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The Ward Infant Language Screening Test, Assessment, Acceleration and Remediation (WILSTAAR) comprises a programme for identifying and helping 8?10-month-old infants showing early signs of language and communication difficulty. The study addresses one of the queries raised by critics of the programme by providing evidence about the backgrounds and home environments of infants who fail the WILSTAAR screening assessment. Thirty 10-month-old infants who failed the screen ("at-risk" infants) and 30 gender- and age-matched infants who passed the screen ("not-at-risk" infants) were visited at home by a trained observer who collected information about the infants' physical and social environment and families' demographic features. Parents of both groups were well educated, in stable relationships, and had no evidence of social or economic disadvantage. Measures of ambient sound level and television exposure did not support the hypothesis that the at-risk infants' environments involved high levels of noise. However, observations of spontaneous behaviour and a standardized Mother-Infant Play Task identified low amounts of social interaction in at-risk cases. During the play task, mothers of at-risk infants spent twice as much time without interacting with their infants. At-risk infants babbled one-third less than not-at-risk infants during 150-min observations of spontaneous behaviour. The findings point to deficiencies in social interaction and communication, involving both infant and parental contributions, as maintaining the infants' difficulties at this age. The core of the WILSTAAR intervention, of encouraging social communication between parents and infants, is not complex and does not need to be confined to at-risk cases. How this is best accomplished in the general community, and whether it should be included in national schemes such as Sure Start in the UK, are important topics for practitioners and policy-makers.

Context: Poor knee biomechanics contribute to knee joint injuries. Neuromuscular control over knee position is partially derived from the hip. It is unknown whether isolated activation training of the gluteal muscles improves lower-extremity frontal plane mechanics. This study examined if a home-based hip muscle activation program improves performance on the Forward Step-Down Test as well as increases surface electromyography (sEMG) activation of the gluteal muscles. Design: The study utilized a single-group repeated-measures design. Methods: Thirty-five participants (24 females, mean age = 23.17 [SD 1.36] years) completed an 8-week hip muscle activation program. The Forward Step-Down Test score and sEMG of gluteus maximus and medius were assessed preintervention and postintervention. Results: Forward Step-Down Test scores improved significantly from preintervention (Mdn = 3.5) to postintervention (Mdn = 3.0, T = 109, P =.010, r =.31.), but this result did not meet clinical significance. sEMG analysis revealed a significant increase in mean gluteus maximus activation (P =.028, d = 1.19). No significant dose–response relationship existed between compliance and the Forward Step-Down Test scores or sEMG results. Conclusions: A home-based hip activation program increases gluteus maximus activation without clinically significant changes in frontal plane movement quality. Future studies may find clinical relevance by adding motor learning to the activation training program to improve functional muscle use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Lateral epicondylopathy (LE) is a common overuse injury affecting elbow, wrist, and hand function. It is characterized by weakness and pain in the muscles and tendons of the forearm responsible for the extension of your wrist and fingers. Trigger point dry needling is a technique reported to be beneficial in managing pain and dysfunction after LE diagnosis. LE is also commonly treated with conservative treatment, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, self-care home programs, and anti-inflammatory use. We explored a different dry needling approach consisting of in situ dry needling with electric stimulation combined with targeted therapeutic exercise to treat LE in 3 cases. Case Presentation: Three patients were referred for dry needling once a week for 6 weeks and home-based exercise therapy for LE. They were clinically evaluated using grip strength, a visual analog scale to assess pain, and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test scores. These were measured at 4 time points (weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6). Management and Outcomes: The dry needling intervention incorporated 8 locations in the upper-extremity with 2 electric stimulation channels. The patients had reduced pain as measured by a visual analog scale, increased function as measured by the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test, and increased grip strength over 6 weeks. Conclusions: This case series illustrates the use of dry needling and a home exercise program to provide a favorable outcome in a patient with LE. Patients had an 80% to 100% reduction in pain and similar improvements in function that were significantly beyond the minimum clinically important difference. This dry needling approach is a safe and effective treatment of LE in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online exercise programming has surged in popularity; however, little is known about older adults' perceptions and experiences of online exercise. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine older adults' (aged 59–82 years) experiences and perceptions of an online exercise program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen individuals (individuals who used the online exercise program and those who did not) completed a semistructured interview. Three main themes were generated from the data using reflexive thematic analysis: (a) can online exercise really work for older adults? (b) technology attitudes and experiences influence online participation, and (c) barriers and advantages of the online exercise program and the home environment. Most participants who took part were able to overcome initial barriers through technical support and experience. Our findings highlight ways to promote advantages and address barriers of online exercise for older adults and emphasize the importance of fostering social experiences and training online exercise instructors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite having the same underlying genetic etiology, individuals with the same syndromic form of intellectual developmental disability (IDD) show a large degree of interindividual differences in cognition and IQ. Research indicates that up to 80% of the variation in IQ scores among individuals with syndromic IDDs is attributable to nongenetic effects, including social-environmental factors. In this narrative review, we summarize evidence of the influence that factors related to economic stability (focused on due to its prevalence in existing literature) have on IQ in individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also highlight the pathways through which economic stability is hypothesized to impact cognitive development and drive individual differences in IQ among individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also identify broader social-environmental factors (e.g., social determinants of health) that warrant consideration in future research, but that have not yet been explored in syndromic IDDs. We conclude by making recommendations to address the urgent need for further research into other salient factors associated with heterogeneity in IQ. These recommendations ultimately may shape individual- and community-level interventions and may inform systems-level public policy efforts to promote the cognitive development of and improve the lived experiences of individuals with syndromic IDDs.

ABSTRACT The home environment is a significant factor that greatly influences the motor development of children. This study aims to examine the cultural adaptation validity and reliability of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development (AHEMD‐SR) for Turkish children aged 18–42 months. The study included 103 Turkish children (mean age = 29.3 ± 7.4 months; 57.3% female, 42.6% male). The majority of participants were from middle‐income families. The AHEMD‐SR was administered to parents, and test–retest reliability was evaluated with a subsample of 30 families. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess reliability, while correlations with the Denver Developmental Screening Tool 2 (DDST‐2) were examined for convergent validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the AHEMD‐SR was 0.815, and the ICC for test–retest reliability was 0.889. The AHEMD‐SR total score correlated with DDST‐2's social development (r = 0.32), fine motor development (r = 0.33) and gross motor development (r = 0.33) domains (all p < 0.05). The Turkish version of the AHEMD‐SR was found to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the home environment's impact on motor development in children aged 18–42 months. This questionnaire can provide valuable insights into how to enhance home environments to better support children's motor development in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Method Findings Conclusion Women with intellectual disabilities confront distinct challenges as they age, compounded by cognitive and adaptive constraints. These challenges encompass heightened health risks, barriers to social support and susceptibility to violence, underscoring the critical role of self‐determination in enhancing their quality of life.This quantitative study utilised a scale based on the Functional Model of Self‐Determination to assess self‐determination levels in 218 Chilean women aged 45 to 80 with intellectual disabilities. The research also explored potential personal and environmental factors influencing these levels.Employed participants and those in supportive family environments demonstrated higher self‐determination levels. Moreover, women without mental health issues exhibited advanced skills in self‐regulation, empowerment and self‐realisation. Significant disparities were noted based on varying levels of intellectual disability, types of support received and socioeconomic status, highlighting the necessity for tailored and diversified support systems.Developing personalised support programs that address individual and contextual differences is crucial. Despite limitations, this study emphasises the urgency for inclusive public policies aimed at eliminating socioeconomic and cultural barriers, thereby fostering environments conducive to community engagement and autonomous decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ages of 0–3 years are critical stages for children's neurodevelopment. However, the impact of the home nurturing environment on early childhood neurodevelopment remains unclear. Objective: To explore the role of the home nurturing environment on early childhood neurodevelopment and to provide evidence of an association between fostering quality home nurturing and achieving optimal neurodevelopment. Participants and setting: An online cross-sectional survey using the stratified sampling method was conducted from 16 June, 2021 to 18, February, 2022 in all 13 communities of Minhang District, Shanghai. A total of 2,402 children aged 0–3 years with balanced sex distribution were included. Methods: The quality of home nurturing environments was measured using validated Child Home Nurture Environment Scales. Neurodevelopment was measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire - Third edition (ASQ-3). Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling was used to analyze the association between the quality of home nurturing environments and neurodevelopment. Results: Among children aged 0–1, neglect or restriction was reported as the most prevalent problem (8.02%) among home nurturing environment dimensions, and was associated with an increased risk of suspected fine motor development delay (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.18–6.69, P = 0.019). Among children aged 1–3, inadequate parental warmth, as the foremost (16.10%) problem, was associated with an increased risk of suspected gross motor development delay (OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.35–12.53, P = 0.013) and suspected personal-social development delay (OR = 12.50, 95%CI: 1.48-105.36, P = 0.020). Conclusions: Poor home nurturing environments were associated with an increased risk of suspected early childhood neurodevelopment delay. There exists a need for services to guide for establishing a quality home nurturing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "PromeTheus" trial is evaluating a home-based, multifactorial, interdisciplinary prevention program for community-dwelling (pre-)frail older adults. These individuals often suffer from reduced participation, which can complicate the recruitment and enrollment in a clinical trial. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate different recruitment strategies and differences in participant characteristics in relation to these strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the randomized-controlled PromeTheus trial, in which community-dwelling (pre-)frail older persons (Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] 4–6 pt., ≥ 70 years) were recruited via general practitioners ("GP recruitment") or flyers, newspaper articles, and personalized letters ("direct recruitment"). Differences in the sociodemographic, clinical, physical, functional, mobility-related, psychological and social characteristics were analyzed in relation to the recruitment strategy. Results: A total of 385 participants (mean age = 81.2, SD 5.9 years; women: n = 283, 73.5%) were enrolled, of which 60 (16%) were recruited by GPs and 325 (84%) through direct recruitment. Participants recruited via GPs had significantly higher subjective frailty levels (CFS), were more often physically frail (Fried Frailty Phenotype), and showed lower physical capacity (Short Physical Performance Battery), participation (disability component of the short version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument), and life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment) compared to those recruited via the direct approach (p = 0.002–0.026). Costs per randomized participant were 94€ for the GP recruitment strategy and €213 for the direct recruitment strategy. Conclusion: Different strategies may be required to successfully recruit (pre-)frail home-living older adults into preventive programs. Direct recruitment strategies, in which potential participants are directly informed about the prevention program, seem to be more promising than GP recruitment but may result in enrolment of persons with less functional impairment and higher recruitment costs. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00024638. Registered on March 11, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies exploring homeschooling typically focus on comparing homeschoolers to conventionally schooled peers on a range of academic outcomes. Largely absent from the literature are within-group studies designed to identify experiences that facilitate (or hinder) homeschoolers’ academic outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe a heuristic model outlining ways the home environment, instructional practices, parent characteristics, child characteristics, and the broader context might relate to homeschoolers’ academic competence. The heuristic model is attentive to the possibility that these relations might vary as a function of child characteristics. In addition, the potential for transactional and mediated relations is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many palliative cancer patients require inpatient hospital treatment for medical reasons, which contrasts their frequent desire to be at home. Virtual reality (VR) could be a way of bringing the home environment closer to them. First observations have shown benefits from VR for inpatients in palliative care. The aim of this qualitative, descriptive study was to explore the expectations of in-patients suffering from incurable cancer and their relatives about VR, in particular individualized VR images of the patients' own home. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with inpatients suffering from incurable cancers and their relatives in three medical settings (palliative care, hematology, radiotherapy) of a German university hospital. Qualitative content analysis about expected benefits and concerns regarding VR-videos showing their private home; defining the main topics deductively and the subcategories inductively. We also assessed the patients' subjective perspective on their remaining time to live to estimate the impact of double awareness on the results. The Patient Advisory Board informed the study protocol and conduct. Results: We interviewed 15 patients (8 men; age M = 63.4, SD = 11.34; range 39–82) under palliative care, and four relatives. We organized the interview content in 6 themes (general interest, desired content, non-desired content, expected benefits, concerns, and irregularities) and 26 sub-themes. Most patients and relatives were interested in using VR during hospital treatment. They often preferred viewing nature or tourist sites over seeing their home or family. Reasons could be linked to privacy concerns and the general desire for distraction from the current situation that they specified with their expectation of well-being, a break from the patient-experience, the pursue of curiosity, and the VR evoking fond memories. Conclusion: VR seems to be of interest for palliative cancer patients, especially as distraction and relief from their illness. The desired content can be very different, so a choice from a selection of VR-content should be made available. If patients want to see videos of their own home, recordings by relatives instead of study or hospital staff seem to meet the need for privacy. Trial registration: Registered at Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; registration number: DRKS00032172; registration date: 11/07/2023. https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032172. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SYNOPSISObjective. We do not know which specific paternal caregiving practices are associated with more advanced child development in understudied low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The current investigation attempts to identify such caregiving practices. Design. Maternal reports of six specific paternal caregiving practices which may be uniquely associated with early childhood development were examined in a sample of 159,959 families with 3- to 4-year-old children from 51 LMICs. Both father caregiving practices and early childhood development scores were quantified using measures from UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Linear regression models examined which paternal caregiving practices were associated with early childhood development after controlling for the contributions of mothers and children’s other caregivers engaging in the same practices as well as father residence in the home and multiple aspects of the physical home environment and national context. Results. When fathers read to their children, named/counted/drew with their children, or sang to their children, their children demonstrated more advanced overall development. When fathers read, named/counted/drew, and told stories to their children, their children also demonstrated more advanced development in literacy/numeracy and approaches to learning. Some effects depended on whether fathers resided in the home. Fathers naming/counting/drawing with their children was associated with more advanced child development in approaches to learning, and fathers reading to their children was associated with more advanced child socioemotional development only if fathers resided in the child’s home. Conclusions. Fathers reading to their children, naming/counting/drawing with their children, and singing to their children appear to be specific “active ingredients” that promote child development in LMICs. Some of these ingredients only actively promote child development when fathers reside in the child’s home environment. These practices should be supported and encouraged in policy and practice. Fathers’ caregiving matters for child development across a wide swath of LMICs in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research examines the effects of educational materials, delivered with "take-home and cook-with-friends" meal kits, on college students' food agency. Participants: In the spring of 2021, 186 students were recruited at a US public university and randomly allocated into either an intervention group that received meal kits and educational materials or a control group that received only meal kits. Methods: Meal kits containing local ingredients were distributed weekly to the participants and surveys were conducted to measure participants' food agency, using the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale (CAFPAS). Hypothesis tests and regression analysis were then conducted to examine the educational intervention's effects on the CAFPAS scores. Results: The educational intervention had a positive and statistically significant effect on students' CAFPAS scores. Conclusions: Educational interventions hold promise in enhancing college students' food agency, at least in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although household consumption contributes to climate change, it can be challenging to comprehend the consequences and effects from a personal perspective. In this paper, we explore the design of physical data visualisations to promote sustainable practices within households. We conducted 15 household design workshops involving household members to explore physical designs and envision the potential use of physical artefacts in the home to promote sustainability behaviours using five low to medium-fidelity prototypes. The findings from these workshops highlight the need to balance aesthetics, abstraction, and the presentation of actionable information in the design of physical artefacts. Based on our findings, we identify key design considerations for future design: (1) including all household members in the design process to reflect the collective goals and values of the home, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement, (2) considering child-friendly design in physical artefacts to promote awareness, education, engagement, and sustainable values in children, (3) and considering nature-based visuals to reduce the mental burden of information overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how the amount of home language use between the primary caregiver and bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs) versus their bilingual age-matched peers with normal hearing (NH) can impact speech outcomes in the home language. Method: Thirty-four bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking children (17 CI users and 17 with NH) between the ages of 5;3 and 7;9 (years;months) participated in this study. Independent variables were the amount of home language use with the primary caregiver and hearing status, and dependent variables were vowels and consonants correctly produced and occurrence of selected phonological processes. The amount of home language use was ascertained from surveys, and the dependent measures were based on a single-word picture elicitation task. Results: Bilingual children with CIs who are exposed to Spanish for more than 80% of the time via their primary caregiver performed better on Spanish seg-mental accuracy measures than those who are exposed to Spanish from only 20% to 50% of the time, specifically on vowels (partial η² = .31) and consonants (partial η² = .025). Children with NH outperformed children with CIs on all accuracy measures in Spanish. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest the importance of language exposure through interactions with the primary caregiver for speech development in bilingual children. Future studies should investigate strategies to facilitate home language development in bilingual children with CIs, enabling them to reach their full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Understanding the characteristics of falls among older adults is necessary to prevent them. These characteristics include questions such as when (month and time), where (places), who (age), what (injury), why (trigger), and how (direction) the falls occur. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of falls in individuals aged 65–74 years (young‐old), 75–84 years (old‐old), and ≥85 years (oldest‐old). Methods: We conducted an observational mail survey among community‐dwelling older adults in Japan and collected detailed information on the incidence of falls over the past 3 years. The month, time, location, trigger, direction, and resulting trauma of each fall were analyzed and compared across the different age groups (young‐old, old‐old, and oldest‐old). Results: A total of 1695 falls among 1074 community‐dwelling older adults were analyzed in this study. Falls were frequent during May and October as well as during the winter season from December to February, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. These fall characteristics were consistent across all the age groups. There was a higher incidence of outdoor falls among relatively young older adults, which were typically caused by tripping or slipping. However, as one progresses with age, there is a higher incidence of falls indoors, typically due to loss of balance or leg entrapment. Approximately 60% of older fallers experience some form of injury due to falls, with fractures considered the most serious, occurring in ≈10% of all falls. Conclusion: We clarified the characteristics of falls including the "when, where, who, what, why, and how" of the fall. A future challenge is to use this valuable information to develop effective fall prevention programs for older populations worldwide. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1181–1188. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unconsolidated motor and cognitive skills that are typical of the early childhood period place infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at risk for a variety of traumatic injuries. Such injuries may include mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Knowledge regarding the risk, diagnosis, outcomes, and management of early childhood concussion is limited, especially compared with what is known about concussion in school-age children, adolescents, and adults. This state-of-the-art review aims to provide current knowledge on the epidemiology, physical signs, behavior, and clinical outcomes associated with early childhood concussion. Research on this condition has been challenged by the need to adapt methods to the unique physical, behavioral, and developmental characteristics of young children. We provide information on observable symptoms associated with concussion, recommended approaches to care, and suggestions for overcoming barriers to research in this area. Developmentally appropriate efforts are needed to improve our ability to identify, evaluate, and treat early childhood concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: eHealth-based exercise therapies were developed to increase stroke patients' adherence to home-based motor rehabilitation. However, these eHealth tools face a rapid decrease in use after a couple of weeks. This study investigates stroke patients' motivation for home-based upper extremity rehabilitation with eHealth tools and their relation with Basic Psychological Needs. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study using thematic analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with stroke patients with upper extremity motor impairments, who were discharged home from a rehabilitation centre, after they interacted with a novel eHealth coach demonstrator in their homes for five consecutive days. Results: We included ten stroke patients. Thematic analysis resulted in eight themes for home-based rehabilitation motivation: Curiosity, Rationale, Choice, Optimal challenge, Reference, Encouragement, Social Support and Trustworthiness. Those themes are embedded into three Basic Psychological Needs: "Autonomy", "Competence", and "Relatedness". Conclusion: Eight motivational themes related to the three Basic Psychological Needs describe stroke patients' motivation for home-based upper extremity rehabilitation. We recommend considering those themes when developing a home-based eHealth intervention for stroke patients to increase the alignment of eHealth tools to the patient's needs and reduce motivational decreases in home-based rehabilitation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Stroke patients show motivational decreases and decreased use of eHealth tools in home-based rehabilitation after a couple of weeks. Eight motivational themes describe home-based rehabilitation motivation in stroke patients: Curiosity, Rationale, Choice, Optimal challenge, Reference, Encouragement, Social Support and Trustworthiness. Those themes are embedded into three Basic Psychological Needs: "Autonomy", "Competence", and "Relatedness". Those themes should be considered when developing a home-based eHealth intervention for stroke patients to increase the alignment of eHealth tools to the patient's needs and reduce motivational decreases in home-based rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the inter-reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the 1-min Sit to Stand test (1-MSTS), and the Chester Step Test (CST) via remote assessment in post-COVID-19 patients after hospitalization. Methods: Twenty-five post-COVID-19 patients randomly performed the functional tests via remote assessment using a software platform at home and via face-to-face assessment at the rehabilitation center 24–72 h apart. One day before the remote assessment, all participants had a 1-h guidance session regarding the platform use, safety instructions, and home equipment preparation. Results: Participants completed all tests for both assessment procedures without experience of adverse events. The mean age was 53 (SD = 10) years old, and the median days of hospitalization were 23 (IQR = 10–33). The inter-reliability was moderate for the total score in the SPPB: Cohen's kappa = 0.545 (95% CI: 0.234 to 0.838), excellent for the number of repetitions in the 1-MSTS: ICC = 0.977 (95% CI: 0.948 to 0.990) and good for the total number of steps in the CST: ICC = 0.871 (95% CI: 0.698 to 0.944). Conclusion: Remote functional assessments for SPPB, 1-MSTS, and CST indicated moderate to excellent inter-reliability in post-COVID-19 patients after hospitalization. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Functional performance assessment in post-COVID-19 patients is considered important throughout the whole process of rehabilitation. The face-to-face assessment is the standard practice in the rehabilitation clinical setting however, new approaches by distance assessment are proposed when physical attendance is not feasible. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the 1-minute Sit to Stand test (1-MSTS), and the Chester Step Test (CST) showed moderate to excellent reliability when performed remotely at home in post-COVID-19 patients after hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and predisposing factors of frailty and social inclusion among community‐dwelling older adults. Design: The study was conducted using a cross‐sectional design. Sample: The target population consisted of older adults registered in five family health centers in a city in Turkey. The study was completed with 600 older adults. Measurements: The Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI) and the social inclusion scale were used to collect data. Results: The prevalence of frailty in older adults was 60.5%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk of frailty was found to be higher in older adults aged 75 and over (2.5 times), those with low education level (5.8 times), those who were single (2 times), those with chronic diseases (1.8 times), those with unhealthy lifestyle (2.8 times), and those who were dissatisfied with their home living environment (5.9 times). It was found that age, education level, marital status, income, presence of chronic disease, lifestyle, satisfaction with their home living environment, and frailty explained 50% of the variance in social inclusion. Conclusion: The study concluded that most community‐dwelling older adults were frail, and social inclusion was lower in those frail. Age, education level, marital status, lifestyle, presence of chronic disease, and satisfaction with their home living environment were found to be predisposing factors for both frailty and social inclusion. Public health nurses could develop strategies to prevent frailty in older adults and increase activities that encourage participation in social life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons such as gas or coal. Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with high levels of mortality and morbidity, although the symptoms of exposure are non-specific and difficult to diagnose. Historically, healthcare professionals who work directly in service users' homes have faced a higher risk of exposure to environments contaminated with carbon monoxide. Despite improved heating engineering and greater protective legislation, there still remains a tangible risk for community nurses and service users, particularly in homes still using open fires, old heating systems and poorly maintained heating appliances. This article provides a scientific summary of carbon monoxide poisoning for nurses working in the community setting. It outlines evidence-based guidance on prevention and initial treatment actions, along with safety instructions to follow in the event of exposure to carbon monoxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ways to help older adults overcome barriers to performing regular exercise is a challenge to nurses. Objective: The study evaluated the acceptability of a portable exercise bike for arm/foot pedaling among older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Methods: Participants reported their physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) and thereafter performed two 6-minute-long arm/foot pedal biking sessions using a portable exercise bike. Participants provided qualitative feedback (one open-ended question) on the bike while exercising and completed the quantitative Acceptability Use Questionnaire following the two exercise sessions. Results: Twenty-five older adults (52% male and 48% female), with a mean (SD) age of 70 (6.4) years and a body mass index of 30 (7.4), completed the study. Most participants performed moderate to light physical activity at home with a daily mean (SD) sitting/sedentary time of 8 (3.4) hours. The mean scores from the Acceptability Use Questionnaire and the participants' comments alluded to the bike's multitasking utility and acceptability. Three broad themes derived from the qualitative analysis were: (1) the acceptability of the bike with participants who had musculoskeletal problems; (2) the ability to operate and use the bike for aerobic exercise engaging both arms and legs; and (3) the importance of overall utility, ease of use, and cost of the bike. Conclusions: The portable exercise bike was found acceptable in a group of older adults with CVDs. The bike has the potential to be applied in home-based exercise interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Contextual factors that contribute to firearm injuries among children aged 0 to 10 are not well understood. METHODS: A retrospective review of the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System was conducted for firearm deaths of children aged 0 to 10 from 2004 to 2020. Descriptive analyses characterized child and parent demographics, incident details, firearm characteristics, and firearm use. Cluster analysis identified key clustering of contextual variables to inform prevention efforts. RESULTS: Within the study timeframe, 1167 child firearm deaths were reported (Mage 5 4.9; 63.2% male; 39.4% urban). At the time of the incident, 52.4% of firearms were reported unlocked and 38.5% loaded. Firearm deaths occurred primarily at the child's home (69.0%) or a friend or relative's home (15.9%), with most involving a handgun (80.6%). Children were supervised in 74.6% of incidents, and 38.4% of child supervisors were impaired during the incident. Cluster analysis identified incident contextual factors clustering in distinct groups, including unsupervised firearm play, long gun discharge while cleaning, hunting, or target shooting, supervised discharge within the child's home, murder-suicide events, deaths occurring in the context of intimate partner violence, and community violence firearm deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Data highlight the importance of primary prevention through secure firearm storage to prevent child firearm deaths. Efforts focused on identifying and reducing intimate partner violence, addressing community violence (eg, community greening), and implementing policy that limit firearm access (eg, domestic violence restraining orders, background checks), may reduce child firearm deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: There is little understanding of the circumstances behind fatal pediatric opioid poisonings. Our objective was to characterize opioid fatalities according to child, family, and household factors. METHODS: We used data from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to describe the circumstances behind the deaths of children 0 to 17 years of age who died of an opioid poisoning (ie, prescription opioid, heroin, illicit fentanyl) between 2004 and 2020. Decedents