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Background: Insulin resistance, a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, is linked to various health conditions. The basis of its treatment is lifestyle modification. However, adherence to nutritional and other medical recommendations can be challenging for chronic disease patients due to many factors, including demographics, social context, gender, age, and the patient's baseline health condition. This study aims to evaluate the impact of online support group members on the diet quality of women with insulin resistance., Methods: This study was conducted as an online survey consisting of KomPAN (validated food frequency questionnaire) augmented with questions regarding using professional counseling and membership in support groups. The study covered 1565 women with insulin resistance, 1011 of whom were associated with the online support group., Results: The mean pHDI (pro-health diet index) was 5.18 ± 2.69 in the support groups and 4.86 ± 2.69 in the control group ( p = 0.0319. There were no significant differences in the nHDI (non-health diet index). We found that the pHDI is associated with financial situations, the household's situation, occupation education level, and medical or dietitian care, whereas occupation, medical, and dietitian care affect the nHDI. Membership in support groups is related to a higher pHDI and state of self-assessment of nutritional knowledge., Conclusions: Our study indicates a relationship between participation in online support groups and dietary behaviors and the subjective assessment of nutrition knowledge. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms behind these influences and exploring how these communities can be optimized for broader public health initiatives.

Introduction: The aim of this integrative review is to understand (1) how parents in specific populations engage with online breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or lactation support groups, (2) how these support groups influence extended breastfeeding duration and other outcomes, and (3) whether the use of support groups by these specific populations has changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: Of the articles identified across 4 electronic databases, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria; they were published between 2013 and 2023, written in English, and focused on the use of online peer support groups for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactation support in specific populations. Eight of these studies are qualitative, 1 is a randomized controlled trial, and 1 is mixed methods., Results: Eight themes were identified: (1) overcoming lack of real world support, (2) normalization, (3) practical support, (4) emotional support and shared experiences, (5) building a bridge to in-person relationships, (6) reciprocity and activism, (7) self-efficacy and outcomes, and (8) issues with online support groups., Discussion: Specific subpopulations of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactating parents and their partners found comfort in online support groups because they normalized more unique feeding practices and offered a space to provide and receive encouragement. Additionally, this review includes fathers/partners as a previously ignored subpopulation who benefit from education and support with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and lactation. This subpopulation is also an area for expanded research on the use of online support groups by partners of lactating parents., (© 2024 by the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.)

Background: Pediatric stroke is relatively rare and underresearched, and there is little awareness of its occurrence in wider society. There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of interventions to improve rehabilitation and the services available to survivors. Access to online health communities through the internet may be a means of support for patients with pediatric stroke and their families during recovery; however, little research has been done in this area., Objective: This study aims to identify the types of social support provided by an online peer support group to survivors of pediatric stroke and their families., Methods: This was a qualitative thematic analysis of posts from a pediatric stroke population on a UK online stroke community active between 2004 and 2011. The population was split into 2 groups based on whether stroke survivors were aged ≤18 years or aged >18 years at the time of posting. The posts were read by 2 authors who used the adapted Social Support Behavior Code to analyze the types of social support exchanged., Results: A total of 52 participants who experienced a pediatric stroke were identified, who posted a total of 425 messages to the community. About 41 survivors were aged ≤18 years at the time of posting and were written about by others (31/35 were mothers), while 11 were aged >18 years and were writing about themselves. Survivors and their families joined together in discussion threads. Support was offered and received by all participants, regardless of age. Of all 425 posts, 193 (45.4%) contained at least 1 instance of social support. All 5 types of social support were identified: informational, emotional, network, esteem support, and tangible aid. Informational and emotional support were most commonly exchanged. Emotional support was offered more often than informational support among participants aged ≤18 years at the time of posting; this finding was reversed in the group aged >18 years. Network support and esteem support were less commonly exchanged. Notably, the access subcategory of network support was not exchanged with the community. Tangible aid was the least commonly offered type of support. The exchanged social support provided insight into rehabilitation interventions and the unmet needs of pediatric stroke survivors., Conclusions: We found evidence of engagement of childhood stroke survivors and their families in an online stroke community, with peer support being exchanged between both long- and short-term survivors of pediatric stroke. Engagement of long-term survivors of pediatric stroke through the online community was key, as they were able to offer informational support from lived experience. Further interventional research is needed to assess health and rehabilitation outcomes from engagement with online support groups. Research is also needed to ensure safe, nurturing online communities., (©William J A Wright, Charlotte Howdle, Neil S Coulson, Anna De Simoni. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 15.03.2024.)

Background and Objectives: We addressed understudied questions in social support. Do providers, who recipients agree are more supportive than others (i.e., consensually supportive), evoke more favorable affect in recipients? Do groups differ in their supportiveness and do supportive groups evoke favorable affect in their members? Can any group differences be explained by dyadic relationships within groups?, Methods: We analyzed data from seven samples of well-acquainted groups and groups of strangers in which participants rated each other on supportiveness, and affect experienced when with each group member., Results: Social Relations Model analyses indicated that consensually supportive providers evoked higher positive affect in recipients but not lower negative affect. Uniquely supportive relationships evoked higher positive and lower negative affect. Groups differed in their supportiveness and more supportive groups evoked higher positive and lower negative affect. Correlations between support and affect at the level of groups primarily reflected dyadic relationships within groups, rather than the groups themselves. Groups of strangers showed the same effects as well-acquainted groups., Conclusions: The findings for consensually supportive providers and low negative affect is inconsistent with most social support theory. Supportive groups' links to affect could be explained by dyadic relationships within groups, rather than the groups themselves.

Women dealing with infertility issues may well undergo a long process of treatments and they are also likely to feel empty, defective, inadequate and worthless. Some of these women join online support groups in order to share their experiences, get information and ease their pain. One important positive phenomenon of the Internet is the advent of online support groups. These are designed to foster well-being and increased social interaction, and to offer 24/7 availability with no geographical restrictions. This study, comprising 191 female participants who answered an online survey, focused on closed Facebook support groups, the members of which were women undergoing treatments for infertility. The study examined to what extent the degree of engagement by these women in online support groups could be predicted by external factors (family status, social and family support, the importance of the group and the duration of membership) and internal factors (extroversion, openness to experience, subjective happiness and loneliness). Findings show that higher levels of engagement in such Facebook support groups are predicted by the external factors, including having a child, longer duration of membership in the group, family support and the strongest predictor, perception of the group as important. Findings also show that higher levels of engagement in these groups are predicted by internal factors extroversion and openness to experience, as was found in previous studies of other populations. Results and future research are discussed.

