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Thorvaldsen S, Hansen KT, Forsberg JT. Children and adolescents weathering the storm: Resilience in the presence of bullying victimization, harassment, and pandemic lockdown in northern Norway. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:735-746. [PMID: 38574243 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Resilience is a concept of growing interest because it can systematically inform prevention measures and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore resilience factors among young people who are victims of bullying and harassment (age 9 to 16 years old). In 2021 the burden of the pandemic lockdown became an additional adversity. The study used a repeated cross-sectional design. Two datasets with a total of 2,211 participants from 2017 (N = 972) and 2021 (N = 1,239) were included. The strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) was applied to define the resilient and non-resilient groups, and the quality-of-life questionnaire (KINDL) was used to map resilience factors. A total of 227 participants reported that they were being bullied, and 604 participants reported harassments from their peers. We used correlation and regression analyses to identify which factors predicted the highest resistance to the negative effects of bullying and harassment. The results were that 77.2% of the participants stayed resilient when facing these maladjustments, but this dropped to 61.7% during the pandemic. The most important resilience factors before the pandemic were the school environment, emotional well-being, and good relations with their friends. The impact of these predictors changed during the pandemic. Emotional well-being increased in strength, school environment was reduced, and friends did not predict resilience anymore. The effect sizes were generally large to medium. As it is common to experience adversity at some stage in life, it is vital for families, schools, social and healthcare workers to be aware of the factors associated with resilience. The results of this study may contribute towards an evidence base for developing plans to increase the capacity of resilience among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl T Hansen
- Pedagogical and Psychological Service Troms (PPT), Tromsø, Norway
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Nixon P, Broccatelli C, Moss P, Baggio S, Young A, Newcomb D. Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:558. [PMID: 38693520 PMCID: PMC11062014 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11024-w] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Project ECHO® networks at Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) are communities of practice designed to mitigate services and systems fragmentation by building collaborative partnerships addressing priority child and youth health needs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience the negative impacts of fragmentation in addition to historical challenges of absent or culturally inappropriate health services. Access to culturally safe and responsive services can be improved by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and similar roles in an online community of practice, supporting the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in decisions affecting their health. Analysing professional support networks and knowledge sharing patterns helps identify enablers and barriers to partnerships. Using social network research, the multilevel network inclusive of ECHO network members and their colleagues was studied to identify interdisciplinary and cross-sector advice exchange patterns, explore the position of cultural brokers and identify common relational tendencies. METHODS Social network theories and methods informed the collection of network data and analysis of advice-seeking relationships among ECHO network members and their nominees. Registered members from two ECHO networks were invited to complete the Qualtrics survey. Networks analysed comprised 398 professionals from mainstream health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation, education, disability and child safety service settings. RESULTS Brokers were well represented, both those who hold knowledge brokerage positions as well as cultural brokers who incorporate clinical and cultural knowledge enabling holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (38 individuals, 17% of network). Professionals who occupy brokerage positions outside the ECHO network tend to be more connected with co-members within the network. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first application of contemporary social network theories and methods to investigate an ECHO network. The findings highlight the connectivity afforded by brokers, enabling the coordination and collaboration necessary for effective care integration. Inclusion of cultural brokers in an ECHO network provides sustained peer group support while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Nixon
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.