were stratified into age groups: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-17 years. RESULTS: The majority (65.3%) of the 1696 fatal opioid poisonings occurred in the child's own home. Prescription opioids contributed to 91.8% of deaths, heroin contributed to 5.4%, and illicit fentanyl to 7.7%. Co-poisonings with nonopioid substances occurred in 43.2% of deaths. Among 0- to 4-year-olds, 33.9% died of homicide and 45.0% had a primary caregiver with a history of substance use/abuse. Among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 17-year-olds, respectively, 42.0% and 72.8% of decedents had a history of substance use/abuse. In each age group, at least 25.0% of children were victims of previous child maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS: A history of maltreatment and substance use--whether on the part of the caregiver or the child--are common factors surrounding fatal pediatric opioid poisonings, the majority of which occur in the child's own home. Families with children of all ages would benefit from interventions focused on opioid prescribing, storage, disposal, and misuse. These findings also underscore the urgency of ensuring that access to naloxone becomes universal for families with a history of maltreatment and/or substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To describe sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) occurring in safe sleep environments and explore differences in selected characteristics. METHODS: We examined SUID from 22 jurisdictions from 2011 to 2020 and classified them as unexplained, no unsafe sleep factors (U-NUSF). Data were derived from the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry, a population-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance system built on the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention's child death review program. SUID classified as U-NUSF included infants who were (1) awake, under supervision, and witnessed to become unresponsive or (2) found unresponsive in a safe sleep environment after sleep (unwitnessed). We calculated frequencies and percentages for demographics, birth and environmental characteristics, medical history, and death investigation findings. RESULTS: Most of the 117 U-NUSF SUID occurred before 4 months of age. Witnessed deaths most commonly occurred at <1 month of age (28%), whereas unwitnessed deaths most commonly occurred at ages 2 to 3 months (44%) Among all U-NUSF, 69% occurred in the infant's home (62% witnessed, 77% unwitnessed). All unwitnessed deaths occurred in a crib; most witnessed deaths occurred while being held (54%) or in a car seat traveling (18%). Most infants (84%) had no history of abuse or neglect. Abnormal autopsy findings were reported in 46% of deaths (49% witnessed, 42% unwitnessed). CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing these deaths is key to advancing our knowledge of SUID etiology. Our study revealed a heterogeneous group of infants, suggesting physiologic, genetic, or environmental etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text explores the evolution of U.S. suburbs from being perceived as havens of privilege before the 1960s to facing challenges in the 1970s and 1980s due to increasing fears of environmental and societal threats. The disappearance of children like Etan Patz and Adam Walsh heightened these fears, leading to increased surveillance and security measures in suburban neighborhoods. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a resurgence of suburban privilege as many people moved from cities to suburbs, impacting housing availability and affordability. The text suggests that addressing housing affordability in suburbs requires innovative solutions and public policy interventions. [Extracted from the article]

This study investigated relationships among home reading practices, shared book reading (SBR) behaviors, and child literacy outcomes in young children with cochlear implants in Baltimore, Maryland. Parents (N =18) completed a home reading questionnaire and recorded themselves reading books with their children at home. Shared book reading sessions were coded for interactive reading behaviors. Children's early language skills and literacy skills were also assessed. We explored variability in these behaviors with regard to demographic characteristics and type of book; these exploratory analyses revealed that parents used more literacy teaching techniques when reading the wordless picture book and that parent interaction and engagement and literacy teaching techniques were more frequent with younger children than with older children. While many families frequently used interactive reading behaviors, our analysis did not find significant relationships between the parent behaviors and children's literacy scores. However, there was an interaction between the amount of reading and cochlear implant experience such that more cochlear implant experience was associated with better reading outcomes only for the group of children who received more reading time. In a sample of young children with cochlear implants, reading time, cochlear implant experience, and child language skills were better predictors of reading outcomes than parents' frequency of SBR behaviors alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsequent to the introduction of compulsory relationships and health education in primary schools and relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE) in secondary schools in England from 2020, this paper examines the attitudes of parents towards school- and home-based RSHE. Using data from a survey of parents (n = 849) of children at 37 independent schools in England and Wales, we analysed parental attitudes towards school-parent communication about RSHE, the teaching of RSHE in school, and their own communication with their children about relationships and sex at home, exploring perceived barriers and use of resources. We found significant parental support for school-based RSHE, alongside some concerns, as well as uncertainty and embarrassment as barriers to parent-child communication about relationships and sex at home, indicating the need for schools to strengthen school-parent partnership in this area, and to encourage parents to talk to their children at home in tandem with what is being taught in school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent food insecurity is a salient adversity hypothesized to affect neural systems associated with increased impulsive behavior. Family environments shape how adverse experiences influence development. In this study, hypotheses were tested regarding the conjoint effects of food insecurity and family flexibility on impulsivity via alterations in connectivity between regions within the salience and central executive networks. Such alterations are reflected in resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) metrics between the anterior insula (AI) and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal moderated mediation model with two waves of data from 142 adolescents (Time 1 [T1] Mage = 12.89, SD = 0.85; Time 2 [T2] Mage = 15.01, SD = 1.07). Data on past‐year household food insecurity, family flexibility, and rsFC were obtained at T1. Impulsivity was self‐reported by the adolescent at T1 and T2. Findings revealed that high T1 left‐to‐left rsFC between the AI and MFG was associated with increased impulsivity at T2. The interaction of family flexibility and food insecurity was associated with AI and MFG rsFC. In the context of low family flexibility, food insecurity was linked to high levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conversely, in the context of optimal family flexibility, food insecurity was associated with low levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conditional indirect analysis suggests that the links among food insecurity, rsFC, and impulsive behavior depend on family flexibility. Research Highlights: Adolescent food insecurity was associated with anterior insula and middle frontal gyrus connectivity only at certain levels of family flexibility.High family flexibility attenuated the link between food insecurity and neural connectivity, while low levels of family flexibility increased this risk.High left anterior insula and left middle frontal gyrus connectivity was associated with increased impulsivity 1 year later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family caregivers care for individuals in the home environment. Family caregivers of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) observe breathlessness in the care recipient. Breathlessness is a main symptom of COPD, and watching breathlessness creates emotional distress and a toll on family caregivers. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the literature on family caregivers and witnessed breathlessness in individuals with COPD. An understanding of family caregiver experiences of breathlessness will allow for further development of evidence-based practice and research. An integrative review was performed using the five-step process of the Whittemore and Knafl Integrative Review Model. Literature search results were reported using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An overarching theme of constant care and burden resulted from the 18 studies on family caregivers and witnessed breathlessness in individuals with COPD. Three themes: psychosocial implications of caregivers, response ambiguity, and knowledge of interventions represented family caregivers and breathlessness in the care recipient among the studies. This integrative review provides insight on family caregivers and witnessed breathlessness in individuals with COPD. An understanding of the family caregiver perception of breathlessness in the care recipient can help home healthcare professionals empathize with and offer support specific to the needs of family caregivers of individuals with breathlessness from COPD, heart failure, and other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse the concept of eating experiences in people living with dementia. Design: Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was used as a framework for the paper. Data Sources: The literature was searched using electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINHAL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase and Elsevier databases. These databases cover a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to nursing, medicine and occupational therapy. The relevant literature published from 1989 to April 2023 was thoroughly examined. Any quantitative or qualitative studies published in English focused on eating or dining experiences in people with dementia were included. Review Methods: Rodgers' evolutionary method for concept analysis was used. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and case examples of the concept were identified. Results: Twenty‐two articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying key attributes of self‐connection, the special journey of life and self‐interpretation. Antecedents, as framed by the socio‐ecological model, were categorized to represent intrapersonal (personal preferences, individual culture, mealtime routines), interpersonal (social interaction) and environmental (dining room environment, policies) factors. Consequences were divided into external (nutritional health, physical health and quality of life) and internal (personhood, autonomy and independence, dignity and feeling valued and mental well‐being) domains. Conclusion: A theoretical definition and conceptual model of eating experiences in people living with dementia was developed. The identified attributes, antecedents and consequences can be utilized in nursing education, research and intervention approaches. Impact: This article allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to better understand people living with dementia through the relationship between eating and interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental aspects to develop personalized interventions and care strategies to achieve an optimal quality of life. Patient or Public Contribution: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family environment, emotion regulation and biological sensitivity have been shown to be associated with adolescents' externalizing problem behaviours. However, findings regarding respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity are mixed and sometimes contradictory. This study aims to clarify the roles of RSA reactivity and anger regulation in the relationship between negative family expressiveness (NFE) and adolescents' externalizing behaviour by measuring RSA reactivity during the Parent–Adolescent Interaction Task (PAIT), designed to simulate a naturalistic negative family environment. In this study, 125 Chinese adolescents (M = 13.95 years, SD = 0.95; 48% male) completed questionnaires assessing negative family expressiveness, anger regulation and externalizing problems. Additionally, we collected electrocardiogram and respiration data during both the resting period and a 10‐min PAIT. Results showed that anger regulation mediated the relationship between NFE and externalizing problem behaviours. Moreover, adolescents' RSA reactivity moderated this mediation effect, even after controlling for baseline RSA. Greater RSA suppression potentially indicated greater susceptibility, with the relationship between NFE and anger regulation being more pronounced in adolescents with greater RSA suppression compared to those with lesser RSA suppression. These findings highlight the importance of considering physiological systems, especially within the context of adverse family environments, when studying the relationships with externalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although socioeconomic disadvantage is linked with academic underachievement, many children from low‐income backgrounds perform well in school. Which modifiable factors predict this academic resilience? We examine between‐ and within‐person predictors of one important academic metric – mathematics performance – across adolescence in 1715 (796 male, 919 female) youth living in poverty in Ireland, using data from three waves (9, 13, and 17/18 years) of the Growing Up in Ireland study. Using linear mixed models, math performance was worse when adolescents had more socioemotional and behavioural difficulties, more child–parent relationship conflict, parents had lower expectations of the adolescent's educational achievement, and when primary caregivers had less education. Adolescents who had better intellectual self‐concept and attended a non‐disadvantaged school had greater math performance. This research adds to the growing body of work suggesting academic resilience is dynamic and multisystemic; it provides potential targets at multiple levels to promote such resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situations where parents do not accept support while their family situation is assessed as unsafe (for instance in cases of child abuse and neglect), it is sometimes necessary to offer mandatory support to families. The aim of the current study is to investigate how parents perceive the results of mandatory support from Child Protection Services (CPS) and which elements of the mandatory support parents mark as crucial for the results of the support. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 parents. Parents report mixed feelings about the results of the mandatory support. According to parents, reaching alignment with professionals about the problem definition, as well as the aims of CPS at the start of mandatory CPS, is a crucial element contributing to results of CPS. Additionally, the perceived quality of the support (both on the organizational and professional level) is simultaneous important conditions for a positive view on the support of parents. Implications for practice include the importance of multi‐directed partiality of professionals to reach an agreement about the problems definition and the aims of the mandatory CPS involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have paid little attention to child supervision in Laos, an ethnically‐diverse country with a community‐informal child protection system, and where many young children are regularly home alone or with another child. To explore what constitutes (in)adequate child supervision and its perceived effects, we conducted individual interviews with community leaders and professionals (n = 23) and focus group discussions with parents/adult caregivers (n = 74) and 12–17 year‐old children (n = 51) in six rural villages in Saravane and Borikhamxay provinces. Adults and children in both provinces described similar understandings and support systems of child supervision. Mothers are the main caregivers of young children, and literate fathers contribute to supervising school‐age children. Grandparents, older siblings and other relatives, teachers, and village authorities contribute substantively to child supervision. The main aims of supervision are child safety, socialization and moral development in cultural context. Parental unavailability due to employment, farming and migration; limited infrastructure; and lack of material resources are the main barriers to adequate supervision and may result in injuries, school dropout, teenage pregnancy and illicit drug use. Understanding the determinants, consequences, and patterns of child supervision across cultural and socio‐economic groups is needed to inform culturally acceptable strategies to support children and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is used in smart homes to enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency. This study outlines a theoretical framework for the deployment and dissemination of IoT technologies in intelligent residential environments. The framework of this study highlights the significance of many components that cater to people's individual needs. The study offers a systematic explanation of IoT principles, tangible devices, services, data creation, software, applications, and logistical needs. Furthermore, it contains an extensive table that assists users in choosing the most appropriate resources and components. The study points to smart home systems based on IoT, which utilize sensors, controllers, and cloud solutions to manage data and provide user control while ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The study addresses various needs of users by utilizing a semantic vision framework for smart house design that guarantees economic advantages, enhanced security, and user contentment, ultimately leading to enhanced community interactions and the overall welfare of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The discriminatory and racist policy of historical redlining in the United States during the 1930s played a role in perpetuating contemporary environmental health disparities. Our objectives were to determine associations between home and school pollutant exposure (fine particulate matter [PM 2.5 ], NO 2) and respiratory