and predicting children's nutritional status in Ethiopia using LSTM-FC neural networks

BackgroundThis study employs a LSTM-FC neural networks to address the critical public health issue of child undernutrition in Ethiopia. By employing this method, the study aims classify children's nutritional status and predict transitions between different undernutrition states over time. This analysis is based on longitudinal data extracted from the Young Lives cohort study, which tracked 1,997 Ethiopian children across five survey rounds conducted from 2002 to 2016. This paper applies rigorous data preprocessing, including handling missing values, normalization, and balancing, to ensure optimal model performance. Feature selection was performed using SHapley Additive exPlanations to identify key factors influencing nutritional status predictions. Hyperparameter tuning was thoroughly applied during model training to optimize performance. Furthermore, this paper compares the performance of LSTM-FC with existing baseline models to demonstrate its superiority. We used Python's TensorFlow and Keras libraries on a GPU-equipped system for model training.ResultsLSTM-FC demonstrated superior predictive accuracy and long-term forecasting compared to baseline models for assessing child nutritional status. The classification and prediction performance of the model showed high accuracy rates above 93%, with perfect predictions for Normal (N) and Stunted & Wasted (SW) categories, minimal errors in most other nutritional statuses, and slight over- or underestimations in a few instances. The LSTM-FC model demonstrates strong generalization performance across multiple folds, with high recall and consistent F1-scores, indicating its robustness in predicting nutritional status. We analyzed the prevalence of children’s nutritional status during their transition from late adolescence to early adulthood. The results show a notable decline in normal nutritional status among males, decreasing from 58.3% at age 5 to 33.5% by age 25. At the same time, the risk of severe undernutrition, including conditions of being underweight, stunted, and wasted (USW), increased from 1.3% to 9.4%.ConclusionsThe LSTM-FC model outperforms baseline methods in classifying and predicting Ethiopian children's nutritional statuses. The findings reveal a critical rise in undernutrition, emphasizing the need for urgent public health interventions.

Collecting Research Evidence to Inform Programming to Tackle Violence Against Young Women and Girls: The Importance of Diverse Data for Policy Making

In September 2024, the devolved Northern Ireland government published their Strategic Framework to end violence against women and girls. In this article, we report the key results of two studies that were undertaken to inform this Strategy: Young Life and Times (YLT)—an annual social attitude survey of 16-year olds, and the bespoke ‘It’s just what happens’ study which was commissioned to qualitatively explore the views and experiences of girls and young women in relation to gender-based violence (GBV). YLT survey data are presented on the prevalence of GBV experiences and perceived barriers to reporting violence. Qualitative data gathered through focus groups and interviews are drawn on to demonstrate how these methods surface additional information, context and nuance that could not be captured in large-scale surveys alone. Young women experience disproportionately high levels of GBV compared to young men, whilst, at the same time, more barriers to reporting. Qualitative data from the bespoke survey flesh out the prevalence data with young women’s lived experiences. This paper demonstrates the value of diverse data for providing a more holistic understanding of complex social issues which, we argue, can benefit the development and evaluation of targeted policy interventions.

The presentation of self in everyday young lives with pain: a poetic meta-ethnography

ABSTRACT Background Access to pain relief is a fundamental human right, yet child and adolescent pain can remain unheard and untreated . We aimed to understand and testify to young people’s pain experiences. Methods This is the first systematic review of qualitative research to present findings as poetry. We followed stages of meta-ethnography, using verbatim poetry to express the findings. Results We included 189 studies incorporating 6072 young people with pain across a range of conditions and contexts. Our findings highlight the ambiguity of pain . This ambiguity is exacerbated by unpredictability, absence of diagnosis, and a tangle of bio-psycho-social factors. Conclusions Verbatim poetry can help us to imagine what it is like to live in someone else' shoes. Poetry can therefore contribute to compassionate and high-quality care. Future research might explore the role of poetry inmore inclusive research.

