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Gastrostomy feeding is a route of enteral nutrition for children with feeding difficulties. This study investigated caregiver experiences of the transition to gastrostomy feeding. A survey was administered to caregivers of children <18 years in a major pediatric center in Ireland. Experiences of decision-making, support, and adjusting to tube feeding were examined. Seventy-six caregivers participated. Median satisfaction with the information provided by the hospital was high. Almost half (48%) spoke to another caregiver of a child with a gastrostomy prior to their own child's gastrostomy insertion and most (88%) felt reassured by this. Concerns following insertion included managing the tube and their child's oral intake and feelings about the tube. The oral intake of 83% of children who had some intake prior to gastrostomy insertion did not change or increased following insertion. Most (89%) would make the same decision to insert the tube. Feelings associated with the transition included relief and stress. Gastrostomy tube insertion presents logistical and psychosocial challenges for caregivers. Peer support from other caregivers may alleviate some of these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research investigating exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors is sparse, and the outcomes are varied. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the domains and outcomes reported in exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors to be included in a Delphi study, with a view to informing the development of a core outcome set (COS).Methods: EMBASE, PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and PEDro were searched up to March 2020 using a predefined search strategy. The outcomes identified during data extraction were categorised using the core areas outlined in the OMERACT Filter 2.0.Results: Fourteen domains and 63 outcomes were identified. The most frequently reported outcomes were in the domains of quality of life using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire and the relevant disease-specific modules (100%), exercise capacity/fitness/physical function (100%), anthropometrics (83.33%), physical activity (66.67%), and biomarker analysis (50%).Conclusion: This systematic review quantifies and describes the domains and outcomes examined in exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors. Some inconsistency exists within the domains and outcomes used, and little attention was given to nutritional or economic endpoints. In order to develop a COS, a Delphi consensus process with key stakeholders is needed to identify the relevant domains and outcomes for inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An esophageal cancer diagnosis signals the start of a difficult period of health-related physical, psychological, and social challenges. To date, relatively few studies have explored the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery experiences of esophageal cancer survivors. Esophageal cancer diagnosis and treatment pose challenges to all aspects of wellbeing, and necessitate an extended period of recovery. As such, supportive education and rehabilitative interventions must encompass a range of strategies to help survivors maintain an adequate quality of life during treatment and recovery. This study aimed to examine patient experiences of esophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, to enable researchers and health professionals to better understand the education and rehabilitative needs of esophageal cancer survivors. Esophageal cancer poses challenges to all domains of wellbeing. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of esophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, with a view to informing the health education needs of this group. Eighteen persons who had undergone an esophagectomy participated in one of four audio-taped focus groups in a specialist hospital for cancer care. Transcriptions were analyzed thematically. Fear and uncertainty underpinned all stages of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Participants emphasized: (a) a lack of understanding over what to expect throughout treatment and recovery; (b) the demanding and traumatic period of adjustment required as a result of changes to their physical, psychological, and social functioning; and, (c) that support provided by family, friends, and acquaintances was variable and uninformed, often to the point of being counterproductive to physical and psychosocial recovery. Tailored education is needed to enable patients to prepare for each stage of their cancer journey. Equally, families and wider social networks should receive education that enables them to provide esophageal cancer survivors with appropriate support. Education should be provided at intervals that enable patients, survivors, and support networks to prepare for the physical, emotional, and social challenges experienced during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine factors associated with maternal wellbeing at four months post-partum in the Irish context. Socio-demographic, health behaviour and infant feeding data were collected in pregnancy, at birth and at 17 weeks post-partum. Maternal distress, body image and resilience were measured at 17 weeks post-partum. Binary logistic regression predicted maternal distress and statistical significance was taken at p < 0.05. One hundred and seventy-two women were followed-up in pregnancy, at birth and at 17 weeks post-partum. Three in five (61.6%, n106) initiated breastfeeding. At 17 weeks post-partum, 23.8% (n41) were exclusively or partially breastfeeding and over a third (36.0%, n62) of all mothers were at risk of distress. In multivariate analyses, independent predictors of distress included: low maternal resilience (p < 0.01, odds ratio (OR): 7.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49–20.95)); unsatisfactory partner support (p = 0.02, OR: 3.89 (95% CI: 1.20–12.65)); older age (p = 0.02, OR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.02–1.21)); and breastfeeding (p = 0.01, OR: 2.89 (95% CI: 1.29–6.47)). Routine assessment of emotional wellbeing and targeted interventions are needed to promote a more healthful transition to motherhood among women in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]