| | - Chiara Broccatelli
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068, Australia
| | - Perrin Moss
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah Baggio
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Angela Young
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Dana Newcomb
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia
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Kersivien C, Doumit A, Gascoigne M, Wearne TA. The protective role of resilience in the reporting of post-concussive symptoms within a non-clinical sample. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:668-682. [PMID: 37731324 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2256949] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Despite being common following a brain injury, post-concussive symptoms (PCS) are highly prevalent in healthy and non-concussed individuals. Psychosocial factors likely subserve the maintenance of symptoms, and numerous studies have identified prominent risk factors associated with post-concussive symptom reporting (e.g. history of depression). However, few studies have investigated protective factors in this context. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between resilience and PCS, and to identify the factors subserving resilience within this relationship. Method: Healthy and non-concussed participants (n = 283, Mage = 22.70 years) completed questionnaires examining PCS (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire) and resilience (Resilience Scale for Adults), together with a screener of background demographic/clinical factors. Results: Resilience negatively predicted PCS above and beyond the effect of demographic and clinical factors previously implicated in the reporting of PCS. Interestingly, heightened "perception of self" was the resilience factor uniquely associated with PCS symptoms. The final model accounted for 33% of the variance in PCS. Overall, female gender, a history of headaches, and diagnoses of ADHD and depression, and reduced "perception of self" were all predictive of greater PCS (ps < .05). Conclusion: Resilience, particularly perception of self, is a positive protective factor in the reporting of PCS. These findings highlight the importance of early identification of less resilient individuals following trauma-such as an mTBI and provide a potential rationale for the incorporation of resilience-based rehabilitation programs into the recovery process, particularly those that promote greater self-efficacy and self-competency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Doumit
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Travis A Wearne
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Yashadhana A, Zwi AB, Brady B, De Leeuw E, Kingsley J, O'Leary M, Raven M, Serova N, Topp SM, Fields T, Foster W, Jopson W, Biles B. Gaawaadhi Gadudha: understanding how cultural camps impact health, well-being and resilience among Aboriginal adults in New South Wales, Australia-a collaborative study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073551. [PMID: 38135326 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The health and well-being of Aboriginal Australians is inextricably linked to culture and Country. Our study challenges deficit approaches to health inequities by seeking to examine how cultural connection, practice and resilience among Aboriginal peoples through participation in 'cultural camps' held on sites of cultural significance promotes health and well-being. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will be undertaken in close collaboration and under the governance of traditional cultural knowledge holders from Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay and Yuin nation groups in New South Wales, Australia. Three cultural camps will be facilitated, where participants (n=105) will engage in activities that foster a connection to culture and cultural landscapes. A survey assessing connection to culture, access to cultural resources, resilience, self-rated health and quality of life will be administered to participants pre-camp and post-camp participation, and to a comparative group of Aboriginal adults who do not attend the camp (n=105). Twenty participants at each camp (n=60) will be invited to participate in a yarning circle to explore cultural health, well-being and resilience. Quantitative analysis will use independent samples' t-tests or χ2 analyses to compare camp and non-camp groups, and linear regression models to determine the impact of camp attendance. Qualitative analysis will apply inductive coding to data, which will be used to identify connections between coded concepts across the whole data set, and explore phenomenological aspects. Results will be used to collaboratively develop a 'Model of Cultural Health' that will be refined through a Delphi process with experts, stakeholders and policymakers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has ethics approval from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (#1851/21). Findings will be disseminated through a combination of peer-reviewed articles, media communication, policy briefs, presentations and summary documents to stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryati Yashadhana
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony B Zwi
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke Brady
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evelyne De Leeuw
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- École de Santé Publique, l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Kingsley
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle O'Leary
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miri Raven
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nina Serova
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ted Fields
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Warren Foster
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Jopson
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Biles