Chronic diseases are becoming increasingly common and are a priority for action in the Australian health sector. This study investigated the models of support groups preferred by Arab Australians living with chronic conditions. Two hundred fifty-one Arab people with chronic conditions completed a descriptive survey. More than half of participants thought that information on palliative care, financial advice and guidance, social and emotional support for self and family, complementary therapies, and being involved in treatment decisions were extremely useful. Conversely, information about palliative care, financial advice and guidance, and complementary therapies was seen as least useful. Eighty-five percent of participants reported willingness to attend a support program. Participants indicated they preferred the program to be held at a local community organization and facilitated by health care professionals. There was a high level of agreement in the views of Arab participants about the preferred location, type of facilitator, and content of a support program. These findings should inform the design of future programs for Arab immigrants with chronic conditions., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objective: To explore factors that influenced engagement in an online support group (OSG) for family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer. Design: Secondary qualitative data analysis. Sample: 58 family caregivers of hospice patients with advanced cancer. Methods: Template analysis of individual family caregiver interviews. Findings: Emotional isolation and caregiving downtime positively influenced engagement, while reluctance to share personal information, a short timeframe of participation in the OSG, and caregiving commitments were negatively influential. While the group facilitation and secure privacy settings of the OSG were viewed positively, reactions to the OSG platform and group tone were mixed. Information on pain and the dying process was found to be particularly engaging. Practice implications: Providers offering OSGs for family caregivers should maximize factors that promote meaningful member engagement, responding to changes in activity and tone over time.

Purpose: Social support is an important factor in reducing caregiver burden, however, accessing social support via traditional means is often challenging for family caregivers of hospice patients. Online support groups may offer an effective solution. The present study sought to understand dynamics of online social support among family and other informal (e.g., friends) caregivers of hospice cancer patients in an online social support group. The primary aim of the study was to identify types of online social support and support-seeking behaviors, with a secondary aim to understand informal hospice caregivers' preferences for social support., Method: Data used in this study were collected as part of a federally funded randomized clinical trial of an informal hospice cancer caregiver support intervention. Findings are based on directed and conventional content analysis of support group members' posts and comments-including text and images-and a sample of caregivers' exit interviews., Results: Analyses demonstrated that the majority of online support provided by group members was emotional support, followed by companionship support, appraisal support, and informational support. Instrumental support was rarely provided. Support was primarily elicited in an indirect manner through self-disclosure and patient updates, with few overt requests for support., Conclusions: Findings suggest online social support groups can be a valuable resource for informal caregivers who are in need of emotional support and lack the ability to access face-to-face support groups. Clinical implications of this research to healthcare systems regarding the importance of incorporating nurses and other medical professionals as co-facilitators of online support groups are discussed., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: More than 2 billion people worldwide now use social networking sites, with an increasing number of users accessing these sites to obtain health information and engage in emotional support. Yet, investigation of social networking sites in the context of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) has been scarce., Methods: Real-time data posted during 2 weeks in April 2017 were collected from 2 existing private Facebook groups (hosted by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association United Kingdom) using video screen capture software. The number of posts, comments, unique contributors, and post "likes" was recorded, as well as the type and theme of each post. Data relating to the benefits and challenges of participation in the 2 groups were also collected via an online survey., Results: A content analysis of real-time data identified perioperative care, associated syndromes, and dental health to be particular areas of concern for parents/caregivers. Expectations, experiences, and outcomes of further treatment were key topics of discussion for adults with CL/P. Common benefits of the groups included the ability to connect with others, learn about local events, give and receive emotional support, and obtain quick responses to queries in a semi-anonymous environment. Disadvantages of the groups included a reliance upon opinion rather than medical fact and the frequent use of inappropriate terminology., Conclusions: Social networking sites appear to be a helpful source of health-related information and peer support for the CL/P population, yet closer monitoring of these groups may be required.

Purpose: A deeper understanding was sought of what peer-based social support means to young people with juvenile arthritis within the UK and ways in which it could be best provided., Design and Methods: A secondary analysis of underused, descriptively rich data relating to peer-based support contributed by young people with juvenile arthritis, their parents/carers and healthcare professionals from a qualitative study (seeking their views on a potential self-management mobile-app) was carried out using methods suggested by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis., Results: Peer-based support can provide a new kind of 'normality' for young people with juvenile arthritis, including greater understanding, relief, reassurance, shared learning and increased self-efficacy. However, the risk of stigma through this shared identity suggests a need to offer various forms of access including using new electronic media., Conclusion and Implications: The evidence suggests that although desired, the potential social cost of identifying with peers living with juvenile arthritis is influenced by the way such support is provided, which in turn impacts on how readily it will be accessed. This suggests the need to provide various means of accessing peer-based contact, including electronic media, to ensure that young people with juvenile arthritis benefit. Therefore, when promoting and supporting peer-based social support, as far as possible, professionals need to individualise ways in which such support can be accessed because there is no 'one size fits all' approach., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The term sex offender carries expectations that include a continuous level of sexual criminal risk and untreatable mental health conditions that govern sex offending behaviors. These role expectations by the public can socially isolate individuals who have been convicted of a crime and the people who love them. This is likely to contribute to negative self-images that can result in loneliness, isolation, and depression, and, subsequently, contribute to discontinuing support for sex offender's loved ones and reoffending. This article highlights the creation and maintenance of a peer-to-peer social support group for registered sex offenders and their family members that helps combat the effects of "sex offender" labels. This group differs from formal organized circles of support model and traditional self-help groups such as Alcohol (AA) or Narcotic (NA) Anonymous. We review this group's creation, processes and procedures, and outcomes, including changes in cognition, mood, and affect over time for members in the group.

Background and Objective: Tobacco smoking remains a major preventable cause of mortality and morbidity across the globe. People who attempt to quit smoking often experience episodes of relapse before finally quitting. Understanding the part that social networking sites and social media can play in smoking cessation and prevention of relapse is important to aid the development of novel techniques to curb the smoking epidemic. This study investigated the use of extra-treatment provided outside of the formal healthcare setting, bolstered by online social support in order to prevent smoking relapse in Saudi Arabia., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 473 smokers taking part in smoking cessation intervention programs run by the Riyadh branch of King Abdul-Aziz Medical City and PURITY, a Saudi anti-smoking association. Only subjects who expressed an interest in quitting smoking, and those attempting to quit, were considered for inclusion. The sample was divided into three groups: subjects who subscribed to support groups on Twitter (n = 150), and WhatsApp (n = 150), and a control group of subjects who had not subscribed to any social media support groups (n = 173)., Results: A significant difference was found between the mean average numbers of people who quit smoking among the three groups, with social media support proving to be more effective than other traditional methods. Our findings imply that Twitter and WhatsApp users found it easier to quit smoking than those who did not take part in these social media groups., Conclusion: Social media provides a good platform to discuss smoking cessation treatment, and thus reduce smoking relapses. Our findings support the suggestion that more social media support groups should be developed to help people to effectively cease smoking after abstinence. Individuals who struggle to quit smoking should be encouraged to join support groups on their social media platform of choice to increase their likelihood of quitting. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of social media to help people quit smoking by including a greater diversity of social media platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Support following bariatric surgery is vital to ensure long-term postoperative success. Many individuals undergoing bariatric surgery are turning to online modalities, especially the popular social media platform Facebook, to access support groups and pages. Despite evidence suggesting that the majority of patients considering bariatric surgery are utilizing online groups, little is known about the actual content of these groups., Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a content analysis of bariatric surgery support groups and pages on Facebook., Setting: Online via Facebook, independent academic medical center, United States., Methods: Data from bariatric surgery-related Facebook support groups and pages were extracted over a 1-month period in 2016. Salient content themes (e.g., progress posts, depression content, eating behaviors) were coded reliably (all κ> .70)., Results: More than 6,800 posts and replies were coded. Results indicated that seeking recommendations (11%), providing information or recommendations (53%), commenting on changes since surgery (19%), and lending support to other members (32%) were the most common types of posts. Content surrounding anxiety, eating behaviors, depression, body image, weight bias, and alcohol was found less frequently., Conclusions: Online bariatric surgery groups can be used to receive support, celebrate physical and emotional accomplishments, provide anecdotal accounts of the "bariatric lifestyle" for preoperative patients, and comment on challenges with mental health and experiences of weight bias. Providers should become acquainted with the content commonly found in online groups and exercise caution in recommending these platforms to information-seeking patients., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Family caregivers are socially isolated and burdened as they care for their loved one, often for many years. Internet support groups can address some of the barriers related to the social isolation, self-efficacy, and burden experienced during caregiving by connecting individuals with similar problems to one another. The purpose of the meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of Internet-based group support interventions on social support, self-efficacy, and burden., Methods: A two-step search process was used to identify peer reviewed evidence to answer the research question. Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and several others, were searched to identify systematic reviews from which to identify the final articles for data extraction., Results: Seven systematic reviews identified 10 studies to answer the research question. A statistically significant effect was found from the interventions targeting social support and self-efficacy. We were unable to assess the effect of these interventions on caregiver burden due to the variance in measurement constructs., Conclusions: While it has been found that Internet group support interventions have a positive effect on social support and self-efficacy, the size and quality of studies are moderate, and thus, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed for a higher level of evidence.

