scholarly journals An investigation into the psychosocial impact of therapeutic recreation summer camp for youth with serious illness and disability

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110285
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn Yang ◽  
Roz Shafran ◽  
Sophie Bennett ◽  
Allan Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Therapeutic Recreation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
The Impact

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact on emotional, social, physical and educational functioning of a therapeutic recreation camp provided by ‘Over The Wall’, a UK charity for children and young people with chronic illness or disability. Method Two hundred and sixty four people registered to attend camp were sent the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version Child Self-Report Scale before camp, immediately after camp, 1 month after camp and 3 months after camp. Results Of those invited to participate, 178 children completed the pre-camp survey (67% response rate). Of those, 105 completed both the post-camp 1 and pre-camp questionnaires (59% of pre-camp respondents), and 60 of those participants subsequently completed the 1-month post-camp questionnaire as well (34% of pre-camp respondents). Only 32 participants completed the 3-month follow-up data (18% of pre-camp respondents). Across the first three timepoints (pre-Camp, post-Camp and 1 month follow-up), a repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant improvement in emotional and social functioning, but not physical or school functioning ( p < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses on pre-camp and post-camp scores revealed small-medium effect sizes of 0.317 and 0.272 for emotional and social functioning, respectively. Discussion The therapeutic recreation summer camp provided for children and young people with health challenges had a significant, positive impact on emotional and social functioning. Such camps can therefore be considered as having empirical support for their aims. Further work is warranted to increase the response rate to establish the longer term impact of the camps and the wider impact of the camps on the wider family.

scholarly journals Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Allott ◽  
Caroline Gao ◽  
Sarah E. Hetrick ◽  
Kate M. Filia ◽  
Jana M. Menssink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Function ◽  
The Impact

Background Subjective cognitive difficulties are common in mental illness and have a negative impact on role functioning. Little is understood about subjective cognition and the longitudinal relationship with depression and anxiety symptoms in young people. Aims To examine the relationship between changes in levels of depression and anxiety and changes in subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months in help-seeking youth. Method This was a cohort study of 656 youth aged 12–25 years attending Australian headspace primary mental health services. Subjective changes in cognitive functioning (rated as better, same, worse) reported after 3 months of treatment was assessed using the Neuropsychological Symptom Self-Report. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of baseline levels of and changes in depression (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ9) and anxiety symptoms (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale; GAD7) on changes in subjective cognitive function at follow-up while controlling for covariates. Results With a one-point reduction in PHQ9 at follow-up, there was an estimated 11–18% increase in ratings of better subjective cognitive functioning at follow-up, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A one-point increase in PHQ9 from baseline to follow-up was associated with 7–14% increase in ratings of worse subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A similar attenuated pattern of findings was observed for the GAD7. Conclusions A clear association exists between subjective cognitive functioning outcomes and changes in self-reported severity of affective symptoms in young people over the first 3 months of treatment. Understanding the timing and mechanisms of these associations is needed to tailor treatment.

Research Participation Experiences of Informants of Suicide and Control Cases

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 238-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
Wincy S. C. Chan ◽  
Philip S. L. Beh ◽  
Fiona W. S. Yau ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Psychological Autopsy ◽  
Autopsy Study ◽  
The People ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background: Ethical issues have been raised about using the psychological autopsy approach in the study of suicide. The impact on informants of control cases who participated in case-control psychological autopsy studies has not been investigated. Aims: (1) To investigate whether informants of suicide cases recruited by two approaches (coroners’ court and public mortuaries) respond differently to the initial contact by the research team. (2) To explore the reactions, reasons for participation, and comments of both the informants of suicide and control cases to psychological autopsy interviews. (3) To investigate the impact of the interviews on informants of suicide cases about a month after the interviews. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used for the informants of both suicide and control cases. Telephone follow-up interviews were conducted with the informants of suicide cases. Results: The majority of the informants of suicide cases, regardless of the initial route of contact, as well as the control cases were positive about being approached to take part in the study. A minority of informants of suicide and control cases found the experience of talking about their family member to be more upsetting than expected. The telephone follow-up interviews showed that none of the informants of suicide cases reported being distressed by the psychological autopsy interviews. Limitations: The acceptance rate for our original psychological autopsy study was modest. Conclusions: The findings of this study are useful for future participants and researchers in measuring the potential benefits and risks of participating in similar sensitive research. Psychological autopsy interviews may be utilized as an active engagement approach to reach out to the people bereaved by suicide, especially in places where the postvention work is underdeveloped.

