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AbstractThis article explores how the creation of a community of practice among early-career librarians effectively fosters change in academic libraries. The authors distributed a survey to evaluate the needs of untenured faculty librarians at their institution and assess the best approach to address these needs. The results indicated that their library’s established model of mentorship between untenured and tenured colleagues left gaps that could be best met through the creation of a peer support group. The authors share the survey results, indicate the implications from these findings, and suggest how librarians at other institutions can implement similar communities of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotional distress, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, is a common concern among pregnant individuals and has negative impacts on maternal and offspring's health. Previous studies indicated the heterogeneity of perinatal emotional distress. Moreover, during the pandemic of COVID-19, expectant mothers are faced with more tough challenges, which could exacerbate their emotional distress. Objective: The aim of present study is to examine potential subgroups with distinct profiles on emotional distress and relationship resources during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 187 pregnant people in China were recruited from April 22 to May 16 in 2020. Latent profile analysis was applied based on prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms, COVID-19-related negative emotions, prenatal attachment, marital satisfaction and family sense of coherence. Results: Four subgroups were identified. Group 1 and Group 2 shared with low levels of emotional distress and COVID-19-related negative emotions, among which Group 1 had plenty of relationship resources, while Group 2 had insufficient support. Group 3 had moderate levels of emotional distress but above-average prenatal attachment. Group 4 was a highly distressed subtype with severe emotional distress and poor states across all domains. Conclusion: Our findings support that emotion distress among expecting mothers is heterogeneous, highlighting the need for tailed interventions to address the specific needs of subgroups during pregnancy. [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]

Surgically repaired esophageal atresia (EA) is associated with chronic esophageal and respiratory morbidity that require ongoing management. The care of chronically ill children can exert considerable stress on parents, thereby potentially affecting their mental well-being. In response to this, disease-specific support groups have emerged with the aim to bring together individuals facing similar challenges, facilitating the exchange of experiences within a nurturing environment, and providing essential emotional support. In the context of this international collaborative study, we investigated the role played by EA-specific support groups in promoting the emotional well-being of EA families. An anonymous online survey was distributed through a network comprising 12 international EA support groups affiliated with the Federation of Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EAT) during May and August of 2022. In the study, 96 parents from 23 different countries completed the survey. Fifty-six percent indicated a lack of interaction with other EA families during the initial diagnosis, with 91% expressing the belief that such contact would have been beneficial. Participants exhibited a unanimous recognition of the critical role played by disease-specific support groups in navigating the emotional journey associated with EA. Conclusion: The findings of this global survey align with existing literature, reaffirming the beneficial impact of disease-specific support groups tailored for EA patients and their families on their emotional well-being. These groups provide a valuable platform for the exchange of personal experiences and narratives, delivering advantages to both those who share their stories and those who receive this valuable information. What is Known: • Parents are exposed to several stressors during the neonatal period. • Emotional well-being of EA families is important. What is New: • EA support groups play a valuable role in the emotional well-being of EA families. • Family-centered care of neonates should also include older siblings of neonates in NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to understand the impact of group maturity (age) on savings and investment behaviour of self-help group (SHG) members. Based on the survey data of 300 SHG members, the study finds that as groups mature or get older there is a three-fold rise in the share of household savings being diverted to savings in the SHGs. The results of the propensity score matching (PSM) reveal that group maturity has a positive impact on the per capita savings of member households. Furthermore, the usage of bank loans for a majority of beneficiaries distinctly shifts from consumption purposes to income-generating activities as the group becomes more mature. [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]

Background: Documented inequalities in access to eye care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism are caused by poor uptake of primary eye care services, poor identification of eye problems, lack of signposting and reasonable adjustments of existing services, concerns about costs of care and the low priority historically given to these issues in eye care policy at a regional and national level. In 2019, the charity SeeAbility employed four eye care champions (ECCs) with lived experience of learning disability and/or autism to work in local communities in London and the Northwest of England. They provided peer‐to‐peer support on understanding the need for good eye health and engaged with policy makers, and learning disability, autism and eye care professionals at the local, regional and national levels to influence both the clinical practice of individual practitioners (within existing service/pathway models) and more widely to influence the commissioning of the Easy Eye Care pathway. This study explores the experiences of these ECCs. Methods: The study was conducted in April and May 2023. A case study approach was used to describe the experiences of the ECCs from March 2019 to March 2023. Data from structured interviews with the four ECCs and workload analysis were triangulated to provide a multifaceted understanding of this novel health promotion project. Findings: The ECCs found the role useful and reported that confidence in their practice and impact grew with time but they required ongoing support in the role. A good understanding of the promotional messages was reported. Developing a good network of contacts at an early stage, both people with learning disabilities and healthcare professionals, was key. Relationships with professionals were supportive and positive and a positive emotive response to their lived experience was reported in these interactions. Conclusions: From the perspective of the ECCs, the role is useful and beneficial. The work suggests some key recommendations for future development which include planning to build networks, support in presentation and communications skills and defining key messages and knowledge. Confidence of the ECCs builds with time in the role but also needs support the emotive impact of their lived experiences on audiences is highlighted. There is a need to evaluate how the programme is perceived by those who interact with it and how it changes behaviours which leads to better health outcomes. Accessible Summaries: People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely than other people to have a problem with their eyes but less likely to get the eye care they need.This paper explains how people with a learning disability and/or autism are employed to tell other people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their supporters, health and care professionals and people who plan services about how important it is to get regular eye care. This job is an 'Eye Care Champion'.We share what the eye care champions did in their role, what worked well and what did not.We discuss how what we have learnt can help other people with learning disabilities and/or autism work as eye care champions and perhaps as champions for other areas of healthcare. [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]

