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This pilot randomized controlled trial tested the potential efficacy of a brief internet-based, passive psychoeducation intervention, Free From Abuse, in promoting healthy relationships among young adults. Participants aged 18 to 24 years were randomly assigned to an intervention treatment (n = 71) or a placebo control condition (n = 77). Participants in the treatment arm had a larger increase in recognition of abusive behavior and reduction in domestic violence myth acceptance scores than participants in the control arm postintervention and after one week. This study provides preliminary evidence that brief internet-based passive psychoeducation is potentially useful in promoting healthy relationships among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) is important for prevention of falls and chronic disease in older adults. We aimed to examine the interrelated influences upon PA in culturally diverse older adults who completed a short-term exercise program, to inform maintenance strategies, using a mixed-methods design. Eighty-two past participants from the " Stepping On "© program were surveyed examining ongoing participation, social and cognitive determinants of PA, mental and physical functioning, and fear of falls. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 34 respondents regarding enablers and barriers, cultural factors, and preferences for PA. Data were collected in English, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, or Hindi. Cultural factors minimally affected PA participation. There was low perceived availability of PA opportunities. Health difficulties not only discouraged but also motivated participation. Social connection was a facilitator and could be used to support maintenance. Older adults may benefit from assistance in accessing PA opportunities and clinical guidance about the benefits of ongoing PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in China, with medication non-adherence being a significant contributor to uncontrolled T2DM. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has shown effectiveness in chronic disease management, but few studies have applied it in online interventions for T2DM medication adherence. Aim: The study aimed to develop and investigate the effects of a TTM-based online health education program on promoting positive stage of change (SOC) movement, improving self-efficacy and medication adherence, as well as reducing HbA1c levels in newly diagnosed patients with T2DM. Methods: This sequential mixed-method study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024. Using the TTM framework, the study initially explored 32 participants' experiences with hypoglycemic medications, health information acquisition, and perspectives on online programs. Then, a quasi-experimental study design was conducted. Two communities were randomly assigned as the intervention (n = 91) and comparison (n = 98) groups, with 189 newly diagnosed middle-aged T2DM patients from various SOC. The intervention group received short videos health education and participated in WeChat group discussions, compared with usual care in the comparison group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. Results: The intervention group was more likely to achieve positive SOC movement (P <.001, Adj OR = 13.69 95% CI = 6.76-27.71) compared to the comparison group. The intervention group also had significantly higher mean CDMSS-11 and MMAS-8 scores at 6 months (P =.03 and <.001, respectively) and more likely to achieve clinically significant glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) change at 3 months (P <.001, Adj OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.77-8.63) and at 6 months (P <.001, Adj OR = 5.62, 95% CI = 2.70-11.69) compared to the comparison group. Conclusion: These findings support that applying the TTM to develop an online program could promote behavior change, improve self-efficacy and medication adherence, and could lead to better glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Educational health promotion interventions for people with early-stage dementia have shown promising results, including empowering the person with dementia to live well and cope with their condition. Objective(s): The aim of this study was to explore how group interactions, course structure, and facilitation by healthcare professionals in a 12-week educational health promotion course promote coping, healthy behaviors, and empowerment in people with early-stage dementia. Method: A focused ethnographic approach was employed, collecting data through moderate participant observations of people with early-stage dementia who attended the health promotion course and field conversations with the facilitators. Additionally, before and after the participants had completed the course, the participants and their care partners were interviewed individually. Results: The findings showed that group discussions provided an opportunity for the facilitators to identify knowledge gaps, correct misinterpretations of symptoms, and tailor the information to the participants' specific needs, thereby promoting healthy behaviors and empowering the participants. The consistent and structured format of the course appeared to reduce stress and promote learning. Learning about dementia first-hand, reminiscing, using humor, receiving support from others facing similar challenges, and receiving support and validation from facilitators all contributed to participants coping with their condition, processing negative emotions, and reducing internalized stigma. Conclusion: This study emphasized the importance of providing people living with early-stage dementia educational opportunities that combine first-hand information, peer and facilitator support, reminiscing, humor, recognition, and validation. These interventions can contribute to promote coping, healthy behaviors, and empowerment in people living with early-stage dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article explored Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of Complementary and Alternative Interventions (CAI). Method: We utilized a cross-sectional online survey among a sample of 193 LCSWs. Results: Approximately 60% of LCSWs assessed for and utilized CAI professionally, and 90% personally utilized CAI. LCSWs had moderately positive beliefs, neutral attitudes, and high baseline knowledge of CAI. Age and years of practice were the only significant correlates, and the only significant predictor for assessment and utilization of CAI was positive attitudes. Discussion: As the largest group of mental health providers, we found that it is vital for LCSWs to have a solid understanding of CAI to provide effective and safe services to the clients they serve. It is hoped that the results of this study will serve as a starting point for future research on CAI among social workers, with the goal of enhancing client-centered practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government policies can be productive tools for protecting citizens while simultaneously forging more egalitarian societies. At the same time, history has shown that well-intentioned governmental actions, such as those meant to quell pandemics (e.g., blood-donation restrictions), can single out members of marginalized groups (e.g., men who have sex with men). How did government actions shape intergroup outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here, we draw from emerging research to provide informed conjectures regarding whether and how government actions affected stereotypes (e.g., beliefs about gender), prejudice (e.g., anti-Asian bias), and intergroup violence (e.g., hate crimes against Asian individuals) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss research examining the impact of policies intended to curb the spread of the disease, and we consider possible effects of the strategies used to communicate about the virus. Furthermore, we highlight open questions regarding how and why pandemic policies and communication shape intergroup outcomes, propose key directions for future research, and note possible implications for future development of policy and communication strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional contact tracing is one of the most powerful weapons people have in the battle against a pandemic, especially when vaccines do not yet exist or do not afford complete protection from infection. But the effectiveness of contact tracing hinges on its ability to find infected people quickly and obtain accurate information from them. Therefore, contact tracing inherits the challenges associated with the fallibilities of memory. Against this backdrop, digital contact tracing is the "dream scenario"—an unobtrusive, vigilant, and accurate recorder of danger that should outperform manual contact tracing on every dimension. There is reason to celebrate the success of digital contact tracing. Indeed, epidemiologists report that digital contact tracing probably reduced the incidence of COVID-19 cases by at least 25% in many countries, a feat that would have been hard to match with its manual counterpart. Yet there is also reason to speculate that digital contact tracing delivered on only a fraction of its potential because it almost completely ignored the relevant psychological science. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of digital contact tracing, its hits and misses in the COVID-19 pandemic, and its need to be integrated with the science of human behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacy professionals that manipulate cytotoxic drugs need to undergo educational programs, adopt the most convenient practices, and use appropriate equipment to avoid, as far as possible, occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs. The main goal of this work is to characterize the education, technical practices, and attitudes towards cytotoxic drugs, of Portuguese pharmacy technicians. A questionnaire comprising eleven questions deemed pertinent was elaborated and subsequently validated by a pilot test. The anonymous, web-based survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023, by graduated pharmacy technicians that had manipulated cytotoxic drugs between 2017 and 2022. A total of 77 pharmacy technicians responded to the survey. Although sixty-six pharmacy technicians (86%) had been trained before beginning to manipulate cytotoxic drugs, the promotion of regular post-admission training by the institutions is sparse – only assumed by 53% of the pharmacy technicians (n = 41). All participants reported using gloves and gown during manipulation and the use of double gloves was common (99%; n = 76). Compliances with the recommended limit time for uninterrupted manipulation activity (82%; n = 63) and systematic double-checking (86%; n = 66) were high, but the regular use of sterile gauze around syringe connection sites 58% (n = 45), was less frequent. None of the surveyed pharmacy technicians used closed-system transfer devices (CSTD) and 41 (53%) of those who used spikes did not thoughtfully use these devices. The implementation of regular training programs in manipulating cytotoxic drugs should be fostered, to promote the more judicious use of engineering controls and transversal adoption of the safest technical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fludarabine, a purine analog, is getting more attention with the increasing use of reduced intensive conditioning regimens in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The side effect of bradycardia was observed in only a few cases reported in the literature. In clinical practice, bradycardia can be asymptomatic or cause syncope and cardiac arrest. This study aimed to evaluate the bradycardia side effect of fludarabine used in the conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT recipients and to increase awareness of this issue. Methods: This retrospective study included 73 patients who received fludarabine in the allo-HSCT conditioning regimen between January 2015 and January 2021. Patients with and without bradycardia were compared regarding demographic data, allo-HSCT characteristics, electrolyte values, fludarabine administration dose and duration, and survival. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to evaluate independent predictors for fludarabine-induced bradycardia. Results: Fludarabine administration doses and days were higher in the bradycardia group, but no statistically significant difference was observed. In the multivariate analysis, age was the only independent predictor of fludarabine-induced bradycardia (odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.98, p = 0.007). The median age in the group with bradycardia was 19 years younger than those without bradycardia (34 (19–49) vs 53 (19–69), p = 0.005). In 11 (84.6%) of the patients who had bradycardia, bradycardia improved with the discontinuation of fludarabine alone, but atropine was administered in 2 (15.4%) patients. Conclusion: Age was the only independent predictor of fludarabine-induced bradycardia; therefore, close heart rate monitoring is recommended during fludarabine administration, especially in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Hispanic/Latino (Latino) populations face an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 relative to non-Hispanic White (White) populations. When COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020, Black and Latino adults were less likely than White adults to get vaccinated due to factors such as racial discrimination and structural barriers to uptake. In April 2021, the U.S. HHS COVID-19 public education campaign (the Campaign) was launched to promote vaccination through general and audience-tailored messaging. As of March 2022, Black and Latino adults had reached parity with White adults in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study evaluated the relationship between Campaign exposure and subsequent vaccine uptake among Black, Latino, and White adults in the United States and assessed whether participant race/ethnicity moderated the relationship between Campaign exposure and vaccine uptake. Campaign media delivery data was merged with survey data collected from a sample of U.S. adults (n = 2,923) over four waves from January 2021 to March 2022. Logistic regression analysis showed that cumulative Campaign digital impressions had a positive, statistically significant association with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and that participant race/ethnicity moderated this association. Compared with White adults, the magnitude of the relationship between cumulative impressions and vaccination was greater among Black and Latino adults. Results from a simulation model suggested that the Campaign may have been responsible for closing 5.0% of the gap in COVID-19 vaccination by race/ethnicity from April to mid-September 2021. We discuss implications for future public education campaigns that aim to reduce health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) created the Category 1 COVID-19 Claim Form Opportunity to document how Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) assisted communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data submitted by CHES®/MCHES® (n = 3,098 claim forms), the purpose of this study was to (a) describe the settings where CHES® and MCHES® completed their pandemic work and (b) assess differences in the type of pandemic work completed by CHES® compared with MCHES® based on specific Areas of Responsibility (AOR) for Health Education Specialists. Findings showed that CHES® and MCHES® engaged in seven AOR during the pandemic, with the largest proportion of CHES® (n = 859; 33%) and MCHES® (n = 105; 21.9%, documenting COVID-19-related activities in health departments. CHES® reported higher engagement than MCHES® in activities such as COVID-19 reporting/tracking, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 27.3, p <.001; outbreak response, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 4.3, p =.039; and vaccination, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 5.2, p =.023. Conversely, MCHES® reported higher participation than CHES® in screening/testing, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 174.2, p <.001; administration of budgets/operations, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 30.1, p <.001; and adapting educational activities at college/universities, χ2 (1, N = 3,098) = 46.1, p <.001. CHES® were more likely than MCHES® to indicate working in all AOR except for Area 2—Plan Health Education/Promotion. Results support that employer-verified health education skills in all AOR were transferable during COVID-19, especially for CHES® employed within state/county health departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored student and industry supervisors' experiences of virtual work-integrated learning (vWIL) health promotion placements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eight students and eight supervisors of undergraduate health promotion–related placements at community, not-for-profit and government organizations. We asked participants about the aspects of their placement they found most enjoyable and challenging, their preparation, workload, and thoughts on placement structure. We audio-recorded and had the interviews transcribed. Our thematic analyses revealed four key themes: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on work and study, (2) benefits of vWIL (real-world application and career clarification, transcending barriers and saving time, and feeling less intimidated), (3) challenges of vWIL (experiencing workplace culture, providing support and guidance to students, and relationship building), and (4) recommendations on the evolution of vWIL (increased preparation and consider a hybrid model). Our findings suggest that vWIL is a viable and sound mode of delivery for health promotion–related placements, particularly in situations that inhibit face-to-face learning. It has the capacity to enhance the work-readiness of health promotion graduates while adding flexibility to professional preparation workplace-based training programs, providing opportunity for capacity building locally across rural and remote areas, as well as globally. Future research should examine the effectiveness, practicality, and feasibility of implementing placements across different models including face-to-face, virtual and hybrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the virtual implementation of Photovoice activities conducted as part of a project that sought to gather youths' perspectives on neighborhood and housing conditions, community redevelopment, and