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Simple Summary: Young adults (YAs) aged 18–39 living with advanced cancer face unique and complex challenges, but tailored behavioral interventions remain scarce. This commentary identifies unmet psychosocial needs and offers recommendations for targeted interventions to help improve overall quality of care for the often-marginalized group of YAs living with advanced cancer. The population of young adults (YAs) aged 18–39 living with advanced cancer is growing and faces a compounded set of challenges at the intersection of age and disease. Despite these substantial challenges, behavioral interventions tailored to YAs living with advanced cancer remain scarce. This commentary aims to (1) discuss the unmet psychological, social, and behavioral needs of YAs living with advanced cancer; (2) highlight the paucity of behavioral interventions tailored to this growing population; (3) offer recommendations for the development of behavioral interventions targeting the unique needs of YAs living with advanced cancer; and (4) describe potential far-reaching public health benefits of these targeted behavioral interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative anal dilations (PAD) are the standard of care for patients after a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for anorectal malformation (ARM) or a transanal pull-through (TP) procedure for Hirschsprung disease (HD). This study assessed the psychosocial impact of PAD among caregivers of children with ARM or HD, which may inform postoperative care strategies. Methods: Caregivers of patients with ARM and HD who underwent PSARP or TP within five years participated in the online survey. Questions included demographics, patient and caregiver experiences with PAD, and baseline psychosocial functioning. Quantitative results were reported descriptively, while qualitative responses were summarized as major themes. Results: The survey indicated a response rate of 26% caregivers, with most being female (91%) and biological mothers (85%). Patients were mostly male (65%), born with ARM (74%), and were five months old on average when PAD began. Caregivers reported that during PAD, children experienced distress (56%), pain (44%), and fear (41%), while a third noted no negative reactions. Over time, their child's ability to cope with PAD got easier (38%) or stayed the same (41%). Caregivers reported worry/anxiety (88%), guilt (71%), stress (62%), and frustration (35%), noting that additional coping strategies to manage the emotional and logistical challenges of daily PAD would be helpful. Conclusion: Although PAD is necessary, it can be highly stressful for the patients and their caregivers. Key findings emphasized the need for additional coping strategies and highlighted the importance of integrating psychosocial support into the postoperative care regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People with schizophrenia are more likely to be hospitalised than any other psychiatric diagnosis. Occupational therapists working in mental health are often required to assess and recommend supports that will assist people with schizophrenia to live successfully in the community. There is little research exploring consumer perspectives regarding the support they find useful to stay out of the hospital. The aim of this study was to explore what supports people living with schizophrenia identify as helping them to live in the community and stay out of the hospital. Method: Qualitative data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with adult consumers (N = 18) diagnosed with schizophrenia. Data were thematically analysed using constant comparative analysis methods. Inductive analysis was followed by a deductive phase of analysis. Findings: Participants highlighted personal‐, occupational‐ and environmental‐focused supports. Person‐focused supports addressed cognitive and psychological needs. Occupation‐focused supports included assisting people to manage daily life with a mental illness; engage in social activities; and engage in meaningful activities. Environment‐focused supports included access to financial security; accommodation security; and community of choice. In addition to types of support, participants highlighted the importance of quality of support including the need for flexible; timely; and non‐judgemental support. Conclusion: These results emphasise the multifaceted nature of support required by people living with schizophrenia to stay out of the hospital. Both type and quality of support are important. People in this study were able to clearly articulate the types and qualities of support that were important to them. Occupational therapists may benefit from greater collaboration with consumers during assessments of support needs and the development of recommendations. Further exploration of how occupational therapists identify people's multifaceted support needs is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the linguistic and semiotic resources that NGO coaches draw on to create safe spaces in their English language lessons for psycho-social support in refugee settings. We do so by applying the rapidly developing concept of translanguaging, using data from a multi-site linguistic ethnography study in an NGO in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Interviews and classroom observations of six coaches were conducted in four different centres of the NGO across Erbil city. Detailed fieldnotes were recorded during the field visits and intensive observations of the translanguaging practices were made with follow-up interviews to ask about these practices. We analyse four discourse topics which are discussed through examples from the interviews and the video-recordings from the lessons. We argue that translanguaging spaces do not only create safe spaces but also generate new practices, while also providing opportunities to ensure positive identity and meaningful interaction within the English language classrooms we observed. The new practices in our data are the translanguaging practices which emerge every time the coaches and beneficiaries draw from their semiotic and linguistic repertoires. However, these were the outcome of unplanned translanguaging practices which were more often controlled by the coaches rather than the beneficiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In paediatric oncology, little is known about trajectories of illness perceptions and their longitudinal associations with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in illness perceptions in children and parents over a one‐year‐period and to investigate predictive value of child's and parent's illness perceptions during acute treatment for child's HRQoL 1 year later. Methods: N = 65 child‐parent‐dyads participated in a longitudinal study (retention rate: 80.2%). Children were 4–18 years of age and underwent acute cancer treatment at baseline. Children and parents reported on their own illness perceptions (Illness‐Perception‐Questionnaire‐Revised), as well as on the child's HRQoL (KINDL‐R) at baseline and one‐year‐follow‐up. Paired‐samples t‐tests were calculated to investigate changes over time. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate predictive value of child's and parent's illness perceptions for child's HRQoL. Results: Child's HRQoL t(63) = −6.73, p < 0.001, their perceptions of coherence (i.e. understanding; t(54) = −2.36, p = 0.022) and consequences of their illness (t(54) = 2.86, p = 0.006), and parent's perception of cyclical trajectory (t(61) = 2.06, p = 0.044) improved from baseline to 1‐year‐follow‐up. All other illness perceptions remained stable. Exploratory post‐hoc analyses showed differences in the pattern of change in age‐, gender‐, and diagnosis‐specific subgroups. After controlling for baseline levels of HRQoL, child's perceptions of symptoms and consequences were independent predictors of their HRQoL 1 year later (R2 = 0.396, F(2,52) = 10.782, p < 0.001), whereas no parent's illness perceptions added predictive value. Conclusion: In paediatrics, child's and parent's illness perceptions should be assessed. Our findings highlight the importance of illness perceptions as potential modifiable variables in interventions to improve child's HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resources including Patient Decision Aids (PtDA) are useful and valued by patients and clinicians to provide information and complement shared decision‐making. Despite their promise, few PtDA exist for patients with genetic cancer susceptibility facing difficult decisions about risk management. We aimed to fill this gap, partnering with patients to codesign Lynch ChoicesTM, a PtDA website for families with Lynch Syndrome. In addition to a Patient Reference Panel, we purposively invited an international stakeholder panel including charities, public bodies, clinical and academic experts. Implementation strategies and frameworks were employed to optimise translation of research findings to improve care. Methods: Patient/stakeholder suggestions were incorporated in a transparent Table of Changes and prioritised using the Person‐Based Approach throughout planning and codesign of Lynch ChoicesTM. An interactive stakeholder meeting was convened to identify barriers and facilitators to clinical implementation of the PtDA. Results: Patient and stakeholder partnerships drove the direction of the research throughout codesign, resulting in several iterative refinements to the PtDA prior to roll out including the addition of illustrations/videos, clearer presentation of cancer risks and increased accessibility for lower literacy. Barriers and facilitators identified from stakeholders were used to create an implementation process map. Conclusions: Creating an effective, engaging PtDA is not enough. Systematic uptake in real world clinical practice, with its resource limitations, is needed to optimise benefit to patients and clinicians. Assessment of speed and breadth of dissemination and usage will be collected to further evidence the benefit of embedding implementation science methods from the outset to translate research findings into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To retrospectively assess changes in economic status, psychosocial status and empowerment among women who participated in Beyond Fistula reintegration programming following fistula repair. