Background: The process of transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare is a pivotal juncture in the overall life course of young adults (YAs) with complex care needs (CCN) and their families. As service demands increase for this population, healthcare providers must determine the best ways to meet their needs. Following the transition to adult healthcare, YAs are vulnerable to poor outcomes, such as increased stress and repeated ER visits. Studies that explore how to address their needs often do not reflect the perspectives of YAs. As such, seeking their input about health services is a crucial step towards improving service delivery. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences and recommendations of YAs with CCN to improve the transition process from pediatric to adult healthcare across settings and sectors. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 young adults aged 19–29 with CCN from a small Canadian province. Maximum variation sampling was used to capture diverse perspectives from individuals with an array of CCN. Data was managed using NVivo software and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The following themes were identified in the data, highlighting the importance of: 1) continuity of care, 2) improved access to care and supports, 3) transition readiness, and 4) a patient-centred care team. Conclusion: Results from this study can inform practice, policy, and research by guiding the development of service delivery improvement strategies for YAs and their families involved in the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.
This research study used semi-structured qualitative interviews to examine the concept of parental neglect within British Columbia’s Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD). Using the lived experiences of 7 parents who have had encounters with MCFD as well as 4 Service Workers who have worked for, or alongside, MCFD in the last 15 years this study identified risk factors that can lead to neglect categorized as parents unable or unwilling to provide care. The findings show a reluctance to support chronic issues parents face that inflame risk factors and stress leading to inadequate coping skills needed for parenting abilities. Through a neoliberalism and gender discrimination lens this study was able to identify barriers to efficacy within the MCFD process, such as a lack of funding for mental health services leading to long waitlist, stigma surrounding substance use and biases from servicer workers around expectations for how a parent should behave in a highly stressful situation like child apprehension. This study found that there were relationships between with mental health issues, poverty, a lack of parental advocacy and negative experiences with MCFD. Parental advocacy, a restructuring of funding to allow for more individualized care helping to address the issues of waitlists, reducing substance abuse stigma by viewing it through a mental health lens, and supporting Service Workers mental health while also increasing Service Worker training are small steps that can be taken to mitigate the added traumas resulting from encounters with B.C.’s child welfare system.
In our modern society, technology has become a large part of how we learn, work, and communicate with each other. Most adults and university students are aware of how this increased use of technology influences us on a daily basis, but what is less clear is how this use of technology and online activity on social media websites impacts the lives of children and young adolescents. This paper will examine researchers' specific focus on children and young adolescents and how social media has influenced their well-being. The role social media plays in the everyday lives of children is significant as it negatively impacts their mental health by creating unhealthy levels of addiction, causing a disconnect from social relationships and reality, and increasing levels of social comparison.
Adolescents spend increasing amounts of time alone in their bedrooms, a shift which likely intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Past research has pointed to potential developmental reasons, benefits (e.g., increasing autonomy), and risks (e.g., social isolation, greater screen time) of high amounts of time alone. We explored adolescents’ experiences of their bedrooms during pandemic restrictions, as a potentially unique developmental context. We conducted 10 focus groups and 23 interviews with 74 young people, ages 10 to 19 (46% girls/women; 49% boys/men; 6% gender neutral/gender fluid/agender; 16% LGBTQ+; 5% Indigenous; 35% persons of colour; 7% persons with a disability). Middle to late adolescents, in particular, described their bedrooms as relevant to their developmental needs for autonomy and independence. Further, they underlined the emotional complexity surrounding bedrooms, such as feeling both trapped and seeking comfort and relaxation. Findings suggest the importance of time alone, and also strategies and discussion points for youth and parents.
Many child-related issues receive ample attention and forms of action; however, the issue of kidfluencers has mainly gone unnoticed despite it occurring in front of our eyes. 'Kidfluencer' is a term that describes a child who is on social media platforms with a significant following and who is posted in video content (Suleiman, 2022). This paper will focus primarily on kidfluencers who post content on the social media platform called YouTube but will also include mention of TikTok and Instagram. Two kinds of kidfluencer channels will be examined: non-vlogging channels that focus primarily on the kidfluencers with limited to no parental figure interaction and family vlogging channels where there is some parental involvement but most attention is on the kidfluencers. The reason that kidfluencers are a cause for concern is that there are extensive ethical issues, worries of sexual exploitation, adverse psychological effects, problems associated with monetization and regulation and the forfeiture of a typical childhood. Overall, kidfluencers are a highly vulnerable group and are primarily unprotected from various types of exploitation.
Educational management strategies play a vital role in enhancing quality education delivery in multigrade systems. This study aims to explore the shared experiences of school administrators in multigrade schools to improve the efficiency of multigrade school administrators. Using a qualitative research design, 19 administrators from Mahaplag District, Leyte, Philippines, were selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed themes on managerial skills, challenges faced, and managerial practices to mitigate disadvantages. The findings emphasize the need for professional development, policy advocacy, community engagement, resource allocation, and work-life balance support for multigrade school administrators. Hence, the study suggests that to enhance multigrade schools, it must regard targeted professional development for administrators and advocate for supportive policies that create well-being for teachers, students, and other stakeholders.
