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The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the reduction of mental health problems in adolescents who participate in support groups with poetry, those who participate in groups with other methodologies, and those who do not participate in support groups. This community trial, which performed in 2021, included 1252 adolescents, of whom 171 showed suicidal risk. Three groups were formed: a support group where poetry was included among the methods, a support group that worked on crafts, and a control group that did not participate in support groups. Greater recovery occurred in adolescents who participated in poetry. Recovery strategies can include artistic elements in their methodologies to increase effectiveness.

Abstract Purpose On average, about 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to conventional cancer treatment. Since there is a high need for information, patients often search for information about CAM and share experiences with peers, especially in self-help groups. In this study, we tested and evaluated an educational concept developed for group leaders of cancer self-help groups on how to approach the topic of CAM in their peer groups. Methods The educational concept has been developed and piloted with health care professionals and representatives from different self-help organizations in Germany. It aims to inform and discuss the possibilities and limitations of CAM in terms of scientific evidence, to reflect user behavior, and to provide a guide on how to find and evaluate reliable and evidence-based information sources. First, self-help group leaders took part in an on-site training where they were educated on various CAM topics with the goal of being able to conduct the educational concept in their respective self-help groups. Then, the educated group leaders performed this concept in their groups. The educational concept was evaluated by both the group leaders and participants with respect to acceptance, usefulness, and satisfaction using paper-pencil questionnaires. The study was conducted in Germany based on an observational study design with a six-month follow-up. For the analyses, descriptive and univariate statistics for dependent samples were used. Results A total of n = 50 interested group leaders conducted the educational program in their groups. The most common implementation barriers were organizational or structural problems, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed with managing the program in their groups. A total of n = 423 participants were educated with this program by their respective group leaders. The majority felt satisfied with the educational program and improved their knowledge about CAM. At the six months follow-up (T2), significantly more participants had consulted their physicians to inform themselves about CAM and felt more confident in finding reliable information about CAM. Conclusions In this observational study, we have managed to successfully implement an educational concept with respect to the topic of CAM in cancer self-help groups. Based on the results, the concept approach will be modified to include both a CAM- professional and group leader to train the self-help groups. In the future, the effects of the program should be tested by a randomized trial.

Abstract The study investigates how microfinance interventions and the entrepreneurial engagement of Self-Help Group (SHGs) members impact women’s social and economic empowerment in rural communities. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights gathered through surveys, interviews, and case studies. The study’s findings demonstrated a notably positive and moderately significant impact of microfinance and entrepreneurial engagement on the social, economic, and psychological dimensions of women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the inclusion of case studies provided evidence that microfinance activities and entrepreneurship involvement have substantially empowered women across various domains, such as increasing financial independence, enhancing participation in decision-making processes, fostering social networks and support, and boosting their overall self-confidence and well-being. These insights emphasise the transformative potential of microfinance initiatives in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in diverse socio-economic contexts.

