Abstract Japan has faced numerous issues in the last twenty years with its mandatory long-term care (LTC) insurance program. This LTC insurance program obviously affected older adults’ informal support exchanges, reducing support from family and the community, which became more valuable, subjectively. Furthermore, changes in support have impacted older adults’ subjective well-being and children’s perceived care motivation. Additionally, a mandatory uniform system challenges the issue of tolerance of diversity, meaning how non-traditional families’ opinions be involved LTC situations. This symposium discusses unexpected shifting issues in Japan in the implementation of a public LTC program with a focus on older adults’ support exchanges. The first paper examines the long-term impacts of formal and informal support by examining the effects of implementing formal services. The second paper assesses a community’s role in relation to family in the presence of a public LTC program. The third paper examines the subjective impacts of older parents, who provided support to adult children and their reciprocal expectations of receiving LTC. The fourth paper, on the other hand, articulates reciprocal impacts on sons’ care motivation, which has become more important, since the introduction of the LTC program reinforced men’s participation in LTC. Finally, the fifth paper clarifies how a public uniform program accommodates informal support from non-traditional families when the program premises the presence of family in advanced care planning. Our findings have long-term implications for aging societies in relation to formal and informal support exchanges.
Introduction Collaborative relationship-focussed practice centres on the relational aspects of co-designing priorities and goals with individuals, collectives, and occupational therapists. To establish a relationship with immigrant families of children with disabilities, aligning the goals with their values and resources is essential. However, this is perceived as challenging, and there is a significant knowledge gap regarding how the goals are set in the occupational therapy process with immigrant families of children with disabilities. Objectives This study aimed to explore how immigrant families of children with disabilities contribute to and influence the occupational therapy goal-setting process. Methods This study employed a qualitative methodology using constructivist grounded theory. This methodology enabled the researcher to inductively frame theory grounded in data in an area with limited literature. Consumer and community involvement Consumers and community members were not involved in the development or undertaking of this research. Results The occupational therapy goal-setting process is complex and is influenced by families' culturally constructed wants, professional frameworks, and the demands of the broader system. Currently, the professional frameworks and demands of the system overshadow the occupational therapy goal-setting process, compromising the focus on the overarching wants of immigrant families. Conclusion Collaborative relationship-focussed occupational therapy practice involves shifting and centring the position of the immigrant families of children with disabilities. This can only be achieved by understanding and integrating families' wants into the occupational therapy process. Recognising and addressing their wants helps occupational therapists contextually position the family within their cultural, social, and political context.
Against the backdrop of increasingly prominent mental health issues among adolescents, insufficient development of the family sports environment, a key external factor associated with emotional regulation, has emerged as a critical but often overlooked determinant of psychological stability and resilience among Chinese youth. In particular, the absence of an active sports lifestyle and structured parent-child interaction patterns may be associated with impaired emotional regulation processes, highlighting the need to examine the associational pathways. Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between the family sports environment and emotional regulation abilities among Chinese adolescents and to explore the serial indirect associations of sports` lifestyle and parent-child relationship within a theoretically informed mediation model. Methods A cluster sampling survey was conducted among 750 Chinese adolescents. Data were collected using the Family Sports Environment Scale, the Adolescent Emotional Regulation Scale, the Sports Lifestyle Scale, and the Parent-Child Relationship Scale. All variables were measured at a single time point using self-report questionnaires. Results (1) No statistically significant differences were observed across gender or age in family sports environment, emotional regulation, sports lifestyle, or parent-child relationship (p > 0.05); (2) The family sports environment was significantly and positively associated with emotional regulation (r = 0.698, p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that the total effect of family sports environment on emotional regulation was significant (unstandardized coefficient, B = 0.292; t = 26.811, p < 0.001). while the direct effect also remained significant (standardized coefficient,β = 0.207; t = 3.829, p < 0.001). In addition, the family sports environment was significantly associated with variations in sports lifestyle (B = 1.957, t = 37.969, p < 0.001) and parent-child relationship (B = 0.292, t = 8.445, p < 0.001). Sports lifestyle was significantly associated with variations in parent-child relationship (β = 0.226, t = 15.931, p < 