health and well-being in Baltimore. We discuss the original in-person design and how activities were implemented virtually, in light of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing guidelines. Challenges to virtual implementation included establishing rapport with youth and families during recruitment and data collection, encouraging active participation during discussion sessions, and varying technological skills among youth. Facilitators of virtual implementation included partnering with a community organization, piloting virtual sessions to assess participant's technology skills, and providing various ways for youth to participate during discussion sessions, engage in group activities, and receive hands-on instruction. This article showcases the ways in which virtual implementation of Photovoice activities can be successfully implemented with youth and provides recommendations for future Photovoice projects that include virtual activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing minimum stocking standard policies in food retail settings has been one strategy used to address lack of healthy food availability. Policies alone may not be enough to increase healthy options, as barriers may arise during implementation, such as lack of distributors and/or refrigeration. Technical assistance (TA) from public health practitioners (PHPs) can bolster the implementation of such policies. This study describes the impact of a pilot intervention where PHPs provided TA to store managers/owners aimed to increase healthy options through implementing minimal stocking standards. This intervention consisted of TA about healthy products, placement, and promotion from state to county/city PHPs and from PHPs to managers/owners of small food retail stores. Thirteen food retailers and PHPs from 11 different agencies participated in this intervention. PHPs interviewed managers/owners pre- and post-intervention to understand perceptions and practices and collected data about the availability of healthy options. PHPs tracked the TA provided to managers/owners and completed a postsurvey, assessing their experience. During the pilot, stores increased the median number of varieties of healthy options. PHPs provided TA around healthy products, placement; and promotion building relationships with distributors and farmers, and overcoming infrastructure barriers. Finding distributors with healthy options remained challenging for some managers/owners. PHPs indicated that continued TA for managers/owners is necessary for sustainability and additional support around distribution and business/economic challenges is needed. Overall, this pilot indicates that PHPs are valuable partners to small food retailers, and in partnership, they have potential to address healthy food access issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment have made significant advances since the beginning of the epidemic. However, HIV myths and misinformation continue to persist, stymieing efforts to end the epidemic in the United States, particularly in rural areas. The present study's purpose was to identify prevalent myths and misinformation about HIV/AIDS in the rural United States. Rural HIV/AIDS health care providers (n = 69) were asked via an audience response system (ARS) to provide responses to questions about HIV/AIDS myths and misinformation in their respective communities. Responses were analyzed qualitatively using thematic coding. Responses were grouped into four thematic categories: risk beliefs, consequences of infection, populations affected, and service delivery. Many responses were consistent with myths and misinformation from the start of the HIV epidemic. Study findings support the need for sustained fundamental HIV/AIDS education and stigma reduction efforts in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Manawatū Food Action Network (MFAN) is a collective of social service and environmental organizations and community stakeholders that work together to promote collaboration, education and awareness of issues surrounding food security, food resilience, and localization in the local community. In 2021, the 4412 neighborhood was identified as requiring urgent assistance, with approximately one third of residents experiencing food insecurity. The 4412 Kai Resilience Strategy was developed with the community to move from food insecurity to food resilience and sovereignty. Recognizing that food security is complex and based on multiple causes, six interwoven workstreams were identified to create a multifaceted, coordinated strategy. This includes education, food economy, community, food support, māra kai, and social enterprise. The strategy cultivates local ownership and commitment to change. It creates a broader constituency of support, balancing the urgent need to feed people today with the long-term need to change systems through step-change initiatives. Through this approach, communities can better make sustainable and meaningful changes to their lives and circumstances rather than relying on external resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Postpartum weight retention is a risk factor for obesity and is particularly important among Hispanic women who have an increased rate of obesity. Given its broad reach, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides an ideal setting to implement community-based interventions for low-income postpartum women. Purpose. To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a multicomponent intervention delivered by staff within the WIC program designed to promote behavior changes in urban, postpartum women with overweight/obesity. Method. This was a 12-week pilot trial randomizing participants to a health behavior change (Intervention) or control (Observation) group. The Intervention included monthly visits with trained WIC staff providing patient-centered behavior change counseling, with multiple touchpoints between visits promoting self-monitoring and offering health behavior change support. Results. Participants (n = 41), who were mainly Hispanic (n = 37, 90%) and Spanish-speaking (n = 33, 81%), were randomized to the Intervention (n = 19) or Observation (n = 22) group. In the Intervention group, 79% (n = 15) of eligible participants were retained for the study duration. All Intervention participants endorsed that they would participate again. Regarding physical activity, participant readiness to change and self-efficacy improved for Intervention participants. About one-quarter of women in the Intervention group (27%, n = 4) had a 5% weight loss compared with one woman (5%) in the Observation group; this difference was not statistically significant (p =.10). Conclusions. This pilot demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a low-intensity behavior change intervention within the WIC setting for postpartum women with overweight/obesity. Findings support the role of WIC in addressing postpartum obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of middle-aged and older adults, this research explores associations between generativity and two key risk factors for suicide: thwarted belonging (T.B.) and perceived burdensomeness (P.B.). These variables are typically studied as predictors of suicide; the current study is unique in examining their psychosocial correlates. Erikson described, generativity as a psychosocial construct that characterizes adult well-being in mid-life, conceptualized as the sense one has successfully guided and contributed to the younger generation through mentoring. Using the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS), the current analyses indicate that generativity is associated with lower levels of P.B. and T.B., even after accounting for measures of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, financial stability, perceived neighborhood quality, chronic health conditions, and respondent's demographic characteristics including gender and age. Results are discussed in terms of applications for suicide-risk prevention, and with regard to the promotion of positive psychosocial development across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore how the use of, and trust in, different sources of advice and information on COVID-19 differed across the four UK nations and between different sociodemographic groups and their associations with COVID-19 vaccination status. Methods: We used a UK-wide representative survey conducted in July 2021, which included data on uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, trust in information sources, use of sources and geographical and sociodemographic variables. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with completed or planned COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Trust in the NHS, followed by trust in scientists, were the strongest predictors of vaccination intention. NHS websites were the most used (56% across the UK); only the Scottish government website had a higher level of reported use (58%). Using either source was associated with a positive vaccination status as were use of the GP and television as sources of advice. Use of social media, family and friends, and 'none' of the sources enquired about, were all linked to a lower likelihood of being or intending to get vaccinated. Compared to those in England, respondents in other UK nations were less likely to trust the central UK government for advice on COVID-19. There was considerable variation by age in trust and use of some, but not all, sources of advice, with predicted probabilities ranging from 35% among the youngest age group to 62% among those aged 65 years or older. There were also significant differences by annual household income and by occupational class for trust in government, with higher incomes correlating with greater likelihood of trust. Conclusions: This study demonstrates high levels of trust in the key sources of public health advice and there was a positive association between using official sources of advice and vaccination intentions, even in the context of overall high vaccination rates. Our findings highlight the need for the UK and devolved governments to value the importance of public trust in the health system and take appropriate measures to avoid undermining such trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses efforts to expand education on skin lightening products. Topics include how skin lightening products are marketed in the U.S., impact of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products, and factors that drive the consumer motivation to use skin lightening products.

