Introduction Parent-child physiological synchrony may reflect coordinated regulatory processes, but its meaning appears to vary across developmental and interactional contexts. Greater synchrony has been associated with more and less adaptive functioning, suggesting that synchrony should not be interpreted as inherently beneficial. The current study examined whether mother-youth trend-level physiological synchrony during a dyadic stressor was associated with multiple indicators of wellbeing in preadolescence. Method One hundred seventy-three mother-child dyads (Mothers: M age = 41.60 years; Youth: M age = 9.54 years, range = 8–12; 53% female) completed the Performance Challenge Task, during which youth attempted unsolvable puzzles while mothers observed. Respiration rate, root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were assessed simultaneously in mothers and youth. Youth reported positive and negative affect, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and aggression; mothers reported youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Growth models estimated each participant's physiological trajectory across the task, and mother and youth trajectories were covaried to estimate trend-level synchrony. Results Greater RSA synchrony was associated with higher post-stressor positive affect after accounting for pre-stressor positive affect, higher mother-reported internalizing symptoms, and lower mother-reported externalizing symptoms. RMSSD synchrony showed a nonsignificant trend toward higher youth-reported anxiety ( p = 0.08), and respiration-rate synchrony showed a nonsignificant trend toward lower mother-reported externalizing symptoms ( p = 0.06). Most other associations were nonsignificant. Discussion Findings did not support a uniformly adaptive interpretation of physiological synchrony. Instead, associations varied across outcomes and physiological indices, underscoring the importance of considering what form of synchrony is measured and the context in which it occurs.
Christina Rowley, Juelle Ford, Frances Haofei Li et al.
Background Quality antenatal care (ANC) is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality; however, access remains inequitable in Southern Africa. Women's empowerment is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of health-seeking behavior; however, its role in shaping ANC quality has not been adequately examined in the region. Methods This study used cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2015 to 2023 across seven Southern African countries ( n = 36,671). Women's empowerment was measured using the SWPER Global Index, which covers the domains of attitude toward violence, social independence, and decision-making. Quality ANC was defined as the receipt of four essential services: blood pressure measurement, urine testing, blood testing, and iron supplementation. Hierarchical models were fitted, and the measures of variation and model fit were evaluated. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. Results Overall, 45.1% of the women received quality ANC, with wide variation between countries (27.4% in Malawi vs. 92.1% in South Africa). A high level of empowerment against violence and decision-making was observed among the women in most of the countries. Women with high social independence (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24) and strong rejection of gender-based violence (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.26) were significantly more likely to receive high-quality ANC. Early ANC initiation, ≥8 visits, and doctor-led care were the most powerful predictors of quality ANC care. Conclusion Women's empowerment, particularly social independence and autonomy from violence, plays a critical role in improving the quality of ANC in Southern Africa. However, persistent socioeconomic and geographic inequities highlight the need for context-specific strategies. Policies that integrate gender equality frameworks with strengthened ANC service delivery, especially in rural and low-performing countries, are essential for achieving maternal health targets.
Background Data exist on adolescents’ screen time behavior, but are lacking on urban–rural differences. We compared daily screen time exposures and associated anthropometric parameters, frequency of outdoor physical activity, and psychological parameters of urban and rural school-going adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Using five districts of one of the administrative divisions of a western Indian state as the sampling frame, the first two urban and first two rural schools were selected from a randomly reordered list of schools. We included 627 students from 5th, 7th, and 9th standards as representatives of the adolescent age group (10–19 years). Self-reported outdoor physical activity, psychological assessment using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and daily time spent on each were recorded. We determined associations between area of residence, frequency of outdoor physical activity, and SDQ scores and screen time using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of excessive screen time (>2 h/day). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results There were 334 (53.3%) urban and 293 (46.7%) rural students. The mean age was 12.5 ± 1.4 years. Mean daily total screen time was 111.9 ± 71.7 min. Urban compared to rural [121.5 ± 75.9 min vs. 100.9 ± 65.0 min; p = 0.001] and boys compared to girls [122.9 ± 81.9 min vs. 100.9 ± 58.0 min; p < 0.000] had longer total screen time exposure. Being a rural resident was significantly associated with a >2 days/week of outdoor physical activity [78.8% (rural) vs. 35.9% (urban), respectively; OR 6.64, 95% CI 4.64–9.51, p < 0.000]. Students with daily screen time of >2 h had some/high needs on the SDQ hyperactivity scale [11.4% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.022]. Males had significantly higher odds of >2 h of total daily screen time than females (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.05–2.17; p = 0.026). Conclusion The associations between longer screen time exposure and worse physical and psychological factors warrant interventions with special attention to urban–rural differences.
Gauri A. Oka, Ashish S Ranade, Mayur Kiran Shinde et al.
BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet effective pharmacological preventive strategies remain uncertain. Statins, metformin, and vitamin D, alone or combined with omega-3, have been investigated for potential protective effects, but comparative evidence is limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of statins, metformin, and vitamin D in preventing preeclampsia and related adverse outcomes among high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Epistemonikos were searched from September 11, 2020, to September 11, 2025. Eight trials involving 4,078 high-risk pregnant women were included. Participants were randomized to statins, metformin, or vitamin D at different doses versus placebo. The primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia. Secondary outcomes included gestational hypertension, preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, gestational diabetes, respiratory distress syndrome, and perinatal outcomes. Risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were analyzed. Compared with placebo, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation showed associations with lower estimated risks of preeclampsia, particularly vitamin D 4,000 IU/day (risk ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.72) and 60,000 IU monthly (risk ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.70). These relative effects corresponded to approximate absolute risk differences of 8% and 6%, respectively, based on observed baseline risks, and reflect associations rather than proven causality. Estimates were derived from limited direct evidence within sparse networks. These dose-specific vitamin D regimens had the highest probabilistic ranking for preeclampsia within the network, but these rankings should be interpreted as exploratory rather than definitive. Higher-dose vitamin D was also associated with trends toward lower event rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight infants, although estimates were imprecise. Evidence for statins and metformin was inconsistent, with wide confidence intervals. SUCRA rankings suggested vitamin D as the highest relative ranking probability overall intervention within the network, followed by statins; however, these rankings remain exploratory given the limited network structure. These associations were derived from limited direct evidence within sparse networks and should be interpreted cautiously. Probabilistic rankings and SUCRA values reflect relative positioning within the network rather than comparative effectiveness. CONCLUSION: In high-risk pregnancies, higher-dose vitamin D regimens were associated with lower estimated risks of preeclampsia compared with placebo; however, these findings are based on limited, heterogeneous, and partly indirect evidence from sparse networks. The certainty of evidence is low, and the observed effect sizes should not be interpreted as evidence of clinical effectiveness. These findings are best considered hypothesis-generating and are intended to inform the design of future studies rather than guide clinical practice. Evidence for statins and metformin remains limited and inconsistent. Overall, further large, well-designed randomized trials are required before firm clinical recommendations can be made.
Menna Alaa El-Khouly, Mazen Mohammed Mahgoub, Mahmoud E. Abd-Elkareem et al.
Gratitude, one virtue that reflects a person's high moral standards, is a culturally sensitive construct expressed differently across cultural contexts. Definitions and perceptions of gratitude among children may differ from one community to another and from one region of the world to another. This study used a phenomenological design, coupled with the Indigenous standpoint theoretical framework and related participatory methodologies, to understand the virtue of gratitude among children. Conducting a qualitative survey, the authors utilized focus group discussions and key informant interviews to investigate how adolescents and adults from the pastoralist Turkana of northern Kenya and the Amhara of central Ethiopia defined and perceived gratitude in children aged 4–8 years. The authors analyzed the data thematically. The findings indicate that gratitude is defined variously as an innate capacity, an action, an expression of other virtues, and a feeling used to commune with both humans and the spirit world. Thus, gratitude reflects appreciation, thankfulness, and a positive response to acts of generosity or opportunities provided. Participants noted that gratitude manifested in children through their emotional dispositions, social interactions and relationships with others; their moral values; their actions and behaviors; and other positive character virtues. The most frequent recurring theme was defining gratitude as a relational skill used with both people and the spiritual world. These findings have implications for programs that support children developing positive virtues: they should be rooted in local cultural traditions and stress values prioritized by local communities.
Background: Verbal violence by teachers in classroom interactions may affect students’ psychological well-being and learning motivation, particularly in situations characterized by unequal power relations. Objective: This study aims to describe forms of verbal violence committed by an Indonesian language teacher in Class VIII of SMP Negeri 4 Arso, Keerom Regency, and to examine teacher domination through conflictive, competitive, and collaborative speech acts. Methods: This descriptive qualitative single-case study involved one Indonesian language teacher and 83 Class VIII students, consisting of 24 boys and 59 girls. Data were collected through classroom observation, interviews, questionnaires, video recordings, and field notes. The primary data consisted of teacher utterances containing elements of verbal violence and students’ statements related to these experiences. Data were analyzed using the Miles-Huberman interactive model. Results: Thirty verbal utterances were identified. Competitive speech acts were the most frequent, comprising 14 utterances (50%), followed by conflictive speech acts with 13 utterances (43%) and collaborative speech acts with 3 utterances (7%). Teacher domination was manifested through satire, warnings, commands, protests, belittling, mocking, cursing, threatening, demanding, stating, and announcing. Student responses included tolerance, fear, discomfort, and reduced motivation to learn. Conclusion: Teacher verbal violence in this case was predominantly expressed through competitive and conflictive speech acts. The findings emphasize the importance of respectful and child-friendly communication in classroom interactions.