Couples must effectively manage the process of shifting into a lasting partnership in order to attain family stability. Over time, there has been a troubling rise in the number of separations, divorces, unhappy marriages, and domestic abuse cases reported by the community. This study looked at the relationship between married stability and psychological well-being among Oyo working mothers. The researcher selected six secondary schools and six higher education institutions from four local governments using a combination of simple random selection and selective sampling techniques. Out of the six primary and secondary schools, 150 participants were selected, with 25 people selected from each school. In addition, 150 individuals were picked, with 30 participants selected from each of Oyo's five current higher education institutions. The study included a sample of three hundred working mothers. The Factors Influencing Marital Stability Scale (FIMSS) with a correlation coefficient of 0.78 and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) with a correlation coefficient of 0.86 were used to collect the data. We looked at the data using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results of the study showed a significant relationship (r = 0.763) between working moms' psychological well-being and stable marriages. The stability of the marital relationship and the length of marriage showed a substantial link (r = 0.777). Working mothers' educational attainment and marital stability showed a significant positive connection (r = 0.655). However, r = 0.192 indicated no meaningful relationship between working mothers' marital stability and their family history. These results suggest that counselling psychologists should schedule frequent marriage seminars in schools to address the main causes of marital instability and educate married people about the long-term effects of instability on families.
The aim of this article is to provide an alternative way to understand gender equality. The division of household labor between Swedish couples expecting their first child is in this article analyzed in terms of caring practices (Fisher & Tronto 1990; Tronto 1993, 2013) instead of as chores that can be distributed. This made it possible to identify intra-relational caring practices within the couples that sometimes clash with the ever present ‘third party; the state and its gender equality discourse. Both expectant mothers and fathers practice all forms of care, although not to an equal extent. Besides gender, pregnancy difficulties and health problems are circumstances that affect caring practices in this context. As part of a longitudinal study, 25 individual qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals in heterosexual couples expecting their first child. The interview material was analyzed thematically, which aimed to identify, describe, and analyze patterns of care in the data. It is argued that these pre-natal care practices affect how the participants shape their ideas about what gender-equal parenting is, beyond or together with this third party and its gender equality policies and discourses.
Problems related to gadget usage and family bonds include reduced quality time, distraction, attention deficit, eroded communication skills, impacts on child development, increased family conflicts, negative parental role modeling, a digital divide, privacy concerns, sleep disruption, and emotional disconnect. This study explored the relationship between gadget usage and family bond importance using a descriptive-correlational method with 200 parents from Libagon, Southern Leyte, Philippines, selected through purposeful sampling. Data analysis involved frequency counts, arithmetic mean, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, with a pre-survey form and semi-structured interview guide. Findings showed that most respondents were females aged 40 and above with three children, whose gadget use varied by hour. Shared family dinners, with a mean of 3.10, moderately indicated family bond importance. A slight inverse relationship was found between gadget usage and family bonds. The study concludes that gadget usage alone does not significantly affect family bond perceptions, suggesting the need for more nuanced research into interacting factors. Recommendations include promoting balanced technology use through educational programs and community initiatives, funding further research, launching public awareness campaigns, and advocating for work-life balance. Policies should focus on influential factors like family dynamics and cultural values to enable effective interventions and resource allocation.
This study aims to explore the lived experiences of mothers in who were engaged in home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a phenomenological research design. Through purposive sampling, ten mothers were selected for in-depth interviews, following the acquisition of necessary permits and informed consent. Thematic analysis of the data revealed key themes such as professional commitment, the importance of education, mothers' experiences as educators, and barriers to technology adoption, time management, mothers' responsibility, parental involvement, facilitating factors, and cognitive factors. The findings reveal that mothers juggling multiple roles experienced stress and burnout, prioritizing their children's education despite challenges in attention, literacy, technology, and time management. The study concludes that these mothers require professional support to navigate these hurdles effectively. Recommendations include flexible work arrangements, training for mothers, and improved access to technology, time management strategies, shared responsibilities among family members, and the provision of tutoring services. This research offers valuable insights that can inform support strategies, policy-making, and community interventions, ultimately aiming to alleviate the challenges faced by mothers and enhance the educational experiences of their children.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavior. In Ethiopia, mothers of children with autism face unique responsibilities and challenges in caring for their affected children compared to other family members. This study delves into the lived experiences of these mothers, focusing on their reactions upon detecting autism in their children, the primary challenges they encounter in nurturing and caring for their children with ASD, the support they receive from the community and schools, and their feelings regarding the future career prospects of their children with autism. To conduct this investigation, a qualitative research approach, specifically employing a phenomenological research design, was utilized. Data collection was facilitated through semi-structured interviews, and the study targeted six regular schools and one autism center. A purposive selection process identified fifteen mothers of children with ASD as key informants. The subsequent data analysis centered on thematic areas outlined in the interview guides, which served as leading questions. Additionally, two cohesive case stories were developed as integral components of the study. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondent mothers/guardians felt overwhelmed by the demands of caring for their children with autism. They also highlighted the negative attitudes of others and the lack of specialized services, compounded by a shortage of trained personnel, which significantly exacerbated their challenges and complicated their caregiving responsibilities. In light of the study's outcomes, it is recommended that the concerned federal ministries become actively involved in promoting and coordinating interventions to support mothers/guardians and their children with autism. This involvement is crucial to ensure that appropriate services and assistance are readily available to address the needs of these individuals.