This article reviews the literature for tools that measure the knowledge of basic palliative care concepts in teenagers as set forth by the World Health Organization who challenged Health Promoting Schools to provide health literacy and to increase knowledge of palliative care concepts. Teenagers constitute an underrepresented population in terms of understanding palliative care, despite often possessing the ability to make medical decisions. The aim of this article is to examine instruments that may be utilized to measure high school students' knowledge of basic palliative care concepts, even if they may require modification. A Google Scholar and PubMed search resulted in finding that with modifications the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale and Palliative Care Quiz for Nurses can be utilized for measuring knowledge of palliative care concepts in teenagers', which serves as a first step in meeting this population where they are in understanding and improving their heath literacy for future access and utilization of palliative care resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to investigate factors influencing obesity among stroke survivors based on demographics and lifestyle behaviors. Background: Stroke survivors are more likely to experience stroke recurrence within a few years. As obesity is a traditional risk factor for stroke, obesity should be managed in stroke survivors to prevent stroke recurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis analyzed data from the 2017 United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Demographics, frequency of vegetable and fruit intake, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and sleep were examined. Results: Among 1032 stroke survivors, 57.8% were obese. Advanced age, female sex, veteran status, at least once-daily fruit intake, current smoking, and lack of physical activity were associated with obesity. Conclusion: Stroke survivors should be encouraged to pursue healthy behaviors to manage obesity. Appropriate transitional care, including diet education and tailored exercise, can be an effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness meditation has enjoyed growing popularity in the UK over the last few decades and is increasingly found in many educational settings. To date, existing empirical research on mindfulness in education has focused primarily on its efficacy, rather than more sociological concerns. This article draws on qualitative data from a major research study entitled 'Mapping Mindfulness in the UK' to investigate the motivations and aspirations of mindfulness practitioners for promoting and delivering mindfulness in educational contexts. The analysis argues that some of the existing theoretical critiques of mindfulness as a neo-liberalising self-technology are too reductive and do not take adequate account of the views and experiences of practitioners. For participants in this study, mindfulness in education was more than an individualised self-help therapeutic tool, but was instead a uniquely versatile practice, representing multiple possibilities for individuals and society. The research makes significant contributions to several fields of sociological inquiry, including on mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing, and education and citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global guidelines emphasize the critical role of responsive caregiving in terms of reducing violence against children and promoting early childhood development. However, there is an absence of global evidence synthesis on the effects of early childhood parenting programs for children with developmental disabilities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effectiveness of parenting interventions delivered for preschool-age children with developmental disabilities in reducing violence against children, altering violence-related factors, and promoting child development. We searched for randomized controlled trials with inactive control. Estimates were pooled using robust variance estimations. Meta-regressions were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. In all, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that parenting programs improved child behavior, parental mental health, parenting practices, parental self-efficacy, parent–child interaction, child language skills, and child social skills post-intervention. No studies provided data on the actual occurrence of violence against children. Effects might vary by diagnosis, delivery modality, and world region. The findings supported the delivery of parenting programs to alter factors associated with violence against children and promote child language and social skills for families of young children with developmental disabilities, especially attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disability, and language disorders. More research using rigorous methods, long-term follow-ups, and transparent reporting is needed, particularly within more low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore what municipal actors consider as inhibiting and promoting adolescents' involvement in public health measures in municipalities. Methods: A qualitative study with individual and group interviews was conducted among 15 municipal actors who were central in involving adolescents from five Norwegian municipalities participating in the National Programme for Public Health Work in Municipalities (2017–2027). In addition, participatory observation of project activities was done in two municipalities. A data-driven thematic analysis was applied to analyse data. Results: In the analysis, we developed four themes, including both inhibitors and promoters for adolescent involvement: (a) Timeframe challenges in adolescent involvement; (b) Lack of necessary knowledge and awareness among adolescents; (c) Limited competencies and resources in the project groups; and (d) Facilitators' attitudes on and perceptions of adolescent involvement. Conclusions: This study reports factors that are important to consider when facilitating involvement processes with young people. Findings suggest that further work should be done to ensure involvement of adolescents in public health measures in municipalities, and actors involving adolescents must be provided with competence and resources to ensure such participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Greater Lawndale Healthy Work project is a sequential mixed methods community based participatory research project that examines work as a structural determinant of health and builds community capacity for healthy work in a predominantly Black and Latinx community in Chicago known as Greater Lawndale (GL). Objectives: We interviewed community leaders in GL as key informants to understand the barriers to healthy work and inform intervention development. Methods: We conducted a directed content analysis of transcripts from 20 key informants and coded the social ecology and type of intervention. Results: Every key informant mentioned at least one asset in GL, showing an opportunity to employ a capacity-oriented approach to intervention development. Key informants suggested a variety of interventions to address precarious work across levels of the social ecology, with individual and community level interventions being the most salient. Conclusion: Through this approach, we were able to navigate tensions and challenges in conducting research for community-wide change. Key informant stakeholder interviews can be leveraged to meaningfully inform intervention development and support the development of multi-level, sustainable, and culturally acceptable interventions that advance health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Text messages are useful for health promotion and can be modified during public health emergencies. Purpose: Describe how we developed and implemented a physical activity (PA) text messaging component within a faith-based intervention, modified the text message content in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated participants' perceptions of the modified text messages. Research Design and Study Sample: PA promotion text messages were delivered to predominately Spanish-speaking, churchgoing Latino adults (n = 284) in Los Angeles, California. In 2020, we modified the messages to disseminate COVID-19-related information and support and share virtual PA resources. Data Collection and Analysis: We analyzed quantitative and qualitative survey data to gauge participants' experiences with the text messages. Results: COVID-19 related text messages were a feasible, acceptable addition to a PA intervention for a sample of Latinos. Conclusions: Throughout the pandemic, the messages enabled continued communication and support for PA and protection from COVID-19 in a population at high-risk of health inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African Americans experience higher incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, they continue to be underrepresented in AD research, limiting the ability to generalize findings to the increasingly diverse US population. To reduce AD disparities, targeted efforts are needed to increase the representation of African Americans in AD research. This mini review identified evidence-based strategies that increased research participation among older African Americans. Four recruitment strategies emerged from eight published peer-reviewed studies that directly evaluated the effectiveness of strategies aimed at increasing the number of African American participants in Alzheimer's research. The strategies include community outreach and education, face-to-face discussions, remote access, and referral and partnership with local organizations. Across different locations, these strategies increased the number of African Americans enrolled into AD research, the number of people that signed up to donate their brains for AD research upon death, and the knowledge and perception of AD in the communities. Targeted efforts are effective in increasing AD research participation among older African Americans, especially when combined with approaches that emphasize transparency and mutual trust and involve the community as stakeholders in the research process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A woman's choice to remain childfree is often met with disapproving comments. This article focuses on pronatalism and the social discourse that promotes and maintains motherhood as the preferred choice for women in a country that has achieved high levels of gender equality. Critical discourse analysis is applied to 30 qualitative interviews with women, trans, and non-binary people in Iceland, who are either childfree by choice or who regret motherhood. The results indicate that despite neoliberalism advocating a woman's right to freedom of choice, pronatalist ideologies continue to undermine reproductive self-determination, promoting motherhood as the right choice. Unsolicited comments act as powerful mechanisms that serve to shame those who can bear children into becoming mothers or facing regret yet simultaneously condemn women who regret motherhood. Women who choose to remain childfree privately challenge unwanted comments by overturning pronatalist discourses, whereas those who regret their choice to become mothers struggle to express their feelings for fear of being judged and branded as failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global scenario of a contracted economy over 4% and distraught healthcare systems due to the 2019 pandemic behooves us to redesign our strategies to move towards holistic approaches that allow health and wellbeing to be uniquely viewed within their contexts, promising sustainability. World-over, communities are more aware of the connectedness with nature and the role of positive behaviors. Disproportionate investments go into secondary and tertiary cure in healthcare systems and there is a minimal uptake of primary prevention. Investments in primordial prevention (PP) that can help achieve sustainable health are inadequate. PP is defined as an approach that prevents the risk factors for disease conditions from manifesting through maintenance of good health by embracing healthy environment, diet, and lifestyle behaviors, to function optimally. We propose integration of wellness as a primordial prevention strategy for sustainable public health using the 3 Ps: People, Places, and Policies/Programs. Wellness is holistic and multi-dimensional and is a primordial prevention concept as it focuses on people thriving based on a positive approach to health. The authors point out that the stumbling block in public health is due to unsustainable behavior as a result of misplaced priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of healthcare, the significance of social connections cannot be overstated. Beyond the traditional focus on pharmacological interventions and medical procedures, recognizing and nurturing positive social relationships has emerged as a fundamental aspect of lifestyle medicine. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of social connections and their profound impact on health outcomes, particularly in the context of chronic diseases like hypertension, mental health disorders, heart disease, and dementia. Moreover, it explores strategies for healthcare practitioners, with a special emphasis on pharmacists, to foster positive connections with patients, thereby enhancing shared decision-making, self-management, and overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With Japan's economic growth, its life expectancy increased from 1965, and since 1980, Japan has become one of the longest-lived countries in the world. Strong government-led initiatives such as low-cost health insurance, widely distributed health screenings, a new law to prevent non-communicable diseases established in 1956, Shokuiku (Japanese culinary education), and stress-measuring systems in the workplace contributed to the population's longevity. In addition to these public initiatives, Japan has benefited from evolving lifestyle practices over its long history. These include Washoku (Japanese traditional food), which utilizes the complex interaction of individual nutrients unique to Japan as well as numerous metabolically active compounds, the interrelation of Japan's population levels with its plant-dominant diet, a mindful culture connected with nature, and the principle of hara-hachi-bu (Confucianism-based caloric restriction habit; "eat until 80% full"), and so on. In 2002, Japan took the remarkable action of stipulating by law that citizens must deepen their interest in and understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, be aware of their own health status, and strive to improve their health throughout their lives. Today, to protect its future, Japan must face a new challenge: a population that is declining and is the world's fastest-aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this expert consensus process was to define performance measures that can be used to document remission or long-term progress following lifestyle medicine (LM) treatment. Methods: Expert panel members with experience in intensive, therapeutic lifestyle change (ITLC) developed a list of performance measures for key disease states, using an established process for developing consensus statements adapted for the topic. Proposed performance measures were assessed for consensus using a modified Delphi process. Results: After a series of meetings and an iterative Delphi process of voting and revision, a final set of 32 performance measures achieved consensus. These were grouped in 10 domains of diseases, conditions, or risk factors, including (1) Cardiac function, (2) Cardiac risk factors, (3) Cardiac medications and procedures, (4) Patient-centered cardiac health, (5) Hypertension, (6) Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, (7) Metabolic syndrome, (8) Inflammatory conditions, (9) Inflammatory condition patient-centered measures, and (10) Chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: These measures compose a set of performance standards that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of LM treatment for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) is an intensive therapeutic lifestyle modification program (ITLMP) with well-documented success in decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plant-based diets and physical activity are components of the program that contribute to these improvements. Yet, there are few studies on how ITLMPs affect risk factors specifically for the geriatric population. The goal of this study was to examine results of CHIP participants with a focus on the older (greater than 65 years) population in Athens, Ohio. Retrospective data from 2011 to 2017 were analyzed for 26 CHIP classes. Recorded variables included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), blood glucose (BG), and exercise level. Among geriatric participants, significant changes were found in BMI, BP, TC, LDL, HDL, BG, and exercise level (P <.001). As compared to the younger population, changes in variables were equivalent in the geriatric population in all variables (P >.05). These improvements in CVD risk factors among the elderly support the hypothesis that CHIP should be considered for CVD prevention and treatment in the geriatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Few evidence-based psychosocial programs exist within craniofacial care. This