The other side of the story: Intended parents' surrogacy journeys,stigma and relational reproductive justice

Current surrogacy research primarily focuses on commercial surrogacy with a particular emphasis on experiences of surrogate mothers, whereas intended parents' voices are dominated by western perspectives. Indigenous voices are only a whisper. This study presents another side of the surrogacy story by including the voices of intended parents residing in India, elicited through eight in-depth interviews. We assert there is need to understand Indian intended parents' socio-spatial experiences in the presence of a changing surrogacy law in India and the socio-cultural importance of childbearing and parenthood to move towards relational reproductive justice. By recognising the relational nature of surrogacy reproduction and drawing on the concepts of ethics of care in light of power and stigma discussions, this paper demonstrates how stigma is experienced by intended parents, its effect on their reproductive journey and wellbeing, as well as how stigma hinders achieving the vision of relational reproductive justice. We suggest that, in order to make surrogacy a positive experience for the people involved in surrogacy, there is a need to address stigma and view surrogacy as a relationship.     

“It’s a lifeline”: Generating a sense of social connectedness through befriending parents of disabled children or children with additional need

ObjectivesThis study explored the influence of a parent-to-parent peer support scheme on the wellbeing of parents of disabled children or children with additional need who joined a befriending scheme.MethodsA longitudinal concurrent mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research design collected data (telephone interviews, Footsteps Tool, Resilience Scale-14) with 33 befriendees (1:1 or group support) and 33 befrienders at time-point 1 (TP1). TP2 data were collected from 20 befriendees and 16 befrienders 6–9 months after recruitment.ResultsThere was some improvement on average scores between TP1 and TP2 on both tools. The strongest evidence of change - ‘a sense of positivity and hope’ and ‘connection, belonging and sharing’ - was in the parents' reports of how the scheme helped them to build secure and valued social connections within a community of other parents who understood their lives.ConclusionBoth the befriendees and befrienders reported the sense of hope and a feeling of belonging as key benefits that resulted from the social connections they gained from the scheme.Practice implicationsSocial connectedness is likely to be a more useful concept than resilience in examining change.     

Physical activity and wellbeing of 8–9 year old children from social disadvantage: An all-Ireland approach to health

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has been shown to improve psychological wellbeing in adults, however less is known about this relationship in children. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PA and wellbeing in children for the first time across Ireland and to explore potential differences by gender, jurisdiction (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) and region of Ireland.MethodA sample of 673 8–9 year olds attending school in socially disadvantaged areas took part. Participants completed a measure of PA and the KIDSCREEN-27 quality of life questionnaire.Results18% of children accumulated the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day for health, with 18% of boys (n = 63) and 17% girls (n = 55) achieving this level. Children in Northern Ireland reported higher wellbeing scores than those in Republic of Ireland. Children achieving the recommended level of MVPA scored significantly higher on measures of wellbeing than less active children. Gender differences in wellbeing were found for perceived parental, social and school support with girls scoring higher than boys.ConclusionsChildren who meet the recommended MVPA guidelines and those who live in Northern Ireland report a higher level of wellbeing than their peers who live in the Republic of Ireland.     

Complementary health approaches for health and wellness in midlife and older US adults

ObjectivesTo characterize the use of complementary health approaches (CHA) and examine the perceived benefits of using CHA by reason for use among midlife and older adults.Study designAnalysis of 2012 National Health Interview Survey data, a nationally representative US sample using cross-tabulations with design-based F-tests and multiple logistic regression. The analytic sample included adults aged over 50 years (N = 14,849).Main outcome measuresThe proposed benefits of using CHA included: (1) better control over health, (2) reduced stress/relaxation, (3) better sleep, (4) feeling better emotionally, (5) coping with health problems, (6) improved health/feeling better, and (7) improved relationships.ResultsOverall, 31% of this sample of midlife and older US adults had used CHA in the past year. Among users, 15% had used CHA for treatment only, 40% for wellness only, and 45% for combined wellness and treatment. Herbs (60%), chiropractic (28%), massage (22%), and yoga (19%) were the most common CHA. Wellness-only and combined users had significantly higher odds of reporting that CHA conferred benefit compared with treatment-only users.ConclusionsCHA are used by nearly a third of midlife and older adults and are perceived to provide substantial benefit. Integrating CHA as part of a healthy lifestyle has the potential to contribute to healthy aging among midlife and older adults.     