outcomes (Composite Asthma Severity Index, lung function) among school-aged children with asthma and examine whether associations differed between children who resided and/or attended school in historically redlined compared to non-redlined neighborhoods. Children ages 6 to 17 with moderate-to-severe asthma (N = 240) from 9 US cities were included. Combined home and school exposure to PM 2.5 and NO 2 was calculated based on geospatially assessed monthly averaged outdoor pollutant concentrations. Repeated measures of Composite Asthma Severity Index and lung function were collected. Overall, 37.5% of children resided and/or attended schools in historically redlined neighborhoods. Children in historically redlined neighborhoods had greater exposure to NO 2 (median: 15.4 vs 12.1 parts per billion) and closer distance to a highway (median: 0.86 vs 1.23 km), compared to those in non-redlined neighborhoods (P <.01). Overall, PM 2.5 was not associated with asthma severity or lung function. However, among children in redlined neighborhoods, higher PM 2.5 was associated with worse asthma severity (P <.005). No association was observed between pollutants and lung function or asthma severity among children in non-redlined neighborhoods (P >.005). Our findings highlight the significance of historical redlining and current environmental health disparities among school-aged children with asthma, specifically, the environmental injustice of PM 2.5 exposure and its associations with respiratory health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rural home care nurses require access to continuing nursing education to address the increasing complexity of client care needs. There is currently limited literature on continuing nursing education for rural home care nurses. The purpose of this study was to explore the continuing nursing education experiences of rural home care nurses. Sample: Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit registered nurses who worked in publicly funded rural home care in one western Canadian province, in communities with a population of less than 10,000 people. Twenty rural home care nurses participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Methods: This study used interpretive description as its method of inquiry and analysis. Data was collected between December 2020 and May 2021 and the analysis was supported using NVivo 12 software. Findings: Key findings from this study contribute to the description of western Canadian rural home care nursing roles and the degree of autonomy required to provide expert care in the home environment. Rural home care nurses' experiences with continuing education are impacted by external factors including (1) Chameleonic Practice (One-Person Show, Professional Intersection, Becoming their Person), (2) Foundational Instability (Roadblocks to Learning, Stretched Thin, Rural Repatriation) and (3) Learning Leadership (Filling the Learning Bucket, Finding a Way, Learning Reciprocity). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the continuing nursing education experiences of rural home care nurses is dependent on many factors. Significant policy changes and updated standards of practice are required to support safe client care through the delivery of evidence-informed continuing nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) via mobile phone on female family caregivers during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach: In the experimental study, 81 female family caregivers were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 40) and control group (n = 41). The experimental group received MBSR via mobile phone. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire - Seventh Edition were evaluated at the beginning of the study, week 3 and week 8, respectively. Findings: In both groups, anxiety decreased over time, although the decrease in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (F = 22.912 p < 0.001). Sleep quality improved slightly in both groups over time; this improvement in the experimental group was significantly more than in the control group (F = 3.751 p = 0.035). Originality/value: The MBSR via mobile phone helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in women caring for isolated patients at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Elder Mistreatment (EM) occurs in approximately 10% of older adults and is associated with trauma-related outcomes including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and early mortality. Low screening and older adult self-reporting, especially within emergency departments, represent missed opportunities for identify and mitigate future EM occurrences and consequences. To date, no studies have obtained EM survivors' perspectives on EM screening and response practices in emergency departments. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 19 EM survivors of those with Adult Protective Services validated EM were completed in older adults' homes. The Elder Mistreatment Emergency Department Screening and Response Tool (EM-SART) was used to guide the interview questions. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative thematic analyses. Results: The participants were mostly female (63%) and white (58%) with an average age of 74 years. Physical abuse accounted for 67% of the EM incidents. Three themes emerged indicating the survivor preference for (1) building rapport and approaching the older adult with compassion and care, (2) setting the context before asking the EM questions, and (3) allowing mutuality, collaborative work, and shared decision-making during the response. Conclusions: Older adults are agreeable and willing to self-report and actively engage in the EM screening and response practices in the emergency department if trauma-informed care principles are utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Home Literacy model predicts different outcomes depending on formal and informal literacy practices carried out at home. However, this model does not explicitly consider the potential differences that the media (paper vs. tablets) in which these practices are carried out can have on performance. The present study explored this issue. Participants were 136 children aged 6–7 years old and their parents. The different activities performed at home were analysed through reports of the parents, and children were assessed at school for their reading performance (decoding and comprehension). Results showed how formal practices using traditional materials predicted reading comprehension, but informal practices did not predict any performance measure. The digital home literacy environment showed no impact on reading performance, suggesting that two different environments (paper and digital) might exist, each one of them having differential impacts on performance. Implications for research and education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of key linguistic abilities is essential for young children and their academic success at school, in particular for children with a migration background who are at a greater risk of developing language deficits. Here, family interactions can provide valuable opportunities to support children's linguistic learning within the Home Literacy Environment (HLE). Although the importance of the HLE for children's language acquisition has often been investigated, research has not focused on specific facets of the HLE and other influencing factors that may be associated with early linguistic abilities such as television exposure (TE). A sample of 190 preschool children (Mage= 63.58 months, SDage = 4.42) was used to analyse the associations of the facets of the HLE and TE with children's early linguistic abilities, namely phonological awareness (PA), vocabulary, and letter knowledge. In particular, this study aims to understand the role of the HLE facets and TE as potential mediators between migration background and children's early linguistic abilities, when controlling for socioeconomical status (SES), children's sex and age. The findings indicate that the association between migration background and children's early linguistic abilities was fully mediated by all four facets of the HLE and by TE. Consequently, these mediators may be good targets for intervention and the support of preschool children's linguistic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, protection and isolation measures established by the Canadian and Quebec governments have directly affected the work of health and social professionals (HSPs). These measures have added pressure on HSPs, complexified their work and added tasks to their already busy workload. However, few studies have explored in depth the impacts of the pandemic on HSPs working with people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of HSPs working among people with disabilities in the province of Quebec, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic (January and February 2021), including the impact on their work, the relationships with their colleagues, and on their immediate social and familial environment. METHODS: HSPs participated in a semi-structured interview. A mixed thematic analysis approach, combining inductive and deductive coding, was carried out using N'Vivo 12. RESULTS: Fifty-five HSPs participated in the interviews (mean [SD] age, 42 [9]). They mostly identified as women (91%). Three main themes representing the impacts of the pandemic were identified, including 1) Health and Well-being; 2) Family and social networks including the