Purpose: On average, about 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to conventional cancer treatment. Since there is a high need for information, patients often search for information about CAM and share experiences with peers, especially in self-help groups. In this study, we tested and evaluated an educational concept developed for group leaders of cancer self-help groups on how to approach the topic of CAM in their peer groups. Methods: The educational concept has been developed and piloted with health care professionals and representatives from different self-help organizations in Germany. It aims to inform and discuss the possibilities and limitations of CAM in terms of scientific evidence, to reflect user behavior, and to provide a guide on how to find and evaluate reliable and evidence-based information sources. First, self-help group leaders took part in an on-site training where they were educated on various CAM topics with the goal of being able to conduct the educational concept in their respective self-help groups. Then, the educated group leaders performed this concept in their groups. The educational concept was evaluated by both the group leaders and participants with respect to acceptance, usefulness, and satisfaction using paper-pencil questionnaires. The study was conducted in Germany based on an observational study design with a six-month follow-up. For the analyses, descriptive and univariate statistics for dependent samples were used. Results: A total of n = 50 interested group leaders conducted the educational program in their groups. The most common implementation barriers were organizational or structural problems, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed with managing the program in their groups. A total of n = 423 participants were educated with this program by their respective group leaders. The majority felt satisfied with the educational program and improved their knowledge about CAM. At the six months follow-up (T2), significantly more participants had consulted their physicians to inform themselves about CAM and felt more confident in finding reliable information about CAM. Conclusions: In this observational study, we have managed to successfully implement an educational concept with respect to the topic of CAM in cancer self-help groups. Based on the results, the concept approach will be modified to include both a CAM- professional and group leader to train the self-help groups. In the future, the effects of the program should be tested by a randomized trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, patient organisations offer advice and the exchange of experiences to Hirschsprung's disease patients and their families. Professional treatment by experienced health care providers and the availability of life-long multidisciplinary follow-up care are essential. However, outside the clinic, patients and their families have to manage life on a day-to-day basis at home, which often brings up uncertainties and questions: Parents go through different stages during the diagnosis and treatment of their child, the affected children themselves go through many different stages of development, and even through the course of adulthood, new questions regarding the chronic disease may arise. Patient organisations can support the patients and their families at all stages of life by listening, offering information in an understandable way, connecting people, and sharing others' experiences. This enables families and patients to develop a better understanding of the rare disease and promotes their management strategies and confidence. The holistic approach of patient organisations aims to complement the medical treatment. Therefore, the referral of all patients and their families to patient organisations should be part of the medical advice in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study intended to address a knowledge gap by examining the group dynamics effectiveness of Self Help Groups in the Ethiopian context. A correlational design was applied and 372 Self Help Groups members were selected from 60 SHGs through simple random sampling. The main data analysis methods used were Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple regression. The result indicated that the attitude (r=.667, p

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

Microfinance SHGs have played a significant role in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly in developing countries. This systematic literature review sought to identify the many characteristics of self-help group operations contributing to poverty reduction and income generation to understand both the study and practice of microfinance SHG in India. The following three aspects regarding the impact of income generation were covered: Asset creation, economic empowerment of SHG members, and microenterprise development. Papers are found using a specific set of exclusion and inclusion criteria and assessed. This article provides insights based on a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the literature. The conclusions of this review have implications for policymakers, microfinance practitioners, and researchers on how to improve the effectiveness and reach of Microfinance Self-help Groups in the drive for economic empowerment and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the effect of the spouse's access to financial services via self‐help groups (SHGs) on technical efficiency, technology and managerial gaps. We use farm‐level data from rice farming households in eastern India, propensity score matching method and selectivity‐corrected stochastic production frontier model. Results show that farms with access to financial services via a spouse's membership in SHGs have slightly higher technical efficiency than their counterparts. Technology and managerial gaps are higher for farms where spouses have access to financial services via SHGs than their counterparts. With access to financial services via spouses, rice farmers reallocated family labour and hired more labour for crop establishment. Thus, women joining SHGs can increase crop productivity, and extension agents should also focus on spouses and their role in farming decision‐making, not just financial management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a self-help group consisting of mothers with children exhibiting aggressive behaviors and a psycho-education group involving children displaying aggressive behaviors on children’s aggression behaviors. Three groups were included in the study. The groups are consisted of child psycho- education group (experimental group 1), mother self-help group (experimental group 2) and child control group (control group). The students in experimental group 1 were administered an 8-session psycho-education program for coping with aggression. Participating children were aged 9–10 years. The self-help group was formed with the mothers of children in the experimental 2 group. The control groups received no interventions. The students’ aggression levels were determined using the Aggression Questionnaire, which was developed by Buss and Perry and adapted to Turkish by Can (2002). Children’s aggressive behaviors were mainly determined as physical aggression (hitting others, fighting, throwing pencils) and verbal aggression (threatening, shouting loudly). The questionnaire was administered as pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements to the experimental and control group students. In comparison to the psycho-education group, the self-help group conducted with mothers was found to be more effective in reducing aggression. When the post-test and follow-up scores of the psycho-education group and the control group were analyzed, although there was very little increase in the scores, a significant increase was reported in the follow-up scores of the self-help group. This finding indicates that the effect of efficient help could diminish in extraordinary circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental disorders significantly impact individuals, families, communities, and countries with evident economic consequences, including direct costs, lost productivity, and other indirect costs. The role of communities in managing their recovery in terms of mental health is increasingly recognized. Since the Caracas Declaration of 1990, the responsibility of States to promote and accompany community actions has been established. On the other hand, the strengthening of culture is recognized as a protective factor for mental health and should be a component of any community intervention. Through an argumentative method as practical reason and inductive logic, the objective of this review is toanalyze psychosocial recovery strategies that emerged from the communities. Cooperativism, mutual aid, and coffee are proposed as guiding elements of this epistemological approach, the latter as a cultural element in the recovery of rural mental health. Medicine, social and community psychology, and community-based rehabilitation are non-hegemonic movements that aim to strengthen the autonomy and empowerment of individuals and groups. The above implies getting closer to the culture and preferences of each community to better understand and accompany the paths of recovery. Resumo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