Objectives: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long‐term debilitating illness characterised by profound and persistent fatigue (JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 313, 2015, 1101). The current study aims to explore the experiences of women with ME/CFS living with their partners during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Design: The study adopted a qualitative design comprising semi‐structured interviews with participants. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (TA). Methods: Participants were women with ME/CFS (n = 21) recruited through ME/CFS support groups in the United Kingdom. All participants were in romantic relationships and lived with their partners. Results: Data were organised into three themes: (1) lockdown disrupting routine, (2) reducing difference and (3) fear of getting COVID‐19. People with ME/CFS found that lockdown disrupted their well‐established routines. Although routines were disrupted by partners and increased working‐from‐home practices, participants found having partners at home helpful. People with ME/CFS believed that the changes induced by the pandemic reduced the differences between themselves and the outside world which, prior to lockdown, had felt prominent. They were fearful of getting COVID‐19 as they believed this would make their ME/CFS worse. This meant that for people with ME/CFS, the lifting of the lockdown restrictions was an anxiety‐provoking time, hence impacting symptoms. People with ME/CFS continued to adhere to government guidelines after national restrictions were eased. Conclusions: This study outlines the experiences of women with ME/CFS during COVID‐19, alongside the long‐term impact this has had due to the changes that the pandemic imposed. These findings may have implications for those with long COVID. [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: Oncology nurses constantly provide emotional support to patients and are confronted with their suffering, which represents chronic stress leading to the development of burnout syndrome. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and identify associated factors in a sample of oncology nurses. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study with 70 oncology nurses at the Salah Azaiez Institute of Oncology in Tunisia. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Service Survey. This study follows the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Guidelines. Results: Burnout affected 60 nurses (85.7%), with a high level in 20% of cases. High scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment were recorded in 65.7%, 50% and 25.7% respectively. Emotional exhaustion was associated with higher age, marital status, having 2 or 3 or more dependent children, number of patients under care exceeding 15, professional experience and history of psychiatric problems. Depersonalisation was correlated with age, marital status, professional grade and history of psychiatric problems. Low levels of personal accomplishment increased with the number of patients under care, history of psychiatric problems and the regret of professional choice. Conclusion: Burn‐out is a reality in oncology hospital with an alarming rate. Interventions including rationalisation of workload, support groups, training in emotion and stress management would improve the mental health of these nurses and increase their performance. The screening for burnout should be included as a regular practice in health promotion programmes for oncology health professionals, particularly for a vulnerable subgroup that possesses the risk mentioned above factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have left an overwhelming impact on communities worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its effects on family structures are particularly pronounced. Caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans encounter challenges in fulfilling their caring duties. Consequently, they rely on the outreach team leaders (OTLs) for support to care for HIV/AIDS orphans. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe support provided by OTLs to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods: The exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design meaning the study was conducted was in the contexts where caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans reside. The study was conducted in five local municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of the North West Province of South Africa. Ward-based outreach nurses were participants in the study. Semi-structured focus group interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Throughout the study, ethical principles were adhered to. The study also adhered to four trustworthiness principles: credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability. Results: Three main themes emerged from this study: the conduction of home visits to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans, the coordination of a multidisciplinary team for support, and the facilitation of support groups. Conclusions: This study revealed that that caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS benefitted from the support provided by OTLs in the North West province of South Africa. The support provided by OTLs harnessed positive relationship between caregivers and children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: World Health Organization recommended community-based ART (CBART) approaches to improve access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and treatment outcomes among key populations living with (KPLHIV). Key populations (KP) are female sex workers, men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs, and transgender people. How CBART for KP (KP-CBART) worked and why, for whom and in what circumstances it worked within KP communities or at community sites, are yet to be described. The aim of this study is to describe the different KP-CBART approaches or models in Nigeria, identifying the context conditions and mechanisms that are likely to produce the desired outcomes. Method: Building on our previous study eliciting an initial programme theory for KP-CBART, we used a multiple case design and cross-case analysis to evaluate 3 KP-CBART approaches, namely: One Stop Shop clinic; community drop-in centre; and outreach venue. Between 2021 and 2023, we conducted a retrospective cohort study, 99 indepth interviews and 5 focused group discussions with various actors. Using realist evaluation, we synthesised context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) and developed programme theory for each of the cases and an overall theory. Result: The analysis showed the central importance of decentralizing ART service delivery to a safe place within the community for KPLHIV. The provision of ART in a KP friendly environment triggered a feeling of safety and trust in the healthcare workers among KPLHIV, resulting in KP-CBART acceptance and improved ART uptake, medication adherence and retention on ART. KP community engagement in ART delivery, peer support through support group meetings, and linkages with KP-led organizations improved self-efficacy, fostered solidarity and a sense of belonging among KP. These resources encouraged and motivated clients to engage with the KP-CBART model. However, fear of disclosure of HIV and KP status, and lack of trust between KP groups, demotivated and discouraged KPLHIV from initiating ART and continuing their treatment in KP-CBART. Conclusion: To optimise access to ART and treatment outcomes for KPLHIV, policy makers and health practitioners should ensure the provision of a safe place for ART service delivery that can be trusted by the clients and the KP communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges to couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper explored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-serodiscordant couples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive and exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine participants took part in the study. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency on serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of support and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services. The findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant couples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of training, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant cases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial support services, and establishment and strengthening of the support groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers provide support to persons who might otherwise require placement in long-term care facilities. Approximately one in five U.S. adults provides care to family members or friends who have a chronic health condition or disability. Promoting the well-being of this large segment of the population is a public health priority as recognized by the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Although negative associations between caregiving and caregiver health are known, changes in the health status of caregivers over time are not. Data from the 2015–2016 and 2021–2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to compare changes in the prevalence of 19 health indicators among cross-sectional samples of caregivers and noncaregivers at different time points. Caregivers experienced improvements in prevalence of four health indicators, whereas six worsened. Some health indicators, such as cigarette smoking, improved for both caregivers and noncaregivers, although smoking prevalence remained higher for caregivers (16.6% versus 11.7%). Prevalence of lifetime depression increased for both groups and remained higher among caregivers (25.6%) than among noncaregivers (18.6%). During 2021–2022, age-adjusted estimates for