Search

Difficulties of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity frequently cooccur with learning disabilities (LD) in childhood (Riccio et al., 1994; Silver, 2004), and are associated with increased risk for maladaptive academic and social-emotional outcomes (Morrison & Cosden, 1997; Bender, 2008). The present study endeavored to further our understanding of protective factors for children with LD who have co-occurring ADHD symptoms by examining the moderating role of the student-teacher relationship. Data was collected from teachers of students with LD who presented with ADHD symptoms in nine public schools. The sample included 81 students: 54 boys and 27 girls (Age: M[subscript boys] = 12.0 (1.14) M[subscript girls] = 11.7 (1.20), M[subscript total] = 11.9(1.16); Grade: M[subscript boys] = 6.7 (1.12), M[subscript girls] = 6.5(1.19), M[subscript total] = 6.7(1.15)) and 79.5% were native English speakers. Step-wise regression analyses were performed to assess the moderating role of student-teacher closeness in the relationship between symptoms of ADHD and both academic and socioemotional resilience factors. Results supported that a close student-teacher relationship diminishes the negative associations between symptoms of ADHD and various academic and socioemotional markers, suggesting that students with LD are more resilient when they have a close relationship with their teachers. These findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and demonstrate the importance of promoting positive student-teacher relationships for students with LD.

BackgroundContraceptive choice is central to reproductive autonomy. The internet, including social networking sites like Reddit, is an important resource for people seeking contraceptive information and support. A subreddit dedicated to contraception, r/birthcontrol, provides a platform for people to post about contraception.ObjectiveThis study explored the use of r/birthcontrol, from the inception of the subreddit through the end of 2020. We describe the web-based community, identify distinctive interests and themes based upon the textual content of posts, and explore the content of posts with the most user engagement (ie, "popular" posts).MethodsData were obtained from the PushShift Reddit application programming interface from the establishment of r/birthcontrol to the start date of analysis (July 21, 2011, to December 31, 2020). User interactions within the subreddit were analyzed to describe community use over time, specifically the commonality of use based on the volume of posts, the length of posts (character count), and the proportion of posts with any and each flair applied. "Popular" posts on r/birthcontrol were determined based on the number of comments and "scores," or upvotes minus downvotes; popular posts had 9 comments and a score of ≥3. Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) analyses were run on all posts with flairs applied, posts within each flair group, and popular posts within each flair group to characterize and compare the distinctive language used in each group.ResultsThere were 105,485 posts to r/birthcontrol during the study period, with the volume of posts increasing over time. Within the time frame for which flairs were available on r/birthcontrol (after February 4, 2016), users applied flairs to 78% (n=73,426) of posts. Most posts contained exclusively textual content (n=66,071, 96%), had comments (n=59,189, 86%), and had a score (n=66,071, 96%). Posts averaged 731 characters in length (median 555). "SideEffects!?" was the most frequently used flair overall (n=27,530, 40%), while "Experience" (n=719, 31%) and "SideEffects!?" (n=672, 29%) were most common among popular posts. TF-IDF analyses of all posts showed interest in contraceptive methods, menstrual experiences, timing, feelings, and unprotected sex. While TF-IDF results for posts with each flair varied, the contraceptive pill, menstrual experiences, and timing were discussed across flair groups. Among popular posts, intrauterine devices and contraceptive use experiences were often discussed.ConclusionsPeople commonly wrote about contraceptive side effects and experiences using methods, highlighting the value of r/birthcontrol as a space to post about aspects of contraceptive use that are not well addressed by clinical contraceptive counseling. The value of real-time, open-access data on contraceptive users' interests is especially high given the shifting landscape of and increasing constraints on reproductive health care in the United States.

Women who acquire HIV during the pregnancy and breastfeeding periods have a higher risk of transmitting the virus to their child than women who become infected with HIV before pregnancy. We explore the context of sexual beliefs and practices that may shape both HIV risk and willingness to use HIV prevention products during pregnancy and postpartum in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Twenty-three single sex focus group discussions and 36 in-depth interviews took place between May and November 2018 with recently pregnant or breastfeeding women, men, mothers and mothers-in-law of pregnant or breastfeeding women, and key informants. Participants across study groups and sites (N = 232) reported various perceived benefits and harms of sex during pregnancy and postpartum. Participants discussed reasons why men might seek sex outside of the relationship. There is a critical need for alternative prevention options to protect pregnant and breastfeeding women from HIV.

