'I am because you are': Community support as a bridge to mental wellbeing for resettled African refugee women living in Rhode Island.

African refugee women resettled in the United States are exposed to multiple risk factors for poor mental health. Currently, no comprehensive framework exists on which to guide mental health interventions specific to this population. Through a community-based participatory research partnership, we interviewed N = 15 resettled African refugees living in Rhode Island. Here we (1) describe how meanings of mental health within the African refugee community vary from US understandings of PTSD, depression, and anxiety and (2) generate a framework revealing how mental health among participants results from interactions between social support, African sociocultural norms, and US norms and systems. Multiple barriers and facilitators of mental wellbeing lie at the intersections of these three primary concepts. We recommend that public health and medicine leverage the strength of existing community networks and organisations to address the heavy burden of poor mental health among resettled African refugee women.

What Makes a Better Life for People Facing Dementia? Toward Dementia-Friendly Health and Social Policy, Medical Care, and Community Support in the United States.

Taking steps to build a more dementia-friendly society is essential for addressing the needs of people experiencing dementia. Initiatives that improve the quality of life for those living with dementia are needed to lessen controllable factors that can negatively influence how people envision a future trajectory of dementia for themselves. Programs that provide better funding and better coordination for care support would lessen caregiver burden and make it more possible to imagine more people being able to live what they might consider a "good life" with dementia. Specific proposals, such as payment for dementia care managers and new systems to support high-quality, symptom-based palliative care beyond the hospice benefit of only six months, would improve and reframe how many people in the United States experience a dementia illness. Such changes should be incorporated into discussions about improving and respecting preferences in the later stages of dementia.

Community support for injured patients: A scoping review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Community-based peer support (CBPS) groups have been effective in facilitating access to and retention in the healthcare system for patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and other communicable and non-communicable diseases. Given the high incidence of morbidity that results from traumatic injuries, and the barriers to reaching and accessing care for injured patients, community-based support groups may prove to be similarly effective in this population. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to identify the extent and impact of CBPS for injured patients. ELIGIBILITY: We included primary research on studies that evaluated peer-support groups that were solely based in the community. Hospital-based or healthcare-professional led groups were excluded. EVIDENCE: Sources were identified from a systematic search of Medline / PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection. CHARTING METHODS: We utilized a narrative synthesis approach to data analysis. RESULTS: 4,989 references were retrieved; 25 were included in final data extraction. There was a variety of methodologies represented and the groups included patients with spinal cord injury (N = 2), traumatic brain or head injury (N = 7), burns (N = 4), intimate partner violence (IPV) (N = 5), mixed injuries (N = 5), torture (N = 1), and brachial plexus injury (N = 1). Multiple benefits were reported by support group participants; categorized as social, emotional, logistical, or educational benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based peer support groups can provide education, community, and may have implications for retention in care for injured patients.

Predictors for the utilization of community support systems against intimate partner violence among married women living with HIV in southwestern Uganda-A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects married women living with HIV (MWLHIV), resulting in undesirable human rights, socio-economic, mental, maternal, and child health consequences. Community Support systems against Violence (CoSaV) are widely available and promising public and voluntary resources for the prevention and mitigation of IPV but are poorly investigated. We set out to identify the predictors for the utilization of the CoSaV among the MWLHIV. METHODS: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 424 consecutively sampled MWLHIV attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda in April 2021. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on the participant's socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to IPV, awareness about the CoSaV, perceptions about the quality, accessibility and challenges in accessing the CoSaV and the utilization. Modified Poisson regression model was used to identify the predictors for the utilization of CoSaV using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the 424 participants in the study was 39.5 ± 10.2 years. More than half of the participants 51.9% (220/424) reported exposure to any IPV. Utilization of any CoSaV was found to be above average at 58.3% among the participants. The formal support (police, local government leaders, health workers and counselors) were more frequently utilized compared to the informal support (family, relatives and friends). Utilization of any CoSaV was higher among the women who were aware of the CoSaV and also those who were exposed to violence. Accessibility was identified as an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. CONCLUSIONS: Intimate partner violence (IPV) was prevalent among MWLHIV in southwestern Uganda. However, the utilization of any CoSaV was suboptimal. The formal CoSaV were more frequently utilized than the informal support systems. Accessibility was an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. There is need to improve access in order to increase the utilization of the CoSaV and contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goal 5.2.1 and end violence against women.