caregivers were unfavorable for 13 of the 19 health indicators when compared with noncaregivers. Strategies for supporting caregivers are available, and integrating these with existing programs to address mental health and chronic diseases among this population might improve caregiver well-being. For example, many community organizations support caregivers by offering interventions designed to relieve caregiver strain, including skills training, support groups, and care coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: India grapples with a formidable health challenge, with an estimated 315 million adults afflicted with hypertension and 100 million living with diabetes mellitus. Alarming statistics reveal rates for poor treatment and control of hypertension and diabetes. In response to these pressing needs, the Community Control of Hypertension and Diabetes (CoCo-HD) program aims to implement structured lifestyle interventions at scale in the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Aims: This research is designed to evaluate the implementation outcomes of peer support programs and community mobilisation strategies in overcoming barriers and maximising enablers for effective diabetes and hypertension prevention and control. Furthermore, it will identify contextual factors that influence intervention scalability and it will also evaluate the program's value and return on investment through economic evaluation. Methods: The CoCo-HD program is underpinned by a longstanding collaborative effort, engaging stakeholders to co-design comprehensive solutions that will be scalable in the two states. This entails equipping community health workers with tailored training and fostering community engagement, with a primary focus on leveraging peer supportat scale in these communities. The evaluation will undertake a hybrid type III trial in, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, guided by the Institute for Health Improvement framework. The evaluation framework is underpinned by the application of three frameworks, RE-AIM, Normalisation Process Theory, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Evaluation metrics include clinical outcomes: diabetes and hypertension control rates, as well as behavioural, physical, and biochemical measurements and treatment adherence. Discussion: The anticipated outcomes of this study hold immense promise, offering important learnings into effective scaling up of lifestyle interventions for hypertension and diabetes control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). By identifying effective implementation strategies and contextual determinants, this research has the potential to lead to important changes in healthcare delivery systems. Conclusions: The project will provide valuable evidence for the scaling-up of structured lifestyle interventions within the healthcare systems of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, thus facilitating their future adaptation to diverse settings in India and other LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by initial localization of malignant T- lymphocytes in the skin. Support and information from nurses and patient support groups have proven useful for patients with CTCL, but little is known about the educational needs of these patients. Objectives: To investigate the self-reported educational needs among CTCL patients using an educational needs assessment tool and to explore differences related to sex, age, disease duration, clinical stage, and education. Methods: This observational single center study analyzed 70 patients with CTCL in routine dermatological outpatient care. The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire to capture their educational needs in regard to CTCL. The questionnaire was inspired by the educational needs assessment tool, designed and validated for patients with rheumatoid disease. The questionnaire included a general question, "In general, how much information do you want to receive about your lymphoma disease?", and five domains covering information relating to disease process (6 items), treatment (4 items), feelings (2 items), self-management of itch, sleep, and rest (2 items), and support systems (3 items). The domain scores ranged from 0 to 18 and the total score from 0 to 51, with a higher score indicating a greater need for education. Results: When asked "In general, how much information do you need?", females wanted to know more compared with males (2.6 vs. 2.1, p=0.006), and patients with higher education wanted to know more than patients with lower education (2.5 vs. 2.0, p=0.025). The domains concerning treatment (80%) and disease process (75%) revealed the greatest needs for education. Patients with a disease duration <2 years reported a greater educational need for the domain support system, compared with patients with longer disease duration. Patients with lower education reported a greater educational need about feelings compared with patients with higher education. Conclusions: We found that 65% of the CTCL patients in the cohort, particularly females, expressed a need for education, especially regarding disease process and treatment. A deeper understanding of the educational needs would enable healthcare providers to give personalized information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Resistance training is important for women's health and well-being, yet there are uncertainties whether resistance training can be delivered remotely to women diagnosed with breast cancer. This study explored the feasibility of a remotely delivered resistance training program. Also, physical activity studies rarely include peer support that may help amplify the effects of resistance training on key feasibility outcomes such as adherence and retention. This study aimed to explore the impact of qualified exercise professional and peer support in delivering a remote resistance training program. The findings suggest that resistance training can be delivered remotely, with support from qualified exercise professionals more beneficial than peer support. Further accountability needs to be offered to women to engage in resistance training autonomously. Based on the findings, resistance training offers favorable health and well-being outcomes. A larger trial is feasible and needed to inform cancer care. Background: Resistance training (RT) yields physical and psychological benefits for women living with and beyond breast cancer (WBC). This study examined the feasibility of a virtually delivered 8-week socially supportive RT intervention among WBC and assessed changes in physical activity and body image. Methods: A pilot single-arm 8-week pre–post intervention study design was implemented. Forty-one WBC were matched as exercise partners and asked to complete two RT sessions per week—one with a qualified exercise professional (QEP) and one with their peer. Data were collected at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 20 weeks post-baseline (T3). Results: The enrolment rate was 42%, the attendance rate for the QEP sessions was 63.8% and 40.0% for the peer sessions, and the retention rate was 87%. No adverse events were reported. Total weekly minutes of RT significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 42 minutes/week during the intervention and significantly decreased by 25 min/week at follow-up. Upper and lower body muscle strength increased (p < 0.01) during the intervention. Increased RT was associated with favorable activity self-perceptions. Conclusions: This pilot intervention study was feasible, safe, and demonstrated preliminary evidence for increasing RT time and strength among WBC. Virtually delivered socially supportive RT interventions can improve access for WBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONObtain the perspectives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) and their care partners (CPs) about their lived experiences with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) to characterize a new model of care that meets their biopsychosocial and healthcare needs.This phenomenological study included semi-structured focus groups exploring PD diagnosis/care experiences and conceptualizations of an ideal model of care among PwPD and CPs. Data were analyzed via thematic analysis.Twenty-five individuals (PwPD, n = 18; CPs, n = 7) participated across four focus groups. Researchers developed four themes to describe participants’ lived experience with, barriers to, and needs for PD care. These themes characterize key hopes for care as: 1) person-centered, 2) coordinated, 3) provides access to education and information, and 4) builds on the benefits of community.Participants emphasized that, beyond clinical interactions and diagnosis-centered conversations, they wished for holistic healthcare that acknowledged the larger picture of their life with PD. An ideal model of care for PwPD should aim to be person centered, maximize collaboration and coordination across multiple disciplines, provide access to a wide range of information and resources, refer to community centers and support groups, and be designed with ease of navigation in mind.Health professionals need to inquire about an