Rising access and falling outcomes: educational change and the GEQIP reforms in Ethiopia

PurposeThis paper explores the extent to which the period 2012–2021, when the General Education Quality Improvement Programme (GEQIP) reforms to primary education were implemented in Ethiopia, is one of educational improvement, despite the absence of gains in learning outcomes. It examines trends in access, learning progress in Grade 4 school quality and in equity of access and outcomes across regions and between urban and rural contexts.Design/methodology/approachData from several sources are employed including Ethiopian national education data (Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)) and longitudinal school survey data from the Young Lives (YL) and Research on Improving Systems of Education (RISE) projects. Analysis employs descriptive analysis and regression modelling in a value-added framework. Trends in learning outcomes in mathematics and pupil backgrounds are examined alongside school quality, its measures and predictors.FindingsAccess to primary education in Ethiopia has expanded significantly, with some equity improvements. Learning outcomes have declined in most regions, in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) from a mean score of 515 in 2012 to 436 in 2020. Several school and teacher quality indicators targeted by GEQIP improved modestly, including teacher maths scores which improved from a mean of 462 to 507. Improvements have not been sufficient however to outweigh effects of rapid expansion and rising disadvantage, perhaps worsened by shocks including COVID and conflict.Originality/valueThis research contributes to understanding the role of the GEQIP reforms in improving primary education in Ethiopia. It may inform policy on targeted education quality improvement. It informs wider debate on the “learning crisis” especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Roots, Threads, and Possibilities: How Learning from Some Origin Stories of Evangelical Youth Ministry Can Help Navigate a Challenging Future

Working with young people is a key part of the story of British evangelicalism, both being formed by and forming evangelical Christian life. Exploring evangelical youth ministry through the lens of the origins of the Crusaders’ Union of Bible Classes (now Urban Saints) in the UK and demonstrating the shared threads and themes in regard to the Australian and US contexts, through studies of the InterVarsity Fellowship (IVF) and Young Life, respectively, key themes are revealed that embody an evangelical approach to working with young people. These themes, encapsulated within the overall practice of relationship building, focus on influential young people, charismatic lay leadership, and have an emphasis on fun. We further demonstrate the wider influence on evangelical church life encapsulated by this evangelical sensibility towards working with young people that endures, which is often unacknowledged. In addition, these themes suggest an operant theology that raises questions for the practice of evangelical youth ministry. The consideration of these themes can help us respond to some of the challenges faced by youth ministry in the UK and young people in contemporary culture. Moreover, the historical threads contain possibilities that might help evangelicals navigate a future in regard to working with young people.

Using photo-elicitation to explore young people's short-term experience of and adherence to orthodontic retainers.

To investigate young people's experience of retainer wear in the immediate term and at 6 months after appliance removal, and to explore the factors affecting retainer wear adherence. Qualitative study. Orthodontic departments at two teaching hospitals in Yorkshire, UK. A total of 12 participants aged 13-18 years were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. Data collection occurred through one-to-one, virtual, photo-elicitation interviews at two time points (immediate and 6 months) with data analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three overarching themes were developed to describe young people's experience of orthodontic retention: immediate experience and expectation of retainers; the process of adaptation; and motivating factors. Barriers to adherence were mostly ascribed to daytime wear, despite normalisation of retainers in young people's lives. Interventions to help individuals overcome the initial adaptation phase and self-manage their foreseen problems of forgetfulness include routines and reminders, which seem to be less important at 6 months. At both time points, internal and external motivation significantly contribute to retainer adherence, with compensatory changes in behaviour being more important at 6 months. Understanding early experiences of retainer wear can help clinicians to provide timely and well-targeted interventions and information. Co-constructing unique adherence strategies may help to overcome the initial adaptation phase, with particular emphasis on understanding the individual.

Interaction between genetic risk score and dietary carbohydrate intake on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: Findings from the study of obesity, nutrition, genes and social factors (SONGS).