The impact of algorithmic decision-making processes on young people’s well-being (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Perez Vallejos ◽  
Liz Dowthwaite ◽  
Helen Creswich ◽  
Virginia Portillo ◽  
Ansgar Koene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Algorithms rule the online environments and are essential for performing data processing, filtering, personalisation and other tasks. Research has shown that children and young people make up a significant proportion of Internet users, however little attention has been given to their experiences of algorithmically-mediated online platforms, or the impact of them on their mental health and well-being. The algorithms that govern online platforms are often obfuscated by a lack of transparency in their online Terms and Conditions and user agreements. This lack of transparency speaks to the need for protecting the most vulnerable users from potential online harms. OBJECTIVE To capture young people's experiences when being online and perceived impact on their well-being. METHODS In this paper, we draw on qualitative and quantitative data from a total of 260 children and young people who took part in a ‘Youth Jury’ to bring their opinions to the forefront, elicit discussion of their experiences of using online platforms, and perceived psychosocial impact on users. RESULTS The results of the study revealed the young people’s positive as well as negative experiences of using online platforms. Benefits such as being convenient and providing entertainment and personalised search results were identified. However, the data also reveals participants’ concerns for their privacy, safety and trust when online, which can have a significant impact on their well-being. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by making recommendations that online platforms acknowledge and enact on their responsibility to protect the privacy of their young users, recognising the significant developmental milestones that this group experience during these early years, and the impact that technology may have on them. We argue that governments need to incorporate policies that require technologists and others to embed the safeguarding of users’ well-being within the core of the design of Internet products and services to improve the user experiences and psychological well-being of all, but especially those of children and young people. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Optimising medication management in children and young people with ADHD using a computerised test (QbTest): a feasibility randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Williams ◽  
Charlotte L. Hall ◽  
Sue Brown ◽  
Boliang Guo ◽  
Marilyn James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Young People ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Global Functioning ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be closely monitored to ensure optimisation. There is growing interest in using computerised assessments of ADHD symptoms to support medication monitoring. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of one such computerised assessment, the Quantified Behavior (Qb) Test, as part of medication management for ADHD. Methods This feasibility multi-site RCT conducted in child and adolescent mental health and community paediatric settings recruited participants aged 6–15 years diagnosed with ADHD starting stimulant medication. Participants were randomised into one of two arms: experimental (QbTest protocol) where participants completed a QbTest at baseline and two follow-up QbTests on medication (2–4 weeks and 8–10 weeks later) and control where participants received treatment as usual, including at least two follow-up consultations. Measures of parent, teacher, and clinician-rated symptoms and global functioning were completed at each time point. Clinicians recorded treatment decision-making and health economic measures were obtained. Data were analysed using multi-level modelling and participants (children and parents) and clinicians were interviewed about their experiences, resulting data were thematically analysed. Results Forty-four children and young people were randomised. Completion of study outcome measures by care-givers and teachers ranged from 52 to 78% at baseline to 47–65% at follow-up. Participants reported the questionnaires to be useful to complete. SNAP-IV inattention scores showed greater reduction in the intervention than the control group (− 5.85, 95% CI − 10.33, − 1.36,). Engagement with the intervention ranged from 100% at baseline, to 78% follow-up 1 and 57% follow-up 2. However, only 37% of QbTests were conducted in the correct time period. Interview data highlighted that the objectivity of the QbTest was appreciated by clinicians and parents. Clinicians commented that the additional time and resources required meant that it is not feasible to use QbTest for all cases. Conclusion The trial design and protocol appear to be feasible and acceptable but could be improved by modifying QbTest time periods and the method of data collection. With these changes, the protocol may be appropriate for a full trial. Adding QbTest may improve symptom outcome as measured by SNAP-IV. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03368573, prospectively registered, 11th December 2017, and ISRCTN, ISRCTN69461593, retrospectively registered, 10th April 2018

scholarly journals Impact of lockdown and school closure on children in special schools: a single-centre survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000981
Author(s):  
Tapomay Banerjee ◽  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Piriyanga Kesavan
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Special Educational Needs ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Special Schools ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
The Impact

Special schools play a significant role in the daily lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We explored the impact of the COVID-19-related first lockdown and resulting school closure by surveying parents whose children attended three special schools in Bedford, UK. We asked about anxiety and impact on emotional well-being and education. We received 53 responses from parents: 31 felt their child was more anxious during the lockdown period/school closure compared with beforehand and 42 felt their child’s emotional well-being had been affected. Children and young people attending special schools may have struggled both academically and emotionally during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Keeping the Flame Lit: The Value of the Long-Term Permanence of a Science Club