This paper offers a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies on the main twelve-step mutual-help (TSMH) groups (excluding Alcoholics Anonymous) and four meta-analyses exploring the correlation between (i) duration or involvement in TSMH groups and; (ii) severity of symptoms or quality of life. Systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches of databases (MEDLINE, PsychInfo), a register (ClinicalTrials) and citations were conducted, from inception through November 01 2022. Fifty five articles were included (24 quantitative, 27 qualitative, 4 mixed-methods), corresponding to 47 distinctive studies. 68% of these studies were conducted in North America, 17% in Middle East, 11% in the European Union and 4% in Australia. The most studied TSMH group were Gamblers Anonymous (28% of the 47 studies), Narcotics Anonymous (26%), Double Trouble in Recovery (15%), Overeaters Anonymous (19%) and TSMH groups for compulsive sexual behaviors (11%). The four meta-analyses pooled data from 9 studies. Pooled mean age ranged from 36.5 to 40.5. 80–81% of participants were male. TSMH attendance and involvement were negatively correlated with severity of symptoms (high and medium levels of evidence) and positively correlated with quality of life (low levels of evidence). Twenty-one qualitative papers reported factors influencing recovery: Social (n = 15), emotional (n = 9), spiritual (n = 8), self-identification or psychological (n = 6) factors. Review provides characteristics of TSMH groups others than Alcoholics Anonymous, with implications for both research and healthcare practice. The perspective to implement TSMH groups targeting ontological addiction, at the root of all addiction, is discussed. Protocol registration: Prospero registration number: CRD42022342605. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GAP Local Plan (of the Health Protection Board) provides for a self-help group aimed at families of gamblers. In fact, Gambling Disorder (DSM V) does not only directly involve people who have a gambling problem but also their family members and loved ones; emotionally, economically and socially. Furthermore, the discomfort of the individual often speaks of a group dynamic, of collective suffering. In families the transaction is circular (Selvini, 1975). The Self Mutual Help group created is open to all citizens, as well as to family members of people who have already turned to the Addiction Service for a gambling problem. Self-help groups are based on the natural ability of human beings to be in relationship with each other and to support each other in times of difficulty and it is from these premises that this group also began. The article aims to recount, starting from the fundamentals of mutual self-help, the experience of the first AMA group aimed at family members of gamblers, promoted by the Addiction Service, in the Lodi area. The first observations can be useful for future years and to better develop an opportunity which has as its premise that of helping more and more people who fi nd themselves facing a moment of difficulty. It is precisely the progressive discovery of gambling by family members that is traumatic, generating a climate of mutual distrust, cyclical experiences of illusions/disappointments, uncertainty that determines anxiety, fear and chronic stress (Capitanucci, 2012). The Auto Mutuo Aiuto group can help to emerge from isolation, increase solidarity, understand internal and external dynamics, stimulate new perspectives, bring out resources, feel capable and active. In the ecological-social approach, the family is seen not only as a possible part of the problem, but also and above all as a system open to the community, capable of exchanges and equipped with its own resources to be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cross River State today, rural poverty is rapidly in the increase. However, there are many ways to reduce poverty in rural communities in the State. Merely providing economic and social backingfor poor people in rural area, especially the women, has beenadjudged very useful in reducing poverty in rural communities.The Provision of necessarysupport or credit facility to the women helps to empower them, botheconomically and socially, as well as the entire community.Thiswork is therefore placed on this background to determineany association between Self-helpGroups (SHGs) and social and economic empowerment of people in the rural areas of the Senatorial District, and the rural women in particular, and to recommend appropriate waysto effectively improve the functioning of SHGs to improve the social andeconomic well-being of the people in rural area. On that note, the main data wascollected through field survey in the Local Government Areas in the Central Senatorial District oftheState. From the results and discussionsabout the achievementevaluation of rural womenSHGs and their role in the development of their communities, important findings of the study was illustrated.