0.001) and emotional regulation (β = 0.203, t = 8.400, p < 0.001). Moreover, the parent-child relationship was significantly associated with variations in emotional regulation (β = 0.524, t = 9.175, p < 0.001); (3) Sports lifestyle and parent-child relationship both demonstrated significant mediating associations in the relationship between family sports environment and adolescent emotional regulation, consistent with a serial mediation model of associations. Conclusion The family sports environment was significantly associated with healthier sports lifestyles among Chinese adolescents and more positive parent-child relationships, and was also indirectly associated with emotional regulation abilities through the sequential mediating effects of these two factors. Sports lifestyles and parent-child relationships function as key intermediary pathways linking the family sports environment to adolescents' emotional regulation, thereby providing a theoretically informed explanation of the observed associative pathways. From a practical perspective, these findings suggest that optimizing the family sports environment, encouraging parent-child engagement in physical activities, and fostering regular physical activity habits among adolescents may be supportive contextual factors for improving emotional regulation and supporting mental health development. Such strategies may also provide valuable implications for family-based sports guidance and adolescent mental health support practices. However, this study is subject to limitations related to sample representativeness and cross-sectional research design. Future research is encouraged to employ longitudinal designs and incorporate more comprehensive family-context variables to further examine and validate these associations.
Abstract Physical inactivity is a worldwide public challenge and a leading risk factor for overweight and obesity. Despite the well-recognized benefits of physical activity (PA), only 29% of European youth meet recommended guidelines of at least 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA. The school setting provides an ideal environment to promote healthy lifestyles among young people as initiatives can target all students and the whole school community. The main goal of the EUMOVE project is to design and implement a comprehensive set of strategies and resources to enable the educational community to promote healthy lifestyles in order to reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases. EUMOVE project (https://eumoveproject.eu/) is a 3-year project delivered by a collaboration between academic and non-governmental institutions from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The direct beneficiaries of the project will include school leaders, teachers, and parents, and indirect beneficiaries will be primary and secondary students. EUMOVE project will develop a set of strategies and resources such as Physically Active Lessons Toolkit, Real Time Active Breaks Platform, Active School Commuting Toolkit, Learning Units about healthy lifestyles promotion, School Leaders toolkit, Parents Toolkit about promoting healthy lifestyles, and Mobile phone APP. Project dissemination will be implemented across each partner region and includes: Online dissemination through a learning platform, scientific events aimed at teachers and researchers, workshops with teachers including training on how to use the teaching resources, and Workshops with parents providing recommendations for promoting healthy lifestyle in their children. Thus, the EUMOVE project offers evidence-based and innovative resources to be applied by the educational community in the real-world setting to promote PA levels, appropriate diet and sleep habits, and reduce sedentary time amongst children and adolescents across a number of European countries.
Many fields and different approaches have undergone a crucial merging of implications and have been co-involved in the developing and/or implementation of the 17-SDGs concepts. However, little has been done on the role of the generation Z who is transforming the workplaces and societies by creating and interpreting trends. The objectives of this research are to provide perspectives from the world about the generation Z participatory role and supporting contribution among their communities to reaching SDGs, and to illustrate their active role in a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm. A general review was conducted to explore the existing data on governance mechanisms for SDGs implementation regarding the multi-dimensional layers (social, economic, environmental, health, policies, communication, and technology) of the sustainable development structure that need to be considered in a systemic-sensitive approach. Various channels of youth participation can be associated with different levels of social and communities’ commitment. In this sense, this article; 1) confirms that generation Z could play an active role in utilizing state-of-the-art opportunities to address the established current UN-SDGs agenda, and 2) suggests how communication and science journalism can be conceptualized as a development intervention to go beyond the 2030 SDGs agenda. This study recommends several innovative areas for the integration of generation Z insights and activities as a basis for exploring the potential of this generation to improve communities’ literacy and behaviors about the 17-SDGs. This study ends with a practical and theoretical consideration to build a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm that can be extrapolated to other countries in their advance towards sustainability and SMART environmental management.