Introduction: Women in sub-Saharan Africa spend a substantial portion of their reproductive lives pregnant and/or breastfeeding (P/BF), yet they have limited options to prevent HIV during these maternal stages. In preparation for phase 3b prevention trials in P/BF women, we explored attitudes about using a vaginal ring or oral pills for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), perceptions of HIV risk during P/BF and key influences on future PrEP use. Methods: In 2018, we conducted 16 single-sex focus group discussions (FGDs) with community- and clinic-recruited HIV-uninfected women, currently or recently P/BF, aged 18 to 40, and men with (currently or recently) P/BF partners, aged 18+. Participants completed a behavioural questionnaire, viewed an educational video and handled prototype placebo products. FGDs were conducted in local languages and transcribed, coded and analysed, using a socio-ecological framework, for key influences on willingness to use products, HIV risk perceptions and opinions on product attributes. Results: Of the 128 participants (65 women, 63 men) 75% lived with their partner and 84% had a child. Women reported the most important influencers when P/BF were partners, and all stated that health decisions when P/BF are typically made jointly (e.g. medication use; ante/postnatal and baby care). There was consensus that P/BF women are at high risk for HIV, primarily because of their partner's infidelities, and new prevention options were welcomed. Participants valued multiple options and stated that woman's personal preference would be key to product choice. Anticipated concerns about products included risk of miscarriage, impact on infant development, complications during delivery and adequate production or taste of breastmilk. Specific perceived disadvantages emerged for the ring (e.g. vaginal discomfort, difficulty inserting/removing) and for pills (e.g. nausea/vomiting) that may be exacerbated during pregnancy. Health care providers' (HCPs) knowledge and approval of product use during P/BF was needed to mitigate anticipated fears. Conclusions: Participants perceived pregnancy and breastfeeding as high HIV risk periods and valued new prevention options. HIV protection of the mother-child dyad, safety of the baby, and ultimately, health of the family were paramount. Endorsement by HCPs and support from partners were key to future product acceptance. Participants recommended involving partners and HCPs in sensitization efforts for future trials. Keywords: vaginal dapivirine ring; Truvada pills; HIV; safety; stigma; socio-ecological framework; acceptability, 1 | INTRODUCTION High fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa translate to women spending substantial time in their reproductive years (12% to 29%) either pregnant or breastfeeding [1,2]. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding [...]

Although studied extensively in the field of adolescent mental health, the role of emotion regulation (ER) in the academic functioning of adolescents is not well understood. This study examined the role of ER in adolescents' perceptions of themselves and their learning environments. We compared adolescents with high and low levels of ER on perceptions of school achievement and attitudes towards school and their perception of their parents' academic involvement. Students completed surveys about perceptions of their learning and parental involvement, as well as their ER abilities. Results indicated that students with higher emotion dysregulation endorsed more negative self-perceptions of their own academic abilities, had more negative attitudes towards school, and rated their mothers and fathers as more controlling in relation to their learning. These results demonstrate the importance of ER in the academic context, particularly in the home learning environment.

Despite anxiety being a prevalent mental health problem in children, little data exist on the pervasiveness and levels of anxiety symptoms in kindergarteners. Data from the Early Development Instrument, a teacher-completed, population-level measure of child development, were collected across Canada from 2004 to 2015. The final analytic sample consisted of 974,319 children of whom 2.6% were classified as "highly anxious". Compared to children who exhibited "few to none" anxious behaviors, highly anxious children were more likely to be male, have English/French as a second language, and have a special needs designation. Furthermore, compared with their less anxious peers, highly anxious children had between 3.5 and 6.1 higher odds of scoring below the 10th percentile cut-off in physical, social, language/cognitive and communication domains. Our findings suggest that anxious behaviors are related to children's overall health and illustrate the consistency and extensiveness of anxiety at a very young age among Canadian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the many studies that have documented the association between symptoms of ADHD and social difficulties in children and adolescents, few have examined this phenomenon in college students. In addition, the underlying factors contributing to such social difficulties are still poorly understood. We hypothesised that college students with symptoms of ADHD, namely inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, would continue to display social behavioural difficulties, and that emotion regulation would play a mediating role in that relationship. Ninety-nine 17-24-year-old college students filled out three questionnaires to assess Inattentive and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms, Social Skills, and Emotion Regulation abilities. Analysis revealed that emotion regulation is a significant mediator between Inattentive Symptoms and Social Skills for female students. There was no significant correlation between ADHD symptoms and Social Skills for males. Female college students report social functioning difficulties associated with their inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, and impaired emotion regulation abilities mediate this relationship for inattentive symptoms only.