Providing the microfinance to rural women is the prime concern of the government at central and state level in which the best microfinance programme is the Self Help Group Bank Linkage Programme. However, the Delinquency rate of the SHGBLP loan is on the higher side. As, borrowers do not make their loan repayments on time.

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

In many countries, patient organisations offer advice and the exchange of experiences to Hirschsprung’s disease patients and their families. Professional treatment by experienced health care providers and the availability of life-long multidisciplinary follow-up care are essential. However, outside the clinic, patients and their families have to manage life on a day-to-day basis at home, which often brings up uncertainties and questions: Parents go through different stages during the diagnosis and treatment of their child, the affected children themselves go through many different stages of development, and even through the course of adulthood, new questions regarding the chronic disease may arise. Patient organisations can support the patients and their families at all stages of life by listening, offering information in an understandable way, connecting people, and sharing others’ experiences. This enables families and patients to develop a better understanding of the rare disease and promotes their management strategies and confidence. The holistic approach of patient organisations aims to complement the medical treatment. Therefore, the referral of all patients and their families to patient organisations should be part of the medical advice in the treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease.

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

Postpartum depression is a significant health issue affecting both mothers and newborns during the postpartum period. Group support interventions during this period have proven effective in helping women cope with depression and improving breastfeeding rates. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a midwife-led breastfeeding support group intervention on breastfeeding rates, postpartum depression and general self-efficacy. This was a multicentric cluster randomised controlled trial with control and intervention groups and was not blinded. It was conducted in Andalusia (southern Spain) from October 2021 to May 2023. A total of 382 women participated in the study. The results showed a significant difference in exclusive breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum between the groups (control 50% vs. intervention 69.9%; p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a lower mean score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in the intervention group (12.49 ± 3.6 vs. 13.39 ± 4.0; p = 0.044). Similarly, higher scores of general self-efficacy were observed among breastfeeding women at 2 and 4 months postpartum (77.73 ± 14.81; p = 0.002 and 76.46 ± 15.26; p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, midwife-led breastfeeding support groups enhanced self-efficacy, prolonged breastfeeding and reduced postpartum depression 4 months after giving birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the perceived benefits of participating in a support group of caregivers of children with multiple disabilities. Materials and methods. This was a qualitative stud with a focused ethnographic approach, conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, in which we applied convenience sampling. We included 20 caregivers of children with multiple disabilities. Information was collected through participant observation, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed applying Braun and Clark's proposals. Results. The emerging themes were: social support network: integrating, informing and helping each other; learning space: learning to take care and to take care of oneself; promoting empowerment: identifying and facing access barriers. Conclusions. We found that the support group functions as a social support network, provides information, reduces uncertainty, facilitates coping and resilience after the birth and upbringing of a child with multipledisabilities. It is a space where one learns to care for and take care of oneself and whereempowerment for the defense of the rights of children with disabilities is promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: The incidence of stroke in children is low, and pediatric stroke rehabilitation services are less developed than adult ones. Survivors of pediatric stroke have a long poststroke life expectancy and therefore have the potential to experience impairments from their stroke for many years. However, there are relatively few studies characterizing these impairments and what factors facilitate or counteract recovery. Objective: This study aims to characterize the main barriers to and facilitators of recovery from pediatric stroke. A secondary aim was to explore whether these factors last into adulthood, whether they change, or if new factors impacting recovery emerge in adulthood. Methods: We performed a qualitative thematic analysis based on posts from a population of participants from a UK-based online stroke community, active between 2004 and 2011. The analysis focused on users who talked about their experiences with pediatric stroke, as identified