Abstract Introduction New parent groups (NPGs) are widely offered through child and family health services to provide education, peer support, and social connection during the transition to parenthood. Reflecting the notion that “it takes a village to raise a child”, these programs aim to strengthen family wellbeing through supportive networks and shared learning experiences and enhanced social capital. Aim The aim of this study is to map and synthesise evidence regarding the role of NPGs in supporting parent infant bonding, social connectedness and parenting confidence during the postnatal period. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework as a guide. MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched. Studies examining outcomes associated with participation in universal NPGs during early parenthood were included. Findings were synthesised according to parent infant bonding, social connectedness and parenting confidence. Results Nine studies (n=9) met the inclusion criteria from a total of 15,971 records screened. Parents described improved wellbeing through increased reassurance, emotional support and reduced feelings of isolation along with enhanced social capital and improved parenting confidence. Parents reported benefits through reassurance, peer learning, normalisation of parenting experiences, and access to professional guidance. Quantitative studies identified associations with higher levels of social capital and wellbeing. Evidence relating to parent–infant bonding was limited and primarily indirect. No eligible studies published after 2018 were identified. Conclusion NPGs are a valuable community-based intervention that support parental wellbeing through enhanced social connection and parenting confidence. Contemporary evaluation of universal NPGs is warranted to strengthen the evidence base and inform future service delivery.
Abstract Background Global reduction in new infant HIV infections is largely due to the expansion of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs. Identification of gaps in healthcare services is paramount in targeting interventions that identify high-risk populations and healthcare barriers that could lead to increased risk of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Methods HIV infected women from 5 regions of Africa enrolled in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) were followed prospectively with assessments performed every 6 months. Sociodemographic factors, pregnancy outcomes, and access of PMTCT resources were reviewed for retrospectively reported pregnancies and those followed prospectively from study enrollment. Statistical analysis compared the impact of clinical factors on infant mortality and preterm delivery. Results The study reported 5591 pregnancies from January 2013 to June 2019 of which 5363 were retrospectively reported prior to study enrollment and 228 occurred after enrollment. Pregnancies followed prospectively had higher rates of linkage to PMTCT services prenatally (92.5% vs 6.8%, P< 0.001), intrapartum (64.5% vs 3.5%, P< 0.001), and post-partum (64.5% vs 2.9%, P< 0.001). This group had higher rates of delivery by a skilled birth attendant (93.4% vs 66.7%, P< 0.001) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescribed antepartum (96.1% vs 5.5%, P< 0.001) and post-partum (74.6% vs 3.6%, P< 0.001). Both groups had similar rates of prescriptions for intrapartum ART (98.7% vs 97.9%). The majority of women reported ART adherence (96.5%, P< 0.001) which was associated with a decrease in both preterm delivery and infant mortality (adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.39). A significant proportion of women followed prospectively reported their infants received ART with good adherence (51.8% vs 0.3% and 93.4% vs 6.3%, respectively P< 0.001). Conclusion Participation in AFRICOS increased linkage to PMTCT programs which resulted in increased likelihood of skilled delivery and appropriate ART use for women and their infants. It highlights that linkage to care continues to be a crucial factor in limiting MTCT of HIV especially in resource-limited settings. Limitations in this study exist due to the low number of prospectively followed pregnancies. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
Objective To identify factors associated with discontinued participation from Fresh Bucks - a fruit and vegetable (F&V) incentive program in Seattle, WA, USA - two years after initial enrollment, particularly among non-English speakers. Methods Administrative and survey data from first enrollment application (Jan-Mar 2020) and re-application (Jul-Oct 2021) were used to identify program discontinuation (n = 12,813). Linear probability models included age, race/ethnicity, preferred language, enrollment pathway (public vs. community-based organization [CBO]-assisted), F&V consumption (ResultsRates of program discontinuation were 46% (total), 37.6% (English speakers), and 53.3% (non-English speakers). In pooled analyses, age ≥ 30 years (vs. 18-29); having children; income-to-poverty ratio (IPR) = 100-200% or IPR > 200% (vs. IPR < 100%); being non-Hispanic Asian (vs. non-Hispanic White); speaking Chinese or Spanish (vs. English); and being food secure predicted lower probability of program discontinuation. Being non-Hispanic Black (vs. non-Hispanic White) predicted higher probability of program discontinuation. CBO-assisted enrollment (vs. public) predicted lower probability of discontinuation for non-English speakers (B = -7.3 percentage points, 95%CI = -10.5, -4.1). Conclusions Age, race/ethnicity, preferred language, income, and food security predicted program discontinuation. Community engagement was important for retaining non-English speakers, offering insights for improving retention in F&V incentive programs.