Statistical analysis plan for the Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke randomised controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned hospital presentations may occur post-stroke due to inadequate preparation for transitioning from hospital to home. The Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) trial was designed to test the effectiveness of receiving a 12-week, self-management intervention, comprising personalised goal setting with a clinician and aligned educational/motivational electronic messages. Primary outcome is as follows: self-reported unplanned hospital presentations (emergency department/admission) within 90-day post-randomisation. We present the statistical analysis plan for this trial. METHODS/DESIGN: Participants are randomised 1:1 in variable block sizes, with stratification balancing by age and level of baseline disability. The sample size was 890 participants, calculated to detect a 10% absolute reduction in the proportion of participants reporting unplanned hospital presentations/admissions, with 80% power and 5% significance level (two sided). Recruitment will end in December 2023 when funding is expended, and the sample size achieved will be used. Logistic regression, adjusted for the stratification variables, will be used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using appropriate regression models. The primary outcome analysis will be based on intention to treat. A p-value ≤ 0.05 will indicate statistical significance. An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Committee has routinely reviewed the progress and safety of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: This statistical analysis plan ensures transparency in reporting the trial outcomes. ReCAPS trial will provide novel evidence on the effectiveness of a digital health support package post-stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ACTRN12618001468213. Registered on August 31, 2018. SAP version 1.13 (October 12 2023) Protocol version 1.12 (October 12, 2022) SAP revisions Nil.

Understanding 'value' in the context of community-based interventions for people affected by dementia: A concept analysis.

AIM: This study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of value in the context of community-based interventions for people affected by dementia. BACKGROUND: Concepts of value play a critical role in shaping the delivery and distribution of community-based health interventions through related concepts. However, the use and meaning of 'value' is rarely clarified limiting the term's utility in practice and research. Increasing need for community healthcare and scarce public resources means developing understanding of value in community-based interventions for people affected by dementia is timely, and may support more informed approaches to exploring, explaining and delivering value. DESIGN: Evolutionary Concept Analysis was used to systematically determine the characteristics of value. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed and grey literature databases were searched between April and July 2021, with 32 pieces of literature from different disciplines included in the final sample. No limits were set for the years of literature retrieved. METHODS: Literature was thematically analysed for information on the antecedents, attributes and consequences of value. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The analysis uncovered a need and/or desire to understand the experience of people affected by or that affect interventions; and to demonstrate, prove/disprove the (best) quality and nature of results of interventions as antecedents of value. Attributes of value were stakeholder/person centred, measurable, time and context dependent and multidimensional. Consequences of the concept included shared decision-making, valuation of interventions and internal/external investment and development of interventions. CONCLUSION: Through concept analysis value can now be better understood and applied. The development of a conceptual model to illustrate the constituent elements and relationships of the concept adds transparency to where, why and how concepts of value are enabled that supports future concept development. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Culpability Framing Influences on Community Support for Those Managing Illness: A Multi-Malady Comparison of Mediated Health Stigma.

Prior research demonstrates an influence of culpability framing on news consumers' perceptions about, and willingness to provide support for, those managing illness. Framing research of this sort has typically focused on the effect of frames on a particular health context (e.g. cancer). It is necessary to examine how three health frames which are overwhelmingly represented in health news could be uniquely influencing perceptions about those managing illness in a number of disparate health contexts. Specifically, we explore the nature of health frame influence as it relates to news reports regarding alcoholism, morbid obesity, and cancer. These illnesses represent the three of the most prominent health concerns for Americans that also vary in terms of how they relate to four chief cues for stigma communication. Experimental findings reveal unique ways in which culpability framing influences social support dispositions for those managing illness, as a function of intergroup anxiety perceptions.

Conceptualizing Family Caregivers' Use of Community Support Services: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Only a fraction of the 53 million caregivers in the United States use available formal community services. This scoping review synthesized the literature on the barriers and facilitators of community support service utilization by adult caregivers of a family member or friend with an illness, disability, or other limitation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science for quantitative and qualitative articles assessing barriers and facilitators of caregivers' access to and utilization of resources, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis scoping review guidelines. Thematic analysis, drawing on an initial conceptualization, informed key insights around caregivers' resource navigation process. RESULTS: The review provides support for individual factors affecting service use. Notably, some factors-such as time restrictions and increased caregiving demands-appear to function as barriers to accessing services even as they increase caregivers' need for support. Additionally, contextual barriers including cultural factors and support of friends/family can affect caregivers' access to resources. Finally, experience with health systems and structures and the intersection with other factors can affect service utilization. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Suboptimal access to and utilization of community support services can be addressed at both the person and system level to mitigate potential inequities. Ensuring that caregivers are aware of, eligible for, and have the capacity and support to access the appropriate resources at the right time is essential for improving caregiver outcomes, reducing burnout, and supporting continued care.

