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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the difficulties and overload/burden experienced by family caregivers of older dependent people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. This work was guided according to the Guideline strengthenin the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (EQUATOR checklist). The study included 65 family caregivers of older people with physical or mental dependence. Caregivers were selected by convenience sampling through a national association of informal caregivers. Participants responded to an online questionnaire, which aimed to assess difficulties and burdens experienced during the pandemic. Ethical principles were followed throughout the research. Findings: The participants were mostly women, with an average age of 53 years, teleworking and cohabiting with the dependent elderly. Most caregivers reported that the pandemic has led to an increase in daily difficulties and associated burden. There was a statistically significant increase in hours devoted to care during the pandemic. Also, caregivers reported less time to take care of themselves and greater fatigue during this period. Research limitations/implications: This study had some limitations. For example, the small sample size. The sample was collected through an online version, and many caregivers did not have the digital skills needed to complete the questionnaires, and most of them were busy (divided between teleworking and household responsibilities). Another limitation was related to the perceived priority of caregivers because the majority of them considered this was a time-consuming study and saw no immediate benefits. Furthermore, they considered that this study has taken their time to manage all the provision of care to the elder relative and other activities related to their children who were also in quarantine. Finally, to date, there is no sufficient evidence to compare our results with other national and international studies. Further research is needed to allow the scalability of results and to apply the best available knowledge to mitigate the known and potential effects of this pandemic. Practical implications: This study highlighted that frontline caregivers suffered a negative impact on their physical and mental health, in addition to a significant economic burden during the pandemic outbreak. More research in this field is needed to plan, train and manage large-scale public health emergencies. Social implications: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed physical distancing, which profoundly affected the physical and mental health of community-dwelling older people and their family caregivers. Because of the confinement and closure of some social support institutions, family caregivers found themselves in a complex situation, having to reconcile care and teleworking. Therefore, it is important to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the difficulties and burden of these caregivers to implement and develop social and health support measures. Originality/value: This paper addresses an increasingly important issue – the burden and difficulties of family caregivers, in the light of a new reality – the Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought new difficulties for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to characterize the type of support provided to victims of violence against women and domestic violence (VAWDV) during the first lockdown, assessing the training of professionals to use remote support (RS). Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional study involves a sample of 196 support professionals, mainly women (91.8%) and who integrate the Portuguese National Support Network for victims of domestic violence (NSNVDV) (Mean age = 36.49; SD = 10.52). Findings: Telephone emerges as the main RS communication media used in the lockdown (43.9%) and the emergency state periods (57.1%). Participants reported to have never used any social applications (41.8% vs 41.8%) or videoconference (46.4% vs 58.2%), in both periods assessed, i.e. lockdown and emergency state, respectively, and 82.7% assumed to have no training with RS to assist VAWDV victims. However, support professionals recognized several advantages in using RS such as dealing with isolation, reducing inhibition, fear and shame and in promoting the victims' empowerment. Research limitations/implications: Given the exploratory nature of this study, only descriptive analyzes were conducted. Originality/value: During the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about effective RS given by professionals to victims of VAWDV in the Portuguese context. The paper aims to add knowledge to the studied field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about how self-determination and financial attitude are linked to retirees' financial well-being in Nigerian context. Drawing from the theory of reasoned action, the purpose of this paper is to examine the connection of self-determination, financial attitude and financial well-being. Also, this paper examines the mediating role of financial attitude between self-determination and financial well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was used in collecting quantitative data from 399 retirees drawn from North Central Nigeria. Hypotheses are tested through structural equation modelling using the Analysis of Moments of Structures (AMOS) software, version 23. Findings: Results from the research indicate that financial attitude serves as a trajectory through which self-determination leads to financial well-being. Therefore, self-determination and financial attitude significantly contribute to the financial well-being of retirees. Research limitations/implications: The use of a cross-sectional design may undermine the causal conclusions of the findings. This study adds to existing research on financial well-being by showing that financial attitude is significant in attaining financial well-being and how self-determination variable impact financial well-being. Originality/value: This study contributes to literature by establishing the mediating role of financial attitude in the relationship between self-determination and financial well-being. Thus, instead of concentrating on only the direct effects of self-determination and financial well-being, the indirect effect of financial attitude is tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to outline a knowledge translation (KT) case study undertaken as part of a multi-component research programme aimed at evaluating new parenting supports in the earliest years. The study aimed to: explore the influencing factors relating to research use in an early years context; and to use the findings, at least in part, to execute an integrated KT plan – to promote stakeholder engagement, greater research visibility and to enhance the understanding of findings emerging from the research programme. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods study was embedded within a large-scale, longitudinal research programme. In the present study, a national survey (n = 162) was administered to stakeholders working with children and families throughout Ireland. A series of one-to-one interviews were also undertaken (n = 37) to amplify the survey findings. Also, one focus group was carried out with parents (n = 8) and one with members of the research team (n = 3). Several dissemination strategies were concurrently developed, executed and evaluated, based partly on survey and interview findings and guided by the knowledge translation planning template (Barwick, 2008; 2013; 2019). Findings: The main factors influencing the dissemination of evidence, as identified by the stakeholders – were: a lack of resources; an under-developed understanding of research use and dissemination; insufficient collaboration and communication; and conflicting stakeholder priorities. Despite these challenges, the research programme was found to benefit from a multi-component KT plan to achieve the outlined dissemination goals. Practical implications: The KT planning process allowed the research team to be more accountable, introspective and to work more efficiently. This helped increase the likelihood of more targeted and successful dissemination of the research findings, delivering a better return on research investment. Originality/value: This is the first study of its kind (to our knowledge) to provide important insights for stakeholders in Ireland and elsewhere about how to improve the dissemination process. Effective KT planning can ultimately help to bridge the research-policy-practice gap and enable the effective translation of high-quality evidence in the early years' sector to enhance outcomes for families in the shorter and longer-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The reduction of the violence and child abuse requires the cooperation of national and international health-related organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of NGOs in health and peace development through administrating supportive programs for child abuse and violence victims. Design/methodology/approach: The present research was a mixed method research, and the type of research was a descriptive-analytic study. To collect data, library and field methods were used. The research sample included 137 staff members of the NGOs supporting children in Tehran. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Findings: According to authorities and members of the NGOs supporting children, networking and affective factors played a significant role in the development of health and peace (P<0.01). This was feasible by controlling the factors affecting violence and child abuse. Practical implications: Given the fact that NGOs are contributing to the development and establishment of peace through effective participation and networking, trying to support the victims of child abuse and violence, the need for more attention from governments is recommended in order to support these organizations, especially legislative and financial support is needed to expand the activities of such organizations. Originality/value: This paper is original in its method, topic and findings. The first is mixed method research, which has studied the role of networking of NGOs for peace development through implementing support programs for victims of child abuse and violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Health is one of the most basic human rights. The mental health of contemporary and future health services providers is of great significance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mental health of the faculty members and students of Kurdistan University of medical sciences Design/methodology/approach: This was an analytical-descriptive and cross-sectional study, which was conducted using the Census method on 249 faculty members and proportionately by using random sampling on 347 students in 2019. Data were collected using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Data analysis was done via SPSS 24 software by using statistical tests such as T-test and one-way ANOVA. Findings: The mean values (standard deviation) of the total score of mental health among students and faculty members were 27.43 (14.37) and 20.17 (11.37), respectively. In total, 57.2% of students and 31% of faculty members had symptoms of mental disorder. The highest mean score among faculty members and students was observed on the subscale of "social dysfunction." There was a significant relationship between the mental health of students and where they study and the mental health of faculty members and type of faculty member with the faculty in which they work (p < 0.05). Originality/value: The prevalence of mental disorders' symptoms among faculty members and students of Kurdistan University of medical sciences was high, and it must be considered by policymakers and managers of the health system to plan appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Supported Discharge Service as a case study of integrated care. The paper will critically evaluate integrated care with regard to patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and cost and productivity.Design/methodology/approach A retrospective mixed methods case study design was adopted utilising patient satisfaction questionnaires, therapy outcome measure and a performance dashboard to measure improvements in patient satisfaction, patient outcomes and cost and productivity.Findings Measured improvements were observed in the integrated discharge process and analysis of the findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes, high levels of patient satisfaction and improved productivity subsequently leading to financial savings.Research limitations/implications Due to convenience sampling, the small sample size and a short time frame when analysing patient outcomes, the generalisability of results is limited. Despite this, with integrated care being polymorphous the findings can be utilised to develop theoretical principles to make assertions about integration (Wikfeldt, 1993).Originality/value This paper draws on the importance of integration as the principal driver of reform within the healthcare system. Even though on a small scale, the case study provides evidence to support the use of integration to improve patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using the PRECEDE model, the purpose of this paper is to determine the predictors of mothers' performance in daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in rural preschoolers. Design/methodology/approach: This study was carried out on 350 mothers of preschool children who had health records in the rural health-care centers of Iran. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 19 software. Findings: The results showed that 11.42 percent of the mothers observed the FV intake for their children recommended by WHO. The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors. Originality/value: This study showed that the rate of FV intake by preschool children in rural areas was much lower than the recommended WHO rate. To promote behavior, attention to the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors seems to be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction, mental health and sleep quality among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian public university. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian university. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, including Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short version, Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test and the Pearson correlation. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Findings: A total of 410 undergraduate pharmacy students participated in the study, giving a response rate of 95.57%. The prevalence of smartphone addiction, depression and anxiety symptoms were 40.24%, 28.30% and 23.66%, respectively. Most students had poor sleep quality (96.10%). The prevalence of smartphone addiction had a moderate positive correlation with the severity of depression (r = 0.363, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.261, p < 0.01) symptoms. Nevertheless, smartphone addiction showed no connection with sleep quality (r = 0.022, p = 0.663). Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in a single public university in Nigeria, hence this might limit its generalizability. The provision of mental health support within universities could help address the high prevalence of smartphone addiction, mental health issues and poor sleep quality. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to examine smartphone addiction among pharmacy students in a resource-limited setting with multicultural and multiethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mental health problems during the initial years of life are precursors of mental disorders in later life, as well as poor quality of life. However, understanding and assessing the quality of life among children is very challenging and requires appropriate assessment measures. Against this backdrop, this study aims to establish the evidence for the construct and convergent validity of Urdu version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) in Pakistani children. Design/methodology/approach: This study has a cross-sectional study design in which a sample of 291 primary school children (53.3% male children and 44.7% female children) were enrolled from 6 primary schools located in Rawalpindi District in 2021 through random sampling. Children's ages ranged between 9 and 13 years (M = 10.51 years; SD = 0.73). Urdu translated version PedsQL, Rosenburg self-esteem scale (RSES), strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), difficulty subscale and socio-demographic form were administered in a group setting. Findings: Confirmatory factor analysis showed model provided a better fit similar to three factors: social/school functioning; psychological functioning; and physical functioning with good alpha reliability for full scale as well for subscales (r = 0.87, r = 0.75, r = 0.77 and r = 0.73), respectively. Pearson's correlation of the translated version with SDQ_difficulties (r = −0.33; p < 0.01) and RSES (r = −016; p < 0.01) depicted solid discriminant validity (r = −0.33; p < 0.01) and RSES showed good convergent validity (r = −0.16; p < 0.01). Hence; PedsQL, Urdu proved to be a reliable, valid and efficient tool for the assessment of quality of life among Pakistani children, and its three-factor structure model suggested previously for Pakistani children was confirmed. Originality/value: This study is original work by the researcher as part of their PhD project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the planned pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) family teaching on depression, anxiety and stress of caregivers of patients with mental disorders receiving ECT. Design/methodology/approach: In this quasi-experimental study, 130 participants were randomized allocated into intervention or control groups. The planned family teaching program consisted of four 90 min sessions held during four weeks. Assessments occurred at pre-intervention (one week before the first session), and post-intervention (one months after the four session). Data were collected using demographic questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Mean comparisons were performed using Student's t-test while effect sizes were estimated by Cohen's d coefficient. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Findings: The mean scores of the depression, anxiety and stress levels in the intervention group were significantly reduced compared to the control group (p=0.001). Originality/value: The family pre-ECT teaching intervention and counseling decreased the depression, anxiety and stress level of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders receiving ECT and the maintenance of other favorable conditions at baseline. These results suggest that even a short-term educational intervention for family members of patients received ECT can improve emotional outcomes of treatment in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose According to the great importance of community health as well as the ever-increasing development of health technologies, the importance of designing an interactive model of factors affecting health technology assessment (HTA) can be highlighted. The purpose of designing and implementing the framework of health information system assessment is to ensure that the required accurate data which are necessary to measure the main health indicators are available. The purpose of this paper is to design an interactive model of factors affecting HTA.Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study conducted in the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education in the second half of 2017. A sample of 60 experts and professionals working in the field of health technologies are selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Two researcher-made questionnaires are used to collect the required data. The collected data are analyzed using decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and MATLAB R2013a.Findings The results showed that “Legal dimension,” “safety,” “Effectiveness” and “Social dimension” were the affecting factors and net causes, and “Current application,” “Knowledge of technology,” “Ethical dimension,” “Costs” and “Organizational dimension” were the affected factors and net effects in the interactive model. Furthermore, “Legal dimension” with the coordinates C: [1.88, 1.27] and “Ethical dimension” with the coordinates C: [1.75, −75] were known as the most affecting and most affected factors in the interactive model, respectively.Originality/value The DEMATEL model is an appropriate tool for managers and policy makers to structure and prioritize factors influencing the HTA. Policy makers and decision makers can use this model for identifying relationships among factors and prioritize them. Because health policy makers and managers have a major role in formulating the regulations and guidelines related to the HTA, they should pay more attention to the legal considerations in their decisions and use the management tools to move the available resources toward implementing and enforcing rules and guidelines related to the HTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of nursing students' personality traits and leadership orientations on their career adaptability. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 322 nursing students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The methods used to collect data included the semi-structured data collection form, five factors personality scale, leadership orientation scale and career adaptation-abilities scale. Findings: The regression model created to determine the effects of personality traits and leadership orientations on the students' career adaptability proved to be highly insightful. The students' leadership orientations have a statistically significant effect on their career adaptability score, with an explanatory coefficient of 43.1% and personality traits accounted for 18% of the career adaptability. Originality/value: The results of this study indicated that leadership orientations and personality traits of the students exerted effects on the career adaptability of nursing students. Developing the leadership orientations of nursing students and being aware of their personality traits will contribute positively to the development of their career adaptability and strengthen the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Cognitive changes occur with age and cognitive limitations can negatively influence computer use. Human-interaction studies show that especially older adults benefit considerably from using web platforms. The purpose of this paper is to measure the possible impact of cognitive impairment in web usability and to analyse the differences between older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Design/methodology/approach – In the presented pilot study, 50 older adults tested a web-based interface on a PC and tablet computer that was designed based on a styleguide for this specific user group. In two sessions participants had to conduct six tasks. In a third session older adults were left unsupervised in the laboratory where they were confronted with unexpected events triggered by a principal investigator. Findings – The performance results differed significantly between the two groups. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) needed more time and were more likely to make mistakes when using a web platform. After analysing error data, it became apparent that errors made by older adults with MCI occurred due to a lack of orientation in websites. Originality/value – Little is known about web performance of older adults with cognitive impairment. The authors present valid data of this interesting target group and reveal their specific problems when handling a new online platform. The importance of a flat website hierarchy can be essential in developing senior friendly web pages. The authors also highlight methodological issues and illustrate the importance of qualitative information of the usability data, e.g. the different types of problems or errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was aimed to explore and analyse the multifaceted impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on quality-of-life of survivors, in physical, social, psychological and environmental health domains. Design/methodology/approach: This explanatory mixed-method study was conducted on 20 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital having mild-to-moderate clinical spectrum. Scores of WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (WHO QOL BREF) questionnaire, a quantitative data source, were recorded during admission and two months post-discharge. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephonic interviews 2 months post-discharge. Findings: Statistically significant improvement in the quality-of-life was seen post-discharge in all four domains. Explanatory qualitative data derived four themes. This experience was life changing and metamorphic. Many participants experienced social exclusions. However, they outlived it with hope, faith and positive frame of mind. Quarantine, limiting social contact impacted largely the well-being and mental health of patients. Integrated care and multidisciplinary protocols are accentuated to combat future crisis. Research limitations/implications: COVID-19 was a wake-up call to human race for radical change in healthcare policies. Researchers have emphasised the need to build resilient communities. The role of this research in building evidence as a basis for informed integrated care and decision making is vital. Study findings suggest that along with exhausting physical symptoms survivors experienced psychological symptoms highlighting the need of integrated approach and tailor-made strategies in assessment and treatment. Originality/value: Lack of integrated approach in the system resulted in long-lasting physical and psychosocial impact on the survivors. This novel mixed methods research report, adding a valuable insight to body of knowledge through first-hand information, help provide evidence base which can account for future research, policy reforms and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose--The aim of this paper is to design and pilot test a culturally tailored intervention that meets the support needs and preferences of two refugee groups. Design/methodology/approach--The study employed a multi-method participatory research design and was conducted in two urban centres in western and central Canada. Support was delivered to Sudanese and Somali refugees (n = 58), by trained peer and professional helpers, in face-to-face groups matched by gender and ethnicity and in telephone dyads. Participants completed three quantitative measures before (pre-test) and following (post-test) the intervention. Group interviews with refugee participants and individual interviews with peer and professional helpers conducted at post-test, elicited qualitative data on perceived impacts and factors influencing impacts of the intervention. Service providers and policy influencers (n = 22) were interviewed in groups about the implications of this intervention study for services, programs and policies. Findings--There were significant increases in perceived support and social integration and significant decreases in loneliness following the intervention. Participants reported that they learned how to seek services and supports and how to cope with challenges faced by refugees. Service providers and policy influencers were impressed by the success of the intervention. Originality/value--No peer support intervention studies focused on the unique support needs of African refugees have been reported. This pilot intervention study demonstrates the supportive power of like-ethnic peers and could guide subsequent community-based intervention trials and the design of culturally appropriate health-related programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study has attempted to examine the connection between health literacy (HL) and subjective well-being (SWB) amongst university students in North India. In addition, the present research also sought to establish the role of "gender" and "absence/presence of health professional in the family" as a socio-demographic variable in the relationship between HL and SWB. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a descriptive and quantitative research design. Students were asked to respond to an online questionnaire as part of a survey strategy. Out of 550 respondents who completed the survey, only 511 responses were usable after data cleaning. Findings: The structural equation modelling regression analysis revealed a positive association between HL and SWB. In addition, the moderating role of gender and the "presence/absence of health professionals in the family" between HL and SWB was also established. Research limitations/implications: Although a sizable sample of university students responded to this poll, it was a convenience sample. The study cannot be generalised to the general population; thus, future scholars can include other socio-demographic sections. Theoretically, it has tested a research framework concerning multiple dimensions of students' SWB and HL. In addition, the moderating role of gender and the "presence/absence of health professionals in the family" is another unique research contribution of this study. Practical implications: The results of the current study provided evidence that HL promotion efforts are needed amongst the student population in India to enhance their well-being. The objective of practitioners and relevant stakeholders (parents, government agencies and universities) should be to build capacities concerning HL at both personal and institutional levels. Based on the findings, more educational programmes should be created for the students to promote HL and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles. Originality/value: The degree to which people can locate, comprehend and use information and services to support health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others is known as "health literacy." HL is closely associated with SWB, which means how people perceive and assess their lives and particular spheres and activities within them. The current research on the relationship between the two domains is limited. This study looked into the effects of HL on SWB amongst university students in North India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes surrounding prescription opioid medications of community living older adults in southeast North Carolina. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional, descriptive, anonymous survey design of participants aged 55 or over was used. Findings: Study participants (N = 119) reported bias in their attitudes and beliefs about the use and misuse of prescription opioid medications. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gender, age, work, marital status and education level all had significant results in explaining variance in the statistical models. Even though study participants demonstrated high levels of education and understanding of the potential of addiction to opiates, there were a number of misconceptions about prescription pain medications revealed. Originality/value: There is a dearth of studies looking at older adults' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about prescription pain medications. This urges the necessity of increased awareness via further research, presentations and creative discourse to assist in the understanding of precursors of addiction and ways to deal with pain that do not automatically depend on prescription opioid medicines. Implications include outreach to a larger and more diverse sample to address knowledge, beliefs and attitudes surrounding prescription opioid medications of community living older adults in southeast North Carolina and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]