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Young D, Reynolds J, Tonmukayakul U, Carter R, Swift E, Williams K, McDonald R, Reddihough D, Carracher R, Ireland P, Tracy J, Kenyon C, Gibbs L. An intervention to improve the self-efficacy of key workers to support parental wellbeing at an early childhood intervention service in Australia: a stepped wedged randomized cluster trial. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:3046-3058. [PMID: 36052978 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2117865] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is well documented parents of children who have a disability are at an increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. A capacity building program designed to build key worker self-efficacy to support the mental health of parents accessing early childhood intervention services (ECIS) for their child was trialled. MATERIALS AND METHODS A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial design was utilised to deliver and evaluate a 12-month intervention program, comprising tailored professional development, resource development and sustainability measures. The repeated measurements on individuals in six clusters over three follow-up periods were analysed using linear mixed models. Comparison of the control and new program statistical means (adjusted for period effects) were assessed with an F test. RESULTS Key workers reported increased confidence to talk to parents about their own wellbeing (d = 0.51, F(1, 51.8) = 4.28, p = 0.044) and knowledge of parental mental wellbeing improved (p = 0.006). A reduction in staff sick leave partially offset the cost of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS A multi-pronged intervention targeted at key workers was found to be an effective way to ensure parental wellbeing is supported at an ECIS in Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12617001530314Implications for RehabilitationThere are implications for the development of children whose parents are experiencing high stress and poor mental health, whereby parents of children with disability or developmental delays are at increased risk.Findings from this study support the recommendation that a key worker is provided to holistically support families who access Early Childhood Intervention Services to aid in reducing poor parental wellbeing and child outcomes.Improved confidence to support and initiate conversations regarding parental wellbeing by key workers, in combination with support from management and the organisation to undertake this as part of their role, is a positive finding from this intervention study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Young
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Reynolds
- Alfred Health and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Utsana Tonmukayakul
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rob Carter
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elena Swift
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics and Education Research, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Developmental Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachael McDonald
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dinah Reddihough
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Neurodevelopment and Disability, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Jane Tracy
- Centre for Developmental Disability Health, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Gibbs
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Gerbarg PL, Dickson F, Conte VA, Brown RP. Breath-centered virtual mind-body medicine reduces COVID-related stress in women healthcare workers of the Regional Integrated Support for Education in Northern Ireland: a single group study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1199819. [PMID: 37377478 PMCID: PMC10291294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers endured prolonged stress affecting their psychological well-being. Objectives: (1) Evaluate the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Introductory Course (BBMIC) on COVID-related stress among employees of the Regional Integrated Support for Education, Northern Ireland, (2) Reduce the risk of adverse effects from COVID-related stress, and (3) Evaluate the effects of BBMIC on indicators of psychophysiological states and the consistency with hypothesized mechanisms of action. Methods In this single group study, a convenience sample of 39 female healthcare workers completed informed consent and baseline measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Stress Overload Scale-Short (SOS-S), and Exercise-Induced Feelings Inventory (EFI). Following the online BBMIC 4 h/day for 3 days and the 6 week solo (20 min/day) and group practice (45 min weekly), repeat testing plus the Indicators of Psychophysiological State (IPSS) and Program Evaluation were obtained. Results Baseline (T1) mean PSS score was significantly elevated compared to a normative sample: PSS = 18.2 vs. 13.7 (p < 0.001) and improved significantly 11 weeks post-BBMIC (T4). SOS-S mean score declined from 10.7(T1) to 9.7 at 6 week post-test (T3). The SOS-S proportion of High Risk scores found in 22/29 participants (T1), dropped to 7/29 (T3). EFI mean subscale scores improved significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 for Revitalization (p < 0.001); Exhaustion (p < 0.002); and Tranquility (p < 0.001); but not Engagement (p < 0.289). Conclusion Among RISE NI healthcare workers affected by COVID-related stress, participation in the BBMIC significantly reduced scores for Perceived Stress, Stress Overload, and Exhaustion. EFI Revitalization and Tranquility scores significantly improved. More than 60% of participants reported moderate to very strong improvements in 22 indicators of psychophysiological state, e.g., tension, mood, sleep, mental focus, anger, connectedness, awareness, hopefulness, and empathy. These results are consistent with the hypothesized mechanisms of action whereby voluntarily regulated breathing exercises change interoceptive messaging to brain regulatory networks that shift psychophysiological states of distress and defense to states of calmness and connection. These positive findings warrant validation in larger, controlled studies to extend the understanding of how breath-centered Mind-body Medicine practices could mitigate adverse effects of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. Gerbarg
- Department of Psychiatry, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Felicity Dickson
- Regional Integrated Support for Education, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent A. Conte
- Management Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Richard P. Brown
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
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Bagur S, Paz‐Lourido B, Mut‐Amengual B, Verger S. Relationship between parental mental health and developmental disorders in early childhood. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e4840-e4849. [PMID: 35762200 PMCID: PMC10084383 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Social intervention with children with disabilities and their families should be understood through the principles of family-centred practice. In Spain, early intervention is understood as interventions aimed at children from 0 to 6 years old and their families. Professionals carry out the reception, assessment and intervention. This study aims to analyse the relationship between mental and physical health, caregivers' levels of anxiety and depression and the child's development during the fostering and assessment phase. The sample is made up of 135 families using child development centres in the Balearic Islands. Four questionnaires were completed: Health-Related Quality of Life SF-12, Anxiety and Depression Scale, Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL 1½-5) and socio-demographic questionnaire. The results show that parents of children with disabilities have higher levels of mental health impairment than physical health impairment. They also score higher on anxiety than on depression. It is worth noting that professional discipline is a variable to be taken into account in relation to parents' perception of their child's developmental improvement. In addition, the association between the developmental subscales, where the more the child is affected, the more the parents' mental health is affected. The same pattern occurs with caregivers' levels of anxiety and depression. In short, we propose a reflection on the application of family-centred practices during interventions, understanding the lack of professional training as a predictor of the quality of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bagur
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational PsychologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Education (IRIE)University of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
| | - Berta Paz‐Lourido
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Education (IRIE)University of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
- Department of Nursing and PhysiotherapyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
| | - Bartomeu Mut‐Amengual
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational PsychologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Education (IRIE)University of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
| | - Sebastià Verger
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational PsychologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
- Institute of Research and Innovation in Education (IRIE)University of the Balearic IslandsPalma de MallorcaSpain
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