(Des)compassos do trabalho psicológico no acompanhamento familiar no CRAS / (Dis)order of the psychological work within family care at CRAS / (Des)compás del trabajo psicológico en el seguimiento familiar en el Centro de Referencia de Asistencia Social (CRAS)

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar as perspectivas dos psicólogos dos Centros de Referência da Assistência Social (CRAS) que compõem a equipe de Proteção e Atenção Integral à Família (PAIF) a respeito do seu trabalho no Acompanhamento Familiar oferecido para famílias com membros com transtornos mentais. Oito psicólogos que atuavam nos CRAS de um município no interior de Minas Gerais participaram do estudo. O instrumento utilizado foi um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, com a subsequente análise de conteúdo temática. As categorias temáticas foram analisadas à luz da literatura específica da área. De maneira geral, os resultados indicaram que os psicólogos se sentem despreparados para o exercício de sua função no CRAS, uma vez que a formação específica e continuada em Psicologia não ofereceu subsídios adequados para o conhecimento da atuação no campo da Assistência Social. A natureza (psico)terapêutica do trabalho é discutida, assim como a necessidade de formações continuadas para a atuação. Ressalta-se a necessidade de mais pesquisas que abordem a formação em Psicologia e suas relações com a Assistência Social, bem como os impactos desse despreparo na prática dos profissionais, de maneira a fomentar maior satisfação pessoal/profissional e, consequentemente, aprimorar a assistência oferecida à comunidade.(AU)

This study aims to investigate the views of psychologists who worked at Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) associated with the Comprehensive Family Care Program (PAIF) on their work with the aforementioned program. Overall, eight psychologists who worked at CRAS units in small municipalities in Minas Gerais for at least one year participated in this research. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview script, and the data were analyzed under the content analysis (thematic) method. Thematic categories were analyzed based on the specific literature. Results indicate that the psychologists generally felt unprepared to work at CRAS since their degree in Psychology provided inadequate knowledge to deal with Social Assistance issues. This study discusses the (psycho)therapeutic nature of their practice and the need for ongoing training for their proper performance. This study highlights the need for further research that addresses the links between education in Psychology and Social Assistance and the impacts of said unpreparedness on the performance of those professionals. Such research might provide more professional/personal satisfaction and, in turn, improve the quality of the offered service.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo la intención de conocer las perspectivas de los psicólogos de los Centros de Referencia de Asistencia Social (CRAS) que forman parte de los equipos del Protección y Atención Integral a la Familia (PAIF) acerca del seguimiento de familias con miembros portadores de trastornos mentales. Ocho psicólogos que actuaban en los CRAS de un municipio del interior del estado de Minas Gerais (Brasil) participaron en el estudio. El instrumento utilizado fue un guion de entrevistas semiestructuradas; y, para análisis de datos, se utilizó el análisis de contenido temático. Las categorías temáticas se analizaron a la luz de la literatura específica del campo. De modo general, los resultados indicaron que los psicólogos no se sienten preparados para desempeñar la función en el CRAS, puesto que la formación en Psicología no ofreció conocimientos adecuados para actuar en el campo de la asistencia social. Se discuten la naturaleza (psico)terapéutica del trabajo y la necesidad de formación continua para esta actuación. Se destaca la necesidad de más investigaciones que tratan de la formación en Psicología y sus relaciones con la asistencia social, y los impactos de esta falta de preparo en la práctica de los profesionales, de modo a promover una satisfacción personal/profesional y, consecuentemente, optimizar la asistencia ofrecida a la comunidad.(AU)

Experiências e rede de apoio de estudantes de Enfermagem durante o período de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 / Experiencias y red de apoyo de estudiantes de Enfermería durante elperíodo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Experiences And Support Network Of Nursing Students During The Sars-Cov-2 Infection Period

Objetivo: apreender como estudantes de Enfermagem perceberam a atuação da rede de apoio diante da experiência com a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. Método: estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados entre novembrode 2021 e maiode 2022, mediante entrevistas remotas e presenciais, audiogravadas com 15 estudantes, selecionadas por conveniência.Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática,e interpretados à luz do modelo de adaptação de Roy.Resultados: as participantes foram todas do sexo feminino, as quais,durante o período de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, experienciaram diferentes necessidades, que levaram a três modos adaptativos: fisiológico, função na vida real e interdependência. A rede informal (familiares, amigos, vizinhos e membros deigreja) ofertou apoio instrumental, informacional, emocional e espiritual, sobretudo por telefone e aplicativos de mensagens. O apoio da rede formal (serviços e profissionais de saúde) foi percebido como insuficiente e, por vezes, desumano. Conclusão: afamília, mesmoquando distante, constituiu a principal fonte de apoio. A atuação do sistema de saúde limitou-se a uma assistência pontual e ao repasse de orientações sobre cuidados, sendoconsiderada insuficiente em algumas situações.(AU)