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Song Q, Su W, Li N, Wang H, Guo X, Liang Q, Qu G, Ding X, Liang M, Qin Q, Chen M, Sun L, Sun Y. Family function and emotional behavior problems in Chinese children and adolescents: A moderated mediation model. J Affect Disord 2023; 341:296-303. [PMID: 37661061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that family function is associated with emotional behavior problems. However, the underlying relationship mechanisms between family function and emotional behavior problems in children and adolescents is not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of sleep quality using a moderated mediation model. METHODS 6363 children and adolescents in grades four to nine were surveyed in some areas of Anhui Province, China. Family function, resilience, sleep quality, and emotional behavior problems were measured through a self-administered questionnaire. All data analysis was by performed by SPSS 23.0. RESULTS The results showed that family function was negatively associated with emotional behavior problems (r = -0.307, p < 0.01). Resilience partially mediated the relationship between family function and emotional behavior problems (indirect effect = -0.108, accounted for 38.4 %). Sleep quality moderated the relationship between family function and resilience (β = -0.039, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Resilience and sleep quality respectively played a mediating and moderating effect in the relationship between family function and emotional behavior problems. These findings suggest that we should pay attention to the family function of children and adolescents in time, improve their resilience and sleep quality, so as to effectively reduce the occurrence of emotional behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Taizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.318 Yongtai Road, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanying Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Department of Hospital Infection Control, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hosptial, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xianwei Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiwei Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Children's Medical Center, Anhui Medical University No.39 Wangjiang Road East, Hefei 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiuxiu Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Center for Scientific Research and Experiment, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qirong Qin
- Ma'anshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.849, Jiangdong Avenue, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Mingchun Chen
- Changfeng County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei 231199, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Fuyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.19, Zhongnan Avenue, Fuyang 236069, Anhui, China
| | - Yehuan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei 238006, Anhui, China; Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Dingwall KM, Povey J, Sweet M, Friel J, Shand F, Titov N, Wormer J, Mirza T, Nagel T. Feasibility and Acceptability of the Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative for Youth App: Nonrandomized Pilot With First Nations Young People. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e40111. [PMID: 37285184 DOI: 10.2196/40111] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite young First Nations Australians being typically healthy, happy, and connected to family and culture, high rates of emotional distress, suicide, and self-harm are also observed. Differing worldviews of service providers and First Nations young people regarding illness and treatment practices, language differences, culturally inappropriate service models, geographical remoteness, and stigma can all inhibit access to appropriate mental health support. Mental health treatments delivered digitally (digital mental health; dMH) offer flexible access to evidence-based, nonstigmatizing, low-cost treatment and early intervention on a broad scale. There is a rapidly growing use and acceptance of these technologies among young First Nations people. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and use of the newly developed Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative for Youth (AIMhi-Y) app and determine the feasibility of study procedures in preparation for future assessments of effectiveness. METHODS This was a nonrandomized pre-post study using mixed methods. First Nations young people aged 12-25 years who provided consent (with parental consent where appropriate) and possessed the ability to navigate a simple app with basic English literacy were included. Researchers conducted one face-to-face 20-minute session with participants to introduce and orient them to the AIMhi-Y app. The app integrates culturally adapted low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and mindfulness-based activities. Participants received supportive text messages weekly throughout the 4-week intervention period and completed assessments of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, help-seeking, service use, and parent-rated strengths and difficulties at baseline and 4 weeks. Qualitative interviews and rating scales were completed at 4 weeks to gain feedback on subjective experience, look and style, content, overall rating, check-ins, and involvement in the study. App use data were collected. RESULTS Thirty young people (17 males and 13 females) aged between 12 and 18 (mean 14.0, SD 1.55) years were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks. Repeated measures 2-tailed t tests showed improvements in well-being measures that were statistically and clinically significant for psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, 10-item) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire, 2-item). Participants spent on average 37 minutes in the app. The app was rated positively, with mean ratings of 4 out of 5 points (on scales of 1-5). Participants reported that they found the app easy to use, culturally relevant, and useful. The feasibility of the study was demonstrated with a 62% recruitment rate, a 90% retention rate, and high study acceptability ratings. CONCLUSIONS This study supports earlier research suggesting that dMH apps that are appropriately designed with and for the target populations are a feasible and acceptable means of lowering symptoms for mental health disorders among First Nations youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Dingwall
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Australia
| | - Josie Povey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Michelle Sweet
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jaylene Friel
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nickolai Titov
- MindSpot Clinic, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Wormer
- headspace Darwin, Anglicare NT, Darwin, Australia
| | - Tamoor Mirza
- headspace Darwin, Anglicare NT, Darwin, Australia
| | - Tricia Nagel
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