by a previous study. The posts were read by 3 authors, and factors influencing recovery from pediatric stroke were mapped into 4 areas: medical, physical, emotional, and social. Factors influencing recovery were divided into short-term and long-term factors. Results: There were 425 posts relating to 52 survivors of pediatric stroke. Some survivors of stroke posted for themselves, while others were talked about by a third party (mostly parents; 31/35, 89% mothers). In total, 79% (41/52) of survivors of stroke were aged ≤18 years and 21% (11/52) were aged >18 years at the time of posting. Medical factors included comorbidities as a barrier to recovery. Medical interventions, such as speech and language therapy and physiotherapy, were also deemed useful. Exercise, particularly swimming, was deemed a facilitator. Among physical factors, fatigue and chronic pain could persist decades after a stroke, with both reported as a barrier to feeling fully recovered. Tiredness could worsen existing stroke-related impairments. Other long-standing impairments were memory loss, confusion, and dizziness. Among emotional factors, fear and uncertainty were short-term barriers, while positivity was a major facilitator in both short- and long-term recovery. Anxiety, grief, and behavioral problems hindered recovery. The social barriers were loneliness, exclusion, and hidden disabilities not being acknowledged by third parties. A good support network and third-party support facilitated recovery. Educational services were important in reintegrating survivors into society. Participants reported that worrying about losing financial support, such as disability allowances, and difficulties in obtaining travel insurance and driving licenses impacted recovery. Conclusions: The lived experience of survivors of pediatric stroke includes long-term hidden disabilities and barriers to rehabilitation. These are present in different settings, such as health care, schools, workplaces, and driving centers. Greater awareness of these issues by relevant professional groups may help ameliorate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping review aims to identify and critically appraise published economic evaluations of self-help group (SHG) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that seek to improve health and potentially also non-health outcomes. Through a systematic search of MEDLINE ALL (Ovid), EMBASE Ovid, PsychINFO, EconLit (Ovid) and Global Index Medicus, we identified studies published between 2014 and 2020 that were based in LMICs, included at least a health outcome, estimated intervention costs and reported the methods used. We critically analysed whether the methods employed can meaningfully inform decisions by ministries of health and other sectors, including donors, regarding whether to fund such interventions, and prioritized the aspects of evaluations that support decision-making and cross-sectoral decision-making especially. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials were the most commonly used vehicle to collect data and to establish a causal effect across studies. While all studies clearly stated one or more perspectives justifying the costs and effects that are reported, few papers clearly laid out the decision context or the decision maker(s) informed by the study. The latter is required to inform which costs, effects and opportunity costs are relevant to the decision and should be included in the analysis. Costs were typically reported from the provider or health-care sector perspective although other perspectives were also employed. Four papers reported outcomes in terms of a generic measure of health. Contrary to expectation, no studies reported outcomes beyond health. Our findings suggest limitations in the extent to which published studies are able to inform decision makers around the value of implementing SHG interventions in their particular context. Funders can make better informed decisions when evidence is presented using a cross-sectoral framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

Dairying provides self-employment opportunities to rural women in India. However, due to the lack of unique approaches to meet the information needs of women dairy farmers, dairying was not found profitable. Mobile phones as one of the communication channels can address the information and knowledge gap of rural women farmers. In this regard, a study was carried out about the mobile utility pattern of women farmers in livestock-based Womeh Self-Help Groups, their accessibility and affordability to mobile phones. The mobile utility pattern indicated that most of the respondents own mobile or had access through their family members and were using mobile for more than five years. SMS (Short Message Service) was the mostly used feature and were in the habit of checking SMS daily. Voice SMS was preferred over text SMS and evening time was the most preferred time for receiving SMS. Accessibility to mobile phone was observed by all the rural women in the study area, however, only a few were aware that scientific information can be received through mobiles. Most of them felt that it was good to pay for mobile extension advisory services which may improve the productivity of their farms an encouraging phenomenon towards the utilisation of digital tools for extension and advisory services.

