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Spiers G, Tan MMC, Astbury JL, Hall A, Ahmed N, Lanyi K, Williams O, Beyer F, Craig D, Hanratty B. What works to support carers of older people and older carers? an international evidence map of interventions and outcomes. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:301. [PMID: 38553679 PMCID: PMC10979610 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unpaid carers of older people, and older unpaid carers, experience a range of adverse outcomes. Supporting carers should therefore be a public health priority. Our understanding of what works to support carers could be enhanced if future evaluations prioritise under-researched interventions and outcomes. To support this, we aimed to: map evidence about interventions to support carers, and the outcomes evaluated; and identify key gaps in current evidence. METHODS Evidence gap map review methods were used. Searches were carried out in three bibliographic databases for quantitative evaluations of carer interventions published in OECD high-income countries between 2013 and 2023. Interventions were eligible if they supported older carers (50 + years) of any aged recipient, or any aged carers of older people (50 + years). FINDINGS 205 studies reported across 208 publications were included in the evidence map. The majority evaluated the impact of therapeutic and educational interventions on carer burden and carers' mental health. Some studies reported evidence about physical exercise interventions and befriending and peer support for carers, but these considered a limited range of outcomes. Few studies evaluated interventions that focused on delivering financial information and advice, pain management, and physical skills training for carers. Evaluations rarely considered the impact of interventions on carers' physical health, quality of life, and social and financial wellbeing. Very few studies considered whether interventions delivered equitable outcomes. CONCLUSION Evidence on what works best to support carers is extensive but limited in scope. A disproportionate focus on mental health and burden outcomes neglects other important areas where carers may need support. Given the impact of caring on carers' physical health, financial and social wellbeing, future research could evaluate interventions that aim to support these outcomes. Appraisal of whether interventions deliver equitable outcomes across diverse carer populations is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Spiers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Michelle M C Tan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jayne L Astbury
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alex Hall
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Lanyi
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Oleta Williams
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Beyer
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Goh KW, Ishikawa S, Okubo R, Kusumi I, Tabuchi T. Are patients with mental disorders more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Findings from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:72-79. [PMID: 37556872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.035] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are well-known factors that worsen the symptoms among patients with mental disorders. Few previous studies have explored loneliness and social isolation among populations with mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, our study examined the mental health impact of the pandemic on these population groups in terms of loneliness and social isolation. METHODS We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Surveys, a large-scale online survey. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we calculated the odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation for major chronic diseases, including mental disorders, after adjusting for potential confounders. Calculations were performed for each type of mental disorder. Finally, calculations were performed to explore the association between moderate-to-severe loneliness or high social isolation and psychiatric symptoms among patients with mental disorders. RESULTS Of the 28,175 participants, 2021 (7.2 %) had a mental disorder. Mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders, were found to be associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation. Patients with mental disorders who experienced moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation were found to have exacerbated psychiatric symptoms. LIMITATION Our findings were obtained from a cross-sectional study design. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mental disorders were more vulnerable to moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation during the pandemic, which contributed to the exacerbation of their symptoms. Depression and anxiety, in particular, were most likely to occur and required special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuhei Ishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Okubo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, National Hospital Organization Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kusumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Casafont C, González-García MJ, Casadamon-Munarriz I, Piazuelo M, Cobo-Sánchez JL, Bravo M, Frías CE, Zabalegui A. Impact of Hospitalization of People With Dementia or Cognitive Impairment on Family Caregivers. Res Gerontol Nurs 2023; 16:283-290. [PMID: 37616481 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20230817-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
People with dementia (PWD) have a higher risk of hospitalization than people without dementia. Hospitalizations are stressful events for PWD and their caregivers, representing a considerable change to their routines. The current descriptive longitudinal study aimed to identify the positive and negative reactions, experiences related to health and social integrated care, resource use, and work status of family caregivers of PWD or cognitive impairment admitted to the hospital with a proximal femur fracture undergoing surgery. Findings indicated that family caregivers (N = 174) are fully committed to providing assistance in activities of daily living and supervision, showing positive attitudes on self-esteem and negative attitudes toward lack of family support and impact on finances, schedule, and health. Overall caregiver experiences with integrated health and social care improved after hospitalization but decreased after discharge. One month after hospitalization, family caregivers maintained the same work hours but used fewer health care resources. Hospitalization represents a good opportunity to approach family caregivers and determine their needs to provide them with interventions to minimize their burden and improve their well-being. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(6), 283-290.].