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-143
Author(s):  
Miguel García-Guerrero ◽  
Bertha Michel-Sandoval ◽  
Viridiana Esparza-Manrique ◽  
Amelia Rodríguez-Pinedo ◽  
Vianey Raudales-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Communication ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
School Programs ◽  
Science Clubs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Science Club ◽  
Science Activities

Science clubs are programs that allow people (especially children and youngsters) to meet regularly outside of school programs and engage with science and technology activities. Clubs encourage participants to foster attitudes, capabilities, and knowledge related to STEM fields with the goal of promoting interest and passion about science. As such programs provide big opportunities to improve the impact of public communication of science activities, it is really important to look at the impacts of such programs. Quark Group runs the Children Science Club since 2002, and up to 2016, it developed science recreation activities with 711 children and young people. In order to establish the influence the club had on its participants, we conducted a survey that provided 244 answers. This article presents the findings of this follow-up study.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with oral cancer in Brazil

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Paula de Andrade ◽  
José Leopoldo Ferreira Antunes ◽  
Marcelo Doria Durazzo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
The Impact

This study performed a field trial of a Portuguese version of the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL, 3rd version), aiming at appraising its ability to identify different patterns of health-related quality of life of patients with oral cancer in Brazil. Patients (N = 100) were interviewed as they were undergoing treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma at a large Brazilian hospital ("Hospital das Clínicas", School of Medicine, University of São Paulo). The results were compared based on categories of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. At a one-year follow-up, 20 patients had died, and 24 were considered dropouts. The remaining patients accounted for the longitudinal assessment of modifications in the self report of quality of life. Patients with larger tumours and neoplasms in the posterior part of the mouth presented significantly (p < 0.05) poorer indications of quality of life. Chewing was the poorest rated domain (35.0/100.0), and presented the highest proportion of complaints both at the baseline and at the follow-up assessments. The questionnaire allowed the identification of important contrasts (while comparing clinical characteristics) and similarities (while comparing socio-demographic status) among subsets of respondents, and it can contribute to reduce the impact of treatments and improve subsequent patient management.

scholarly journals Do you mind if I take your blood pressure? Physical health monitoring of children and young people on ADHD medication amidst a pandemic

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S183-S184
Author(s):  
Emma Davies ◽  
Maham Khan ◽  
Claire Jones
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Young People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Adhd Medication ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Nice Guidance ◽  
The Impact

AimsTo establish whether physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication is according to NICE guidance (2018).To determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, directly impacting on academic, occupational, or social functioning. It affects between 1-5% of children and young people (CYP) most often presenting in early-mid childhood.Pharmacological treatment can be considered in CYP if certain criteria are met, where licensed medications include methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications require frequent physical health monitoring due to their side effects including an increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate, loss of appetite, growth restriction and tics.MethodStandards and criteria were derived from the NICE guidance (2018), whilst local trust policies were reviewed, demonstrating discrepancies. Standards were expected to be met for 100% of patients.Electronic patient records were reviewed retrospectively from a representative cohort of CYP reviewed by clinicians in a community CAMHS service during March-November 2020. Data were entered manually into a spreadsheet for evaluation.ResultA total of 27 CYP records were reviewed, average age 13yo, on a range of stimulant/non-stimulant preparations.5 (19%) had height checked every 6 months, with 4 delayed to 7-8 months.For those >10yo, only 5 (19%) had weight checked every 6 months.Only 2 (7%) had their height and weight plotted on a growth chart and reviewed by the healthcare professional responsible for treatment.Just 4 (15%) had heart rate and blood pressure recorded before and after each dose change, whilst similarly only 4 (not the same) had these parameters recorded every 6 months.17 patients were reviewed by telephone/video call, where 5 patients provided physical health parameters (measured at home).ConclusionAcross all parameters, standards are not being met for the required physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the working conditions for community teams, impacting face to face reviews, creating challenges for physical health monitoring.Our ongoing implementations for change include the use of a proforma for physical health measurements, improving psychoeducation for families, exploring potential barriers with senior colleagues and collaborating with pharmacy colleagues to update local guidelines in accordance with the latest NICE recommendations. We aim to re-audit in June 2021.

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