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Rungan S, Liu HM, Edwige V, Smith‐Merry J, Eastwood J. What does the term childhood behavioural disorders mean in the context of Aboriginal culture within Australia? Part 2: Historical and social context. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:1946-1951. [PMID: 36181507 PMCID: PMC9828652 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Childhood behavioural disorders (CBDs) are a common reason for referral to paediatric services and are associated with negative individual and societal outcomes. This article addresses how childhood became a distinct entity and how historical changes shaped its definition. Thereafter, the evolution of diagnostic criteria for CBD and associated limitations will be summarised. This will be followed by a discussion about Aboriginal culture, and the impact of colonisation on social and emotional well-being. This will provide a contextual frame for understanding how social and cultural context influences diagnoses of CBD in Aboriginal children. From this, a conversation about the journey moving forward will begin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santuri Rungan
- Sydney Local Health DistrictUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Huei M Liu
- Sydney Local Health DistrictUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Vanessa Edwige
- Department of EducationSenior School PsychologistSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jennifer Smith‐Merry
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy (CDRP)University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John Eastwood
- Sydney Local Health DistrictUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Hossain B, Chen Y, Bent S, Parenteau C, Widjaja F, Haft SL, Hoeft F, Hendren RL. The role of grit and resilience in children with reading disorder: a longitudinal cohort study. ANNALS OF DYSLEXIA 2022; 72:1-27. [PMID: 34324164 PMCID: PMC8898035 DOI: 10.1007/s11881-021-00238-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies have suggested that grit and resilience predict both academic and career success. However, these qualities have not been examined in children with reading disorder (RD). We therefore investigated whether grit and resilience were associated with anxiety, depression, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) in these students. This 3-year longitudinal cohort study included 163 participants with RD from 3 schools. Evaluations were completed by parents and/or teachers every 3 months. The Grit and Resilience Scale was adapted from the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the 12-item Grit Scale. Outcome measures included anxiety (School Anxiety Scale - Teacher Report and the 8-item Spence Children's Anxiety Scale), depression (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire), academic performance, and QOL (Pediatric QOL Inventory 4.0). Multivariate linear regression models (adjusting for age and sex) assessed the associations at baseline. Repeated measures analysis using mixed-effects models assessed the relationship longitudinally. There were statistically significant associations between grit and resilience and all outcomes at baseline and over time. After adjusting for age and sex, improved grit and resilience was associated with decreased anxiety (β = - 0.4, p < 0.001) and improved academic performance (β = 0.5, p < 0.001) when grit and resilience was measured by teachers, as well as decreased depression (β = - 0.3, p < 0.001) and improved QOL (β = 0.6, p < 0.001) when grit and resilience was measured by parents. Grit and resilience are significantly related to mental health, academic performance, and QOL in children with RD. This suggests that interventions to improve grit and resilience may lead to positive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hossain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Yingtong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Stephen Bent
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - China Parenteau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Felicia Widjaja
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L Haft
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, USA
| | - Robert L Hendren
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Stapinski L, Routledge K, Snijder M, Doyle M, Champion K, Chapman C, Ward J, Baumgart A, Lee KSK, Teesson M, Newton N. A Web-Based Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program (Strong & Deadly Futures) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander School Students: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e34530. [PMID: 34994696 PMCID: PMC8783274 DOI: 10.2196/34530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are no available school-based alcohol and drug prevention programs with evidence of effectiveness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. To address this, we codeveloped the Strong & Deadly Futures well-being and alcohol and drug prevention program in partnership with an Indigenous creative design agency and 4 Australian schools. Objective This paper presents the protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of Strong & Deadly Futures in reducing alcohol and other drug use and improving well-being among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Methods The target sample will be 960 year 7 and 8 students from 24 secondary schools in Australia, of which approximately 40% (384/960) will identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The study design is a 2-group, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. Recruited schools will be block randomized (ratio 1:1), stratified by geographical remoteness, by an independent statistician. Schools will be randomized to receive Strong & Deadly Futures, a web-based alcohol and drug prevention and social and emotional well-being program that delivers curriculum-aligned content over 6 lessons via an illustrated story, or health education as usual (control). Control schools will be supported to implement Strong & Deadly Futures following trial completion. Surveys will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months (primary end point) post baseline. Primary outcomes are alcohol use (adapted from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey), tobacco use (Standard High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey), and psychological distress (Kessler-5 Psychological Distress Scale). Secondary outcomes are alcohol and drug knowledge and intentions, alcohol-related harms, binge drinking, cannabis use, well-being, empowerment, appreciation of cultural diversity, and truancy. Results The trial was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in