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Yu Y, Xiao L, Ullah S, Meyer C, Wang J, Pot AM, Shifaza F. The Experiences of Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia in Web-Based Psychoeducation Programs: Systematic Review and Metasynthesis. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e47152. [PMID: 37247218 DOI: 10.2196/47152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers of people living with dementia experience a higher level of physical and mental stress compared with other types of caregivers. Psychoeducation programs are viewed as beneficial for building caregivers' knowledge and skills and for decreasing caregiver stress. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to synthesize the experiences and perceptions of informal caregivers of people with dementia when participating in web-based psychoeducation programs and the factors that enable and impede informal caregivers' engagement in web-based psychoeducation programs. METHODS This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol of systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies. We searched 4 English databases, 4 Chinese databases, and 1 Arabic database in July 2021. RESULTS A total of 9 studies written in English were included in this review. From these studies, 87 findings were extracted and grouped into 20 categories. These categories were further synthesized into 5 findings: web-based learning as an empowering experience, peer support, satisfactory and unsatisfactory program content, satisfactory and unsatisfactory technical design, and challenges encountered in web-based learning. CONCLUSIONS High-quality and carefully designed web-based psychoeducation programs offered positive experiences for informal caregivers of people living with dementia. To meet broader caregiver education and support needs, program developers should consider information quality and relevancy, the support offered, individual needs, flexibility in delivery, and connectedness between peers and program facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lily Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shahid Ullah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claudia Meyer
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiao tong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Anne Margriet Pot
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Optentia, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Fathimath Shifaza
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
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Cavalcante TF, Lourenço CE, Ferreira JEDSM, Oliveira LR, Neto JC, Amaro JP, Moreira RP. Models of Support for Caregivers and Patients with the Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2563. [PMID: 36767926 PMCID: PMC9916224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032563] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2019, an outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), occurred in the city of Wuhan, China. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. In October 2021, with the advancement of the disease, the World Health Organization defined the post-COVID-19 condition. The post-COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2, usually 3 months after the onset of the disease. The chronicity of COVID-19 has increased the importance of recognizing caregivers and their needs. METHODS We conducted a scoping review following international guidelines to map the models of support for caregivers and patients with the post-COVID-19 condition. The searches were conducted in electronic databases and the grey literature. The Population, Concept, and Context framework was used: Population: patients with the post-COVID-19 condition and caregivers; Concept: models of caregiver and patient support; and Context: post-COVID-19 condition. A total of 3258 records were identified through the electronic search, and 20 articles were included in the final sample. RESULTS The studies approached existing guidelines and health policies for post-COVID-19 condition patients and support services for patients and home caregivers such as telerehabilitation, multidisciplinary care, hybrid models of care, and follow-up services. Only one study specifically addressed the home caregivers of patients with this clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS The review indicates that strategies such as telerehabilitation are effective for training and monitoring the patient-family dyad, but the conditions of access and digital literacy must be considered.
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Relieving care burden and promoting health-related quality of life for family caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease via an empowerment program. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:73-83. [PMID: 36282451 PMCID: PMC9593982 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02277-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective strategies should be adopted to reduce care burden (CB) and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in family caregivers (FCGs) of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of empowerment program (EP) on CB and HRQoL of FCGs. METHODS The present two-group experimental study was conducted on 70 FCGs of the elderly with AD who were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the empowerment program group (EPG, n = 35) and control group (CG, n = 35). Data collection tools were 12-item Short Form Health Survey and Zarit Burden Interview. The EP was held for 5 weeks, one session of 20 to 30 min each week. Data were collected before, immediately and 3 months after EP and analyzed by SPSS version 25 software at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS The results showed a significant decrease in the mean CB score in FCGs of elderly with AD in EPG before, immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001). The result also revealed that there was a significant increase in the mean HRQoL score in EPG immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, EP can reduce CB and increase HRQoL in FCGs of elderly with AD. Policymakers and planners active in the field of healthcare for the elderly can benefit from the results of our study to improve the health of FCGs of the elderly with AD.
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Implementing the evidence translation-based resilience care model on family caregivers of stroke patients: a best-practice implementation project. INT J EVID-BASED HEA 2022; 20:313-325. [DOI: 10.1097/xeb.0000000000000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nia MN, Mohajer S, Bagheri N, Sarboozi-Hoseinabadi T. The effects of family-centered empowerment model on depression, anxiety, and stress of the family caregivers of patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:185. [PMID: 35883034 PMCID: PMC9315845 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01795-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taking care of patients with Covid-19 is regarded as a challenging task for family caregivers. Hence, a Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM) should help them achieve greater psychological strength throughout the home healthcare process. METHODS This study is a randomized clinical trial with two groups; besides, pre-test and post-test designs were conducted based on the CONSORT checklist from April to July 2020, in Iran. Seventy family caregivers were randomly assigned to FCEM (n = 35) and control (n = 35) groups. Then, four stages of FCEM in four online sessions were provided to the participants of the intervention group via WhatsApp messenger. The procedure started at the patient's discharge and continued for two weeks. The demographic information questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were employed before and five days after the FCEM sessions to gather the required data. RESULTS The sample was made up of 55.8% women and 44.2% men caregivers, with a mean age of 42.5 years. The results demonstrated a substantial difference in the average score of stress (p = 0.023), anxiety (p = 0.003), and depression (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS The combination of a face-to-face orientation session and online methods of FCEM is likely to lower stress, anxiety, and depression in family caregivers, which can be contributed to the practicability, simplicity, and effectiveness of this home health intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study (no. IRCT20180429039463N2 ) was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 10/04/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Namazi Nia