Background: Concerns regarding symptom severity and the risk of relapse among people seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) have been raised since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Owing to preventive measures implemented during the pandemic (social distancing or lockdown), self‐help group (SHG) meetings were restricted. However, the impact of deprivation of onsite recovery meetings on drinking behavior and risk among SHG members with AUD remains unclear. We examined the proportion of SHG members who reported drinking and their reasons for drinking during the early stages of the pandemic and the effect of nonattendance at onsite recovery meetings on drinking behavior during the early pandemic period, stratified by gender. Methods: A national cross‐sectional survey of Japanese SHG members was conducted to measure self‐reported alcohol consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, AUD diagnosis, treatment status, SHG meeting attendance, membership duration, psychological distress, and health‐related variables. Of 6478 SHG members, 2955 (male: n = 2678; female: n = 277; response rate: 46.7%) responded, and the responses were analyzed using a gender‐stratified multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Most participants reported having abstained from alcohol use, while 6% of the respondents reported having consumed alcohol during the early stages of the pandemic. The proportion of "drinkers" among women (10.5%) was significantly higher than that among men (5.9%; p = 0.012). Through multivariate model analysis, the factors associated with drinking during the pandemic were identified as psychological distress (among men and women) and not attending onsite recovery meetings (among men). Conversely, a longer duration of SHG membership was associated with less drinking during the pandemic for both genders. Conclusions: Most SHG members appear to have remained abstinent during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, psychological distress in both genders and the inability to attend recovery meetings among men may have influenced drinking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment levels of women involved in aquaculture-related vocations were measured using the Women Empowerment in Aquaculture Index (WEAI) in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha during 2022-23. Ninety-eight women belonging to 9 randomly chosen women self-help groups were studied using a structured interview schedule. Regression analysis indicated that 53.9 per cent variation in the women empowerment level was attributed to annual income, information source utilization, social participation, participation in extension activity, training, and innovativeness. The empowerment level of 9 SHGs varied from 61-95 per cent, with considerable differences between the domains- access to and control over resources and services, participation in social and economic activities, ability to make independent decisions, control over income usage, knowledge on aquaculture, and attitude towards aquaculture. Non-availability of bigger size fingerlings, lack of financial support from Govt. organizations, and lack of knowledge regarding recommended practices were among the constraints that limit women's participation in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "Self-help group" (SHG) has been attracting scientific focus from different disciplines. In general, SHGs can be objectified as a spontaneous civil initiative leading to formation of collective activities through fostering solidarity to tackle any types of life challenges, such as poverty, gender-inequality, discrimination, and any type of marginalization. Also, different groups have different shared objectives; peersupport on medical conditions or both physical and mental disabilities, alcoholic addiction, and environmental issues shared among local community, just to name a few. This research elucidates how different academic disciplines separately analyze SHGs without enough inter-reference and problematizes a fragmentation of SHGs research caused by a lack of interdisciplinary approach, ending in failure of constructive studies. In conclusion, the author reveals a possible framework to grasp the whole picture of SHGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North western parts of India are culturally diverse and they are traditionally rules by the dynasty in the historical times. The north western states cover the parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Uttara hand. The employment opportunities with respect to the north western parts of India is with agriculture, education, Production of Handicrafts, preparing of food items, factories and cultural performance apart from that tea stalls, repairing machines, and vocational opportunities. With the government initiative towards urbanization and creating employment opportunities for the youth and the society. One such initiative developed through the scheme is selfhelp group launched by the National Rural Livelihood Mission, by Ministry of Rural Development. So, these self-help group has created an opportunity for the informal people with unemployment to generate a source of income through improving their living condition which is generally self-governed and peer controlled. The main aim of these groups is that they get associated with NGOs or government agency to get their issues resolved especially they are focusing on creating self-employment through loans from the banks linked to the groups. This paper focuses on deeply analyzing the outcome of the self-help group and to know the current position of the self-help groups, in which state the number of self-help group is high and which category of people are much availing these opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unexpected and unanticipated obstetric problems that can have a direct or indirect impact on the well-being of mothers and babies are considered high-risk pregnancies. Uncertainty in health conditions is felt as a life-threatening event that can threaten the lives of mothers and babies. This condition will trigger various stress responses felt by the mother. Moderate to severe stress during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of developing postpartum depression. One of the important coping sources to deal with stress is self-efficacy. Personal abilities are all aspects of an individual that can be utilized to solve problems. One of the interventions that can be used to improve coping mechanisms is self-help groups. Self Help group is a group approach to help its members solve their problems. Purpose: This study aims to determine the impact of self-help groups as therapy in the community to reduce stress responses and increase self-efficacy in high-risk pregnant women. Methods: The research design used was a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design. 15 respondents were given intervention in 3 sessions for 90 minutes in each session. Stress response and self-efficacy were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using the paired sample T-test. Results: This study shows that the average assessment stress response and self-efficacy score of mothers before the self-help group therapy is 128 and 35. After the therapy, the average response stress and self-efficacy score of mothers was 86 and 53. The study shows the effect of self-help group therapy on stress response (?-value = 0,012) and self-efficacy (?-value = 0,021). Conclusion: It was concluded that self-help group therapy was effective in decreasing stress respons and improving self-efficacy for high-risk pregnant women.