study (a) assessed feasibility and acceptability of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management-Parent (PRISM-P) intervention among caregivers of children with craniofacial conditions and (b) described barriers and facilitators of caregiver resilience to inform program adaptation. Design: In this single-arm cohort study, participants completed a baseline demographic questionnaire, the PRISM-P program, and an exit interview. Participants: Eligible individuals were English-speaking legal guardians of a child <12-years-old with a craniofacial condition. Intervention: PRISM-P included 4 modules (stress-management, goal-setting, cognitive-restructuring, meaning-making) delivered in 2 one-on-one phone or videoconference sessions 1–2 weeks apart. Main Outcome Measures: Feasibility was defined as >70% program completion among enrolled participants; acceptability was defined as >70% willingness to recommend PRISM-P. Intervention feedback and caregiver-perceived barriers and facilitators of resilience were summarized qualitatively. Results: Twenty caregivers were approached and 12 (60%) enrolled. The majority were mothers (67%) of a child <1-year-old diagnosed with a cleft lip and/or palate (83%) or craniofacial microsomia (17%). Of these, 8 (67%) completed PRISM-P and 7 (58%) completed interviews; 4 (33%) were lost-to-follow-up before PRISM-P and 1 (8%) before the interview. Feedback was highly positive, with 100% willing to recommend PRISM-P. Perceived barriers to resilience included uncertainty about their child's health; facilitators included social support, parental identity, knowledge, and control. Conclusions: PRISM-P was acceptable among caregivers of children with craniofacial conditions but not feasible based on program completion rates. Barriers and facilitators of resilience support the appropriateness of PRISM-P for this population and inform adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing that intimate partner violence (IPV) negatively affects college students' health and well-being, colleges offer preventive interventions to address these effects. However, scholarly evidence on this effort has been limited, such that we know little about the risk factors addressed, theoretical approaches, target outcomes, and other essential intervention characteristics. To address this gap, this study reviewed evidence-based IPV preventive interventions conducted in U.S. colleges reported in 25 peer-reviewed articles and dissertations published between 2010 and 2020. Findings showed that IPV preventive interventions for college students were designed to address multilevel risk factors of IPV, typically via bystander interventions and emerging skill-building interventions. Most IPV preventive interventions were theoretically driven primary preventions or a combination of primary and secondary preventions. Most studies of program outcomes focus on awareness of IPV and bystander roles, but 44% of the included articles measured participants' behavioral outcomes (e.g., actual bystander behavior, reaction to IPV disclosure, IPV screening behavior, social emotional skill use, or decreased rates of IPV perpetration) based on participants' use of skill-building components (e.g., bystander strategies, healthy relationship skills, conflict resolution, communication skills, empathy, and self-regulation). Student participants in the included studies were predominantly white (>60%) and only two studies included any Latinx students or students at historically Black colleges and universities. This review indicates that future IPV prevention practice, policy, and research must further define and explore how multilevel IPV prevention approaches can address the various systems level of needs among diverse student subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programs that engage men and boys in health promotion and violence prevention are proliferating. Many aim to foster "healthy masculinities", using education and support to involve men and boys in adopting more positive or gender-equitable forms of selfhood and relating. This paper offers a critical stocktake of 15 such programs in one state in Australia, assessing them against common standards for gender-transformative programming among men and boys. The programs are diverse in their aims and approaches and their understandings of men and gender. There were common themes, that men's and boys' lives are constrained by typical constructions of masculinity and that there are widespread gender inequalities that disadvantage women and girls, although the balance between these differed among programs. This paper articulates the significance of critically analyzing these programs through a gender transformative lens to discern their utility in supporting gender justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Faith-based interventions are promising for promoting healthy behaviors among adults, but their ripple effects on participants' children are unknown. This study is one of the first to assess the effects of a faith-based multilevel obesity intervention on adult participants' children. Methods: We analyzed quantitative data from a cluster randomized controlled trial with two African American and two Latino churches in South Los Angeles, California, which invited adult participants to enroll one child (5-17 years) in a sub-study. At baseline and 6-7 months follow-up, parents completed a child health survey, which included the family nutrition and physical activity screening tool, and child height and weight were measured (n = 50). Results: Results from linear regression models showed children of intervention participants, compared to control, had significantly better dietary patterns at follow-up. Conclusions: Findings suggest the health benefits of a faith-based multilevel obesity intervention for adults can extend to children and may help address obesity disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bicycling, as forms of recreation and travel, offers many positive physical and mental health benefits, though there are still many disparities in bicycling rates among underserved populations in the United States. Community bicycling advocacy organizations/coalitions promote and advocate for increased bicycling; however, have been shown to have a lack of organizational capacity for equitable programming to diverse populations (racial/ethnic minorities, women, low-income, LGBTQ+ communities, youth). The purpose of this study was to understand the current practices for providing underserved populations bicycling programming among advocacy organizations and to find major barriers and helpful tools for equitable programming. Methods: This was conducted in a volunteer sample of U.S. bicycle advocacy organizations. An interview (n = 23) assessed organizational function, successful programs, and barriers to reaching underserved populations. Results: Several themes emerged from the interviews. Participants stated that the lack of organizational leadership and member diversity, along with a lack of trust with underserved communities, presented major barriers to providing equitable programming. Partnering with other community organizations that place an emphasis on serving diverse populations was noted to have potential for increasing successful programming by allocating resources and connections. Conclusion: Although barriers exist for bicycle advocacy organizations when attempting to reach underserved and diverse populations, groups should focus on creating successful and diverse partnerships to increase the capacity for providing equitable programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is essential for maintenance and restoration of health, yet studies exploring this in hospitalized children are scarce. In a qualitative study, we assessed the perceived quality of sleep, factors affecting sleep, and the role of health care professionals in the sleep environment for hospitalized children aged 1 to 12 years. Data were obtained from 11 semi-structured, audio-recorded, and verbatim-transcribed interviews with parents, and analyzed using a systematic thematic analysis. The interviews were coded based on iterative assessment of transcripts. Subsequently, categories and interpretative main themes were identified. Four themes emerged: (1) being informed, keeping informed; (2) coordination of care; (3) parents as main advocates for their child's sleep; and (4) environmental disturbers. Parents reported differences in their child's sleep quality during hospital compared with home. Sleep is substantially affected during hospitalization, prompting the need for interventions to improve the quality of sleep of children. Parents provided valuable suggestions for improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess acceptability and feasibility of rapid at-home COVID-19 testing and reporting of test results among individuals seeking care at community health centers (CHCs) and their household members. Methods: Participants were recruited from 2 Community Health Centers during a clinic visit or a community event. Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests were distributed to participants for self-testing and to offer testing to household members. Separate surveys were administered to collect baseline information on the study participant and to collect test results on the study participant and household members. We calculated the proportion of individuals who agreed to complete COVID home testing, those who reported test results, and the test positivity. For household members, we calculated the proportion who completed and reported results and the positivity rate. We assessed reasons for undergoing COVID-19 testing and the action taken by participants who reported positive tests. Results: A total of 2189 individuals were approached by CHC staff for participation and 1013 (46.3%) agreed to participate. Among the 959 participants with complete sociodemographic data, 88% were Hispanic and 82.6% were female. The proportion providing test results was 36.2% and the test positivity was 4.2%. Among the 1927 test reports, 35.3% for the index participant and 64.4% were for household members. The largest proportion of test results were for index participants (35.3%) and the second largest was for the participant's children (32.1%), followed by parents (16.9%), and spouse/partner (13.2%). The 2 most common reasons for testing were symptoms (29%) and attending family gatherings (26%). Among test-positive individuals (n = 80), most (83.3%) noted that they isolated but only 16.3% called their provider and 1.3% visited a clinic. Conclusion: Our results show interest in at-home COVID-19 testing of multiple household members, as we headed into the endemic phase of the pandemic. However, reporting of test results was modest and among test-positive individuals, reporting results to a provider was very low. These results underscore the challenges with reporting and following guidelines among people undergoing home testing for COVID-19, which may have implications for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Period products like pads, tampons, and a variety of disposable and reusable hygiene supplies constitute just one facet essential for effectively managing menstruation in a way that allows an individual to feel comfortable carrying out their daily routine. Given the absence of comprehensive public policies ensuring access to period products for economically disadvantaged menstruating individuals, community-based basic needs banks, particularly period supply banks, were established to alleviate the challenges faced by those experiencing period product insecurity. These initiatives specifically aim to furnish essential menstrual products to individuals in need. Objectives: This study aimed to assess any organizational benefits experienced by community-based organizations distributing period products on behalf of period supply banks. Design: This cross-sectional study is a formative evaluation of the distribution of free period products by period supply banks, which provide access to essential menstrual hygiene products for individuals in need through partnership with community-based partner agencies. Methods: Staff members at agencies distributing period products were invited to complete an anonymous web-based survey at two different time points about their agency's experiences distributing free period products. All participants provided informed consent via the web-based survey. Results: Agency staff reported that since they started providing period products, clients were more likely to: start a conversation about other needs (66.7%), extend the length of their relationship with the agency (60.0%), keep scheduled appointments (62.1%), ask for assistance with another need (75.0%), communicate between visits (42.4%), participate in other agency programming (55.9%), and seek other agency services (73.5%). Due to a shortage of period products, 41% of agencies have had to turn away clients needing period supplies. Conclusion: Period supply banks, in collaboration with community-based partner agencies, enhance access to both menstrual products and the associated support, fostering engagement with diverse resources and opportunities among recipients. However, addressing unmet needs necessitates policies and additional funding to ensure universal access to essential hygiene supplies for everyone to thrive and actively participate in society. Plain language summary: Positive benefits for agencies giving away free period products from a period supply bank in the United States Why we did this study: In the United States, many people with periods cannot afford to buy period supplies when needed. When people do not have enough period products, they may have to stay home from places they want to go, like work, school, or community spaces. Period supply banks want to help ensure everyone has period supplies, so that, they take in donations and buy more supplies. Then, period supply banks partner with other agencies that give period supplies for free to individuals experiencing need. What we wanted to learn: We wanted to know if the agencies that give away free period products through partnerships with period supply banks have any benefits from doing so. What we did: We asked people who work at an agency that gives away free period products received through a partnership with a period supply bank to take an online survey at two different times, when the agency began the collaboration with the period supply bank and after distributing period supplies for several months. Only people who wanted to be in the study did the survey. What we learned: Agencies who give away free period products benefit because clients are more likely to talk to them about other needs they have, enroll in a program or receive another resource from the agency, miss fewer appointments, and stay in an agency program longer. Sometimes, agencies do not have enough products for everyone who needs period supplies. More funding and policies are needed to help period supply banks buy enough period products for everyone who needs them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is recognized as a significant public health issue in the United States. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 21.0 million adults aged 18 or older had major depressive disorder in 2020, including 14.8 million experiencing a major depressive episode with severe impairment. The aim is to predict the positivity of Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) outcomes among patients in primary care settings by analyzing a range of variables, including socioeconomic status, demographic characteristics, and health behaviors, thereby identifying those at increased risk for depression. Employing a machine learning approach, the study utilizes retrospective data from electronic health records across 15 primary care clinics in South Florida to explore the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH), including area of deprivation index (ADI) and PHQ-2 positivity. The study encompasses 15 primary care clinics located in South Florida, where a diverse patient population receives care. Analysis included 94,572 patient visits; 74,636 records were included in the study. If a zip+4 was not available or an ADI score did not exist, the visit was not included in the final analysis. Screening involved the PHQ-2, assessing depressed mood and anhedonia, with a cutoff >2 indicating positive screening. ADI was used to assess SDoH by matching patients' residential postal codes to ADI national percentiles. Demographics, sexual history, tobacco use, caffeine intake, and community involvement were also evaluated in the study. Over 40 machine learning algorithms were explored for their accuracy in predicting PHQ-2 outcomes, using software tools including Scikit-learn and stats models in Python. Variables were normalized, scored, and then subjected to predictive regression models, with Random Forest showing outstanding performance. Feature engineering and correlation analysis identified ADI, age, education, visit type, coffee intake, and marital status as significant predictors of PHQ-2 positivity. The area under the curve and model accuracies varied across clinics, with specific clinics showing higher predictive accuracy and others (p >.05). The study concludes that the ADI, as a proxy for SDoH, alongside other individual factors, can predict PHQ-2 positivity. Health organizations can use this information to anticipate health needs and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health researchers have had increasing calls to include vulnerable populations in research to tailor inclusive evidence-based practice interventions. The inclusion of vulnerable populations in research is sensitive and complex. Sensitive topics such as dating and sexual violence are especially complex, with emerging adults the highest risk group for all forms of sexual violence and an especially hard-to-reach population for inclusion in research. Impacts of trauma, including physiological and psychological, complex needs of survivors, and potential for revictimization during interactions when participating in research must be considered. Researchers must be equipped with specialized, trauma-informed skills to safely and ethically conduct all aspects of research. Using the trauma-informed framework, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the complexities of conducting research with emerging adult survivors of sexual violence and to explore evidence-based approaches that can safely include this vulnerable population through the application of trauma-informed approaches. The use of evidence-based, trauma-informed research approaches tailored to