Cardiometabolic traits are complex interrelated traits that result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to assess the interaction between genetic variants and dietary macronutrient intake on cardiometabolic traits [body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, and glycated haemoglobin]. This cross-sectional study consisted of 468 urban young adults aged 20±1 years, and it was conducted as part of the Study of Obesity, Nutrition, Genes and Social factors (SONGS) project, a sub-study of the Young Lives study. Thirty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be associated with cardiometabolic traits at a genome-wide significance level (P<5×10-8) were used to construct a genetic risk score (GRS). There were no significant associations between the GRS and any of the cardiometabolic traits. However, a significant interaction was observed between the GRS and carbohydrate intake on HDL-C concentration (Pinteraction=0.0007). In the first tertile of carbohydrate intake (≤327g/day), participants with a high GRS (>37 risk alleles) had a higher concentration of HDL-C than those with a low GRS (≤37 risk alleles) [Beta=0.06mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.10; P=0.018]. In the third tertile of carbohydrate intake (>452g/day), participants with a high GRS had a lower concentration of HDL-C than those with a low GRS (Beta=-0.04mmol/L, 95% CI -0.01 to-0.09; P=0.027). A significant interaction was also observed between the GRS and glycaemic load (GL) on the concentration of HDL-C (Pinteraction=0.002). For participants with a high GRS, there were lower concentrations of HDL-C across tertiles of GL (Ptrend=0.017). There was no significant interaction between the GRS and glycaemic index on the concentration of HDL-C, and none of the other GRS∗macronutrient interactions were significant. Our results suggest that young adults who consume a higher carbohydrate diet and have a higher GRS have a lower HDL-C concentration, which in turn is linked to cardiovascular diseases, and indicate that personalised nutrition strategies targeting a reduction in carbohydrate intake might be beneficial for these individuals.

Early Years Practitioners' and Public Health Consultants' Perspectives on the Use of Interactive Electronic Devices in Young Children: A Qualitative Study.

Interactive electronic devices (IEDs) are ubiquitous in young children's lives. However, research on their impact on learning and development is still limited. The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of early years practitioners (EYPs) and public health consultants (PHCs) on the use of IEDs in children aged 3-5. Using purposive sampling techniques, we recruited four EYPs and two PHCs from children's nurseries and a government organisation in the northwest of England. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. EYPs and PHCs noted that although IEDs could negatively impact child development and behaviour, they could also aid in learning. EYPs expressed concerns about the impact of parents' own IED habits on children's communication and social skills. On the other hand, PHCs stressed that substituting outdoor play with the use of these devices could affect children's social and physical skills and reduce physical activity levels, which are crucial for development. Finally, both EYPs and PHCs agreed that there was a need to improve parents' and EYP's knowledge and to develop interactive interventions to promote an understanding of how IEDs should be used with young children. EYPs and PHCs acknowledge the potential advantages of using IEDs as a teaching tool for children. However, they have concerns about the long-term effects on communication, social and physical skills and how children are impacted by their parents' use of these devices. To support policy statements, future research should offer further evidence of the benefits and harms of IED use.

El Niño-driven flooding and mental health symptomology among adolescents and young adults in Peru

Abstract Intensifying storms and inter-annual El Niño events may increase psychological stress and worsen mental health. This study examines the relationship between flood exposure and long-term mental health symptoms among adolescents and young people in Peru, the world’s most affected country by El Niño. We analyzed community and self-reported survey data from the Young Lives Study to contrast mental health in 2016 among youth who lived in communities that experienced or did not experience flooding between 2013 and 2016. We pre-processed data on 1344 individuals in 93 communities, using optimal full matching on Mahalanobis distance with a propensity score caliper, and estimated relative risks to mental health scores in the general population of young people and among gender-stratified groups via quasi-Poisson regression. Exposure to floods did not yield conclusive differences in mental health scores in this sample. Further evidence is needed on mental health patterns over time, the influence of exposure severity, and the impact of disaster relief on symptomology in mounting an effective global health response.

Socius improvisus: young musicians, DIY careers and uncertainty in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper uses a study of young musicians in Indonesia building ‘DIY’ (do-it-yourself) music careers to propose a new conceptualisation of biographical action, which we argue better reflects the realities of young lives in the Majority World (or Global South). We emphasise a form of embedded improvision that parallels but differs from the type of individual flexibility and entrepreneurial culture emphasised in influential work in youth studies on the intersection of youth cultures and employment transitions. We propose the concept of ‘socius improvisus’ to bring into focus the way the participants’ work to establish a DIY career is undertaken alongside others and taking others into account. Networks are pivotal to how our participants’ careers evolved. These networks are shaped by the shared valuing of mobility and movement while also attending to and valuing types of embeddedness in different communities. Continual improvisation alongside and taking into account others is necessary as the young musicians struggle to build, develop, and maintain their DIY careers in music and the values ‘DIY’ entails, while currently juggling other commitments in life. This might be heightened or reshaped for contemporary young people in Indonesia and also plausibly more widely than this.