January 2019, approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney (2020/039, April 2020), the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (1620/19, February 2020), the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (998, October 2021), and the ethics committees of each participating school, including the New South Wales Department of Education (2020170, June 2020), Catholic Education Western Australia (RP2020/39, November 2020), and the Queensland Department of Education (550/27/2390, August 2021). Projected dates of data collection are 2022-2024, and we expect to publish the results in 2025. A total of 24 schools have been recruited as of submission of the manuscript. Conclusions This will be the first cluster randomized controlled trial of a culturally inclusive, school-based alcohol and drug prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth; therefore, it has significant potential to address alcohol and other drug harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001038987; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380038&isReview=true International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/34530
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexine Stapinski
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - Kylie Routledge
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - Mieke Snijder
- Institute of Development Studies, The University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Doyle
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Katrina Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - Cath Chapman
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - James Ward
- University of Queensland Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Amanda Baumgart
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - K S Kylie Lee
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
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10
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Birth order and prosociality in the early adolescent brain. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21806. [PMID: 34750406 PMCID: PMC8575884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth order is a crucial environmental factor for child development. For example, later-born children are relatively unlikely to feel secure due to sibling competition or diluted parental resources. The positive effect of being earlier-born on cognitive intelligence is well-established. However, whether birth order is linked to social behavior remains controversial, and the neural correlates of birth order effects in adolescence when social cognition develops remain unknown. Here, we explored the birth order effect on prosociality using a large-scale population-based adolescent cohort. Next, since the amygdala is a key region for sociality and environmental stress, we examined amygdala substrates of the association between birth order and prosociality using a subset neuroimaging cohort. We found enhanced prosociality in later-born adolescents (N = 3160), and observed the mediating role of larger amygdala volume (N = 208) and amygdala-prefrontal functional connectivity with sex-selective effects (N = 183). We found that birth order, a non-genetic environmental factor, affects adolescent social development via different neural substrates. Our findings may indicate the later-born people’s adaptive survival strategy in stressful environments.
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11
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Bryant J, Bolt R, Botfield JR, Martin K, Doyle M, Murphy D, Graham S, Newman CE, Bell S, Treloar C, Browne AJ, Aggleton P. Beyond deficit: 'strengths-based approaches' in Indigenous health research. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2021; 43:1405-1421. [PMID: 34145599 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Health research concerning Indigenous peoples has been strongly characterised by deficit discourse-a 'mode of thinking' that is overly focused on risk behaviours and problems. Strengths-based approaches offer a different perspective by promoting a set of values that recognise the capacities and capabilities of Indigenous peoples. In this article, we seek to understand the conceptual basis of strengths-based approaches as currently presented in health research. We propose that three main approaches exist: 'resilience' approaches concerned with the personal skills of individuals; 'social-ecological' approaches, which focus on the individual, community and structural aspects of a person's environment; and 'sociocultural' approaches, which view 'strengths' as social relations, collective identities and practices. We suggest that neither 'resilience' nor 'social-ecological' approaches sufficiently problematise deficit discourse because they remain largely informed by Western concepts of individualised rationality and, as a result, rest on logics that support notions of absence and deficit. In contrast, sociocultural approaches tend to view 'strengths' not as qualities possessed by individuals, but as the structure and character of social relations, collective practices and identities. As such, they are better able to capture Indigenous ways of knowing and being and provide a stronger basis on which to build meaningful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reuben Bolt
- Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jessica R Botfield
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Family Planning NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kacey Martin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Doyle
- Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Bell
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette J Browne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Gender and Global Health, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
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12