engage this population in research can further help to develop effective interventions that are context-sensitive to emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status syndrome proposed by Marmot is located at the closest level of influence within the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework, connecting the body's response to the mental states that arise from the subjective experience of social status. Marmot defines these psychological states through concepts of autonomy and social integration articulated in the Capability Approach (CA). These elements are further explored and expanded upon with the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), an empirically based framework with an extensive tradition of practical application. This lays the groundwork not only for understanding what makes a social environment conducive to well-being but also for shedding light on ways to promote it. The article goes beyond theoretical discussions by introducing a structured model based on the principles of the SDT for health promotion interventions. The model emphasizes the importance of providing a supportive atmosphere and is organized into four distinct phases aimed at aligning interventions with individual motivations, and cultural contexts. Ultimately, the goal is to engage individuals to actively participate in their own well-being while addressing the complexities associated with social inequalities in developed societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), children and adolescents represent 41% of all forcibly displaced individuals. They have to deal with conflicts, violence, and the many difficulties of flight and resettlement during a critical stage of their emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. They are more likely to experience mental health problems during migration. Despite the several known risk factors, it is frequently challenging for refugees and asylum seekers to get mental health care. In this paper we review available studies on interventions aimed at promoting mental health and at preventing common mental disorders in immigrant adolescents and children. Methods: The relevant PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO and Web of Science databases were searched for papers published until March 21, 2023, using ("immigrants" OR "migration" OR "asylum seekers" OR "refugees") AND ("promotion" OR "prevention") AND ("mental health" OR "mental disorders" OR "psych*") AND ("children" OR "adolescents" OR "young adults") as search string. Fourteen articles qualified for the detailed review. Results and Conclusions: The majority of available interventions, although highly heterogeneous in format and content, showed significant improvement in several psychopathological dimensions, including trauma-related symptoms, psychological stress, anxiety, depressive and cognitive symptoms. Available studies on interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in refugees and asylum seekers children and adolescents indicate that provided interventions were associated with a global improvement for participants. Implementation strategies to improve their scalability are highly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Promotional videos are an effective means of marketing products or services in this era of social media. However, little is known if such videos can be a useful tool to promote pharmacy services. Objective: To assess the impact of promotional videos on public awareness of the health services provided by New Zealand pharmacists. Methods: This experimental study used an online questionnaire and promotional videos developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand as an intervention to assess the public's perspectives about pharmacy services before and after the intervention. The survey was sent out to 1 127 randomly selected members of the public aged 18 and above from all over New Zealand. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: A total of 313 participants completed the survey. The majority (95.8%) had not heard of the promotional videos before. However, 84.3% found the videos informative and nearly three-quarters (74.1%) reported a change in their perception of pharmacy services after watching the video. Similarly, 63.2% reported that they or a family member would be more likely to visit a pharmacy in the future after watching the promotional video. Less than half (40%) of the participants reported that the videos were too long and only 11.5% found them boring. Conclusion: The PSNZ videos were found to be an effective tool for educating New Zealanders on different pharmacy services and the pharmacy profession, however, there is a need to choose the advertising platform carefully so as to enhance the coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep deprivation is reported in 80% of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with delirium. Guidelines recommend implementing a sleep-promoting protocol in critically ill patients which may increase the quantity and quality of sleep and may decrease delirium. Our objective was to implement a pharmacist-led interdisciplinary sleep-promoting protocol and analyze its impact on delirium in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: The study involved pre-implementation education, protocol development, and post-implementation analysis. ICU pharmacists completed prospective patient chart reviews to reduce exposure to deliriogenic medications and assess the need for a pharmacologic sleep aid. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium and delirium-free days. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay (LOS), incidence of MV, and pharmacist medication interventions. Results: Post-protocol patients (n = 185) had a higher incidence of delirium compared to pre-protocol patients (n = 237) (51.3% vs 39.0%; P =.01). Post-protocol patients had a higher average APACHE III score (P = <.001). Delirium-free days were not significantly different between groups (P =.97). Difference in ICU LOS was not significant (P =.80). More patients received MV post-protocol implementation (55.7% vs 36.1%; P <.001). Pharmacists documented a total of 113 medication interventions. Conclusion and Relevance: A pharmacist-led, ICU sleep-promoting protocol was successfully implemented but did not reduce the incidence of delirium or the administration of insomnia agents. Post-protocol patients had higher disease severity and were more likely to receive MV. Incidence of delirium was consistent with the national reported prevalence of ICU delirium. ICU pharmacists on all shifts had an active role in optimizing sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to foster resilience amongst young people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly recognised within policy. Critically, understanding of the actual means by which this aspiration might be most sensitively and effectively met is considered weak. This paper reports on an exploratory case-study of a social enterprise community café – The Usual Place - that through the promotion of employability, seeks to promote resilience amongst its young 'trainees' with intellectual disabilities. Two research questions were set: " how is 'resilience' conceptualized within the organisation " and " what features within the organisation are significant in fostering resilience"? We identify a range of significant features associated with being able to successfully foster resilience – the need for a foundational 'whole organisation'(settings) approach based on high levels of participation and choice; the negotiation of a constructive dynamic tension between 'support' and 'exposure'; and the embedding of these actions in embodied actions and day-to-day organisational activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy provides a privileged and opportune moment to implement interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and significantly improving perinatal outcomes. The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBES) can be used to assess health promoting behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and mental health. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the HLBES in Portuguese pregnant women. Methods: A methodological study was conducted on a convenience sample of 192 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. After cross-cultural adaptation, an exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency assessment were carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. Data collected included the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale to assess the HLBES' criterion validity. Results: Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded 2 subscales that explained 45.23% of the total variance. The scale revealed an overall internal consistency of 0.78 and a good criterion validity with the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale (r = 0.65, P <.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the HLBES is an instrument for reporting healthy lifestyle behaviors in Portuguese pregnant women; however, further studies are recommended. This scale can be used to not only describe healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women but also to determine the effects of health promoting interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]