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Abbott P, Shanks R, Stanley I, D’Ambruoso L. A protocol for a critical realist systematic synthesis of interventions to promote pupils' wellbeing by improving the school climate in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0286489. [PMID: 38748720 PMCID: PMC11095672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The review described in this protocol will be the first critical realist review of the literature reporting on the impact of interventions to promote pupils' wellbeing by improving the school climate in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. The review is being carried out to inform the programme theory for a critical realist evaluation of a whole school mindfulness intervention in Ethiopia and Rwanda to improve pupils' mental wellbeing. Our initial programme theory hypothesises that pupils' (and teachers') responses to the mindfulness intervention as well as changing the behaviour and attitudes of individual pupils and teachers, will change the 'school climate' in ways that have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. This literature review will facilitate the identification of mechanisms for change working at the level of the whole school climate, something which is only infrequently discussed in evaluations of mindfulness interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A critical realist review methodology will be used to provide a causal interdisciplinary understanding of how school climate can promote the wellbeing of pupils. This will be done through a systematic literature review and extrapolating context, agency, intervention, mechanisms, and outcome configurations and synthesising these to provide a conceptual understanding of the impact of interventions to improve school climate. DISCUSSION The review findings will inform a critical realist evaluation of a mindfulness intervention in schools that we will be carrying out. The findings from the review will enable us to focus more precisely and transparently on what policymakers and other stakeholders need to know about how school climate changes due to introducing mindfulness to the curriculum and how this impacts pupils' wellbeing [and for which pupils]. We will publish the findings from the review in academic and professional publications, policy briefs, workshops, conferences, and social media. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023417735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Abbott
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Shanks
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Stanley
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia D’Ambruoso
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Centre for Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Wang S, Hu W. Implementing age-friendly policies in China: Assessing the impact on older adults' self-rated health. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116637. [PMID: 38330633 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Using prefecture-level policy documents (2008-2018) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018), this study used fixed-effects regressions to examine the associations between the maturity of two age-friendly policies, i.e., old age care (OAC) and preferential treatment (PT) policies for older adults, and the self-rated health (SRH) of older adults. We use policy duration and policy density to measure policy maturity. The results showed positive relationships exist between the density of OAC and PT policy and older adults' SRH, whereas long policy duration often relates to lower SRH. Policy duration and policy density work synergistically. Furthermore, heterogeneity analyses indicated that older adults aged over 75 years, male, those with physical or mental impairment, and living in rural areas and in the first- and second-tier cities benefit significantly from denser OAC policy. The SRH of older adults suffering from physical disabilities or mental problems and living in rural areas is positively associated with denser PT policy. From a policy perspective, our findings suggest that age-friendly policies should be updated over time and be place- and characteristic-tailored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Wang
- Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Wanyang Hu
- Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Abbott P, Nixon G, Stanley I, D’Ambruoso L. A protocol for a critical realist synthesis of school mindfulness interventions designed to promote pupils' mental wellbeing. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1309649. [PMID: 38264247 PMCID: PMC10803664 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1309649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The review described in this protocol will be the first critical realist review of the literature reporting on the impact of school-based mindfulness interventions on the mental wellbeing of pupils. Mindfulness interventions are increasingly being introduced into schools to promote children's (and teachers') wellbeing. Findings from impact evaluations, including systematic reviews and metanalysis, suggest that school-based mindfulness interventions promote pupils' wellbeing. However, there is a need for further evidence on the underlying causal mechanisms and contexts that explain program outcomes, to provide insight into how mindfulness programs can be successfully implemented in other contexts. Methods and analysis A critical realist review methodology will be used to provide a causal interdisciplinary understanding of how school-based mindfulness interventions promote the mental wellbeing of pupils. This will be done through a systematic literature review and extrapolating context, agency, intervention, mechanisms, and outcome configurations. This will enable an understanding of how, in certain contexts, pupils can use the resources offered by a mindfulness intervention knowingly or unknowingly to trigger mechanisms that promote their mental wellbeing and what mechanisms in the context support, restrict or prevent change. We will then use retrodiction and retroduction to develop the most plausible interdisciplinary middle-range theory to explain the findings. Discussion The review findings will inform a critical realist evaluation of a mindfulness intervention in schools. The findings from the review will also enable us to inform policymakers and other stakeholders about what conditions need to be in place for mindfulness interventions to promote pupils' mental wellbeing. We will publish the findings from the review in academic and professional publications, policy briefs, workshops, conferences, and social media.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023410484.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Abbott
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Nixon