医养心整合养老模式的效果研究

目的通过分析昆明市社会福利院福利医院在长期的医养结合模式实践中结合临床心理科团队开展的医养心整合养老模式的有效性,探索出一套更适合机构养老的服务模式。 方法选择住院老年人80例,按病区分为研究组和对照组,研究组老年人接受医养心整合养老模式服务,对照组接受普通医养模式服务。采用访谈法及健康状况调查问卷、纽芬兰纪念大学幸福度量表和生活满意度测评表对其生活质量、幸福感和满意度的变化状况进行评估,并设计团体心理辅导干预方案。采用t检验比较组间的各指标的差异。 结果在医养服务中融入以支持性为主的团体心理服务,即医养心整合养老模式能加强老年人的积极心理体验,处理消极心理体验,从而有效改善入住老年人的生活质量,提高其幸福感和满意度（P<0.05）。医养心整合养老模式能够通过改善情感职能、社会功能、躯体疼痛、精力、精神健康和健康自我评价来提高老年人的总体健康状况（P<0.05）。 结论医养心整合养老模式适合机构养老的老年人,对老年人的心身健康有非常明显的促进作用。     

Parents' work patterns and adolescent mental health

Previous research demonstrates that non-standard work schedules undermine the stability of marriage and reduce family cohesiveness. Limited research has investigated the effects of parents working non-standard schedules on children's health and wellbeing and no published Australian studies have addressed this important issue. This paper contributes to bridging this knowledge gap by focusing on adolescents aged 15–20 years and by including sole parent families which have been omitted in previous research, using panel data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. Multilevel linear regression models are estimated to analyse the association between parental work schedules and hours of work and measures of adolescents' mental health derived from the SF-36 Health Survey. Evidence of negative impacts of parents working non-standard hours upon adolescent wellbeing is found to exist primarily within sole parent families.     

‘Moving on’ Violence,wellbeing and questions about violence in antenatal care encounters. A qualitative study with Somali-born refugees in Sweden

BackgroundSomali-born women constitute one of the largest groups of childbearing refugee women in Sweden after more than two decades of political violence in Somalia. In Sweden, these women encounter antenatal care that includes routine questions about violence being asked. The aim of the study was to explore how Somali-born women understand and relate to violence and wellbeing during their migration transition and their views on being approached with questions about violence in Swedish antenatal care.MethodQualitative interviews (22) with Somali-born women (17) living in Sweden were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsA balancing act between keeping private life private and the new welfare system was identified, where the midwife’s questions about violence were met with hesitance. The midwife was, however, considered a resource for access to support services in the new society. A focus on pragmatic strategies to move on in life, rather than dwelling on potential experiences of violence and related traumas, was prominent. Social networks, spiritual faith and motherhood were crucial for regaining coherence in the aftermath of war. Dialogue and mutual adjustments were identified as strategies used to overcome power tensions in intimate relationships undergoing transition.ConclusionsIf confidentiality and links between violence and health are explained and clarified during the care encounter, screening for violence can be more beneficial in relation to Somali-born women. The focus on “moving on” and rationality indicates strength and access to alternative resources, but needs to be balanced against risks for hidden needs in care encounters. A care environment with continuity of care and trustful relationships enhances possibilities for the midwife to balance these dual perspectives and identify potential needs. Collaborations between Somali communities, maternity care and social service providers can contribute with support to families in transition and bridge gaps to formal social and care services.     

Predicting healthy lifestyle patterns among retirement age older adults in the WELL study: A latent class analysis of sex differences

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of retirement age older adults with respect to their lifestyle patterns of eating, drinking, smoking, physical activity and TV viewing behaviors, and to examine the association between these patterns and socio-demographic covariates.

Methods

The sample consisted of 3133 older adults aged 55–65 years from the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study, 2010. This study used latent class analysis (stratified by sex), with a set of lifestyle indicators and including socio-demographic covariates. Statistical analyses were performed by generalized linear latent and mixed models in Stata.

Results

Two classes of lifestyle patterns were identified: Healthy (53% men and 72% women) and less healthy lifestyles. Physical activity, TV-viewing time, and fruit intake were good indicators distinguishing the “Healthier” class, whereas consumption of vegetables, alcohol (men) and fast food (women) could not clearly discriminate older adults in the two classes. Class membership was associated with education, body mass index, and self-rated health.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the literature on lifestyle behaviors among older adults, and provides evidence that there are meaningful sex differences in lifestyle behaviors between subgroups of older adults. From a policy perspective, understanding indicators or “markers” of healthy and less healthy lifestyle patterns is important for identifying target groups for interventions.