individual’s lived experience and employ strategies that center the person and personalizes their care while also integrating a coordinated interdisciplinary approach.An ideal model of care needs to integrate healthcare professionals as part of a larger care team that includes the person with Parkinson’s disease, and facilitates communication and planning with those team membersAn ideal model of care needs to integrate the larger community and seek to refer and build relationships with health professionals, organizations, and non-medical providers that will facilitate holistic care and advocate for people with Parkinson’s disease.Health professionals need to inquire about an individual’s lived experience and employ strategies that center the person and personalizes their care while also integrating a coordinated interdisciplinary approach.An ideal model of care needs to integrate healthcare professionals as part of a larger care team that includes the person with Parkinson’s disease, and facilitates communication and planning with those team membersAn ideal model of care needs to integrate the larger community and seek to refer and build relationships with health professionals, organizations, and non-medical providers that will facilitate holistic care and advocate for people with Parkinson’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affected breastfeeding women in various ways. Understanding their experiences during the pandemic is crucial for informing actionable recommendations, evidence‐based strategies and future policies to support breastfeeding during global pandemics. This review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on women's breastfeeding perceptions, experiences and support needs during the pandemic. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) guidelines on systematic reviews of qualitative evidence were followed. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched. Methodological quality of included papers was assessed using JBI's checklist for qualitative research. The synthesised findings were generated using JBI's meta‐aggregation approach. The JBI ConQual process was used to rank each synthesised finding. Fifty‐two papers were included. The synthesised findings included: (1) women's awareness and commitment to breastfeeding during the pandemic, (2) the multifaceted breastfeeding experiences of women during the pandemic, (3) breastfeeding practices and challenges for working women, (4) professional support during the pandemic: navigating breastfeeding in an evolving health care context and (5) family and peer support groups during the challenging times of the pandemic. Breastfeeding women require clear information, accessible in‐person lactation support, family emotional support, food security and protection of psychological well‐being. The review reported diverse breastfeeding experiences, from social support challenges to positive aspects like remote work. Breastfeeding support and lactation consultants should be considered as essential services in future pandemics. Food security is crucial for breastfeeding households. Lactation services could prioritise face‐to‐face consultations for physical challenges and providing online informational support. Future research could explore innovative breastfeeding education strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding is the optimal form of nutrition for infants and young children. The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life, and up to the age of 2 years or beyond in combination with complementary food. Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates are suboptimal globally and very low in the Republic of Ireland where health promotion initiatives and healthcare professional support predominantly focus on the important phase of initiation and early months of the breastfeeding journey. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the experiences of women who chose to breastfeed their children beyond 1 year of age in the Republic of Ireland. Fourteen women participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted. The analysis generated three overarching themes: (1) Influences on breastfeeding beyond 1 year, (2) Sustaining breastfeeding and (3) Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Family, friends, peers, culture and commercial milk formula marketing had an influence on breastfeeding journeys. Support, determination, knowledge, bed-sharing and Covid-19 pandemic social restrictions helped to sustain breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year such as nutrition, strengthening of emotional bonds, development of a parenting tool, and protection of child and maternal health were identified. Our findings support the need for discussions and further research on the normalization of breastfeeding beyond 1 year in the Republic of Ireland, targeted health promotion initiatives and education programmes for healthcare professionals on supporting the continuation of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western society is in an era of death awareness, its most recent salience: A Positive Death Movement. This article traces the evolution of American death culture by describing key periods of change, starting with the 1700s and going through the 21st century, and overviews contemporary movement scholarship. Experts suggest our current epoch is one in which a diffuse collection of individuals and organizations advocate for approaching death differently. Movement proponents aim to modify society's "conventional" death framework, which is characterized as medicalized, institutionalized, impersonal, and lacking psychosocial emotional preparation and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Setting Participants Design Results Conclusion Rural unpaid caregivers experience different opportunities and challenges than their urban counterparts. Our aim was to understand rural unpaid caregivers' experiences of challenges and opportunities during the Covid‐19 pandemic in New Zealand.Rural northern New Zealand during the Covid‐19 pandemic.A convenience sample of 10 unpaid rural caregivers, most supporting an older person living with dementia.A qualitative descriptive design. Data included interviews and online workshops, and a thematic analysis.Rural unpaid caregivers observed that some aspects of living in a rural context were helpful during the Covid‐19 pandemic. However, tasks such as shopping and long‐distance travel and communication (both telephonic and digital) became more complex. Abrupt changes to routine and closure of resources and support groups created challenges. Unpaid caregivers worried about what would happen if they were hospitalised themselves. There was a diversity of experience both across caregivers, of familiar routines and rural context as resources, increased challenges requiring resourcefulness to adapt, and experiences of crisis. Many experienced all three states at different times.This research provides valuable insights into challenges and opportunities experienced by rural unpaid caregivers during the Covid‐19 pandemic and may help policy‐makers and healthcare professionals develop improved emergency preparedness. Multilevel, multisector responses are needed to ensure effective health and social support and access to resources including health care, access to groceries and medication, transport, and communications (telephone and digital). Enhancing rural access to effective and inexpensive online services is particularly important, as is recognition of the value of rural sites or hubs of connection and social interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parent's death shakes the child's world and unbalances the family structure. School can be a source of support, yet there is scarce research on the experience of bereaved children in school a few years after the loss and from their own perspective. In this qualitative-phenomenological study we set out to identify the subjective experience of parentally bereaved children and adolescents in school, at least one year after the death. Twenty parentally bereaved children and adolescents were interviewed. Findings indicated that most felt they were regarded differently by staff at school. For some, this felt right, while others were uncomfortable. Most needed consideration and flexibility and wished the staff would discuss their needs with them. We conclude that it is important to directly inquire about and address each student's needs. School personnel should be better informed about how to deal with students' loss to help them in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have turned to peer-led online depression support groups (DSGs) to cope with depressive symptoms. However, relatively little research has articulated how use of DSGs may relate to specific behaviors associated with depression. This study assessed healthy behaviors (healthy support-seeking, healthy normalization, problem-solving) and unhealthy behaviors (unhealthy support-seeking, adverse normalization, co-rumination) associated with the use of peer-led DSGs. Method: Participants (N = 525) were recruited through the Qualtrics platform, and measures of depressive symptoms, self-reported