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Faruk MO, Ching U, Chowdhury KUA. Mental health and well-being of indigenous people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07582. [PMID: 34345744 PMCID: PMC8319571 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus and the subsequent containment strategies has taken a heavy toll on the mental health of people irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographical location. Studies have documented the mental health status of non-indigenous Bangladeshi people, but little attention has been paid during the pandemic to the investigation of the mental health status of indigenous people living in remote hilly areas. To address this gap the present study aimed at investigating the prevalence and accompanying risk factors of depression, anxiety, stress, and compromised well-being among indigenous people during the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 422 indigenous people aged between 16 and 90 using the 21-item Bangla Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (BDASS-21) and the Bangla version of the WHO-5 Well-being Index from January 30 to April 10, 2021. Data were collected by trained research assistants from three remote hilly areas namely Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagracchari in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). Chi-squares, logistic regression, and ANOVA were performed to examine the association of variables. RESULTS The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, stress, and low well-being among the indigenous population during the pandemic was found to be 49.3%, 47.2%, 36.7%, and 50.9%, respectively. Risk predictors for depression, anxiety, and stress included age, ethnicity, geographical locations, educational attainment, occupation, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the ongoing pandemic has led to the rise of common mental health problems among indigenous people during the pandemic. The results can contribute to the formation of mental health policy for indigenous people and the development of suitable mental health intervention strategies especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Omar Faruk
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Umay Ching
- Department of Psychology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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13
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Usher K, Jackson D, Walker R, Durkin J, Smallwood R, Robinson M, Sampson UN, Adams I, Porter C, Marriott R. Indigenous Resilience in Australia: A Scoping Review Using a Reflective Decolonizing Collective Dialogue. Front Public Health 2021; 9:630601. [PMID: 33869128 PMCID: PMC8044395 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.630601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary definitions and understandings of resilience refer to an individual's positive adaptation to the experience of adversity. One of the challenges of this extant body of work is that the central concept of resilience is rarely questioned. Current understandings of these concepts, largely framed in Western understandings, are unquestioningly accepted, reframed for, yet not by, Indigenous peoples, and then are unchallenged when imposed on Indigenous peoples. A scoping review was conducted and reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review involved the participation of local Aboriginal Research Cultural Advisory Groups who participated and approved the analysis of the findings and collaborated on the design and writing of the paper. Eight publications drew on Aboriginal constructs of resilience in examining the effectiveness of programs, processes, and practices to promote individual and/or collective resilience and well-being. Most studies emphasized the need for strategies to strengthen individual or community connection to culture to foster resilience. Six studies used culturally validated strength-based tools to measure resilience, while two relied on Western constructs. This review reveals both the distinctive colonial characteristics of adversity experienced by Aboriginal people and the range of coping strategies and protective resources that support the development of resilience within different Aboriginal communities in diverse research sites across Australia. Importantly, many studies confirm adversity is linked to the enduring legacies of colonization, continuous and cumulative transgenerational grief and loss, structural inequities, racism, and discrimination. These external factors of adversity are unique to Aboriginal populations, as are the protective factors that entail strengthening connection to culture (including language reclamation), community, ancestry and land (including management and economic development) which contribute to individual and collective resilience. These findings suggest that Aboriginal community resilience is strengthened through the collective experience of adversity, such as transgenerational grief and loss, and the resulting support structures and shared resources that are developed and maintained through cultural practices to strengthen the bonds and mutual reciprocity to participate in transformative strategies to address adversity. This review highlights that strategies such as building on community strengths, capacities, and resources is critical when strengthening resilience within Indigenous communities across Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Usher
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Debra Jackson
- Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Susan Wakil School of Nursing University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roz Walker
- Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Indigenous Studies, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Joanne Durkin
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Reakeeta Smallwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Robinson
- Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Western Australian, Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Isabelle Adams
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Cheryl Porter
- New South Wales Department of Health, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhonda Marriott
- Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Adolescents with thalassemia often manifest with an increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems, as well as poor quality of life. However, some can be well-adapted and demonstrate evidence of resilience. This study aimed to explore resilience among those with thalassemia and determine the protective factors for their resilience. Sixty adolescents with thalassemia and 60 healthy adolescents as a comparison group participated in the study. Most adolescents with thalassemia demonstrated resilience. Eighty percent of them scored in the low-risk range of the SDQ total difficulties scale, and 91.7% scored in the low-risk range of the SDQ prosocial scale. The mean total difficulties scores of the thalassemia patients and the healthy controls were 11.38 and 11.27 respectively, whereas the mean prosocial scores were 7.28 and 6.65, without statistical significance. Despite the extensive demands of the illness, most adolescents with thalassemia appear to be adapted well, demonstrating evidence of resilience. Factors promoting resilience are lower BMI, less severe type of thalassemia, and younger age at the start of an iron chelator. Health care professionals who take care of adolescents with thalassemia should collaborate to improve their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattaporn Kaewkong