This research aims to identify the components associated with the benefits of Mutual Aid Groups (mags). Although they have been singled out by the evidence, specific information on their nuclear components is lacking. Based on the methodological approach of Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute, all research studies (Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, and Redalyc) and gray literature examining these groups were included. The search was carried out throughout 2022 with the following codes: mutual aid groups; self-help groups. We reviewed 62 papers and 37 were included from a total of 2064 articles. The study shows that the components associated with beneficial results are: active agency, coping strategies, recognition, management of emotions, problem-solving strategies, supportive interaction, trust, self-identity construction, and strengthening of social networks. Thus, it reaffirms that mags are an effective option to address health problems. The application of these components could also contribute to achieve these benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural India, poverty and unemployment constitute a vicious cycle. Unemployment is caused by poverty, while poverty is caused by unemployment. The vast bulk of poverty reduction programmes consists of community development activities, which include self help group (SHG) operations. These groups do a tremendous lot for rural communities, including improving the quality of life and generating employment through microcredit. Economic empowerment (financial stability) and social empowerment (social standing and self-confidence) are required to empower the poor. Empowerment will result from expanding mental and non-mental spaces that enable action and voice to enhance life quality. Planners and policymakers demand strategic planning for rural women's social and economic empowerment in the country's states, as most women joined SHGs for economic empowerment and family welfare. Reviewing articles, theses, and books yielded the findings of this study. India's best lesson is to employ SHGs for anti-poverty and women's empowerment which social workers can serve considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world. After liberalization in 1991, microfinance became a panacea for poor people without collateral and information asymmetry. The higher cost of microfinance and debt traps highlighted the need for the state to intervene in resource redistribution. In addition, national lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult for emerging economies like India to achieve this sustainable development goal. The Reserve Bank of India introduced self-help group (SHG) bank linkage to ensure the financial inclusion of the poor. The difference-in-difference method examined how SHGs affect entrepreneur households' income. CMIE Consumer Pyramid dx data were used for analysis. The data establish that SHGs have increased the income of the households, and demographic factors such as education, income level and gender also impact the financial inclusion of the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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