social media use, DSG use, and healthy/unhealthy DSG behaviors were administered online. Path analysis estimated the relations of DSG use to each of the six behaviors. Results: Results showed that all six DSG behaviors were positively associated with DSG use (ps <.001). Standardized coefficients ranged from 0.18 to 0.49 for healthy outcomes and from 0.28 to 0.36 for the unhealthy outcomes. Greater use of DSGs was associated with higher levels of all healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Education level moderated the relation of DSG use to the three unhealthy behaviors, with higher education leading to stronger relations between DSG use and all three unhealthy behaviors. Discussion: These findings suggest that DSGs may be associated with both healthy and unhealthy effects on their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite integrating the recovery model of care in mental health, mental health professionals still have pessimistic attitudes towards the recovery of people with mental illness. Positive attitudes towards recovery are essential components to integrate recovery‐oriented practices in all areas of mental health. Evidence shows that education and training are effective while emphasising the importance of consumer‐based interventions to enhance recovery attitudes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer‐led education about recovery attitudes towards people with mental illness among Mental Health Nurses working in acute inpatient settings. The methodology used was a sequential explanatory mixed method with pre‐ and post‐test design involving three phases. Phase 1: survey (n = 103), phase 2: post‐test survey immediate (n = 17) and follow‐up (n = 11) and phase 3: in‐depth interviews (n = 12). The results show that Mental Health Nurses have positive recovery attitudes with some room for improvement. Most participants agreed with all items of the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire. However, the participants had various views on the relationship between faith and recovery. The peer‐led education significantly improved RAQ items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 statistically. Furthermore, peer‐led education effectively enhanced recovery attitudes immediately after the intervention and helped to maintain sustainable attitudes 3 months later. A qualitative exploration of recovery attitudes revealed three main themes: participants' reflections, recovery hurdles and interpersonal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support groups offer spaces where individuals with similar problems can gather to offer each other support and understanding. Successions of narratives have been described as very effective instruments in building shared understanding in such groups. This article adds to these findings by analyzing a single case in an obesity support group. It shows that successions of narratives can be used to question social assumptions of ordinariness which are exclusionary toward the group's members. In their place, the group jointly develops and establishes an alternative and specifically inclusionary understanding of ordinariness. This redefinition offers members a sense of belonging with respect to those exact aspects which may be grounds for exclusionary experiences in other situations and equips them with alternative interpretations of such encounters. In the analysis, Sacks' concept of ordinariness is drawn on to denote a dynamic, situated and relational accomplishment based on experience rather than norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study compared the utilization and outcomes of face-to-face (F2F) vestibular support groups and online support communities (OSC) for individuals with vestibular disorders. Methods: We distributed a 31-question anonymous electronic survey through the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) to F2F participants, categorizing user involvement in F2F, OSCs, or both and assessed impact on medical decision-making, psychosocial benefits, and goals achieved. Results: The F2F cohort consisted of 97 individuals comprising primarily of non-Hispanic White women (mean age = 57 years, SD ± 14 years) with diagnoses including persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (19%), Meniere's disease (15%), and vestibular neuritis (13%). Most participants were diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (65%) and attended F2F meetings monthly or less frequently (78%). The OSC group comprised of 551 individuals, primarily of non-Hispanic White women, but was younger in age (mean age = 50 years, SD ± 13 years). OSC participants notably engaged more, with 36% participating on a daily basis and 32% multiple times a week. F2F participants were older (mean age 57 years vs 50 years, P <.001) and more commonly referred by medical professionals (22% F2F vs 6% OSC, P <.001). Both groups had similar achieved goals, including hearing from others with the same diagnosis (84% vs 89%, P >.05) and similar impact on medical decision-making (75% vs 78%, P >.05). More F2F participants reported increased development of coping skills (79% F2F vs 69% OSC, P =.037). OSC participants typically found the group via an online search (75%), compared to 51% for F2F. OSC participants had higher daily engagement (36%) compared to F2F (1%). Conclusion: F2F users are older and more commonly referred by medical professionals. Despite less frequent engagement, F2F participants reported similar influences on achieved goals, medical decision-making, and impact on psychosocial benefits. These findings highlight the importance of both F2F and OSC support groups for individuals with vestibular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Buried in Treasures (BIT) workshop is a promising treatment for hoarding disorder (HD), though many participants struggle with home uncluttering. This randomized waitlist-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a version of BIT, augmented with in-home uncluttering practice (BIT+). Adults (N = 41) with hoarding disorder were recruited from the community and randomly assigned to BIT+ or waitlist. BIT+ consisted of 16 sessions of the BIT workshop and 10 uncluttering home visits over 18 weeks. Outcome measures included the Saving Inventory-Revised (self-report) and the Clutter Image Rating Scale (self and independent evaluator rated). Between group repeated measures analyses using general linear modeling examined the effect of BIT+ vs waitlist control on hoarding symptoms after 18 weeks. Within group analyses examined pre-post effects for all BIT+ participants combined after 18 weeks. After 18 weeks, BIT+ participants benefited significantly more than waitlist controls on hoarding severity with large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.5, p <.001). BIT+ was also associated with improvement reductions in hoarding symptoms, clutter, and functional impairment. The BIT+ intervention offers promise as a treatment option for hoarding. Adding in-home uncluttering practice may incrementally improve discarding practices. Future controlled trials are warranted. • We examined changes in hoarding symptoms during an 18-week structured group and in-home uncluttering intervention (BIT+) versus waitlist. • The BIT + intervention produced more symptom improvement than the waitlist. • The BIT + intervention resulted in more change in clutter and functional impairment than the waitlist. • BIT + appears feasible and promising for reducing hoarding symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Family‐based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). A parent‐only guided self‐help version of FBT (GSH‐FBT) demonstrated preliminary efficacy in pilot investigations. To address challenges in access to care, we adapted GSH‐FBT into a parent‐only multi‐family group format (MF‐GSH‐FBT) delivered via videoconferencing. Method: This report details the feasibility and acceptability of a parent‐only group‐based multi‐family GSH‐FBT (MF‐GSH‐FBT) for adolescent AN delivered virtually. The MF‐GSH‐FBT intervention consisted of 12 weekly 60‐min sessions facilitated by a clinician in addition to online FBT video content and recommended readings. Adolescents and parents completed assessments at baseline and post‐treatment. Parents reported their child's weight each week. Results: A total of 13 adolescents (15.57 + 1.63 years; 92% female; 23% Hispanic) with AN and their parents enrolled and initiated treatment. Four consecutive cohorts of groups of 3–4 families were completed from April 2022 to April 2023. Across cohorts, parents attended 85% of sessions. Most parents rated the treatment sessions as helpful (79%; agree/strongly agree) and felt supported by the other group members (84%). All parents (100%) reported MF‐GSH‐FBT helped their child, and most (90%) reported their child had improved by end‐of‐treatment. On average, adolescents gained 3.53 kg (SD: 3.76) from pre‐ to post‐treatment, with percent estimated mean body weight increasing 5% on average. Parental self‐efficacy also increased from baseline to end‐of‐treatment. Discussion: MF‐GSH‐FBT for AN appears feasible and acceptable to parents participating in this pilot