Abstract COVID-19 has the potential to exacerbate stresses of family caregiving. While studies during COVID-19 have focused on caregivers of those with memory / cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s Disease, less attention has been paid to those caring for persons with emotional / developmental / behavioral disorders. This paper compares family caregivers of persons with emotional / developmental / behavioral disorders (EDB); physical conditions (PH); and memory / cognitive problems (MC) during the early phase of the pandemic. We focus on demographics, caregiving context, COVID-related caregiver stressors, and validated physical, psychosocial, and financial well-being outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional national online survey during April-May, 2020 (n = 556). The sample included 274 PH (50%), 141 MC (25%), and 141 EDB (25%) caregivers. EDB caregivers were younger, with younger care recipients who were more likely to be their child. EDB caregivers reported more COVID-related caregiver stressors than MC or PH caregivers, including increased caregiving duties (p<.01); more family disagreements about care provision (p=.05); and worsened mental health of the care recipient (p<.01). In multivariate regression models, EDB caregivers had significantly higher anxiety; depression; and fatigue (all p<.01); more sleep disturbance (p=.05); less social participation (p<.05); and poorer overall financial well-being (p<.05). MC caregivers also reported more negative outcomes, but effects were consistently strongest for EDB caregivers. This study shows that EDB caregivers are at significantly elevated risk for negative impacts due to COVID-19 and should receive increased support and attention during this public health crisis.
Background This study examined cross-sectional associations of social avoidance with sport engagement and of sport engagement with physical health indicators among schoolchildren. Potential nonlinear associations were also assessed. Exploratory latent profile analysis (LPA) examined whether cognitive, affective, and relational engagement provided information beyond the continuous total engagement score. Methods This cross-sectional study included 923 students in Grades 3-5 from one Beijing school. Questionnaires assessed social avoidance and sport engagement across sport settings. Routine school records provided physical fitness, height, and weight, from which a BMI-excluded physical fitness score was calculated. Classroom-clustered linear and logistic regression models examined associations of social avoidance with total sport engagement and of sport engagement with BMI-excluded physical fitness, BMI, and overweight/obesity. Models adjusted for sex, grade, school-based sport participation, and out-of-school sport participation. Holm correction was applied to four focal associations and four corresponding quadratic tests. LPA was exploratory and accounted for classroom clustering. Results The adjusted regression analyses included 913 students. Higher social avoidance was associated with lower total sport engagement (β = -0.106, 95% CI [-0.178, -0.034]). Higher sport engagement was associated with higher BMI-excluded physical fitness (β = 0.189, 95% CI [0.118, 0.260]), lower BMI (β = -0.141, 95% CI [-0.212, -0.070]), and lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.721, 95% CI [0.628, 0.827]). All four associations remained significant after Holm correction, whereas none of the quadratic terms did. LPA criteria did not identify an unequivocally optimal solution. A descriptive three-class representation yielded model-estimated proportions of 11.0, 39.7, and 49.3% for low, moderate, and high engagement levels, respectively. The three dimensions increased broadly in parallel, and assigned class membership was not used in outcome analyses. Conclusion Higher social avoidance co-occurred with lower sport engagement, whereas higher sport engagement co-occurred with higher BMI-excluded physical fitness, lower BMI, and lower odds of overweight/obesity. These associations were small to modest and do not establish temporal or causal relationships. The exploratory classes primarily represented ordered levels along a general engagement continuum and did not support profile-based risk classification.