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.,Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Samira Mohajer
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nasser Bagheri
- Visual and Decision Analytics (VIDEA) Lab, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.,The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tahere Sarboozi-Hoseinabadi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran. .,Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
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He J, Wang J, Zhong H, Guan C. The Effectiveness of Multi-Component Interventions on the Positive and Negative Aspects of Well-Being among Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19126973. [PMID: 35742220 PMCID: PMC9222573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19126973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present review aims to examine whether multi-component interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia are effective on positive and negative aspects of caregiver well-being. Eleven databases were searched from inception to 8 March 2021. Only randomized controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of multi-component intervention on positive and negative aspects of caregiver well-being were eligible. Endnote X7 (Thomson ResearchSoft, Stanford, CA, USA) was used for study selection and version 5.1.0 of Cochrane Collaboration’s tool (Cochrane, London, UK) was applied for quality assessment. Review Manager (Revman) Version 5.3 (Cochrane, London, UK) was used for the meta-analysis, and if statistical synthesis was inappropriate, only narrative analysis was performed. A total of 31 RCTs with 3939 participants were included. Meta-analyses showed small to moderate effects on subjective well-being, depression, and burden of caregivers, and a moderate to high effect on caregiver anxiety. Due to insufficient data and vast heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed for other outcomes, such as resilience, competence, and empathy. This review suggests that individualized multi-component interventions for caregivers may be one of the ways to promote their well-being. Further research is needed to explore the impact of rigorously designed and personalized multi-component interventions on informal caregivers, especially on more positive indicators, as well as its long-term effects and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjie He
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-29-8265-7015
| | - Hongmei Zhong
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China;
| | - Chengguo Guan
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
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Frías CE, Casafont C, Cabrera E, Zabalegui A. Validation of the Spanish Version of the Double Knowledge Expectations and Received Knowledge Significant Other Scale for Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia (KESO-DEM/RKSO-DEM). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5314. [PMID: 35564708 PMCID: PMC9104362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is associated with cognitive decline. Becoming an informal caregiver raises questions, requiring information and support from health professionals to guide home care. A multicenter, longitudinal study was carried out to validate the Spanish version of the double scale of expected and received knowledge for informal caregivers of people with dementia (KESO-DEM/RKSO-DEM), the analysis of the dimensional structure of the instrument, its validity and reliability, and temporary stability was carried out. An analysis of criterion and construct validity, internal consistency, and test−retest stability was performed. The evaluation of the interrelation between dimensions was statistically significant. Regarding internal consistency, the scale values were good both for the scale totals and for each dimension of knowledge, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.97. For criterion validity, all items showed temporal stability for both questionnaires (p < 0.05). The availability of a valid, reliable tool for the measurement of expected and received knowledge in caregivers of people with dementia allows an approach based on the real needs of the family and the patient. It is important to design care protocols for people with dementia that are adapted to their needs and expectations and to their non-curative treatment, to improve the emotional well-being of patients and informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy E. Frías
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08836 Barcelona, Spain; (C.E.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudia Casafont
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08836 Barcelona, Spain; (C.E.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Esther Cabrera
- School of Health Sciences, TecnoCampus, Pompeu Fabra University, 08302 Mataro, Spain;
- Department of Care Management and Social Work, Sechenov University, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Adelaida Zabalegui
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08836 Barcelona, Spain
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Gago CM, Jurkowski J, Beckerman-Hsu JP, Aftosmes-Tobio A, Figueroa R, Oddleifson C, Mattei J, Kenney EL, Haneuse S, Davison KK. Exploring a theory of change: Are increases in parental empowerment associated with healthier weight-related parenting practices? Soc Sci Med 2022; 296:114761. [PMID: 35123371 PMCID: PMC8894077 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parent health-related empowerment is defined as the process by which parents realize control over their life situation and take action to promote a healthier lifestyle. For decades, researchers have described the theoretical potential of empowerment in health promotion efforts, though few have empirically examined this hypothesized relationship. This study is one of the first to examine the relationship between parental empowerment and healthy weight parenting practices (i.e., food, physical activity, sleep, and media parenting), as a mechanism for early childhood health promotion in community settings. METHODS Low-income parents of preschool-aged children attending Head Start in Greater Boston between fall 2017 and spring 2019 were invited to complete a survey in the fall and spring of each academic school year (n = 578 with two surveys and n = 45 with four). Parental empowerment and healthy weight parenting practices were assessed using validated surveys. We used a multilevel difference-in-difference approach to estimate changes in healthy weight parenting practices score by changes in parental empowerment score. RESULTS Out of a possible score of four, the unadjusted mean (SD) score in fall was 3.20 (0.40) for empowerment and 3.01 (0.40) for parenting. An increase in parental empowerment was associated with an increase in healthier parenting practices (b = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.20; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Parent empowerment may be an important target in interventions to prevent obesity in low-income children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M. Gago
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Janine Jurkowski
- Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | | | | | - Roger Figueroa
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Carly Oddleifson
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Erica L. Kenney
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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