subthemes; 2.1) Fear of being a vector of contamination for their loved ones; 2.2) Work-family balance; 2.3) Social Network, and finally 3) Work, highlighting, including 3.1) Workload and adaptative strategies developed; 3.2) Relationship with colleagues; 3.3) Perceived support received at work, and 3.4) Services offered to patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of closely tracking and supporting the well-being of HSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Report on Chinese Adolescent Tobacco Use 2023 announces a year-on-year decline in the prevalence of smoking in Chinese teenagers. Nevertheless, the hazards of tobacco products to the physical and mental health of this population remain a concerning issue. This study is an encapsulation of factors influencing the smoking behavior of Chinese adolescents based on a review of relevant literature. Personal characteristics such as gender, age, psychological traits, lifestyle, and perceptions of tobacco use, along with environmental factors like the family environment, circle of friends, and school climate, can all potentially influence a teenager's smoking behavior. A thorough examination of these factors can provide implications for advancing the regulation of teenager tobacco use and improving the work on adolescent health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAimMethodResultsConclusionTo compare caregiver-reported current and desired home participation of infants with and without biological risk in the first year of life.Observational, cross-sectional and comparative study. Caregivers of 48 infants with (mean corrected age = 5.6(±2.3) months) and 32 without (mean corrected age = 5.8(±1.9) months) biological risk completed the Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure home section. Caregivers reported on their infant’s current participation (frequency and involvement) in 13 activities within the domains of basic care routines, household chores, interactive and organized play, and socializing with friends and family, as well as their desire for change(s) in their infant’s home participation. We compared groups using comparative tests (Bonferroni’s correction for multiple comparisons; p < 0.0125).Infants with biological risk participated less frequently in the domain household chores (U = 383.000; p < 0.001); and were less involved in the domain household chores (U = 407.000; p < 0.001). No significant group differences were found in desire for change.Results suggest that home participation restriction can be identified for infants with biological risk in one out of four domains, which may allow health professionals to develop strategies to intervene early in the participation of children at risk in this specific area of household chores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the relationship between family function and altruistic behavior in adolescents, while also investigating the potential mediating roles of extraverted personality and perceived social support. Methods: Surveys were administered to high school students across various schools in Guangdong Province, utilizing the Family APGAR Questionnaire, Extraversion Personality Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Altruistic Behavior Scale. A total of 972 valid questionnaires were collected for analysis. Results: The findings revealed that family function did not directly predict altruistic behavior. However, extraverted personality and perceived social support were identified as mediators between family function and altruistic behavior. Furthermore, both extraverted personality and perceived social support acted as chain mediators in this relationship. Discussion: These results emphasize the importance of considering family dynamics in understanding adolescent altruistic behavior and highlight the potential pathways through which family function influences altruistic tendencies. Promoting positive family environments and enhancing extraverted personality and perceived social support may facilitate the cultivation of altruistic behavior in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers who interact with children at home can provide a critical, complementary perspective on a child's behaviour functioning. This research used a parent‐administered measure of problem behaviours to study perceptions of child behaviours across home situations. We applied latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of children with common behavioural tendencies in a nationally representative sample (N = 709) of 4‐ to 13‐year‐old children in Trinidad and Tobago. This study (a) identified latent profiles of children's over‐ and underactive behaviour problems in varied home settings and (b) examined how profile membership predicted academic skills and teacher‐observed problem behaviours. The best‐fitting four‐profile model included one profile of adjusted behaviours (56%), one of the elevated attention‐seeking behaviours (21%), a profile featuring withdrawn and disengaged behaviours (15%) and a relatively rare profile emphasising aggressive behaviours (8%). Children classified in the last profile displayed the poorest academic outcomes and the highest levels of teacher‐observed behaviour problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores whether marital quality mediates the effects of a parenting intervention on preschoolers' conduct problems and effortful control. Using data from 209 children in a two‐wave randomized controlled trial of the Hitkashrut program, participants were assigned to either a 14‐session co‐parent training group or a minimal intervention control group. Intent‐to‐treat analysis revealed that improvements in marital quality significantly mediated the intervention's impact on both conduct problems and effortful control. An alternative model, which hypothesized that changes in child behavior would lead to improvements in marital quality, was not supported, reinforcing the importance of targeting marital dynamics to achieve better child outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of marital‐focused strategies within parenting interventions to foster healthier family environments and improve long‐term developmental trajectories in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the effect of family functioning on secondary vocational students’ problematic behavior, and the mediating roles of positive psychological traits (hope, gratitude and grit). A total of 3049 secondary vocational students (15.87 ± 1.00 years old) participated in the current research by completing measures of family functioning, problematic behavior, hope, gratitude and grit. The results indicated that family functioning was negatively correlated with problematic behavior. Secondary vocational students from families with better functioning exhibited less problematic behavior. Furthermore, structural equation analysis revealed that hope, gratitude and grit played parallel mediating roles in the association between family functioning and problematic behavior. Pairwise contrasts suggested grit exerted strongest indirect effect among the three mediators. The current research highlighted the role of positive psychological traits in the comprehension of how family environment affects behavioral development among adolescents from secondary vocational school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure on healthcare systems to address growing population needs is forcing services to adapt, which includes supporting acute patients in the community. One emerging service in the United Kingdom that offers this level of treatment is "Hospital at Home" (HaH). Self‐management support is an area of particular importance in this context considering that acute treatment is provided in a community setting with limited input and monitoring by healthcare professionals. There is currently limited understanding about the range of formal and informal support and resources needed and accessed by patients in such circumstances, and whether and how HaH professionals engage with the everyday contexts and the network members of patients. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 9) from a single Hospital at Home site to further understand their experiences of providing acute treatments in the context of patients' homes; and how self‐management and social network support roles are perceived. Thematic analysis was used and four themes were identified: The value of prioritising illness work at home within a discourse of person-centered care; the work involved in the "naturally" therapeutic environment of the home; partners as key members of the informal care team; limited awareness and engagement with (in)formal networks. Findings demonstrate tensions between discourses where nurses idealise the value of the home and a holistic service provision, while in practice prioritising illness (over relational, emotional, and practical) work and delivering a service that is routinised, and time‐ and cost‐efficient. Nurses recognise the positive role of network members for illness management in the context of people's everyday life, but awareness and engagement are limited to partners and the formal services that HaH staffs are familiar with. Developing a better understanding of the role of social networks (SNs) in supporting people with acute needs at home can help improve patient experiences and care and HaH services, especially for people who are vulnerable, with complex needs, living alone, and with limited access to resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]