Difficulties of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity frequently cooccur with learning disabilities (LD) in childhood (Riccio et al., 1994; Silver, 2004), and are associated with increased risk for maladaptive academic and social-emotional outcomes (Morrison & Cosden, 1997; Bender, 2008). The present study endeavored to further our understanding of protective factors for children with LD who have co-occurring ADHD symptoms by examining the moderating role of the student-teacher relationship. Data was collected from teachers of students with LD who presented with ADHD symptoms in nine public schools. The sample included 81 students: 54 boys and 27 girls (Age: Mboys = 12.0 (1.14) Mgirls= 11.7 (1.20), Mtotal= 11.9(1.16); Grade: Mboys= 6.7 (1.12), Mgirls= 6.5(1.19), Mtotal=6.7(1.15)) and 79.5% were native English speakers. Step-wise regression analyses were performed to assess the moderating role of student-teacher closeness in the relationship between symptoms of ADHD and both academic and socioemotional resilience factors. Results supported that a close student-teacher relationship diminishes the negative associations between symptoms of ADHD and various academic and socioemotional markers, suggesting that students with LD are more resilient when they have a close relationship with their teachers. These findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and demonstrate the importance of promoting positive student-teacher relationships for students with LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses from 137 nurses indicated that 64% felt their education had not prepared them for work in rehabilitation; only one-fourth of recent graduates felt prepared; 71% had participated in continuing education, but many felt they learned from experience or from others. Better education would enhance confidence, promote professional equality, and improve patient care. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an established option, and the dapivirine vaginal ring is emerging as a promising strategy for HIV prevention option for women. Because of this, understanding the contextual and cultural factors that will support the increased uptake of these products is crucial. In sub-Saharan Africa, religious leaders may be important stakeholders to involve in product information, education and roll-out. We conducted a sub-analysis of data from 232 participants taking part in the MTN-041/MAMMA study to explore religious leaders' involvement in pregnant and breastfeeding women's health. Study participants viewed biomedicine and spirituality as interlinked and believed that women could seek health-related care from medical experts and turn to faith-based organisations for religious or spiritual needs. Religious leaders were invested in the health of their congregations, endorsed a variety of sexual health strategies, and were eager to learn more about emerging HIV prevention technologies. These data signal the role of religious leaders in supporting their communities, and the importance of involving religious leaders in efforts to roll out new HIV prevention products to facilitate uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Event perception provides a promising, novel approach for investigating underlying cognitive mechanisms of the social impairment associated with symptoms of ADHD. Aims: The goal of this study was to establish the relationship among event perception, symptoms of ADHD, and social skills. Methodology: Eighty-three undergraduates were recruited from the University of Ottawa first year psychology courses (38 with ADHD, 45 without ADHD). They performed an event perception task and completed self-report questionnaires assessing social functioning and symptoms of ADHD (The Social Skills-Improvement System and the Conner's CBRS-SR). Results: Bootstrapping mediation analyses revealed that symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity mediated the relationship between event perception and social skills. A model with predictor and mediator reversed was also tested, and was not significant, providing strength to the directionality of the relationships. Results highlight the applicability of event perception to understanding the association between social impairment and symptoms of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female‐initiated HIV prevention methods, such as oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the vaginal ring, may be important risk reduction strategies for breastfeeding women. Given their novelty, information about the sociocultural context and how it influences perceptions of and support for their use during breastfeeding is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted 23 focus group discussions separately with pregnant and breastfeeding women, male partners and grandmothers (N = 196) and 36 in‐depth interviews with key informants in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. We analysed the data using a framework analysis method. Overall, breastfeeding was the norm, and participants described the transference of health (e.g., nutrition) and disease (e.g., HIV) to children through breast milk. Participants considered the early breastfeeding period as one of high HIV transmission risk for women. They explained that male partners tend to seek outside sexual partners during this period because women need time to recover from delivery, women focus their attention on the child, and some men are disgusted by breast milk. Participants highlighted concerns about the drugs in oral PrEP transferring to the child through breast milk, but fewer worried about the effects of the vaginal ring because the drug is localized. Women, grandmothers and key informants were supportive of women using these HIV prevention methods during breastfeeding, while male partners had mixed opinions. These findings can be used to tailor messages for promoting the use of PrEP or the vaginal ring during breastfeeding in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]