Viksit Bharat 2047 vision focuses on making India a developed, inclusive, and sustainable country by its 100th anniversary of independence. This paper offers a multidimensional and sequential model of incorporating the major pillars of development including human rights, empowerment of women, social development and skill improvement with special emphasis on fempreneurs as the economic growth agents. Gender Equity as underlined in SDG 5- Gender Equality, is a main pillar towards sustainable development since they will be able to enjoy equal rights, opportunities and access to resources as women (Jameel, 2025). It is an important move beyond development to women to development with women where women are seen as the agents of development both economic and social. The availability of good education under SDG 4 Quality Education reinforces this process by empowering women with knowledge, skills and decision-making power, which results in better family and societal performance. This is then illustrated by economic empowerment which is in line with SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) in which financial independence via fempreneurship, innovation and financial literacy increase the contribution of women to national productivity. As a result, SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being is improved in terms of maternal and child health, which enhances human capital. With the empowerment, women are now actively involved in decision making process, which also consists of reduced inequalities according to SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities. Nevertheless, the key to the development of their full potential lies in reducing social barriers like discrimination and gender-based violence. In this regard, gender equity is relevant in providing inclusive business environments to fempreneurs to ensure sustainable development and social equity. Its effect goes beyond generations, with empowered females investing in education, food, and health of children, so that the development of society is guaranteed in the long term. In summary, gender equity on these SDGs should be enhanced to achieve the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and create an inclusive, sustainable and resilient country.
Single mothers may simultaneously manage income generation, household responsibilities, parenting, decision-making and emotional support. The present descriptive mixed-method study examined psychological stress, social support, coping mechanisms and mother-child family dynamics among 28 single mothers and their children. The study used a supplied questionnaire consisting of demographic items, five-point mother-reported stress and well-being items, social-support and coping questions, open-ended responses, and a child questionnaire addressing emotional well-being and household dynamics. The recorded findings showed very high endorsement of financial pressure (99%), work-life/personal mental-health balance (99%), sole parenting responsibility (98%), and anxiety/guilt regarding time and resources (98%); loneliness was also highly endorsed (97%). External support was rated moderate by 60% and excellent by 40%. Family/friends were reported as a coping route by 49%, while 50% reported internalising or privately managing stress. From the child perspective, 99% reported very frequent concern about maternal stress and 99% reported very frequent closeness and support from their mothers; 92% reported very frequent comfort in sharing feelings or problems. The findings indicate that substantial maternal burden can coexist with strong mother-child emotional bonds. The study supports family-sensitive interventions that combine psychological support with practical childcare, financial guidance, flexible work arrangements and accessible community networks.
Abstract Parenting in urban informal settlements is shaped by intersecting economic, environmental, and institutional constraints. However, less is known about how young mothers experience and make sense of everyday caregiving under these conditions. This study explored the lived experiences of 20 young mothers aged 18–35 years raising children in Old Fadama and African Eleven, two informal settlements in Accra, Ghana. Guided by Jack’s framework of ecological influences on parenting and using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study examined experiences of child health care, housing, and education. Participants described recurrent childhood illness, limited access to formal health services, overcrowded and flood-prone living environments, and financial barriers to children’s schooling. Their accounts suggested that caregiving decisions were shaped by restricted material and institutional options, while mothers continued to negotiate available resources and sustain educational aspirations for their children. Although the two settlements differed as a “slum of hope” and a “slum of despair,” settlement type shaped the intensity of these hardships more than their fundamental characteristics. The study contributes an experience-centered account of parenting under structural constraint and highlights the importance of integrated, context-responsive interventions addressing health care, housing, education and the socioeconomic conditions of young mothers and improve child well-being in marginalized communities.
Portia Nana Ama Brempong, Kingsley Saa‐Touh Mort, Eunice Abbey et al.
This study examines the legacy of Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali in Malaysia, focusing on her contributions to rural healthcare, women’s empowerment, and community development. The study was conducted through a qualitative documentary review of academic literature, institutional publications, government reports, and credible historical sources concerning her medical career and public-health activities. Particular attention was given to her early service in Kedah, her work in maternal and child health, her leadership in rural health training, and her broader advocacy for women and community well-being. Historical evidence indicates that her professional career was closely connected with Malaysia’s development of rural health services, particularly services addressing mothers and children. The study also examined contemporary Malaysian statistics to situate her legacy within continuing issues of gender equality, healthcare access, and community development. The findings indicate that her legacy can be understood through the interaction of professional medical service, public-health leadership, women’s participation, and community-oriented development rather than through her public position alone.