Purpose: Peer support intervention trials have shown varying effects on glycemic control. We aimed to estimate the effect of peer support interventions delivered by people affected by diabetes (those with the disease or a caregiver) on hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) levels in adults., Methods: We searched multiple databases from 1960 to November 2015, including Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Scopus. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with diabetes receiving peer support interventions compared with otherwise similar care. Seventeen of 205 retrieved studies were eligible for inclusion. Quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) of change in HbA 1c level from baseline between groups using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were predefined., Results: Seventeen studies (3 cluster RCTs, 14 RCTs) with 4,715 participants showed an improvement in pooled HbA 1c level with an SMD of 0.121 (95% CI, 0.026-0.217; P = .01; I 2 = 60.66%) in the peer support intervention group compared with the control group; this difference translated to an improvement in HbA 1c level of 0.24% (95% CI, 0.05%-0.43%). Peer support interventions showed an HbA 1c improvement of 0.48% (95% CI, 0.25%-0.70%; P <.001; I 2 = 17.12%) in the subset of studies with predominantly Hispanic participants and 0.53% (95% CI, 0.32%-0.73%; P <.001; I 2 = 9.24%) in the subset of studies with predominantly minority participants; both were clinically relevant. In sensitivity analysis excluding cluster RCTs, the overall effect size changed little., Conclusions: Peer support interventions for diabetes overall achieved a statistically significant but minor improvement in HbA 1c levels. These interventions may, however, be particularly effective in improving glycemic control for people from minority groups, especially those of Hispanic ethnicity., (© 2016 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.)

Aboriginal Australians are at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and, once diagnosed, they have poorer outcomes than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Lower access to cancer screening programmes, deficiencies in treatment and cultural barriers contribute to poor outcomes. Additional logistical factors affecting those living in rural areas compound these barriers. Cancer support groups have positive effects on people affected by cancer; however, there is limited evidence on peer-support programmes for Aboriginal cancer patients in Australia. This paper explores the roles played by an Aboriginal women's cancer support network operating in a regional town in Western Australia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants including Aboriginal and mainstream healthcare service providers, and network members and clients. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Connecting and linking people and services was perceived as the main role of the network. This role had four distinct domains: (i) facilitating access to cancer services; (ii) fostering social interaction; (iii) providing a culturally safe space; and (iv) building relationships with other agencies. Other network roles included providing emotional and practical support, delivering health education and facilitating engagement in cancer screening initiatives. Despite the network's achievements, unresolved tensions around role definition negatively impacted on the working relationship between the network and mainstream service providers, and posed a threat to the network's sustainability. Different perspectives need to be acknowledged and addressed in order to build strong, effective partnerships between service providers and Aboriginal communities. Valuing and honouring the Aboriginal approaches and expertise, and adopting an intercultural approach are suggested as necessary to the way forward., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

There are more than 1 million people in the UK looking after a family member or friend with cancer, but half the number of these carers do not receive support to care. Providing this care significantly affects cancer carers emotionally, physically, and financially. Community and district nurses have a vital role to play in reaching out to these hidden carers and signposting them to the correct support. This article provides tips on identifying carers, including who they are, the challenges they face, and how health professionals can approach and speak to them. It also provides guidance on signposting carers to national and local sources of support in the UK.

Drawing from 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork in one urban and one rural setting in Swaziland, involving 13 case studies of adolescents living with HIV, in this article we explore the meaning of the family as it applies to Swazi adolescents' everyday life. Our findings suggest that the meaning of the family is constantly evolving and transforming based on changing needs of, and expectations by, adolescents in different contexts and moments of the care continuum. Central to the meaning of the family is a strong desire for belonging - that is, being accepted, welcomed and appreciated. Traditional institutions that used to regulate where children belong still shape adolescents' perceptions, hopes and desires, but may also prevent their realisation. Support groups are important but do not substitute for the familial belongings adolescents living with HIV have lost, and long for. Policymakers, programme managers and health providers working with adolescents living with HIV need to embrace the complexity and dynamism of the meaning of family and base their policies, programmes, standards and guidelines not only on the factual care arrangements that adolescents find themselves in, nor on legal definitions of rights and responsibilities, but also on what adolescents want.

There are several concerns in relation to children living with a parent suffering from a mental illness. In such circumstances, the health-care professionals need to involve the whole family, offering help to the parents on parenting as well as support for their children. These children are often helped by participating in meetings that provide them with contact with others with similar experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate young adults' childhood experiences of support groups when living with a mentally ill parent. Seven young women were chosen to participate in this study. A qualitative descriptive method was chosen. The main category emerged as 'the influence of life outside the home because of a parent's mental illness' from the two generic categories: 'a different world' and 'an emotion-filled life'. The participants' friends did not know that their parent was ill and they 'always had to…take responsibility for what happened at home'. These young adults appreciated the support group activities they participated in during their childhood, stating that the meetings had influenced their everyday life as young adults. Despite this, they associated their everyday life with feelings of being different. This study highlights the need for support groups for children whose parents suffer from mental illness., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