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among 100 Beyond Fistula program participants capturing sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and fistula history, program participation, and our primary outcomes: economic status, psychosocial status, and empowerment via quantitative survey at two time points: before program participation and currently. Data were collected from November 2020 to July 2021 from 2013 to 2019 program participants. We compared outcomes across these two time points using paired t tests or McNemar's tests. Results: The proportion of individuals owning property (28.0% vs. 38.0%, P = 0.006), having a current source of income (19.0% vs. 56.0%, P < 0.001), and saving or investing income (11.0% vs. 37.0%, P < 0.001) increased significantly from pre‐ to post‐programming. We also identified statistically significant increases from pre‐ to post‐programming in self‐esteem (5.0 [IQR 4.0–5.0] vs. 5.0 [IQR 5.0–5.0], P < 0.001), reintegration (53.0 [IQR 43.0–69.0] vs. 65.0 [IQR 51.0–72.0], P < 0.001) and level of input into household economic decision making (2.0 [SD 1.0] vs. 2.3 [SD 1.0], P = 0.004). Conclusion: Beyond Fistula programming likely improved economic status, psychosocial status, and empowerment of participants. Post‐surgical interventions incorporating a holistic approach can advance recovery through supporting psychosocial and economic wellbeing and should be offered to women undergoing genital fistula repair. Synopsis: A retrospective impact evaluation of the Beyond Fistula post‐surgical reintegration program in Kenya identified significant improvements in economic status, psychosocial status and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion The majority of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have advanced disease at presentation, preventing treatment with curative intent. Management of these patients is often provided by surgical teams for whom there are a lack of widely accepted strategies for care. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify key issues in patients with advanced PDAC and integrate the evidence to form a care bundle checklist for use in surgical clinics.A systematic review of the literature was performed regarding best supportive care for advanced PDAC according to the PRISMA guidelines. Interventions pertaining to supportive care were included whilst preventative and curative treatments were excluded. A narrative review was planned.Forty‐four studies were assessed and four themes were developed: (i) Pain is an undertreated symptom, requiring escalating analgesics and sometimes invasive modalities. (ii) Health‐related quality of life necessitates optimisation by involving family, carers and multi‐disciplinary teams. (iii) Malnutrition and weight loss can be mitigated with early assessment, replacement therapies and resistance exercise. (iv) Biliary and duodenal obstruction can often be relieved by endoscopic/radiological interventions with surgery rarely required.This is the first systematic review to evaluate the different types of interventions utilized during best supportive care in patients with advanced PDAC. It provides a comprehensive care bundle for surgeons that informs management of the common issues experienced by patients within a multidisciplinary environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions People living with mental illness are more likely than the general population to experience adverse housing outcomes, including homelessness. The aim of the current study is to examine residential status when participants have their first contact with mental health services, and the correlates of residential status at that moment.First‐time mental health service users were recruited from seven clinical sites across Québec. Data on residential status at entry in the project, as well as demographic, clinical and social variables, were collected using self‐report and interviewer‐rated questionnaires. Participants were classified as ‘Homeless’, ‘At risk of homelessness’ and ‘Stably Housed’, and correlates of residential status were identified through multivariate logistic regression and unbiased recursive partitioning.Among the 478 participants, 206 (43.1%) were in stable housing, 171 (35.8%) were at risk of homelessness and 101 (21.1%) were classified as homeless. Placement in a youth protection facility was strongly associated with adverse housing outcomes, while having a high school diploma and more social support were associated with more stable housing situations.First‐time mental health service users are likely to experience a range of adverse housing situations, indicating the potential for clinical sites to implement homelessness primary prevention strategies. Factors related to family, foster care and schooling seem to be particularly salient in understanding risk of homelessness in first‐time mental health service users, calling for intersectoral action to prevent adverse psychosocial outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Covid-19 pandemic, services offered by CAPS had to be suspended/adapted to remote mode, including therapeutic workshops. Therefore, this report aims to present the internship experience of students in online workshops at a Psychosocial Care Center and identify whether they played a role in psychosocial support for their users. The report has a qualitative-descriptive character and supervised meetings were held in 2021, which included the participation of students from the Psychology course at a University and psychologists from a CAPS in the interior of Minas Gerais. As results, two thematic axes were established: (1) impasses related to access to workshops and (2) psychosocial support. It is concluded that, due to the pandemic, there was an increase in demand for services and worsening of symptoms among CAPS users. The relevance of remote workshops is evident, which faced some obstacles, but the institution fulfilled its role of psychosocial support for users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a paucity of research exploring postoperative psychosocial interventions for bariatric surgery patients exceeding 2 years, and therefore, an interdisciplinary postoperative approach is warranted. This qualitative study explored the psychosocial support that bariatric surgery patients feel they need to sustain long-term weight loss and their psychological wellbeing. Methods: Fifteen postoperative patients participated in recorded semi-structured online interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results: Three themes and six subthemes emerged. Theme 1, Journey to surgery, has two subthemes: Deep roots and Breaking point. Theme 2, The precipice of change, has two sub-themes: Continuity of care and Can't cut the problem out. Theme 3, Bridging the Gap, has two subthemes: Doing it together and Taking back the reigns. The inconsistencies participants experienced in their pre- and postoperative care led to dissonance, and they felt unprepared for the demands of life postoperatively. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is a catalyst for physical change, but surgery alone is insufficient to ensure sustained change. Surgical and psychosocial interventions are interdependent rather than mutually exclusive. Patients favour an integrative, personalised, stepped-care approach pre- and postoperatively, with active participation fostering autonomy and access to ongoing support extending into the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness of the SPAN-intervention, a psychosocial intervention aiming at improving a sense of usefulness and engaging in meaningful activities, for community-dwelling people living with young-onset dementia (YOD) and their family caregivers. A cluster-randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups (SPAN-intervention vs. care as usual) with assessments at baseline and five-month follow-up was performed. Sixty-one persons living with YOD and their family caregivers were included (SPAN-intervention group: n = 35; care as usual group: n = 26). Outcomes included, for the person living with YOD, empowerment (operationalized by self-management abilities using the SMAS-30; primary outcome), quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, disability, apathy; and, for the family caregiver, quality of life, emotional distress, sense of competence. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. We found no statistically significant effects of the SPAN-intervention on empowerment, nor on the secondary outcome measures for persons living with YOD or their family caregivers. Although the SPAN-intervention may provide concrete opportunities to engage in activities and stimulate reciprocity, such as meaningful social activities, this study did not demonstrate intervention effects. Additional qualitative evaluations may provide more insight into the implementation process and experiences of people living with YOD and their family caregivers. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02937883). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to enjoyment in old age. Method: To this end, this research used a qualitative exploratory research design known as grounded-theory research. Seventeen elderly participants (aged 65-85 years), comprising 11 men and 6 women, were selected using purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was used as the data collection instrument. The method proposed by Corbin and Strauss was employed to design the interview questions. In this study, data analysis was interpretive using phenomenological analysis, which was done through open, axial, and selective coding. Results: The results indicated that the new emergent construct - ageing enjoyment - consisted of five categories and 19 subcategories. These categories include present moment awareness, liberating past, psychosocial safety, ultimate purpose for being, and self-peace. Subcategories include: Vitality, Family solidarity and intimacy, Occupational Adequacy, Economic wisdom, Social Acceptability, Healthy society, Talent flourish, productive experiences, Physical well-being, Willingness to develop, Mindfulness, satisfaction, Moralization, Adaptability, Benevolence, Acceptance, Desire to live, Meaningfulness, Religiosity. Conclusion: These categories suggest that present moment awareness, liberating past, as well as having psychosocial safety help the elderly experience ageing enjoyment. Hence, they are likely to reach self-peace through an ultimate purpose for being as they deal with challenging life issues. Practical implications of the findings are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of pregnancy through miscarriage or stillbirth is typically an unexpected and highly distressing event for parents. While death in any form may be overwhelming to those bereaved, pregnancy and newborn loss are unique in several ways because they involve the added loss of parental identity and the idealized baby and family. In this study, the authors performed a narrative review of the literature regarding the phenomenon of grief following reproductive loss in bereaved parents, focusing on heteronormative mothers and fathers and on nontraditional families. One of the main highlighted aspects is the disenfranchisement of grief, which refers to a loss that is not or cannot be acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported. This feeling is elicited by family, society, and healthcare providers. Although the literature has consistently documented the negative impact of this type of experience on parents and families, it is still largely unrecognized by healthcare providers. As most studies demonstrate, there are significant gaps in the psychosocial components of miscarriage and stillbirth care, including a lack of clarity in communication about the loss and subsequent steps, a lack of empathy, an invalidation of grief, and a failure to attend to emotional needs. Since healthcare providers are most often the first point of contact as they experience the loss, it is imperative to act so that patients' needs are more adequately met. To this purpose, the authors propose a set of measures aimed at improving the quality of care and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the importance of supportive care in promoting respectful maternity care. It acknowledges that while interventions have been implemented to improve maternity care, they often overlook the provision of supportive care. Supportive care, which includes psychological and social strategies, can help pregnant women navigate the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of childbirth. The article emphasizes the need to incorporate supportive care into interventions and programs, examines how it is currently addressed in training manuals, and offers recommendations for the development of a comprehensive service delivery package for dignified maternity care. The inclusion of supportive care in recent guidelines is supported by evidence of its positive impact on birthing outcomes. The article also reviews various training manuals on respectful maternity care and identifies areas for improvement in terms of provider-focused information and health system integration. The authors advocate for a more holistic approach to supportive care by integrating psychosocial support for pregnant women, including their mental, emotional, and social well-being. They propose a two-pronged strategy that involves training maternity staff in evidence-based psychosocial support strategies and implementing processes at the health system level to ensure the systematic delivery of comprehensive care. This approach aims to make maternity care responsive, personalized, and equitable. The study was conducted as part of a larger research project approved by ethics review committees, and the authors have no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Patients in receipt of palliative care services are often viewed primarily as recipients of support from their family caregiver. There is a dearth of evidence in palliative care on what comprises mutual support between patients and their family caregivers in palliative care. Aim: To identify processes of mutual support between patients and family caregivers in palliative care. Design: Qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using grounded theory procedures. Setting/participants: Fifteen patients with advanced illness (cancer n = 14, neurodegenerative n = 1) and 21 family caregivers recruited from a large regional-based hospice. Results: Mutual support between patients and family caregivers comprised two primary modes in which support was provided and received. Mutual support involved both patients and family caregivers providing similar types of support to each other, and which typically manifested as emotional support. However, mutual support also occurred when patients reciprocated by providing emotional support to their family caregivers to compensate for other forms of support which they felt no longer able to provide. Patients supported family caregivers by involving them in decision-making for care and both patient and family caregiver preferences were influenced by obligation to their respective other. Mutual support comprised both disclosure and concealment. Involving family caregivers in patient care decision-making was intended by patients to help family caregivers adjust to a caregiving role. Conclusions: The findings inform the development and delivery of psychosocial interventions for patients and family caregivers in palliative care aimed at facilitating supportive relations between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historically, in South Africa (SA), single motherhood has been part of the landscape and continues to increase. Disability in children is also increasing, yet it remains under-researched. Mothers are often left to raise their children with a disability alone, yet their voiced maternal experiences continue to largely be unheard, particularly in SA. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of single mothers raising a child with a disability in SA. Furthermore, the aim was to explore how these mothers navigate their complex realities and practice of mothering, and to amplify the voices of mothers. Finally, the study sought to shed light on the particular contextual factors that affect single maternal experiences in caring for a child with a disability. Method: Twelve South African single mothers raising a child with a disability between the ages of 7 years and 18 years were individually interviewed in this exploratory interpretivist study. Thematic analysis was utilised on the data. Results: The four themes highlight the complex, multi-level strain of raising a child with a disability, which has had a significant impact on the social, financial and emotional facets of single mothers' lives. Conclusion and contribution: The findings of the study are important for developing a thorough understanding of the needs of single mothers in this specific context as well as their daily experiences as mothers of children with disabilities. These needs include the necessity of psychosocial support and equipping single mothers with accurate knowledge about their child's disability so that they can make better accommodations for themselves and their child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The comparative effectiveness study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03016403) assessed the effects of a stepped‐care intervention versus usual care on mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, coping self‐efficacy, emotional distress (anxiety and depression combined), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived stress among underserved patients (i.e., low‐income, uninsured, underinsured) with lung cancer (LC) and head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC). Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated if 147 patients who received the stepped‐care intervention had better mental health outcomes compared to 139 patients who received usual care. Using an intent‐to‐treat approach, we analyzed outcomes with linear mixed models. Results: For the primary outcomes estimated mean differences (denoted by "Δ"), depression (Δ = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.52, 2.98, p = 0.01) and coping self‐efficacy (Δ = −15.24, 95% CI = −26.12, −4.36, p = 0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to patients who received usual care, but anxiety outcomes were not different. For secondary outcomes, emotional distress (Δ = 1.97, 95% CI: 0.68, 3.54, p =< 0.01) and HRQoL (Δ = −4.16 95% CI: −7.45, −0.87, p = 0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to usual care patients, while perceived stress was not different across groups. Conclusions: The stepped‐care intervention influenced depression and coping self‐efficacy, important outcomes for patients with acute illnesses like LC and HNC. Although differences in emotional distress met the minimally important differences (MID) previously reported, depression and HRQoL were not above the MID threshold. Our study is among a few to report differences in mental health outcomes for underserved LC and HNC patients after receiving a psychological intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03016403. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of moderate to high levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors may vary from 22% to 87%, although most are not usually referred to psychosocial support. The After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic in Women's College Hospital (Toronto) provides follow-up care to cancer survivors but in a sample of 2893 patients seen April 2019 to March 2022, only 1.5% were referred to a social worker for psychosocial needs. A single-question screening tool is currently available to screen for FCR. To evaluate the use of the single-question screening tool for FCR among cancer survivors and its impact on social work referrals. Between July and October 2022, 788 patients were seen in the ACTT clinic. Generally, most patients in ACTT are breast cancer survivors (75%), and the remaining survivors are a mix of other cancer types (colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma). Three hundred thirty (41.9%) ACTT patients completed the single-question screening tool for FCR. Most screened patients were female (96%), the average age was 60 years, and most were diagnosed with breast cancer (90%). Among screened patients, 37 (11%) indicated a moderately severe to high level of FCR and efforts were made to refer these 37 patients to a social worker. In the end, 22 (59.5%) patients with moderately severe/high levels of FCR were offered and accepted referral to a social worker. In comparison to the 1.5% referred to social work (among 2893 patients) prior to FCR screening, referrals increased to 6.7% (among 330 screened). Use of a single-question FCR screening tool improved identifying cancer survivors in need of psychosocial support and improved access to a social worker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Czech government, the Czech Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Czech Ministry of Interior (MoI) have acknowledged mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for refugees from Ukraine as an important component of the humanitarian response. Despite their support to refugees from Ukraine in providing them with the essential basic services such as accommodation, livelihood, health services and education (social determinants of mental health), MHPSS response is still facing some challenges. Main challenges are related to the healthcare delivery system and low mental health awareness among refugees from Ukraine. Shortage of mental health (MH) professionals from Ukraine with the license to practice in Czechia and overwhelmed national healthcare system makes it more difficult for refugees from Ukraine to get adequate and timely MHPSS. Language barriers, low demand for MHPSS among refugees from Ukraine, not fully functional intra and inter-sectoral MHPSS referral system, need for responsible staff care, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of results of MHPSS and introduction of international guidelines into the national MHPSS response are identified as important challenges. Recommendations and solutions to overcome these challenges and improve the outcomes of MHPSS response for the refugee population from Ukraine in Czechia draw from local, regional and global experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of the psychological impact is at the heart of the experiences of patients undergoing ART, experiences that are lived in a social context determined with these rules, these representations, its own functioning. Misconceptions also persist about infertile people who have psychological problems that affect their reproductive capacity. Women in particular, unfortunately still hear phrases like : "you know women have psychological problems, that"s why they have difficulty getting pregnant". Or the very "friendly" (sic): "you know, you should stop thinking about it and go on vacation". The "psychological" question is, from our point of view, badly positioned, badly considered, which does not allow us to approach it as it should. Sociology and psychology intersect to form the context in which the individual or the couples will experience this ordeal of life and the recourse to reproductive medicine. However, the experience of infertility, the use of ART, and the question of parenthood with or without gamete donation fully require that psychosocial support be questioned. Infertile people lose this structuring human capacity: their reproductive autonomy. They cannot reproduce at the desired time and as many times as desired. Humanly, it is a real individual, social and psychological ordeal that deserves to be questioned in order to improve its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Youth support coordinators (YSCs) provide youth-focused psychosocial support to teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer, within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in National Health Service (NHS) specialist cancer environments. This action research project aimed to provide insight into the work of YSCs with TYA with cancer, within MDTs in clinical settings, and to develop a knowledge and skill framework for YSCs. Methods: An action research approach was taken involving two focus groups, with Health Care Professionals (n = 7) and TYA with cancer (n = 7), and a questionnaire with YSCs (n = 23). Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A research steering group ensured consistency with the participatory methodology. Results: The positive value of YSC contribution to patients and MDT was echoed across the data sets. Four domains of practice were identified for inclusion in a YSC knowledge and skill framework: (1) adolescent development; (2) the TYA with cancer; (3) working with TYA with cancer; and (4) professional practice of YSC work. Conclusion: Findings highlight the interdependence of YSC domains of practice. For example, the impact of cancer and its treatment must be considered alongside biopsychosocial knowledge relating to adolescent development. Similarly, skills for running youth-focused activities need adapting to the professional cultures, rules, and practices of working in health care systems. Further questions and challenges are raised, such as the value and challenge of therapeutic conversations; practice supervision; and the complexities of the "insider/outsider" perspectives YSCs bring. These insights potentially have important transferability to other areas of adolescent health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging period for young people in Mexico, particularly those already contending with social and structural inequality. In March 2021, the Colectivo Frontera, a research collective based in Mexico City, Mexico, which works on advancing equity and psychosocial wellbeing among marginalized communities, carried out an 8-week, online project to provide psychosocial support and promote resilience for marginalized young people from different locations in Mexico. The project entailed weekly journaling with the Pandemic Journaling Project (PJP), as well as weekly phone sessions with a mental health specialist who provided emotional support (acompañamiento emocional) through practices of active listening. The project culminated in the Escucha (Listen) Podcast for which each youth participant created an episode about their experiences during the pandemic. Many also submitted a photo to accompany their recording; one produced a song. Participant episodes were compiled into a series of five chapters. Each chapter of the podcast centers on a common theme, including reflections on loved ones lost to COVID-19, social fragmentation, gender-based constraints on expressing emotions, and the experiences and perspectives of children. The project provides a compelling example of a low-cost approach to providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of marginalized young people. It also demonstrates the importance of creating projects that help young people make meaningful connections and that leverage their creativity to foster resilience, improve social cohesion, and elevate their perspectives and voices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this article is to contribute to a complete patient perspective on the psychosocial impact of colorectal cancer. The details included patient personal experience of being a colorectal cancer survivor and perception regarding psychosocial support during management of the illness. Health professionals should assume that patients may have difficulty in illness management and should encourage a discussion of patients' concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autonomy-supporting interventions, such as self-determination theory and guided self-determination interventions, may improve self-management and clinical and psychosocial outcomes in people with diabetes. Such interventions have never been systematically reviewed assessing both benefits and harms and concurrently controlling the risks of random errors using trial sequential analysis methodology. This systematic review investigates the benefits and harms of self-determination theory-based interventions compared to usual care in people with diabetes. Methods: We used the Cochrane methodology. Randomized clinical trials assessing interventions theoretically based on guided self-determination or self-determination theory in any setting were eligible. A comprehensive search (latest search April 2022) was undertaken in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, PsycINFO, SCI-EXPANDED, CINAHL, SSCI, CPCI-S, and CPCI-SSH to identify relevant trials. Two authors independently screened, extracted data, and performed risk-of-bias assessment of included trials using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 1.0. Our primary outcomes were quality of life, all-cause mortality, and serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and nonserious adverse events not considered serious. Exploratory outcomes were glycated hemoglobin and motivation (autonomy, controlled, amotivation). Outcomes were assessed at the end of the intervention (primary time point) and at maximum follow-up. The analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Trial Sequential Analysis 0.9.5.10. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by GRADE. Results: Our search identified 5578 potentially eligible studies of which 11 randomized trials (6059 participants) were included. All trials were assessed at overall high risk of bias. We found no effect of self-determination theory-based interventions compared with usual care on quality of life (mean difference 0.00 points, 95% CI −4.85, 4.86, I2 = 0%; 225 participants, 3 trials, TSA-adjusted CI −11.83, 11.83), all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, adverse events, glycated hemoglobulin A1c, or motivation (controlled). The certainty of the evidence was low to very low for all outcomes. We found beneficial effect on motivation (autonomous and amotivation; low certainty evidence). Conclusions: We found no effect of self-determination-based interventions on our primary or secondary outcomes. The evidence was of very low certainty. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020181144 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental health conditions are among the health issues associated with homelessness, and providing mental healthcare to people experiencing homelessness is challenging. Despite the pressing issue of homelessness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, there is scant research on how service providers address women's mental health and psychosocial needs. Therefore, we explored service providers' and programme coordinators' perceptions and experiences regarding mental healthcare and psychosocial services delivery to women experiencing street homelessness in the city. Methods: We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with selected healthcare and social support providers and programme coordinators. The study involved 34 participants from governmental and non-governmental organisations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Four themes were derived from the analysis. The first of these was "divergent intentions and actions". While service providers and programme coordinators showed empathy and compassion, they also objectified and blamed people for their own homelessness. They also expressed opposing views on mental health stigma and compassion for these people. The second theme addressed "problem-solution incompatibility", which focused on the daily challenges of women experiencing homelessness and the types of services participants prioritised. Service providers and programme coordinators proposed non-comprehensive support despite the situation's complexity. The participants did not emphasise the significance of gender-sensitive and trauma-informed care for women experiencing street homelessness in the third theme, "the lack of gendered and trauma-informed care despite an acknowledgement that women face unique challenges". The fourth theme, "mismatched resources," indicated structural and systemic barriers to providing services to homeless women. Conclusions: Conflicting attitudes and practices exist at the individual, organisational, and systemic levels, making it challenging to provide mental healthcare and psychosocial services to women experiencing homelessness. An integrated, gender-sensitive, and trauma-informed approach is necessary to assist women experiencing homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) is a comprehensive psychosocial assessment proven useful for predicting the outcomes of organ transplantation that is expected to be useful in Japan. However, the characteristics of organ-specific SIPAT scores for organ transplant recipient candidates in Japan are unclear and, to date, the SIPAT has not been properly utilized in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to present basic data that can be used to establish the relation between SIPAT scores and post-transplantation psychosocial outcomes as well as organ-specific outcomes. Methods: This study included 167 transplant recipient candidates (25 heart, 71 liver, and 71 kidney) who completed a semi-structured interview based on the Japanese version of SIPAT (SIPAT-J) prior to transplantation. The differences between organs in terms of SIPAT scores and differences in SIPAT scores based on demographic data were comparatively analyzed. Results: The total SIPAT scores were higher for liver recipient candidates than for heart recipient candidates (P =.019). Regarding the subscales, SIPAT B (social support system) scores were higher for liver and kidney recipient candidates than for heart recipient candidates (P =.021), whereas SIPAT C (psychological stability and psychopathology) scores were higher for liver recipient candidates than for kidney recipient candidates (P =.002). Recipient candidates with a history of psychiatric treatment and those who were unemployed had higher SIPAT scores, regardless of the transplant organ, than recipient candidates without a history of psychiatric treatment and those who were employed (P <.001, P =.016, respectively). Conclusions: There were notable differences in the total SIPAT-J and subscale scores among the liver, heart, and kidney recipient candidates. Each organ was associated with specific psychosocial issues that should be addressed before transplantation. Interventions such as information provision and patient education based on SIPAT assessment results for each organ may improve recipient post-transplant outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provider grief, i.e., grief related to the death of patients, often forms an ongoing and profound stressor impacting healthcare providers' ability to maintain their sense of well-being, avoid feeling overwhelmed, and sustain quality and compassionate patient care over time. This narrative review presents findings on the types of interventions hospitals have offered to physicians and nurses to address provider grief. Searches of PubMed and PsycINFO were conducted for articles (e.g., research studies, program descriptions and evaluations) focused on hospital-based interventions to help physicians and nurses cope with their own grief. Twenty-nine articles met inclusion criteria. The most common adult clinical areas were oncology (n = 6), intensive care (n = 6), and internal medicine (n = 3), while eight articles focused on pediatric settings. Nine articles featured education interventions, including instructional education programs and critical incident debriefing sessions. Twenty articles discussed psychosocial support interventions, including emotional processing debriefing sessions, creative arts interventions, support groups, and retreats. A majority of participants reported that interventions were helpful in facilitating reflection, grieving, closure, stress relief, team cohesion, and improved end-of-life care, yet mixed results were found related to interventions' effects on reducing provider grief to a statistically significant degree. Providers largely reported benefits from grief-focused interventions, yet research was sparse and evaluation methodologies were heterogenous, making it difficult to generalize findings. Given the known impact provider grief can have on the individual and organizational levels, it is important to expand providers' access to grief-focused services and to increase evidence-based research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Motor neurone disease is associated with rapid disease progression and disability, and receiving a diagnosis can cause shock and fear in the patient and their carers. Prompt access to services and psychological support are important to improving quality of life in individuals with motor neurone disease and their carers. The early-access Living Well support group, led by an occupational therapist and a registered nurse, was developed to support people with motor neurone disease and their carers. The objective of this study was to explore the carers' lived experiences of being part of this support group. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight carers who attended the Living Well group, using a phenomenological research design. These carers had attended a minimum of two sessions with a relative with motor neurone disease. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Five key themes were generated from the study: diagnosis and fear of hospice; being human; connection with others; escapism; and access to expertise. These themes emphasised the importance of personalisation of support groups that meet the specific needs of those living with motor neurone disease and their carers. Conclusions: The findings of this study have implications for palliative care services and occupational therapists who work to improve the quality of life for people living with motor neurone disease and their carers. A more holistic approach towards palliative care, including the involvement of carers in support groups similar to Living Well, is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias often require substantial support from other people. Much of the care-giving is from family members who eventually experience physical, emotional and financial stress, depression and fatigue. In Uganda, families are a cornerstone in providing care to individuals with dementia. However, little is known about the psychosocial supports available to the care-givers in their care-giving role. We assessed the psychosocial supports available to care-givers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in southwestern Uganda. We conducted 34 in-depth interviews at three referral hospitals at which care-givers identified by the treating clinicians were approached for informed consent. The interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached, and the interviews were translated and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Care-giver supports were structured into two major themes: medical supports utilised and supports beyond the medical care system. Medical supports highlighted information provided by medical professionals. Supports beyond the medical care system included emotional and instrumental supports provided by religious leaders, the local communities and family members. Care-givers for individuals with dementia in southwestern Uganda receive educational support from medical practitioners, and unstructured emotional and instrumental supports from the family and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr John Kane discusses negative symptoms in schizophrenia alongside fellow expert, Dr William Carpenter, and Mr Matthew Racher, a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and dedicated advocate for people living with schizophrenia, who is currently studying for his Master of Social Work (MSW) in Miami, Florida. In this podcast, the authors discuss challenges and opportunities faced by patients and clinicians in the assessment and treatment of negative symptoms. They also touch upon emerging therapeutic strategies, with the aim of raising awareness of the unmet therapeutic needs of those living with negative symptoms. Mr Racher provides a unique patient perspective to this discussion, drawing on his own daily experiences of living with negative symptoms, as well as offering positive insights from his recovery from schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ongoing access to psychosocial support is important to maintain the well‐being of people with brain tumor (PwBT) and their families; yet, there is limited knowledge of psychosocial care access. This qualitative study aimed to develop an understanding of psychosocial support pathways specific to PwBT from the perspectives of Australian healthcare professionals. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare professionals working in hospital and community services supporting PwBT and their family members. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed thematically. Results: The three major themes identified were: (1) Challenges in fitting people into the care system within existing pathways; (2) Benefits of longer‐term care coordination and interdisciplinary connections; and (3) Brain tumor affects the whole family. Despite established psychosocial care pathways, service access varied and lacked continuity for individuals with lower‐grade glioma and benign tumors across the illness trajectory. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals recognize the need for improved access to care coordination and multidisciplinary psychosocial care tailored to the varying needs of PwBT and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common in COVID-19 survivors and can be caused by a variety of stressors, including the duration of infection, severity, and location of isolation when infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, public anxiety caused by the rapid increase in the number of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 plays a role in the occurrence of PTSD. To reduce the risk of mental disorders, psychosocial support is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors, to describe aspects of psychosocial support for COVID-19 survivors, and to assess the relationship between stressor factors and psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors. This research used an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach, involving 149 respondents aged 17-65 years, 52 men and 97 women from the COVID-19 survivor community known as COVID Survivor Indonesia (CSI) in DKI Jakarta. The Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and The Impact Of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires were distributed via Google Form to collect data. Data was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 26.0, and results were analyzed using descriptive univariate and bivariate using Chi Square. There is a significant relationship between stressor factors and the occurrence of PTSD, specifically the duration of infection with COVID-19 (P = 0,026), severity when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,027), and place of isolation when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,023). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD (p = 0,001). Management of COVID-19 patients is required to detect stressor factors and provide psychosocial support so that COVID-19 survivors can return physical and psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8‐week electronic couple‐based psychosocial support platform (WeChat) for gynaecological cancer. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Setting: Oncology hospital in Shaanxi Province, China. Participants: A total of 98 dyads of women with gynaecological cancer and their intimate male partners were included. Methods: Couple dyads were randomly allocated to either the WeChat couple‐based psychosocial support or to a control group receiving eight WeChat articles on general education content related to diet and exercise. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was sexual function assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index. The secondary outcomes of relationship satisfaction and quality of life were assessed with the Chinese version of Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General and The World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF. These outcomes were assessed before randomisation, and immediately and 3 months after the intervention. Results: The study showed that the sexual function of women participants in the intervention group did not reach a significant level compared with the control group. Relationship satisfaction in the intervention programme improved significantly (adjusted mean difference 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–7.4; p = 0.001) and quality of life (QoL 6.9, 95% CI 0.5–13.3; p = 0.035) 3 months after the intervention in women with gynaecological cancer. The intervention programme also showed significant positive effects on optimising relationship satisfaction (adjuste mean difference 3.0, 95% CI 0.3–5.7; p = 0.027) of male partners. Conclusions: The results provided additional knowledge and an evidence base for the application of the support programme to improve relationship satisfaction and QoL among couples living with gynaecological cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Family caregivers are often intensively involved in palliative and end‐of‐life cancer care. A variety of interventions to support family caregivers have been developed, differing in target population, modality, and components. We aimed to systematically examine characteristics and the effectiveness of interventions to support family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Cinahl. This review included quantitative studies published from January 2004 until January 2020 reporting on interventions to support family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in all care settings. Results: Out of 7957 titles, 32 studies were included. Twenty‐two studies were randomized controlled trials. Interventions were delivered to four target populations: individual family caregivers (n = 15), family caregiver‐patient dyads (n = 11), families (n = 2) and peer groups (n = 4). Most interventions (n = 26) were delivered face‐to‐face or by phone, two were delivered online. Most interventions included multiple components and were primarily aimed at supporting family caregivers' self‐care. Twenty‐nine interventions were shown to have beneficial effects on family caregiver outcomes, mostly in the psycho‐emotional (n = 24), daily functioning (n = 13) and social dimension (n = 6). Individual interventions were mainly effective in the psycho‐emotional dimension, dyad and family interventions in the psycho‐emotional and social domain, and group interventions mainly had an effect on daily functioning. Conclusions: Interventions to support family caregivers in advanced cancer care vary widely. Most intervention studies reported beneficial effects for the wellbeing of family caregivers. There is evidence that the target group is associated with beneficial effects on different outcome dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth living with war and ongoing conflict are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events and cumulative stress which can result in temporarily impaired academic functioning and reduced wellbeing in school. In Palestine, the Ministry of Education has included psychosocial support programmes in the schools for the purpose of reducing stress reactions and improving school functioning amongst students. The Student Learning in Emergencies Checklist (SLEC) was developed in a psychometric testing study for monitoring and evaluating school-based psychosocial support in the Palestinian context—self-perceived academic functioning and wellbeing in particular. The study included 789 Palestinian students (12–16 years of age) living in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, using an instrument that monitors five theoretical constructs considered to promote school functioning in emergencies. The analysis revealed a different factor structure than hypothesised: 1) safety and adaptability, 2) emotion regulation, 3) school support, 4) family support and 5) wellbeing and hope. The SLEC satisfies monitoring and evaluation purposes for fieldwork regarding programme planning, design and evaluation. Further, it appears well-suited for use by teachers for raising awareness of the need for and guiding their delivery of psychosocial support. The present study discusses practical implications and limitations of the SLEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite growing international attention, few interventions specifically target adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer even though appropriate interventions may improve care delivery during cancer treatment. The study's purpose was to explore how AYAs with cancer experience an age-appropriate intervention when undergoing treatment in adult surgery clinics. Methods: Twenty AYAs with cancer, aged 18–29 years, from five surgery clinics at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet participated in an intervention consisting of three main components: care provided by trained youth coordinator nurses (YCNs) to the greatest extent possible; a 1-hour one-on-one conversation with a YCN during hospitalization; and a postdischarge phone call. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data, which were analyzed in a stepwise process based on inductive content analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: a beacon in the dark; from patient to person; and the caring check-up. Participants felt safe and experienced a sense of presence and a caring environment in a significant and trusting relationship with YCNs, which encouraged them to share thoughts, feelings, and needs they previously had kept silent about. The one-on-one conversations helped them begin reflecting and in emotional processing and the postdischarge phone call was perceived as a caring check-up. Conclusions: The study shows how an age-appropriate intervention was experienced overall as meaningful for the participants hospitalized in adult surgery clinics, but more research is required to further examine the significance and effect of interventions that target AYAs with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosocial support is a crucial component of adequate rare disease care, but to date psychosocial support needs of this patient population are insufficiently met. Within Q.RARE.LI, we strive to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, transdiagnostic, and location-independent psychosocial support intervention in routine care of patients with rare autoimmune liver diseases in five countries and prepare its implementation. Methods: Within an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial, we aim to a) investigate the effectiveness of the intervention in routine care in five diverse healthcare systems and b) assess implementation outcomes, examine and prepare the implementation context, and develop country-specific implementation strategies. To assess effectiveness, we will include N = 240 patients with rare autoimmune liver diseases. Within a two-armed randomized controlled trial (allocation ratio 1:1), we will compare structured and peer-delivered psychosocial support in addition to care-as-usual (CAU) with CAU alone. Outcomes will be assessed via electronic database entry prior to intervention, directly after, and at a three-month follow-up. Our primary effectiveness outcome will be mental health-related quality of life at post-assessment. Secondary outcomes include