study. Challenges with recruitment and adolescent data collection remain questions for future investigation. Public significance: This study describes initial pilot testing of a virtual guided self‐help family‐based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa delivered in a multi‐family group format. This treatment aims to enhance access to family‐based treatment for anorexia nervosa whilst providing additional support to parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The oncology care environment includes a wide range of traumatic physical and emotional experiences that can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to establish a knowledge base about the trauma-informed care (TIC) approach in oncology care. METHODS: This article provides a literature-based overview of TIC as a model of care for patients with cancer, informed by definitions of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and adverse childhood experiences. This review is based on clinical studies, expertise, and evidence-based guidelines. FINDINGS: Based on a foundation of care for patients with cancer, nurses can apply TIC to clinical oncology practice. To illustrate TIC in practice, this article includes a case study, nursing approaches, implications, the TIC model of care, and resources. When applied to care, TIC benefits patients, staff, and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inequitable pregnancy care experiences and outcomes disproportionately affect refugee background women in Australia. Culturally safe care is essential for achieving health equity, however, cultural safety can only be determined by the person receiving care. To our knowledge, women of refugee background in Australia are yet to be asked what culturally safe pregnancy care is to them. Specifically, this study aimed to explore what culturally safe pregnancy care is to Karen women (from Burma) of refugee background. A photovoice study founded on community-based participatory research principles was undertaken with a Karen community of refugee background living in Victoria, Australia. A community advisory group was established, guiding study design and conduct. Five S'gaw Karen-speaking women with experience of pregnancy care in Australia were invited to take photos within their community. Participants shared their photos and stories with each other in four online discussion groups. Reflexive thematic analysis guided by a critical constructionist lens developed three themes: Building foundations for belonging; cultivating reciprocal curiosity; and storytelling as an expression of self and shared power. These themes sit within the overarching theme When I can be my whole authentic self, I feel safe and know that I belong. When Karen women can embrace their cultural and spiritual identity without fear of discrimination, including racism, culturally safe pregnancy care is possible. This study contributes to the design and delivery of maternity services by providing insights that can enhance equitable and culturally safe pregnancy care for Karen women of refugee background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual violence is a world‐wide health problem that has begun to escalate in online and virtual spaces. One form of technology‐facilitated sexual violence that has grown in recent years is image‐based sexual abuse (IBSA), or the nonconsensual creation, distribution, and/or threat of distribution of nude or sexual images. Using a trauma‐informed and victim‐centered framework, we asked victim‐survivors for structural solutions to IBSA based on their own experiences. Using thematic analysis on 36 semi‐structured interviews with adult U.S. victim‐survivors of IBSA, we found that victim‐survivors proposed structural solutions to IBSA along five general dimensions: legal (creating/strengthening laws, enforcing laws, facilitating legal navigation), corporate (corporate responsibility/activism and solutions for employers), educational (IBSA education, outreach and advocacy, and developing communities of support), technological (more platform accountability, improved procedures for uploading images, better avenues for reporting and removing images, and enhanced platform policies), and cultural. Many solutions built on existing structures (e.g., sexual education in schools) and frameworks (e.g., creating support groups like those for people in recovery from alcohol abuse), enabling educational professionals, policy makers, victim‐support service providers, and corporations to readily implement them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Does the Mind/Body Program for Infertility (MBPI) perform better, due to certain distinctive elements, than a partly matched support group in improving the wellbeing and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outcomes of women with elevated distress levels in a clinical setting? SUMMARY ANSWER While robust enhancements occurred in the wellbeing overall, the cognitive behavioural and formalized stress management elements of the MBPI allowed a significantly stronger improvement in trait anxiety, but not in other mental health and MAR outcomes, compared with a support group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mind-body psychological programmes adjacent to MAR have been found to improve women's mental states and possibly increase chances of pregnancy. However, not enough is known about the programme's effectiveness among patients with elevated distress levels in routine clinical settings, nor is it clear which of its particular ingredients are specifically effective. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A pre-post design, single-centre, randomized controlled trial was performed between December 2019 and October 2022 (start and end of recruitment, respectively). The sample size (n   =   168) was calculated to detect superiority of the MBPI in improving fertility-related quality of life. Randomization was computer-based, with random numbers concealing identities of patients until after allocation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The trial was conducted at a large university teaching hospital. A total of 168 patients were randomly assigned to the mind-body (MBPI) group (n   =   84) and the fertility support (FS) control group (n   =   84). Patients received a 10-week, 135-min/week group intervention, with the FS group following the same format as the MBPI group, but with a less restricted and systematic content, and without the presumed effective factors. The number of patients analysed was n   =   74 (MBPI) and n   =   68 (FS) for post-intervention psychological outcomes, and n   =   54 (MBPI) and n   =   56 (FS) for pregnancy outcomes at a 30-month follow-up. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Significant improvements occurred in both groups in all psychological domains (adjusted P  <   0.001), except for treatment-related quality of life. Linear mixed-model regression analysis did not reveal significantly greater pre-post improvements in the MBPI group than in the FS group in fertility-related quality of life (difference in differences (DD) = 4.11 [0.42, 7.80], d  =   0.32, adjusted P  =   0.124), treatment-related quality of life (DD = −3.08 [−7.72, 1.55], d  =   −0.20, adjusted P  =   0.582), infertility-specific stress (DD = −2.54 [−4.68, 0.41], d  =   −0.36, adjusted P  =   0.105), depression (DD = −1.16 [3.61, 1.29], d  =   −0.13, adjusted P  =   0.708), and general stress (DD = −0.62 [−1.91, 0.68], d  =   −0.13, adjusted P  =   0.708), but it did show a significantly larger improvement in trait anxiety (DD = −3.60 [−6.16, −1.04], d  =   −0.32, adjusted P  =   0.042). Logistic regression showed no group effect on MAR pregnancies, spontaneous pregnancies, or live births. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The follow-up only covered MAR-related medical outcomes and no psychological variables, and their rates were not equal in the two groups. Biological factors other than age, aetiology, and duration of infertility may have confounded the study results. Loss to follow-up was between 5% and 10%, which may have led to some bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The psychologically and medically heterogeneous sample, the normal clinical setting and the low attrition rate all raise the external validity and generalizability of our study. The MBPI works not only in controlled conditions, but also in routine MAR practice, where it can be introduced as a cost-effective, low-intensity psychological intervention, within the framework of stepped care. More studies are needed to further identify its active ingredients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04151485. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 5 November 2019. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT 15 December 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This work describes a secondary analysis of a qualitative data set originally used to understand parent participants' preferences for the design and implementation of a screening programme for paediatric Type 1 diabetes (T1D). From this, their spontaneous preferences for peer support emerged, described here in the context of existing peer support programmes for the newly diagnosed alongside suggestions for their incorporation into screening programmes for T1D and a range of other conditions. Methods: Data were collected from semi‐structured interviews conducted with parents of children aged 3–13 years to explore their expectations, perceptions and preferences of a T1D paediatric screening programme. A secondary analysis of interviews from participants who spontaneously raised preferences for peer support was used to populate a novel framework informed by NHS England's key principles for the same, namely, Shared experiences and reciprocated support, Accessibility and inclusivity and Person‐centred and integrated peer support. Results: Parents in 29 of 33 interviews spontaneously described the potential value of peer support if receiving a result indicating a positive (presymptomatic T1D result) from a screening programme. Specifically, the value of 'Shared experiences and reciprocated support' in terms of emotional support and reassurance, and access to more directly interpretable and relevant information related to the condition; 'Accessibility and inclusivity' relating to access to a community of similar individuals, whether in person or online; 'Person‐centred and integrated peer‐support' and the need for support reflecting the changing need of the child and the integration of peer support with clinical care. Conclusions: The needs of peer support described by parents involved in T1D paediatric screening appear to be shared with those of families with children diagnosed with a range of life‐altering conditions. Although the needs of peer support for paediatric screening may differ across conditions, our findings are a valuable starting point for its design both in T1D and other examples of similar population screening programmes. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and the public have been involved throughout the design of the ELSA study and have worked with us to inform the study process. They contributed to the design and content of patient‐facing materials, the content of our topic guides and the analysis and interpretation of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is growing scientific and policy recognition that optimising health before a potential pregnancy (preconception health) improves reproductive outcomes and the lifelong health of future children. However, public awareness on this topic is low. We conducted a public consultation to develop language recommendations and identify and prioritise approaches to inform research and improve public awareness of preconception health. Methods: A public consultation was undertaken with people of any gender aged 18–50 years living in the United Kingdom who were not currently expecting a child. Public contributors were recruited through patient and public involvement, community and support groups, an existing cohort study, and an LGBTQ+ charity. An initial round of online group discussions (February/March 2021) explored public contributors' knowledge of preconception health, their recommendations for appropriate language, and ideas about public health approaches. In a subsequent discussion round (May 2021), language recommendations were refined and suggested approaches prioritised. Discussions were summarised based on notes taken by two researchers. Results: Fifty‐four people joined the initial discussion round (66% women, 21% men, 13% nonbinary or transgender; 55% aged 18–30 years, 30% 31–40 years, 15% 41–50 years). Of these, 36 people (67%) participated in the subsequent round. Very few had heard the term 'preconception health', understood what it means, or why and for whom it is important. They recommended avoiding unfamiliar terms without further explanation (e.g., preconception health, medical terms), using language that is positive, encouraging and gender‐sensitive where possible, and using messages that are specific, nonjudgmental and realistic. The phrases 'health and well‐being during the childbearing years', 'health and well‐being before pregnancy and parenthood' and 'planning for parenthood' resonated with most public contributors. School‐based education, social media campaigns and the National Health Service emerged as priority approaches/settings for raising awareness. Conclusion: This public consultation produced recommendations from a diverse group of people of reproductive age in the United Kingdom to improve language and prioritise approaches that increase public understanding of preconception health in ways that are relevant and appropriate to them. This should begin in schools and will require adaptation of curricula, alongside co‐development of public awareness campaigns and guidance for healthcare professionals. Patient or Public Contribution: This public consultation included a diverse group of members of the public. They were not involved in the original design of the project, but following the initial round of online group discussions, they contributed to the interpretation and refinement of the emerging concepts in a subsequent round of group meetings. After the consultation activity, public contributors formed a Public Advisory Group and have subsequently been involved in other studies on the same topic. Two public contributors (E.R. and F.F.) provided critical input in the preparation and revision of this manuscript and are co‐authors of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are prevalent among college and university students; however, the experiences of ethnic minority students, especially Asians, are understudied. This study aimed to reduce this gap by exploring Asian students' perceptions of SVSH on three public university campuses in Southern California. We examined their perceptions about the campus environment related to SVSH, attitudes, and behaviors toward help seeking, and utilization of on-campus resources. A total of 23 in-depth interviews were conducted with Asian students enrolled at the three University of California campuses. Thematic coding was conducted to generate main themes and subthemes. Five main themes emerged: (a) SVSH is considered a "taboo" topic in Asian culture and family systems, and Asian student survivors are often reluctant to disclose incidents or seek support services. (b) Students did not feel their campus environments were tailored to understand or meet the sociocultural realities and needs of Asian student survivors. (c) Campus SVSH services and reporting processes were seen as non-transparent. (d) Peers were the major source of support and SVSH information, as opposed to official campus-based resources and training. (e) Survivors often conduct an internal cost–benefit analysis evaluating their decision about whether to report. This study highlights the lack of conversation surrounding SVSH in Asian families, and how the cultural stigma of sex and sexual violence prevented Asian students from receiving knowledge and resources about these topics in their families. Instead of relying on formal campus resources (e.g., Title IX and confidential advocacy services, mental health services), many students turn to their peers for support. Thus, facilitating peer support groups, training university students to support each other through SVSH incidents, and tailoring campus services to the diverse cultural backgrounds of students are key considerations to foster a safe campus environment and prevent SVSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the multifaceted landscape of mental health inequalities and proposes a comprehensive approach for community nurses to address these disparities. Drawing on legislative measures, healthcare delivery reforms, and community engagement initiatives, the article emphasises the pivotal role of nurses in advocating for equitable access to mental health services and promoting inclusive care practices. Key considerations include the impact of social determinants of health, the need for collaborative multidisciplinary approaches, and the importance of addressing systemic factors perpetuating inequality within the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Support groups and meetings are self-help gatherings that provide a unique sense of community, unconditional acceptance, and information on cancer and its treatment. This cross-sectional study examined 12 outpatient meetings within the Kerala model of palliative care, a community-based service provided to patients irrespective of disease, stage, or prognosis starting from the time of diagnosis. The study focused on the pivotal role of community nurses in facilitating these meetings, with participants including cancer patients and survivors. Using in-depth interviews (n = 52) and participant observations, this research used a qualitative approach and explored the dynamics and outcomes of outpatient meetings. Findings highlight the indispensable contributions of these community nurses serving as linchpins in providing support, guiding discussions, and offering crucial education. Outpatient meetings effectively addressed psychosocial concerns, combatted stigmas associated with cancer, and promoted informed decision making in cancer care. The study emphasizes the need for recognizing the