Sustaining Linguistic Heritage Through Black‐Centric Texts

AbstractAmerica's strength lies in its inherent diversity‐‐an enduring truth that makes the Eurocentric nature of our educational curricula troubling. Despite this foundational reality, curricular materials remain predominantly Eurocentric, often excluding authentic representation and inclusion of Black/African American experiences in children's and young adult literature. This issue is exacerbated by a politically charged environment where efforts to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in education have been criminalized, particularly in southern states. Prioritizing cultural and linguistic diversity in U.S. classrooms is essential for nurturing and sustaining young learners' literate lives. This article aims to disrupt these inequities by analyzing the integration of culturally authentic texts, rooted in the lived experiences, perspectives, and traditions of Black/African American communities, to counter stereotypes and celebrate linguistic dexterity. Guided by culturally and linguistically relevant theories, the study presents a critical content analysis of three Black‐centric children's and pre‐adolescent books. These texts exemplify Black Livingness, showcasing joy, playfulness, and imagination in contemporary Black life while opposing anti‐Blackness. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating these texts in educational curricula to provide authentic representations of Black experiences, nurture students' cultural identities, and foster critical literacy. The article offers pedagogical recommendations for educators to meaningfully select and center Black‐centric texts, enhancing culturally relevant and rigorous literacy learning experiences. By disrupting harmful anti‐Black practices in curricula, educators can create learning environments that affirm and amplify Black linguistic capital, supporting the academic success and well‐being of Black students. Through this approach, the study aims to empower educators as transformative intellectuals and agents of change in promoting Black linguistic justice.

Trends and determinants of child stunting in Ethiopia: a longitudinal analysis of sociodemographic factors and regional disparities

Stunting remains a critical issue affecting child health in Ethiopia, with significant implications for growth and development. Despite efforts to address stunting, understanding its determinants and trends over time is essential for developing effective interventions. The objective of this study is to examine the trends and determinants of child stunting in Ethiopia, focusing on sociodemographic factors and regional disparities. This longitudinal observational study utilized data from the Young Lives project covering the period from 2002 to 2016. An ordinal logistic regression model with generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to analyse 7,680 observations from 1,536 children across Ethiopia. Variables included sociodemographic factors, access to resources, and parental education levels. Over the study period, there were notable improvements in child stunting rates, influenced by variables such as household wealth, maternal education, access to safe drinking water, and urban versus rural residence. Children in households with higher wealth and maternal education levels experienced lower rates of stunting. Regional disparities were evident, with a greater prevalence in Amhara and lower rates in Addis Ababa.The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address socioeconomic disparities and improve resource access. Enhancing maternal education, ensuring access to safe water, and addressing regional disparities are critical to reducing child stunting rates in Ethiopia.

Young men's everyday life experiences with contraception and unintended pregnancy in Papua New Guinea.

Unintended adolescent pregnancy is a public health priority in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where national policies specify need for easier access to reliable modern contraceptives. To reduce young people's experiences of unintended pregnancy in PNG, improved understandings of use of modern and other forms of contraception within young people's relationships is required to support the development of new sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs and policies. The aim of this paper is to understand young men's use of modern and other contraceptives. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 35 sexually active young men aged 15-24 years, who were sampled purposively from the general population within community-based settings. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis techniques. Our analysis of young men's everyday experiences of using condoms and other contraceptives highlights clear drivers of unintended adolescent pregnancies. Across three settings, these included non-use of any modern method at first sex or during early sexual experiences; inconsistent use of condoms, often only after first pregnancy experiences; difficulties accessing condoms from health service providers, pharmacies and stores; a lack of understanding of other modern contraceptive strategies; inconsistent use of the withdrawal method; and inconsistent and incorrect use of calendar approaches due to misunderstandings about women's fertile period. Ten young men had never used any form of contraception. These occurred largely because young men's sexual agency is constrained within sexual and peer relationships, and community, school and health service settings, in ways that inhibit pregnancy prevention. It is important to engage meaningfully with young men to build sexual and reproductive health policies and programs that pay honest, respectful attention to young people's everyday sexual and social lives. Young men's everyday stories provide a unique lens through which we can identify mechanisms of change required to address the health and social inequities associated with unintended pregnancy among young men and young women in PNG and beyond.