Background: Although many people with serious diseases participate in online support communities, little research has investigated how participants elicit and provide social support on these sites., Objective: The first goal was to propose and test a model of the dynamic process through which participants in online support communities elicit and provide emotional and informational support. The second was to demonstrate the value of computer coding of conversational data using machine learning techniques (1) by replicating results derived from human-coded data about how people elicit support and (2) by answering questions that are intractable with small samples of human-coded data, namely how exposure to different types of social support predicts continued participation in online support communities. The third was to provide a detailed description of these machine learning techniques to enable other researchers to perform large-scale data analysis in these communities., Methods: Communication among approximately 90,000 registered users of an online cancer support community was analyzed. The corpus comprised 1,562,459 messages organized into 68,158 discussion threads. Amazon Mechanical Turk workers coded (1) 1000 thread-starting messages on 5 attributes (positive and negative emotional self-disclosure, positive and negative informational self-disclosure, questions) and (2) 1000 replies on emotional and informational support. Their judgments were used to train machine learning models that automatically estimated the amount of these 7 attributes in the messages. Across attributes, the average Pearson correlation between human-based judgments and computer-based judgments was .65., Results: Part 1 used human-coded data to investigate relationships between (1) 4 kinds of self-disclosure and question asking in thread-starting posts and (2) the amount of emotional and informational support in the first reply. Self-disclosure about negative emotions (beta=.24, P<.001), negative events (beta=.25, P<.001), and positive events (beta=.10, P=.02) increased emotional support. However, asking questions depressed emotional support (beta=-.21, P<.001). In contrast, asking questions increased informational support (beta=.38, P<.001), whereas positive informational self-disclosure depressed it (beta=-.09, P=.003). Self-disclosure led to the perception of emotional needs, which elicited emotional support, whereas asking questions led to the perception of informational needs, which elicited informational support. Part 2 used machine-coded data to replicate these results. Part 3 analyzed the machine-coded data and showed that exposure to more emotional support predicted staying in the group longer 33% (hazard ratio=0.67, P<.001), whereas exposure to more informational support predicted leaving the group sooner (hazard ratio=1.05, P<.001)., Conclusions: Self-disclosure is effective in eliciting emotional support, whereas question asking is effective in eliciting informational support. Moreover, perceptions that people desire particular kinds of support influence the support they receive. Finally, the type of support people receive affects the likelihood of their staying in or leaving the group. These results demonstrate the utility of machine learning methods for investigating the dynamics of social support exchange in online support communities.

Background: The prevalence of dementia diseases is increasing worldwide with advancing age and growing populations. In Sweden alone, which currently has a population of approximately 9 million people, there are about 25 000 persons diagnosed each year with a dementia. Consequently, after such a diagnosis, there is a need for support. The recipients of that support include next of kin who seek a variety of information, including potential lifestyle changes and ways of dealing with personality changes in their loved one who has a dementia., Aims and Objectives: The aim was to explore four couples experiences in long-term ongoing structured support groups., Design: A single-case study using semi-structured interviews supported by 'diary notes' maintained by each participating couple were used., Method: Semi-structured interviews were analysed using content analysis., Result: Three categories represent the findings across the four cases: Knowledge about the disease, Sense of comfort and support, and, Kinship through shared experiences. One category, Longing for kinship was created exclusively for one of the couples. Viewing the emerging categories from a healthy ageing perspective, both comfort and support and kinship through shared experiences can be considered as components of larger themes of support and social interaction., Conclusions: Findings suggest that structured support groups are a good way to encourage discussions, allow persons with dementia to express themselves and support healthy ageing among partners., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Increasing attention is paid to impacts of HIV/AIDS on women's mental health, often framed by decontextualized psychiatric understandings of emotional distress and treatment. We contribute to the small qualitative literature extending these findings through exploring HIV/AIDS--affected women's own accounts of their distress-focusing on the impacts of social context, and women's efforts to cope outside of medical support services. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with women experiencing depression or anxiety-like symptoms in a wider study of services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Thematic analysis was framed by Summerfield's emphasis on contexts and resilience. Women highlighted family conflicts (particularly abandonment by men), community-level violence, poverty and HIV/AIDS as drivers of distress. Whilst HIV/AIDS placed significant burdens on women, poverty and relationship difficulties were more central in their accounts. Four coping mechanisms were identified. Women drew on indigenous local resources in their psychological re-framing of negative situations, and their mobilisation of emotional and financial support from inter-personal networks, churches and HIV support groups. Less commonly, they sought expert advice from traditional healers, medical services or social workers, but access to these was limited. Though all tried to supplement government grants with income generation efforts, only a minority regarded these as successful. Findings support ongoing efforts to bolster strained mental health services with support groups, which often offer valuable emotional and practical support. Without parallel poverty alleviation strategies, however, support groups may sometimes offer little more than encouraging passive acceptance of the inevitability of suffering--potentially exacerbating the hopelessness underpinning women's distress.

The incidence of stroke in younger individuals is rising, producing unique challenges due to loss of productive roles and long-term impact in the survivor's life. This paper reports the results of a hospital-based program based on occupational therapy principles that was designed to provide support and education for 13 younger individuals (<65) with stroke. Participants demonstrated improved socialization, healthy coping, and role attainment as measured by the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), and a member satisfaction questionnaire. Key factors for successful implementation and considerations for future programs to meet the needs of younger adults with stroke are discussed.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ system in the body. The most common symptoms are dryness of the mouth and eyes resulting from chronic inflammation and a progressive loss of secretory function. As with most individuals managing a chronic condition, patients with Sjögren's are on a multipronged path to disease and symptom management. Various coping strategies are presented in this article and the advantages and disadvantages discussed. Additionally, how a support group functions and practical guidance for the initiation of a Sjögren's support group are discussed., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore participants', peer supporters' and practice nurses' experience of the implementation of a peer-support intervention for people with type 2 diabetes., Methods: The study was conducted in family practice in Ireland. Participants were selected from the patients, peer supporters and practice nurses who participated in a 2-year randomized controlled trial of peer support in type 2 diabetes. The sample consisted of 6 practice nurses, 15 peer supporters and 33 intervention participants. Data were collected using focus groups and semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Key themes and concepts were identified using framework analysis., Results: The following themes emerged: who gets invited to be a peer supporter?; training and support for peer supporters; and peer-support meetings and challenges of delivering a peer-support programme. Recruiting peer supporters via the general practices was successful. Although some peer supporters were hesitant to participate initially, they were satisfied in their role and felt well trained and supported. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the peer-support meetings. They welcomed the fact that the meetings were led by a peer; however, some participants reported that they would have liked occasional input from health professionals. The 'Frequently Asked Questions' element of the intervention was very popular with both participants and peer supporters., Conclusions: This study revealed that it was feasible to implement a peer-support intervention in the general practice setting. Challenges of delivering such an intervention were identified, particularly in relation to meeting attendance, and should be considered in further research in the area.