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nonglak Boonchooduang
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pimlak Charoenkwan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Orawan Louthrenoo
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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15
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Miller HM, Young C, Nixon J, Talbot-McDonnell M, Cutmore M, Tong A, Craig JC, Woolfenden S. Parents' and carers' views on factors contributing to the health and wellbeing of urban Aboriginal children. Aust N Z J Public Health 2020; 44:265-270. [PMID: 32510750 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and describe caregiver perspectives on factors important for the health and wellbeing of urban Aboriginal children. METHODS Caregivers of Aboriginal children participating in the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) were asked to describe the single most important factor that would help their children to be healthy and well. Responses were analysed using thematic and content analysis. RESULTS Of the 626 carers in SEARCH, 425 (68%) provided a response. We identified 13 factors related to: loving family relationships, culturally competent healthcare, food security, active living, community services, education, social and emotional connectedness, safety, breaking cycles of disadvantage, housing availability and affordability, positive Aboriginal role models, strong culture, and carer wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Aligning with holistic concepts of health, caregivers believe that a broad range of child, family and environmental-level factors are needed to ensure the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children. Implications for public health: This study highlights the importance of providing public health initiatives that enable equal access to the social determinants of health for carers of Aboriginal children. Affordable and adequate housing, food security, culturally appropriate healthcare, and family and community connectedness remain critical areas for targeted initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary M Miller
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales.,Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales
| | - Christian Young
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales.,Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales
| | | | | | | | - Allison Tong
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales.,Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales
| | - Jonathan C Craig
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales
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16
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Azzopardi P, Blow N, Purcell T, Brown N, Ritchie T, Brown A. Investing in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents: a foundation for achieving health equity. Med J Aust 2020; 212:202-204.e1. [PMID: 32049362 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Azzopardi
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Ngaree Blow
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
| | | | | | - Tirritpa Ritchie
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA
| | - Alex Brown
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
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17
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Singh R, Mahato S, Singh B, Thapa J, Gartland D. Resilience In Nepalese Adolescents: Socio-Demographic Factors Associated With Low Resilience. J Multidiscip Healthc 2019; 12:893-902. [PMID: 31806987 PMCID: PMC6844232 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s226011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resilience can be viewed as the potential to deal with stress positively. Resilient adolescents are likely to enter adulthood with a greater capacity to cope well in difficult circumstances. The purpose of this study was to measure resilience and the socio-demographic characteristics of Nepalese adolescents with low resilience. Methods A cross-sectional study of 4 randomly selected secondary schools in Lalitpur, Nepal, was conducted with 416 adolescent students (54.8% girls; M=16.1 years, SD=1.5). Resilience was measured using the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ) in Nepali. Socio-demographic factors investigated included personal (e.g. gender, age, ethnicity, religion, birth order, and participation in exercise), family (e.g. type of family, parents' relationship status, employment and literacy) and community factors (e.g. living in an urban area). Results Mean resilience score was 311.7 (95% CI 308.6-314.5; SD=32.1) with 17.5% of adolescents classified as having low resilience. Socio-demographic factors associated with having low resilience included female gender (OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.03-2.95), attending a private school (OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.06-2.98), higher birth order compared to first born (OR=4.79, 95% CI=2.46-9.32), living in an urban area (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.28-3.71); and being physically inactive (OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.77-5.08). Conclusion This first investigation of resilience in Nepalese adolescents using a standardised measure of resilience identified a number of socio-demographic factors as being associated with low resilience. While most socio-demographic factors are not modifiable, they can be used to guide educators and health professionals working with adolescents to identify those who may need greater support to achieve positive outcomes in the often challenging transition through adolescence and into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Singh
- School of Public Health, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sharika Mahato
- The Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Babita Singh
- National Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Tribhuvan University, Birgunj, Nepal
| | - Jeevan Thapa
- School of Public Health, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Deirdre Gartland
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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