Bina Iman Remaja Perempuan Katolik di Asrama Maria Lordes SMK Muktyaca Ende

Due to the mentors' conflicting responsibilities, the teenage girls at the Maria Lordes Ende dormitory struggle with the absence of regular spiritual supervision. As a result, one of the immediate fixes is for them to join the mentoring team at SMK Muktyaca Ende's Maria Lordes Dormitory in addition to being the PKM implementers. Since Catholic youth are the Church's hope and agents of renewal due to their innate qualities of being vivacious, creative, dynamic, sympathetic, critical, and risk-taking, it is imperative that youth faith development mentoring be included in the Congregation's annual programs. Spending time with young people also exposes them to circumstances and technology advancements that significantly test their spirituality and personalities. Therefore, in order to assist these young women, it is essential to provide careful consideration to needs like conceptual and continuous advice, which will help these teenagers avoid making snap judgments that could harm themselves. The target audience for this community service project is Catholic teens living in the Maria Lordes hostel at SMK Muktyaca Ende. Helping young women value life as women and participate in spiritual activities is the aim of this activity. To rekindle excitement from tedium and monotony during the process, a qualitative participative method is employed, which includes lectures and basic practical exercises. This program aims to teach young ladies to value their femininity and participate in spiritual activities. The technique is a qualitative participatory approach that uses lectures and basic hands-on activities to rekindle interest during the activities and break monotony. Thus, the end effect is that Catholic adolescent girls develop greater self-awareness, explore their inner selves more deeply, love and accept themselves, and live out their spirituality every day.

Involving People With Lived Experience in Electronic Health Record Database Studies Reflections and Learning From the CHOOSE Study.

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is integral to health research. Reporting of PPIE methods and impact is becoming increasingly common in health research. However, reporting on PPIE in studies using large, routinely collected electronic health record data sets is less common. Anecdotal evidence suggests that involvement in this research context is more challenging and offers fewer opportunities for meaningful influence on the research process. This paper reports the involvement approach for a Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) study and critically reflects on the process and impact of involving young people, parents and carers in research using this UK primary care electronic health record data set. The CHOOSE study investigated mental health diagnoses of children and young people (1-24 years) during the COVID-19 pandemic using the CPRD. The study was informed by a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) which consisted of 13 members including 8 young people (13-25 years) with lived experience of mental health difficulties and 5 parents/carers, with involvement activities facilitated by project partners, mental health research charity, The McPinR Foundation. We reflect on this process in this manuscript. Key benefits of involving people with lived experience in this research included making sense of and contextualising findings and ensuring that they were focused on making a difference to young people's lives. Challenges included the fixed nature of the CPRD data, which did not capture all the information people with lived experience perceived to be important. Researchers expressed limited time for PPIE activities although that was compensated by McPin colleagues who organised and facilitated online meetings, and supported the young people, parents and carers during and between meetings. This paper describes an approach to patient and public involvement in an electronic health record database study. Working collaboratively with young people, carers and other stakeholders requires sufficient time and adequate resources. We also highlight the importance of appropriate training and support and being transparent about the limitations of PPIE involvement. Three members of the CHOOSE LEAP have been involved in conceptualising and writing this paper.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow 2024

AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow is an annual event showcasing the diversity of research undertaken by faculty researchers, and postgraduate students. The 2024 faculty research roadshow was held on Thursday 12 September at AUT’s North Campus. The AUT Child and Youth Health Research Centre investigates the impact of illness and disability, home and family, health services, nutrition, physical activity and the wider environment on young people. We are committed to providing a space for young people’s voices. CYHRC presented members’ research abstracts. The theme of the roadshow was ‘Partnerships for Impact’ which for CYHRC projects incorporates – Youth as participants and coresearchers – Researchers in this field aim for meaningful youth engagement throughout the research process, from design, through recruitment and fieldwork, to dissemination. All important are efforts to create inclusive environments, provide appropriate support for youth, and demonstrate willingness to share decision-making power. For example, in two projects refugee youth were coresearchers helping to shape decision-making related to their health. Increasing the visibility of youth and the challenges they face - By focusing on a range of tools and activities, young participants and researchers, including postgraduate students, can significantly enhance their impact, visibility, and contributions to their fields. Building a strong research profile takes time and persistence, but ongoing effort will yield long-term benefits for research careers and the wider society. Partnering with organizations and actors interested in youth health – Such partnerships can contribute to youth health and empowerment and significantly increase the impact of research on youth voicelessness by application of key strategies and ensuring that organisations foster appropriate cultures and mindsets within their own and other organisations. By fostering partnerships, researchers can create a more robust ecosystem for addressing youth voicelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that research is not only more comprehensive and relevant but also more likely to lead to tangible improvements in young people's lives and opportunities for their voices to be heard. Challenges of partnering with youth given issues of voicelessness These include adult-centric perspectives and organisations, power imbalances, and communications difficulties. While there are many challenges, the potential for improved research impact makes youth engagement a valuable indeed imperative approach, especially for those focused on youth issues, such as youth health and wellbeing.

The Combination of Gamification Teaching and Technology

As technology continues to advance, its integration into kindergarten education is becoming more common. The use of electronic devices, such as smart televisions and educational software, enriches teaching and learning and enhances children's participation and learning. Interactive tools, including multimedia and gamified learning applications, can foster children's problem-solving, communication and cooperation skills and contribute to their overall development. Research has found that while technology can bring many educational benefits, early childhood educators and parents must be alert to potential risks, such as the negative impact on children's health of over-reliance on devices and prolonged screen use. This study analyses the impact of technology on young children's learning and lives through literature analysis and the study of past experimental results. The findings suggest that (1) teachers need to make thoughtful use of technology and select age-appropriate games and educational tools to meet children's developmental needs. (2) Ongoing teacher training and the development of innovative educational applications are essential to maximize the benefits of technology while protecting children's physical and mental health. (3) Appropriate assessment, feedback and data-driven personalized instruction can ensure the effective integration of technology in preschool education and lay a solid foundation for children's future learning.

Family Sense of Coherence, Dyadic Coping, and Quality of Life in Young and Middle-Aged Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer and Spousal Caregivers: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model.

Cancer is now recognized as a dyadic stress that seriously impacts the mental and physical well-being of both patients and their spousal caregivers (SCs). Analyzing from a dyadic perspective whether and how dyadic coping and family sense of coherence (FSOC) affect the quality of life (QOL) of couples is crucial. To investigate the dyadic association between FSOC, dyadic coping, and QOL in young and middle-aged couples facing advanced lung cancer and to evaluate the mediating role of dyadic coping from a dyadic perspective. From October 2023 to April 2024, 202 dyads were recruited from 2 tertiary care hospitals in Tianjin, China. The participants' measurement indicators were evaluated using corresponding questionnaires. The procedure for dyadic analysis was based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model. The actor effect of FSOC on the QOL was mediated by the dyadic coping of patients (β = .100; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.053-0.155; P = .001) and SCs (β = .124; 95% CI, 0.059-0.193; P = .002). The partner effect suggested that patients' QOL may be indirectly impacted by SCs' FSOC through patients' dyadic coping (β = .078; 95% CI, 0.038-0.127; P = .004). The QOL, dyadic coping, and FSOC of young and middle-aged couples facing advanced lung cancer were dyadically interdependent. To enhance couples' QOL, strategies for intervention must be developed. This study offered a novel viewpoint on the relationship between QOL, dyadic coping, and FSOC and provided a theoretical foundation for the creation of dyadic intervention strategies meant to enhance cancer couples' QOL.