Social media have become crucial communication channels for human papilloma virus (HPV) patients to seek and receive social support that can benefit their physical and psychological health. To promote supportive communication on online social platforms, we analyzed 96,543 messages, including 7,407 posts and 89,136 comments, concerning social support on Baidu HPV Forum, one of China's largest online HPV support groups. We examined factors (i.e., threat and efficacy) in posts requesting social support associated with the amount of social support received in comments. Results revealed that the majority of social support messages received in comments represented informational support, whereas relatively few comments featured instrumental social support. Beyond that, high-threat, non-efficacy posts requesting social support received a greater amount of informational and emotional support in the comments than other types of posts requesting social support. Theoretical and practical implications of our study are discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Ukrainian crisis, sparked by the Russian invasion, has generated one of the most extensive refugee crises in modern history. Addressing the mental health challenges of Ukrainian refugees is critical to promoting their resilience and successful integration into host communities. Traditional support group interventions might be challenging to implement for geographically dispersed populations, making the metaverse an innovative and inclusive platform for providing much-needed support to such populations. Methods/design: Displaced Ukrainian refugee adults (18 years or older) without current psychiatric diagnoses or current involvement in therapeutic interventions are included in the study. Participants are randomized to one of three conditions: (1) Metaverse Support Groups, (2) In-Person Support Groups, or (3) Waitlist. Both intervention groups (Metaverse and In-Person) undergo 5 support group sessions, and data are collected at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes are depressive symptomatology and anxiety. Secondary outcomes are perceived social support, well-being, and gender-based violence awareness. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to test the efficacy of support groups in the Metaverse for the Ukrainian refugee population. This study can thus add substantially to the body of knowledge on effective interventions and policies for refugees. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06142032 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06142032). Registered on November 8, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though human rights advocacy is a part of mental health care, psychiatric nurses in South Africa's primary healthcare (PHC) setting face substantial challenges when advocating for the rights of mental health care users (MHCUs). The study aimed to develop a conceptual framework to facilitate psychiatric nurses' advocacy for mental healthcare users' human rights in a PHC setting. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to investigate the psychiatric nurses' experiences advocating for MHCUs' human rights in a PHC setting. Three phases were followed: the empirical phase, the classification of concepts, and a development phase. Following the empirical phase, a conceptual framework was developed to facilitate psychiatric nurses' advocacy for MHCUs human rights in a PHC setting. Results: Three themes were derived from focus group interviews with psychiatric nurses in the empirical phase. These themes yielded the central concept as 'the facilitation of empowerment' of psychiatric nurses in advocating for MHCUs' human rights. The central concepts were also classified. A conceptual framework was developed that included the relationship, working and termination phases. Conclusion: The study described the development of a conceptual framework to facilitate psychiatric nurses' advocacy for mental healthcare users' human rights in a PHC setting. Psychiatric nurses play a key role in advocating for the human rights of MHCUs. This task is important and should be implemented from the government to the societal level, including all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of mutual help groups (MHGs) in promoting addiction recovery has been widely acknowledged. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying the impact of MHGs remain somewhat uncertain. Drawing on a social identity perspective, this study investigated a sequential mediation model in which social support is posited as a driving factor that enhances abstinence maintenance through group identification, recovery identity, and self‐efficacy. A sample of 820 smokers, participating in a 6‐month collective smoking cessation programme which included access to an online help group, completed measures of social support, group identification, smoker/ex‐smoker identity, and self‐efficacy at the programme's outset. Smoking abstinence was assessed 6 and 9 months later. The findings supported the proposed model, indicating that social support was positively associated with MHG identification, which, in turn, was related to a stronger recovery identity. Subsequently, recovery identity was associated with increased self‐efficacy, and indirectly, with smoking abstinence at both measurement times. Additional analyses testing alternative mediation models further supported the validity of the proposed model. These findings suggest that social identity factors play significant roles in accounting for the effectiveness of MHGs for addiction recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Young adult cancer survivors experience disruptions in various life domains (e.g., relationships, academic/career) during and after treatment. This study examined life disruptions and related supports to update interventions to improve psychological outcomes. Methods: In April–July 2023, young adult survivors (n = 23) were recruited (via clinics, support groups, nonprofit organizations, etc.) to complete semi-structured interviews assessing cancer's impact across life domains, how they coped with related disruptions, and facilitators to improved psychosocial well-being. We used a dual deductive–inductive approach to develop a codebook and then coded transcripts in Dedoose. Results: This sample was on average 33.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 4.4), 78.3% female, 73.9% non-Hispanic White, 47.8% married/cohabitating, 2.4 (SD = 1.0) years post-diagnosis, 1.4 years (SD = 0.9) post-treatment, and largely diagnosed with breast cancer (52.1%) or leukemia/lymphoma (34.7%). The most salient themes related to disruptions included mental health, feelings of isolation during survivorship, and disruptions to career and relationships with family or partners. Participants reported challenges navigating these feelings and disruptions, and difficulty understanding and conveying their needs. Many experienced limited support for navigating cancer-related trauma and life disruptions as a survivor. Participants also reported some positive impacts, like reevaluating their values and goals or feeling resilient, and emphasized the need to identify supports, accept that life had changed because of cancer, and have their needs and continued struggles validated by others during survivorship. Conclusions: Young adults experience ongoing disruptions across multiple life domains, underscoring the need for integrated, longer-term psychosocial supports to help them navigate these disruptions and reevaluate their goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect the well-being of individuals and their families, reducing their quality of life. This qualitative study examines the experiences of individuals having successfully navigated recovery from SUDs and their family members' in Türkiye. Utilizing in-depth interviews with 13 participants, it illuminates the multifaceted role of self-help groups employing the 12-step program. The findings reveal that leisure activities, personal responsibility and spiritual needs are pivotal in the recovery journey. This research underscores the importance of shared life experiences in fostering a supportive community facilitating information exchange, personal development, and motivation for change. The role models within these groups amplifies the motivation for transformative change. Additionally, sustained interaction with group members serves as a natural control mechanism, reinforcing the sobriety process. In summary, self-help groups emerge as a vital resource for both individuals in recovery and their families, offering a multi-dimensional support system that aids in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid growing restrictions on reproductive health care nationwide, understanding real-time contextualization of patient experience is critical. This qualitative approach uses inductive content analysis to examine 74 anonymous journal entries from 2020 to 2023 from patients accessing abortions in New Mexico. Prompted by a journal titled, "Tell your story, it may help someone else," entries described decision-making, highlighted autonomy, and built solidarity. This analysis explains how patients contextualized their abortion and offers insight to improving experiences for patients traveling for abortion care. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(10):1008–1012. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307772) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friends are crucial for companionship, sharing personal thoughts and feelings, and are positively associated with psychological well-being and mental health. This is one of the first studies to provide an in-depth investigation of social support networks of African American friendship. Using a nationally representative sample of African American adults drawn from the National Survey of American Life, this study investigated sociodemographic correlates, as well as expanded information on marital status and life circumstances of friendships. Additionally, we examined the interrelationships among several aspects of friendship. The findings indicate that, apart from income and region, all other correlates (i.e. age, gender, education, marital status, material hardship, military service, incarceration history, parental status, and urbanicity) were significantly associated with involvement in friendship support networks (i.e. subjective friendship closeness, frequency of contact with friends, frequency of receiving support from friends, and frequency of providing support to friends). Moreover, subjective closeness to friends was positively associated with friend contact, and both subjective closeness to and contact with friends were positively associated with supportive exchanges with friends. These findings indicate the importance of understanding the life circumstances and contexts within which friendships occur and the need for much more quantitative and qualitative research on African American friendships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sharing a dementia diagnosis with others is a prerequisite to accessing important support for social, cognitive, and physical activity. However, due to the stigma associated with dementia, individuals may be hesitant to disclose their diagnosis. Despite the importance of this issue, there is limited research on personal experiences with sharing one's diagnosis. This study explored how people with young-onset dementia disclose their diagnosis to other people, also known as self-disclosure, and how time affects self-disclosure. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with nine people with young-onset dementia living in the United Kingdom (UK). A narrative approach to analysis was applied, focusing on understanding the core narratives, themes, tone, and imagery of each participant's narratives as well as providing a cross-case analysis to identify patterns across narratives. Results: Participants openly disclosed their diagnosis, accepting it as an illness that did not define their identity. Several were met with stigmatizing reactions, which affected their levels of openness, and a lack of understanding, which caused shrinking social networks for some. Peer support groups, advocacy activities, and strategic concealment were used to support self-disclosure. Conclusion: This study provides a holistic understanding of people with young-onset dementia's experiences with self-disclosure and how these evolved. Policies should prioritize the creation of dementia-friendly communities, while recommendations for practice include integrating empowerment interventions and peer support into post-diagnostic support. These efforts will support individuals in their self-disclosure journey, promote social engagement and reduce stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children ingesting corrosive substances face persistent physical, psychological, and social challenges. Inadequate current support systems post-corrosive injuries highlight the necessity for robust structures to address psychosocial issues. This quasi-experimental study, with a two-group pretest-posttest design, implemented a nurse-led support group intervention in a university hospital's pediatric surgery ward. Sixty-five families participated (32 control, 33 intervention) from June 2021 and March 2022. Data, collected through pre-intervention and baseline assessments, used scales like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Coping Styles Scale-Short Form, and Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Follow-up via phone interviews at 3 and 6 months, analyzed with SPSS 24, revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group's hospital anxiety scores (F = 22.044, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.259), Beach Center family quality of life scores (F = 28.954, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.315), and coping styles scale sub-dimensions: problem-focused coping, instrumental social support (X2 = 18.909, p < 0.000), and planning (X2 = 7.325, p < 0.026) at both follow-ups. In conclusion, the support group effectively reduced anxiety, enhanced coping, and improved overall quality of life for families dealing with corrosive substance ingestion. Nurses are urged to implement similar interventions, using a multidisciplinary approach to address challenges faced by families with children ingesting corrosive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An Addiction Medicine Unit (AMU) represents a promising approach to enhancing hospital care for individuals who use substances, but there is limited research to understand patients' perspectives on AMUs. Therefore, the study objectives involved exploring patients' experiences with the AMU. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 patients to gather their perspectives about the AMU. The AMU offers specialized inpatient addiction support, integrating medical and psychosocial interventions while facilitating connections to community supports to stabilize patients and manage addiction-related issues using a harm reduction philosophy. Results: Factors identified by patients that lead to positive experiences with the AMU included: efficient access to high-quality acute medical care, specialized addiction care, and additional support for non-medical needs. Patients emphasized the benefits of having peer support workers on staff, the overall positive interactions with staff, and how different these experiences were from their hospital admissions outside of the AMU. Factors identified by patients that should be considered in an AMU included: the ease of access to substances, negative interactions with other patients, and self-stigma/internalized discrimination. Also, the patient perspective reflected varied views on harm reduction. Patients' perception of the impact of an AMU overall reflected that the AMU is an effective way to deliver comprehensive treatment, to address the needs of PWUS, both medical and substance-use-related issues. They identified that the unit's intentional harm reduction philosophy facilitated access to care and positive patient-staff interactions, emphasizing the unit's progress in reducing fear and judgment and rebuilding trust in the healthcare system. Conclusion: The introduction of a new AMU in a Northern urban acute care hospital in Ontario has yielded positive patient experiences. The AMU model shows potential to re-establish trust between patients and providers, but ongoing efforts are needed to address underlying stigma to be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder that affects 10%–15% women globally. Longitudinal and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated the negative impacts of PPD on both the affected mothers and subsequent infant development. Given the consideration that antidepressant side effects in breastfeeding infants and the cost-effectiveness considerations of psychotherapies, attention has been paid towards the promising role of social support interventions in order to prevent and reduce the PPD symptoms. Confirming the assertion, this narrative review examines the potential of five social support interventions to ameliorate PPD-related maternal and infant outcomes. The wide implications of psychoeducational strategy, nurses' supportive and non-directive counselling and home-visiting approach are outlined. Furthermore, the evidence underlying the role of peer support, culturally tailored intervention and community-based participatory approach in PPD is elucidated. In clinical practice, this review reinforce the roles of discharge educational intervention led by the experienced nurse during the postpartum stay, in order to maintain psychological mental health among the postpartum mothers. More importantly, the skilled and competence public health nurses act as valuable assets in treating PPD, and this effective treatment alternative should be considered by healthcare planners. In future, major investigations will be strategized to discover the synergistic effects of combined social support approaches to yield a better outcome in the prevention and treatment of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early psychosocial support for parents/legal guardians who have children with variations of sex characteristics (VSCs) is crucial in helping avoid potentially harmful medical procedures. Psychosocial support, including peer support, can help parents/legal guardians choose the best care path for their child, and it remains important throughout childhood. However, there is a lack of data on the provision of psychosocial support for families with a child who has VSCs. We sought knowledge about the timing and types of psychosocial support, and the level of implementation of psychosocial support amongst health and psychosocial care professionals and peer supporters. A survey was conducted using a purposive sample of healthcare professionals and members of peer support groups across Europe. A total of 301 responses were received and analysed using descriptive and inferential methods. The survey results showed that psychosocial support primarily addresses diagnostic procedures, medical treatment, and medical interventions. Whilst the majority of healthcare professionals aspired to have psychosocial support provided at the point where a diagnosis of VSCs was suspected, this was only reported as current practice by a minority of respondents. Overall, the survey indicates that there is a need for greater implementation of psychosocial support, and more collaboration between healthcare professionals and peer support groups in caring for children with VSCs and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As many individuals with Long Covid are left without formal support, they have turned to online support groups for help. In a pre‐registered study, interviews were carried out with 21 adults with Long Covid to explore experiences of using online support groups, to understand whether participants felt these experiences influenced their health and wellbeing, and to identify whether group members developed a shared social identity. The reported benefits varied by the nature and size of the online support group: participants reported that smaller groups enabled a sense of community; occupation groups provided work‐specific support; and larger groups helped with symptom management. Interviewees reported that support groups validated members' experiences, made them feel less alone, and enhanced self‐efficacy by providing and offering support and enabling participants to learn new skills. However, negative outcomes were also reported, such as increased fear and reduced wellbeing. Shared identities developed based on mutual Long Covid experiences, shared values towards illness management, and pre‐existing identities. Reported experiences also varied between online support group size (large vs small); type (e.g., advocacy‐focused, yoga‐based, local