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Stanley
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia D’Ambruoso
- Centre for Global Development, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Clift S, Grebosz-Haring K, Thun-Hohenstein L, Schuchter-Wiegand AK, Bathke A, Kaasgaard M. The need for robust critique of arts and health research: the treatment of the Gene Cohen et al. (2006) paper on singing, wellbeing and health in subsequent evidence reviews. Arts Health 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38180011 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2023.2290075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper considers weaknesses in a study by Cohen et al. (2006) on the impacts of community singing on health. These include high demand characteristics, lack of attention to attrition, flawed statistical analysis, and measurement. Nevertheless, the study is uncritically cited, in evidence reviews, with findings taken at face value. METHODS Google Scholar, SCOPUS and BASE citation functions for Cohen et al. identified 32 evidence reviews in peer-reviewed journals. Eleven of these reviews, published between 2010 and 2023, focused on creative arts interventions. RESULTS We demonstrate limitations in the Cohen et al. research which undermine the conclusions they reach regarding the health benefits of group singing. Subsequent evidence reviews take the findings at face value and offer little critical commentary. DISCUSSION We consider what is needed to improve evidence reviews in the field of creative arts and health research. CONCLUSIONS A more robust approach is needed in reviewing research evidence in the field of arts and health. The Cohen et al. paper is not suitable for inclusion in future evidence reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Clift
- Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Katarzyna Grebosz-Haring
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg/University Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Leonhard Thun-Hohenstein
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Arne Bathke
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mette Kaasgaard
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Jiang J, Xia Z, Sun X, Wang X, Luo S. Social Infrastructure and Street Networks as Critical Infrastructure for Aging Friendly Community Design: Mediating the Effect of Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11842. [PMID: 36231144 PMCID: PMC9565500 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Establishing an age-friendly environment at the community level is essential for promoting healthy aging. This study focused on the relationship between older adults and the community environment through their levels of satisfaction within it. We measured their physical activity (PA) in the community environment and three variables of community-level satisfaction: community environment (SCE), community social infrastructure (SSI), and community street networks (SSN). We analyzed 108 older adult participants in Suzhou using mediation analysis and multiple linear regression to investigate the relationship between physical activity and the community environment. The results of the mediation effect model showed that SCE, SSI, and SSN all affected the physical functions of older adults via the total amount of physical activity (TPA); SSI and SSN affected older adults' physical functions by affecting the total duration of moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) and vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA). In addition, SSI and SSN are related to the types of community facilities, street space quality, and accessibility. Our study provides valuable insights into optimizing aging-friendly neighborhoods through moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PAs at both the facility and street space levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Jiang
- School of Architecture, Soochow University, No. 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhengwei Xia
- School of Architecture, Soochow University, No. 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaodi Sun
- School of Architecture, Soochow University, No. 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xuanxuan Wang
- School of Architecture, Soochow University, No. 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shixian Luo
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Landscape Architecture, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University-Matsudo Campus, Chiba 271-8510, Japan
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Abe M, Gyo R, Shibata J, Okazaki K, Inoue R, Oishi T, Inoue M. Intergenerational Theater Workshops as Unique Recreational Activities among Older Adults in Japanese Care Facilities: A Qualitatively Driven Mixed-Methods Multiple-Case Study Design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11474. [PMID: 36141747 PMCID: PMC9517655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational theater activities have been recently employed in recreation for older adults. We held a series of four intergenerational theater workshops in two older adults' care facilities in Japan and sought the experiences of older participants, younger participants, and the facility managers. With a qualitatively driven mixed-methods multiple-case study design, we obtained data from field observation, interviews with participants, and preworkshop and postworkshop changes on a well-being scale (Ikigai-9) among older participants, and the results of the two sites were compared. "Immediate effects" were seen in older adults because they responded actively and demonstrated surprising faculties during the workshop. Facility staff members and younger participants received "extended effects" because they gained new ideas regarding the remaining skills of older participants and a sense of reuniting with old neighbors through the exercise. In the Ikigai-9 scale, the items measuring "present happiness" significantly improved at Site 1 but not at Site 2. Better results at Site 1 might have been caused by the lower care needs of participants and the inclusion of children. Less support from facility staff members during the activities also might have promoted the voluntary participation of older adults. Involving children and engaging the facility staff in preparation could enhance the quality of activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Abe
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Ren Gyo
- Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Junro Shibata
- Graduate School of Core Ethics and Frontier Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto 603-8577, Japan
| | - Kentaro Okazaki
- Community Medicine Education Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | | | | | - Machiko Inoue
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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