Men experience a silent crisis of mental health; however, societal stigmas and expectations around masculinity often prevent them from seeking help. This lack of support intensifies the existing problems. This study explores the role of community support in promotion open communication and emotional well-being among men. The study employed an exploratory research design conducted at an institution in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, using purposive sampling to gather data from nine participants. The study reveals that supportive social networks and a strong sense of community are crucial for male students' mental health and personal growth. Themes such as constructive criticism, encouragement, and authentic self-expression highlight how these environments foster emotional fortitude, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging. The findings underscore that feeling connected to a supportive community and having strong social ties helps male students develop resilience, mindfulness, and overall well-being.
Although progress has been made in examining education in northern Nigeria, literature has yet to focus on the reasons why male children are prevented from going to school in northern Nigeria. This study explores the reasons why Hausa and Fulani children are prevented from gaining formal education in northern Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore: 1) factors that hinder attainment of formal education for children in northern Nigeria; and 2) the impacts of this discrimination on the children's families, northern Nigeria, and Nigeria in general. This group of men who are educationally discriminated against is known as the almajiri. Under the almajiri system, parents send their children, mostly boys aged 4–12, to distant locations to acquire Qur'anic education. This is a qualitative study, with data gotten through key informant interviews with 11 children and youths, and relevant academic literature was used to substantiate the data collected. It was analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis. The KII was conducted physically and over the phone. Emerged themes included: (1) fear of indoctrination; (2) economic benefits; (3) political benefits; (4) political benefits; (5) physical abuse; (6) sexual abuse; and (7) a high rate of illiteracy. Thus, it is concluded from the findings that children in northern Nigeria are deprived of formal education. Thus, policy advocacy and engagement with religious and traditional leaders by the government of northern states would help in addressing the problems. Policy implications and subsequent recommendations were discussed.
Statistics at the college level is one of the most technical subjects that needs to have good mental health so that the students can perform well. This study focused on the investigation of the level of anxiety and mental health of college students in learning statistics. A total of 120 engineering students participated in the survey selected as complete enumeration. Data collection was done through a modified students' statistics anxiety questionnaire and level of mental health. Descriptive measures were computed to describe the data, and regression and correlation analysis to explain its relationship. Results depicted that engineering students have moderate anxiety and they have moderate mental health in learning statistics. This suggests that these students are somewhat anxious but still have a positive learning experience. The correlation and regression analysis revealed that the level of anxiety and mental health of students are negatively but weakly associated, however not statistically significant. This implies that students' anxiety level has somehow adversely affected the mental health of students but its likelihood is negligible. The study strongly suggests that statistics teachers must manage the class well and apply teaching strategies that boost student confidence as well as improve academic achievement. Moreover, teachers should be trained to recognize signs of anxiety and mental health issues and equipped with strategies to support student learning and well-being needs.
Harmful childhood experiences, such as neglect, abuse, and emotional rejection, strongly impact a child’s mental, emotional, and physical development. These early traumas can disrupt a child's ability to form secure attachments, essential for healthy emotional and social functioning later in life. According to attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby, the bond formed between a child and their primary caregiver is crucial not only for survival but also for shaping future development. When a child experiences neglect or abuse, the disruption of this primary relationship can lead to insecure or disorganized attachment styles, making it more difficult for them to develop trust and emotional regulation. This paper explores how childhood trauma, specifically neglect and abuse, influences mental health and behavioural outcomes and attachment styles, both during childhood and into adulthood.
For the last century, technology has actively shaped the childhoods of many generations and has become a fundamental aspect of childhood. From the introduction of the radio and television in the 1900s to digital technology and gaming platforms in the 21st century, children have constantly been exposed to various forms of technology that have aided their understanding of the world. Technology use is not inherently harmful, as its establishment and progression have contributed to a comprehensive understanding of childhood. Notably, the introduction of the internet has enabled national and global access to information, allowing individuals to gain valuable knowledge related to children's development from educated professionals. Further, the interconnectedness of social media facilitates the exchange of information worldwide, expanding an individual’s perspective and understanding of childhood. However, the rapid advancement of technology from the early modern world to the contemporary digital world has perpetuated issues associated with the overreliance on digital devices. Children’s unrestricted access to technology, in conjunction with the intensification of media consumption and screen time, is particularly concerning for children’s cognitive development and social interactions. It has raised public health concerns, threatening the healthy and normal development of children.