or international); and platform (video‐ vs text‐based) and throughout the illness. Whilst this study recognises the necessity of medical treatment for Long Covid, we also recommended that individuals with Long Covid explore different support groups to find the most suitable group for them in terms of preferred group features, values towards illness management and enablement of social identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hair loss is often overlooked but psychologically challenging. However, the emergence of online health communities provides opportunities for hair loss patients to seek social support through self-disclosure. Nevertheless, not all disclosures receive the desired support. This research explores what patients disclose within the community and how their health narrative (content, form and linguistic style) regarding self-disclosure influences the social support they receive. Design/methodology/approach: This study investigated a 13-year-old online support group for Chinese hair loss patients with nearly 240,000 members. Using structural topic modeling, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, and a negative binomial model, the research analyzed the content of self-disclosure and the interrelationships between social support and three narrative dimensions of self-disclosure. Findings: Self-disclosures are classified into 14 topics, grouped under analytical, informative and emotional categories. Emotion-related self-disclosures, whether in content or effective word use, receive deeper social support. Longer and image-rich posts attract more support in quantity, but not necessarily in quality, while cognitive words have a limited impact. Originality/value: This study addresses the previously overlooked population of hair loss patients within online health communities. It employs a more comprehensive health narrative framework to explore the relationship between self-disclosure and social support, utilizing unsupervised structural topic modeling methods to mine text. The research offers practical implications for how patients seek support and for healthcare professionals in developing doctor-patient communication strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility problems, often called infertility, have been defined as the inability to conceive or maintain pregnancy throughout one year of trying (World Health Organization, 2020). Because fertility problems can present unique medical, emotional, relational, and identity challenges, they are often difficult to talk about, and even well-intentioned messages can be perceived negatively. This study uses Communicated Sense-Making (CSM; Kellas & Kranstuber Horstman, 2015), particularly its mechanism of memorable messages, to explore what types of support-related messages people experiencing infertility find memorable. Results from semi-structured interviews (N = 54) indicate five supra-themes of memorable messages: (a) communicating solidarity; (b) attempting to minimize participants' stress; (c) communicating investment or interest in the patient's experience; (d) sharing expertise; and (e) absolving the patient of responsibility; we identify several sub-themes within each. We also explore patterns between message types, senders, and message valence: message themes were perceived as either positive, negative, or neutral based on the combination of sender and perceived intention. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic illness affects millions worldwide, rendering the life of those affected complex to manage. Extant research points to the need for effective and supportive care for the successful treatment, yet health care encounters for this population are often filled with negative experiences, ranging from discontinuity of care to disenfranchisement from providers. One such group dedicated to sharing struggles is the NEISVoid (No End In Sight) community on Twitter. Through the use of the hashtag, #NEISVoid, they come together to share what experiences living with chronic illness look like, in vulnerable and potentially unfiltered ways. The present study analyzes the discourse surrounding the hashtag #NEISVoid in tweets published from January 1 2020, until September 1 2022 (N = 450,914 tweets) using the mixed-method analysis of topic model network (ANTMN) approach. We identify and discuss four broad discursive themes: community experiences, symptom management, efficacy solutions, and biomedical health. We analyze this discourse through the chronic care model (CCM) and in light of research on hashtag activism. We discuss practical and theoretical implications for health communicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted qualitative research among people with HIV (PWH) and care providers in Cape Town, South Africa to understand the impact of negative clinic experiences on adherence and support preferences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 41 patients with an unsuppressed viral load or a treatment gap, and focus group discussions with physicians, nurses, counselors, and community health workers. Questions addressed treatment history and adherence barriers, then participants evaluated evidence-based adherence interventions for potential scale up. Inductive analysis examined care experiences and corresponding preference for intervention options. More than half of PWH described negative experiences during clinic visits, including mistreatment by staff and clinic administration issues, and these statements were corroborated by providers. Those with negative experiences in care stated that fear of mistreatment led to nonadherence. Most patients with negative experiences preferred peer support groups or check-in texts to clinic-based interventions. We found that PWH's negative clinic experiences were a primary reason behind nonadherence and influenced preferences for support mechanisms. These findings emphasize the importance of HIV treatment adherence interventions at multiple levels both in and outside of the clinic, and providing more comprehensive training to providers to better serve PWH in adherence counseling, especially those who are most vulnerable.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the epidemiological landscape of HIV/AIDS changed over the last 40 years, more people are now living with HIV/AIDS deeper into senior adulthood. People over age 50 living with HIV face myriad challenges including medical, psychological, and social comorbidities. In this analysis, we consider the social realities and social networks of older adults living with HIV and assess how relationships and communities have been affected by stigma and other challenges of aging with HIV. A total of 40 participants, ages 51–69 years, living with HIV in the Newark metropolitan area were interviewed. A thematic analysis was conducted, and four main themes were identified: (1) friends and relationships; (2) support groups; (3) stigma and discrimination; (4) family. The role of social support within this community is discussed within these key themes. This study helps us to better understand how support networks affect older adults living with HIV and how stigma and fragmented relationships can ultimately contribute to negative health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed‐methods study evaluated a peer‐led support group for ED caregivers; the Eating Disorders Families Australia strive support groups. Quantitatively, 110 past or current strive attendees completed an online survey assessing their own and their care recipients' demographic profiles, strive's impact on caregiving experiences, and caregivers' psychological distress, burden, caregiving skills and self‐efficacy. Qualitative assessment comprised open‐ended survey questions about caregivers' strive experiences, reinforced by in‐depth focus group assessment of nine participants. Quantitative analyses revealed that participants felt more confident and supported, and less isolated in their caregiving since attending strive. Caregivers displayed mid‐range psychological distress and caregiver burden, and moderate caregiver skills and self‐efficacy. Qualitatively, the most helpful aspects of strive were the shared experience among participants, education, and support. The most difficult elements were emotional distress and overly dominant members. Reflections discussed the necessity of caregiver support and factors impacting strive attendance. Participants recommended resuming face‐to‐face contact and differentiating groups based on participant characteristics (e.g. care recipients' age/stage of illness). The current findings provide support for the importance and overall positive contribution of support groups led by caregivers, such as strive. Highlights: The Strive participants presented with increased caregiver confidence and support, reduced isolation, despite mid‐range psychological distress and moderate caregiver skills/efficacy.Caregivers value shared experiences, education, and support within the strive programme.Emotional distress and group dynamics posed hurdles in strive, highlighting the need for improved support structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with inherited ichthyosis suffer from scaling due to mutations affecting the epidermal barrier. Symptomatic treatment with ointments, bathing and mechanical scale removal can alleviate the disease, but therapy is time and cost intensive. Objectives: We investigated costs, time and disease burden of ichthyoses. The study addresses difficulties of the healthcare situation for patients with ichthyoses and reveals potential improvements. Materials and Methods: We developed a questionnaire addressing time and financial effort for the treatment. Additionally, we collected data of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Pruritus Life Quality (5PLQ) questionnaires to determine the impact of ichthyosis and associated pruritus on quality of life (QoL). Results: We recruited 144 patients with ichthyosis (median age: 23; 53.5% female) from the Department of Dermatology in Muenster (Germany) and the German patient support group including common, rare and syndromic subtypes. Eighty‐seven percent reported applying topical therapeutics at least once per day, 66.4% several times with an overall median duration of 15 min. Highest single expenditure of time was due to balneotherapy (n = 115; median bathing time: 40 min). In 81.9%, the health insurance did not completely cover the costs for topical treatment causing additional financial burden to the patient with a median of 71 € per quarter, herein creams being the largest cost factor (50 €). Patients with Netherton syndrome showed the highest median expenditure (170 €). The QoL impairment under treatment was moderate (median DLQI: 8.5 points). Pruritus was prevalent in 79.9% and showed a distinct impact on QoL (median 5PLQ: 7.5 points) without any significant difference between the subtypes (p = 0.37). Conclusion: Patients suffering from ichthyoses have a large and lifelong overall burden in mild and severe subtypes. Since continuous topical treatment is required, financial and psychosocial support needs to be considered beyond dermatological care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Online pro‐ana communities encourage, rather than denounce, eating disorder (ED) behaviours. Most research analyses online pro‐ana content. Fewer studies have interviewed bloggers directly. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have analysed both posts and interview data from pro‐ana bloggers. This study aimed to explore bloggers' experiences of online pro‐ana communities, analysing posts and interview data. Method: Five pro‐ana bloggers participated in semi‐structured interviews over Skype or Telegram. Bloggers' posts and interview data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method of analysis that emphasises the detailed exploration of participants' individual experiences and how they make sense of these experiences. Results: Five superordinate themes were identified: ambivalence towards pro‐ana; social support; 'Ana' way of life; body/weight desperation; and hidden ED identity. Participants reported hiding their pro‐ana blog, for fear of judgement from offline others. In contrast, participants experienced online pro‐ana communities as a source of understanding, connection and solidarity that counteracted stigma experienced in the offline world. All participants idealised 'Ana' (anorexia), either as an admirable lifestyle or as the idealised, personification of anorexia, named 'Ana'. Simultaneously, participants experienced pro‐ana communities as deceptive and/or harmful, demonstrating ambivalence towards pro‐ana. Conclusions: Findings suggest that community and shared understanding are important to individuals accessing pro‐ana content. Therapists may explore this further with clients, alongside any ambivalence towards pro‐ana and/or alternative supportive environments, such as online support groups. This may reduce isolation, without idealising ED behaviours. Future research could explore bloggers' relationships with the personified 'Ana' and experiences of non‐Western and male users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Value chain interventions have become widespread throughout the international development sector over the last 20 years, and there is a need to evaluate their effectiveness in improving women's welfare across multiple dimensions. Agricultural value chains are influenced by socio‐cultural norms and gender dynamics that have an impact on the distribution of resources, benefits, and access to opportunities. While women play a critical role in agriculture, they are generally confined to the least‐valued parts of the value chain with the lowest economic returns, depending on the local, social and institutional contexts. Objectives: The review assesses the effectiveness of approaches, strategies and interventions focused on women's engagement in agricultural value chains that lead to women's economic empowerment in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It explores the contextual barriers and facilitators that determine women's participation in value chains and ultimately impact their effectiveness. Search Methods: We searched completed and on‐going studies from Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection (Social Sciences Citation Index [SSCI], Science Citation Index Expanded [SCI‐EXPANDED], Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science [CPCI‐S], Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Social Science & Humanities [CPCI‐SSH], and Emerging Sources Citation Index [ESCI]), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, EconLit, Business Source Premier, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane, Database of Systematic Reviews, CAB Abstracts and Sociological Abstracts. We also searched relevant websites such as Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR); the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); AgriProFocus; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF); Donor Committee for Enterprise Development; the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); the International Labour Organisation (ILO); the Netherlands Development Organisation; USAID; the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; the International Food Policy Research Institute; World Agroforestry; the International Livestock Research Institute; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the British Library for Development Studies (BLDS); AGRIS; the IMMANA grant database; the 3ie impact evaluation database; Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA); The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J‐PAL); the World Bank IEG evaluations; the USAID Development Data Library; Experience Clearinghouse; the proceedings of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Health Academy conference; the proceedings of the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) Conference; the proceedings of the North East Universities Development Consortium (NEUDC) Conference; and the World Bank Economic Review. The database search was conducted in March 2022, and the website search was completed in August 2022. Selection Criteria: The review includes value chain interventions evaluating the economic empowerment outcomes. The review includes effectiveness studies (experimental and non‐experimental studies with a comparison group) and process evaluations. Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, critically appraised the studies, and synthesised findings. Results: We found that value chain interventions are successful in improving the economic conditions of their intended beneficiaries. The interventions were found to improve women's economic outcomes such as income, assets holdings, productivity, and savings, but these effects were small in size and limited by low confidence in methodological quality. The meta‐analysis suggests that this occurs more via the acquisition of skills and improved inputs, rather than through improvement in access to profitable markets. The qualitative evidence on interventions points to the persistence of cultural barriers and other constraints. Those interventions implemented in Sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia are consistently more successful for all outcomes considered, although there are few studies conducted in other areas of the world. Conclusions: The review concludes that value chain interventions empower women, but perhaps to a lesser extent than expected. Economic empowerment does not immediately translate into empowerment within families and communities. Interventions should either moderate their expectations of empowerment goals, or they should be implemented in a way that ensures higher rates of participation among women and the acquisition of greater decision‐making power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swedish social services play a pivotal role in preventing men's violence against women, including honour-based violence. This type of family-based violence is based on norms that disregard human rights. Individuals growing up in an honour context have limited possibilities to choose their own paths in life. The study comprises young women aged eighteen to twenty-five who look back on their vulnerable positions and the circumstances resulting in their seeking help from social services. They also share their experiences of the support that they had received from social services. Semi-structured interviews with ten women were conducted. The data were analysed through a qualitative content analysis. The findings show that the interviewees are not a homogenous group; circumstances, needs and exposure varied considerably between participants. Professional attention is necessary when threats ensue after divorce, for example, in the case of a bride price refund. Child perspectives must be better considered in the event of a divorce. Women or families that reject standards of honour are subject to harassment in public by people aiming to coerce them into adopting honour norms. Leaving the family was facilitated if one's fears were taken seriously and experiences of being met with understanding and being well cared for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interest in online and in‐person psychological support services in Italy during the COVID‐19 pandemic, stimulated by the implementation of the government‐issued 'bonus psicologo' for psychotherapy sessions. Methods and Measures: Public interest was measured using data from Google Trends, a resource that offers open access to actual search requests, within the time frame of 2 July 2017 to 13 November 2022. These data were stratified for Italian regions to explore regional differences. We conducted interrupted time series analyses to assess changes in interest before, during and after the lockdown. Results: Results indicated a significant increase in interest in online psychological support during the lockdown, which was sustained over time and was positively correlated with the implementation of the 'bonus psicologo' (p <.001). Interest in in‐person support decreased during the lockdown but began to rise post‐lockdown (p =.028), with no notable impact from the economic incentive. High interest in online support continued in certain regions even 1 year post‐lockdown, warranting further analysis. Conclusion: The study underscores a heightened post‐pandemic interest in psychological support, both online and in person, in comparison with pre‐pandemic levels. Google Trends emerges as a valuable tool for monitoring public interest during specific events, though the findings must be interpreted with care, given the study's time frame and reliance on relative search volume as a measure. Future research is needed to validate these findings and to compare them against epidemiological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]