depression and anxiety severity, perceived social support, helplessness, and disease acceptance. Implementation outcomes will be assessed within a mixed-methods process evaluation. In a quantitative cross-sectional survey, we will examine perceived acceptability and feasibility in patients, peer-counselors, and healthcare providers involved in delivery of the intervention. In qualitative focus groups, we will analyze the implementation context and determine barriers and facilitators for implementation with different stakeholders (patients and/or representatives, peer-counselors, healthcare providers, health insurers). Based on these results, we will derive country-specific implementation strategies and develop a concrete implementation plan for each country. Discussion: The intervention is expected to help patients adjust to their disease and improve their mental quality of life. The transdiagnostic and location-independent program has the potential to reach patients for psychosocial support who are usually hard to reach. By preparing the implementation in five countries, the project can help to make low-threshold psychosocial support available to many patients with rare diseases and improve comprehensive healthcare for an often neglected group. Trial registration: ISRCTN15030282 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Armed conflict and natural disasters cause serious psychosocial problems. Providing comprehensive bio-psychosocial support to the community after a war, traumatic, or devastating event has a significant impact on community reconstruction and resilience. As a result, the goal of this project was to conduct community diagnosis, identify individuals experiencing psychological distress, and provide comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support for the Chenna Kebele population in Dabat Woreda, North Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed research approach, specifically an explanatory study design, was used to assess psychosocial issues among war survivors. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were used to assess the psychosocial and economic consequences of the war on survivors. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was employed to assess mental health problems among the target population. The project was conducted in three phases. Result: A total of 550 households were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Of them, 45 people reported a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), adjustment disorder, protracted bereavement disorder, and insomnia. PTSD is the most common diagnosis, accounting for 38 cases. Four cases of major depressive disorder, three cases of prolonged grief, and two neurologic cases were also identified during the screening. Females had a higher number of PTSD cases as compared with males. Fifteen women reported sexual violence, and the number may be high because of underreporting and refusal to disclose the situation. The result also indicated significant property damage, loss of life stocks, and disengagement from basic services like water. Intervention with follow-up was provided at the individual, group, and community levels in order to reverse the devastating situation. The intervention included pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and social networking. Conclusion and recommendation: Overall, the community has experienced multiple psychosocial and economic problems. Hence, providing holistic mental health psychosocial support, clearing the site and burying the dead body, and re-initiating the terminated social gathering event will alleviate the existing problem and create a resilient community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mothers of children with haemophilia (CWH) experience guilt related to this genetic condition. Several factors contributing to maternal guilt have been identified, but the scope and extent of guilt have not previously been quantified. Aim: This study provides insight into the experience of mothers of CWH and how they perceive and manage guilt. It then identifies the most common and helpful coping mechanisms. Methods: Between May and October 2021, we distributed an anonymous electronic survey to mothers of CWH. The Parent Experience of Child Illness measured maternal guilt, the PROMIS Parent Proxy for Life Satisfaction measured perception of their child's life satisfaction and additional questions explored specific guilt factors and coping strategies. Results: Eighty‐seven mothers responded to the survey. Forty percent of mothers experienced increased guilt. The most common reasons for guilt included putting their child through pain during infusions and passing on the affected X chromosome. Perceived life satisfaction, increased age and genetic counselling were associated with less guilt. The most common coping strategies involved utilizing social support, self‐education and connecting with other mothers in the community. Conclusion: Some mothers experienced increased feelings of guilt, illustrating the need for providers to tactfully provide anticipatory guidance and counselling. Tangible manifestations of haemophilia were more likely to trigger feelings of guilt than familial factors. Community immersion was beneficial, as other mothers in the community served as a source of social and educational support. Most mothers did not report guilt, illustrating the adaptability and resilience of the haemophilia community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the substantial demands of cancer caregiving, practical and psychometrically sound tools to evaluate distress among cancer caregivers are needed. CancerSupportSourceTM‐Caregiver is a distress screening, referral, and support program designed to identify the unmet needs of cancer caregivers and link caregivers to desired resources and support. This study refined and finalized the CancerSupportSource‐Caregiver screening measure and examined its psychometric properties. Methods: Using an analytic sample of 400 caregivers to people with cancer, we first performed item reduction by assessing exploratory factor analysis, external/internal item quality, and judging theoretical and practical implications of items. Confirmatory factor analysis along with reliability and validity analyses were then conducted to corroborate dimensionality and psychometric properties of the final measure. Nonparametric receiver operating characteristic curve analyses determined scoring thresholds for depression and anxiety risk subscales. Results: Scale refinement resulted in an 18‐item measure plus one screening item assessing tobacco and substance use. Items represented five domains of caregiver concerns: emotional well‐being, patient well‐being, caregiving tasks, finances, and healthy lifestyle. Our analyses showed strong internal consistency and test‐retest reliability, a replicable factor structure, and adequate convergent, discriminant, and known groups validity. Sensitivity of 2‐item depression and 2‐item anxiety risk subscales were 0.95 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: CancerSupportSource‐Caregiver is a reliable and valid multidimensional measure of caregiver distress that also screens for risk for clinically significant depression and anxiety. It can be implemented within a distress screening, referral, and follow‐up program to rapidly assess caregivers' unmet needs and enhance caregiver well‐being across the care continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations affected by armed conflict and other humanitarian crises are at elevated risk for mental health problems. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had broadly deleterious effects on livelihoods, economic well-being, and population health worldwide, vulnerable groups have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services during these times to vulnerable groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries and humanitarian settings, is essential. In an effort to comply with the public health response to the pandemic and mitigate COVID-19 transmission, significant implementation adaptations were made to service delivery during the pandemic. This short report describes several strategies to ensure that equity was central to these adaptations and public health responses, and provides recommendations for ensuring continuity of this progress post-pandemic. Examples and key lessons learned are given related to strategies to increase access to MHPSS services, improve meaningful stakeholder engagement, develop and support community networks, and implement community-based psychosocial support groups. They come from diverse settings of Bangladesh, Colombia, Ecuador, and Lebanon. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preventing and treating MHPSS issues. It also has created opportunities for innovative programming to address overlooked problems, improve the quality of services provided, and increase focus on equity. It is vital that we use the momentum and attention generated around MHPSS services during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to build and improve existing MHPSS services in more equitable ways for vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYAs) often experience profound psychological distress, with various unmet supportive care needs that can be alleviated with appropriate screening and attention by healthcare workers. The Distress Thermometer and Problem List-Japanese version (DTPL-J) is our previously developed screening tool to facilitate individual support of AYAs. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychosocial support program based on the DTPL-J for AYAs in clinical practice. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included 19 of 126 wards and 9 of 75 outpatient clinics at 8 institutions in Japan. Over 200 patients were expected to participate during the eligibility period. Patients participated in a support program at least once, and approximately once a month based on the DTPL-J results. The program was evaluated using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) implementation framework. Results: The screening rate of the 361 participants was 90.3%, suggesting high feasibility. Distress Thermometer scores, the number of supportive care needs, and the rates of AYAs with high distress were significantly reduced 1 month after screening (p < 0.05), suggesting the preliminary effectiveness of the program. The program was continued at the 8 institutions as part of routine care after the study. Conclusion: Analysis using the RE-AIM suggested the sufficient feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychosocial support program based on the DTPL-J for AYAs. Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000042857. Registered 25 December 2020—Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, one-quarter of all pregnancies occur in adolescents. Children born to adolescent mothers have poorer physical and socio-cognitive development. One reason may be inadequate knowledge on childcare and psychosocial support during pregnancy and post partum, since adolescent mothers have less antenatal care attendance and overall interaction with the health care system. Mobile health technology has been used to relay health information to special groups; however, psychosocial support commonly requires physical interaction. Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy of an interactive mobile text messaging platform and support groups in improving adolescent mothers' knowledge and practices as well as infant growth and development. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, conducted among adolescent mothers with infants younger than 3 months, in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Five of the 8 subcounties in Homa Bay County were purposively selected as study clusters. Four subcounties were assigned as intervention clusters and 1 as a control cluster. Adolescent mothers from 2 intervention subcounties received interactive text messaging only (limited package), whereas those from the other 2 subcounties received text messaging and weekly support groups, moderated by a community health extension worker and a counselor (full package); the control cluster only received the end-line evaluation (posttest-only control). The follow-up period was 9 months. Key outcomes were maternal knowledge on childcare and infant development milestones assessed using the Developmental Milestones Checklist (DMC III). Knowledge and DMC III scores were compared between the intervention and control groups, as well as between the 2 intervention groups. Results: We recruited 791 mother-infant pairs into the intervention groups (full package: n=375; limited package: n=416) at baseline and 220 controls at end line. Attrition from the intervention groups was 15.8% (125/791). Compared with the control group, adolescent mothers receiving the full package had a higher knowledge score on infant care and development (9.02 vs 8.01; P<.001) and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates (238/375, 63.5% vs 112/220, 50.9%; P=.004), and their infants had higher average DMC III scores (53.09 vs 48.59; P=.01). The limited package group also had higher knowledge score than the control group (8.73 vs 8.01; P<.001); this group performed better than the full package group on exclusive breastfeeding (297/416, 71.4% vs 112/220, 50.9%; P<.001) and DMC III scores (58.29 vs 48.59; P<.001) when compared with the control group. We found a marginal difference in knowledge scores between full and limited package groups (9.02 vs 8.73; P=.048) but no difference in DMC III scores between the 2 groups (53.09 vs 58.29; P>.99). Conclusions: An interactive text messaging platform improved adolescent mothers' knowledge on nurturing infant care and the development of their children, even without physical support groups. Such platforms offer a convenient avenue for providing reproductive health information to adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the violent conflict and spiraling human rights violations over the last 3 years in Ethiopia, the mass killings and genocide have received little scholarly attention. This phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of Amhara survivors of the Maikadra massacre, which occurred November 9–10, 2020, in northwestern Ethiopia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 survivors who were purposefully selected to understand the meaning and essence of their lived experiences of the massacre. Data were transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis yielded seven themes centered on premassacre oppression and discrimination, traumatic experiences, emancipation, exacerbating stressors, postmassacre injustice, survivors' primary needs, and coping mechanisms of massacre survivors. The article underscores the role of social workers and community workers in providing professional psychosocial programs and interventions to address massacre survivors' specific needs as individuals, families, and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial support (PSS) to caregivers of HIV-infected infants on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is crucial to ensure ART adherence and sustained long-term viral suppression in children. A specific approach including tools to monitor and understand adherence behavior and risk factors that prevent optimal treatment compliance are urgently needed. This qualitative exploratory study, conducted in southern Mozambique, monitored the infants' viral response trajectories during 18 months follow-up, as a measure of adherence, reviewed the caregiver's PSS session notes and the answers to a study questionnaire, to analyze whether the standard PSS checklist applied to infants' caregivers can identify barriers influencing their adherence. Only 9 of 31 infants had sustained virologic response. Reported factors affecting adherence were: difficulties in drugs administration, shared responsibility to administer treatment; disclosure of child's HIV status to family members but lack of engagement; mother's ART interruption and poor viral response. In conclusion, we found that the standard PSS approach alone, applied to caregivers, was lacking focus on many relevant matters that were identified by the study questionnaire. A comprehensive patient-centered PSS package of care, including an adherence risk factor monitoring tool, tailored to caregivers and their children must be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young mothers living with HIV (YMHIV) experience heightened risks to their mental health, as their transition to adulthood is marked by social stigma, health and socioeconomic challenges. Targeted psychosocial interventions may improve the mental health of YMHIV; however, no evidence-based interventions have been developed for this group. Peer support models, more common for youth living with HIV, show promise as a design to reach YMHIV in a non-stigmatising way. This manuscript describes the process of adapting and co-developing an evidence-based psychosocial component (Boost) of a larger intervention called Ask-Boost-Connect-Discuss. Peer supporters in Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia used ABCD to guide group sessions with YMHIV. The research team partnered with an implementing partner, Paediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa, to undertake this work in three phases: 1) formative research, 2) content adaptation and development, and 3) consultation, refinement, and modification. YMHIV (n = 4), peer supporters (n = 21), and technical advisors (n = 4) were engaged as co-developers, shaping the resulting Boost intervention component at each phase. Peer support models may effectively reach young mothers, and consultation, co-creation, and integration with existing programming can offer rich insights to inform these models. We discuss the implications and promise of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historically, in South Africa (SA), single motherhood has been part of the landscape and continues to increase. Disability in children is also increasing, yet it remains under-researched. Mothers are often left to raise their children with a disability alone, yet their voiced maternal experiences continue to largely be unheard, particularly in SA. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of single mothers raising a child with a disability in SA. Furthermore, the aim was to explore how these mothers navigate their complex realities and practice of mothering, and to amplify the voices of mothers. Finally, the study sought to shed light on the particular contextual factors that affect single maternal experiences in caring for a child with a disability. Method: Twelve South African single mothers raising a child with a disability between the ages of 7 years and 18 years were individually interviewed in this exploratory interpretivist study. Thematic analysis was utilised on the data. Results: The four themes highlight the complex, multi-level strain of raising a child with a disability, which has had a significant impact on the social, financial and emotional facets of single mothers' lives. Conclusion and contribution: The findings of the study are important for developing a thorough understanding of the needs of single mothers in this specific context as well as their daily experiences as mothers of children with disabilities. These needs include the necessity of psychosocial support and equipping single mothers with accurate knowledge about their child's disability so that they can make better accommodations for themselves and their child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cancer is a serious event in a person's life. However, certain coping strategies in relation to selected social, emotional, and personality factors appear to manage the disease. Methods: Sources of social support were tested in cancer survivors (N = 696) using hierarchical linear regression. Selected personality variables in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, and emotional factors were used as predictors of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Results: It was found that adaptive coping strategies were more frequent in younger patients, in patients who attended cancer support groups and those with a greater level of optimism. Maladaptive coping was related to the higher level of experience of pain and sadness, neuroticism, and pessimism. The absence of a relapse and the time since the disease had been diagnosed were also important factors in coping with cancer. Conclusions: The results point to the importance of considering various individual factors in the process of intervention to facilitate adaptive coping and to reduce maladaptive coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]