role played by community nurses in improving psychosocial support and diminishing stigma, and ultimately the quality of life of patients and survivors through the palliative cancer care within the Kerala model. We also underscore the need for policy initiatives, resource allocation, and training programs tailored to support these frontline health care providers effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several advantages associated with borrowing from micro-finance institutions, such as self-help groups (SHGs), many enterprises in developing countries continue to rely on informal lenders. Using machine learning techniques on a novel village-enterprise matched dataset from India, we predict an enterprise's choice of credit source as a function of three key mechanisms: supply-side factors, infrastructural facilities and socio-demographic characteristics. Proximity to markets and social norms of the village, proxied by high literacy rates and sex ratios, play important roles in credit uptake from SHGs. However, the absence of financial access points, such as commercial or cooperative bank branches, is not prohibitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the impact of self-help group (SHG) intervention and entrepreneurial traits of SHG members on the economic and socio-cultural empowerment of rural women. A purposive sampling method has been used to collect a sum of 344 responses from the SHG of women who are engaged in entrepreneurial income-generating activities in their village. A linear regression model has been used to analyse the data. The study found and argues that SHG interventions have a positive association with the economic and socio-cultural empowerment of rural women. The parameters identified and analysed in the study are helpful to the stakeholders to make policy decisions to strengthen all the factors, which are responsible for the success and growth of SHG in general and the micro-enterprise of SHG women entrepreneurs, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Evidence indicates that persistent transgressive behaviors often begin early in development and increase around age twelve, and warns that children who exhibit transgressive behaviors in childhood or early adolescence tend to develop criminal behaviors in adulthood which makes childhood a critical unit of analysis for timely intervention. The study examines risk and protective factors in childhood related to illegal behavior, through the perspective of developmental criminology. The observation of risk and protective factors in early stages allows us to design interventions that prevent social adjustment problems in children from becoming more complex by maintaining the transgression of social norms over time. Factors identified by developmental criminology can be organized according to ecological systems theory and discussed in relation to previous criminological studies. Methods: Using a systematic review based on the PRISMA method, the study identifies 24 updated developmental criminology articles that study early protective factors between birth and age twelve. Result: Risk factors at the individual level include biological, socioemotional, behavioral, symptomatic aspects and adverse life experiences. Individual protective factors include cognitive, socioemotional, and personality development aspects. Risk factors at an interpersonal and contextual level are related to family, school, peers, socioeconomic situation and governance. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of recognizing risk and protective factors in child development, contemplating interventions at multiple levels where an articulation between the various institutions involved in child care is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have explored young child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors experience as Participatory Action Research (PAR) researchers, and no studies have included participant researchers who were survivors unknown to statutory child protection services, the latter, a particularly vulnerable group. This exploratory study aimed to trace the nature of engagement and discover the perceived practical benefits and drawbacks of PAR for survivor researchers who had conducted a study into survivor views on confidentiality. Methods: The 8 PAR researchers included six females and two males, aged 12 to 20 years. All self-reported significant mental health problems, and 2 reported a learning disability. PAR participation was traced over 7-months and their views on their experience was sought through an online discussion forum and face to face interviews. Results: PAR was found to increase survivor researcher self-confidence because of learning new skills and discovering others shared experience of abuse and isolation. PAR researchers reported a growth in trust with each other leading to further disclosure, and the seeking of support services. Drawbacks included sustaining engagement because of personal crises. Conclusions: PAR is reported as an empowering process for CSA survivors, however, future research is needed into the relevance of PAR for the development of support services, especially for those unknown to statutory child protection services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: We previously reported on the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) on the QoL of persons with ME/CFS and their family members. Here, we present the findings of the impact on the QoL of individuals with ME/CFS whose family members did not participate in the survey. Materials and Methods: A prospective multinational online survey was disseminated via patient charities, support groups and social media. Persons with ME/CFS completed the EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Results: Data were analysed from 876 participants from 26 countries who reported a health care professional diagnosis of ME/CFS. In total, 742 participants identified as female, 124 male and 10 preferred not to say. The mean age of the participants was 47 years (range 18–82), and the mean time to diagnosis was 14 years. The mean overall health status on a visual analogue scale for people with ME/CFS was 36.4 (100 = best health). People with ME/CFS were most often affected by inability to perform usual activities (n = 852, 97%), followed by pain (n = 809, 92%), impaired mobility (n = 724, 83%), difficulty in self-care (n = 561, 64%) and least often affected by anxiety and depression (n = 540, 62%). Conclusions: The QoL of people with ME/CFS is significantly affected globally. There was no significant difference in quality of life compared with previously published data on those with ME/CFS who did have a family member complete the family member quality of life questionnaire (FROM16). Contrary to popular misconception, anxiety and depression are the least often affected areas in persons with ME/CFS who are most impacted by their inability to perform usual activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The death of a child is one of the most devastating events a family can face, resulting in significant physical and psychosocial morbidity. Bereavement support programs have been developed in high-income contexts to address this need. However, little is known about implementing bereavement programs in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Here, we describe the implementation of a bereavement program for parents whose children died due to cancer or other catastrophic illnesses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to describe the implementation of a hospital-based End of Life (EoL) care and bereavement program. This program was developed in several stages, including an assessment of bereaved families, development program guidelines, staff training, piloting of the program, refinement, and standardization. The program was developed between 2019 and 2021 in a nonprofit, teaching hospital and referral center for southwestern Colombia. Results: Several tools were developed as key components of the bereavement program: a virtual bereavement course; guidance for EoL and bereavement communication and care, memory making, and follow-up calls; a condolence letter template, and group support workshops. A total of 956 healthcare professionals were trained, 258 follow-up calls to bereaved parents were made, 150 individual psychological follow-ups to parents with complicated grief occurred, 79 condolence letters were sent, and 10 support group workshops were carried out. Challenges were identified and overcome, such as limited resources and staff, and cultural perceptions of death. In 2021, this program received an award by the hospital as the Best Strategy to Humanize Healthcare. Conclusions: This study highlights the feasibility of developing and implementing EoL and bereavement care programs for parents and families within hospitals in LMICs. Lack of resources, staff, and training are some of the identified challenges to implementation. Utilizing methodological tools allows us to identify facilitator factors and deliverable outcomes of our EoL and bereavement program. This model provides a valuable framework for resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]