Objetivo:comprender cómo los estudiantes de Enfermería percibieron la actuación de la red de apoyo frente a la experiencia con la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Método:estudio descriptivo, de enfoque cualitativo. Los datos se recopilaron entre noviembre de 2021 y mayo de 2022, mediante entrevistas remotas y presenciales, grabadas en audio con 15 estudiantes, seleccionadas por conveniencia. Los datos se sometieron a análisis de contenido, modalidad temática, e interpretados a la luz del modelo de adaptación de Roy. Resultados:las participantes fueron todas mujeres, quienes, durante el período de infección por SARS-CoV-2, experimentaron diferentes necesidades, que llevaron a tres modos adaptativos: fisiológico, función en la vida real e interdependencia. La red informal (familiares, amigos, vecinos y miembros de la iglesia) ofreció apoyo instrumental, informativo, emocional y espiritual, principalmente por teléfono y aplicaciones de mensajería. El apoyo de la red formal (servicios y profesionales de la salud) fuepercibido como insuficiente y, en ocasiones, deshumano. Conclusión:la familia, incluso a distancia, constituyó la principal fuente de apoyo. La actuación del sistema de salud se limitó a una asistencia puntual y a proporcionar orientaciones sobre cuidados, siendo considerada insuficiente en algunas situaciones.(AU)

Objective: To understand how Nursing students perceived the role of the support network in the face of their experience with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method: Descriptive study, with a qualitative approach. Data were collected between November 2021 and May 2022, through remote and in-person, audio-recorded interviews with 15 students, selected for convenience. The data were subjected to content analysis, thematic modality, and interpreted in light of Roy's adaptation model. Results: The subjects were all female, who, during the SARS-CoV-2 infection period, experienced different needs, which led to three adaptive modes: physiological, real-life function and interdependence. The informal network (family, friends, neighbors, and church members) offered instrumental, informational, emotional, and spiritual support, especially via telephone and messaging apps. Support from the formal network (healthcare services and professionals) was perceived as insufficient and, at times, inhumane. Conclusion: The family, even when distant, was the main source of support. The health system's actions were limited to punctual assistance and the provision of guidance on care, being considered insufficient in some situations.(AU)

Demandas e recursos para predição da síndrome de burnout em psicólogos clínicos / Demands and resources for burnout syndrome on clinical psychologists / Demandas y recursos para la predicción del síndrome de burnout en psicólogos clínicos

O modelo de demandas e recursos foi utilizado para identificar o poder preditivo do estilo pessoal do terapeuta e do trabalho emocional (demandas), e da inteligência emocional e autoeficácia profissional (recursos) sobre as dimensões da síndrome de Burnout (SB), em uma amostra de 240 psicólogos clínicos brasileiros. Os dados foram coletados por meio de plataforma online, tendo como instrumentos de pesquisa um Questionário de dados sociodemográficos e laborais, o Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo, o Cuestionario del Estilo Personal del Terapeut, o Questionário de Avaliação Relacionado a Demandas Emocionais e Dissonância da Regra da Emoção, Medida de Inteligência Emocional, e Escala de Autoeficácia Geral Percebida. Os resultados obtidos revelaram um modelo preditor das dimensões da SB, constituído pelas variáveis dissonância emocional, automotivação, demandas emocionais, instrução, envolvimento e autoeficácia. Ressalta-se a relevância de estratégias voltadas para a prevenção da SB nessa categoria profissional, bem como a necessidade de ações que visem a promoção e o desenvolvimento da inteligência emocional e da autoeficácia como fortalecimento dos recursos emocionais para atuação na prática clínica.(AU)

The Model of Demands - Resources was used to identify the predictive power of therapist's personal style, emotional work (Demands), Emotional intelligence, and professional self-efficacy (Resources) over the Burnout syndrome dimensions in a sample of 240 Brazilian clinical psychologists. The data was collected by an on-line platform using a Labor and social demographic data questionnaire, a work Burnout Syndrome Evaluation questionnaire (CESQT - Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo), the short version of the Therapist Personal Style Questionnaire (EPT-C Cuestionario del Estilo Personal del Terapeuta), an Evaluation questionnaire related to emotional demands and emotion rule dissonance, and the Emotional Intelligence Measure (EIM) and Perceived General Self-Efficacy Scale (GPSS) as research instruments. Results showed a predictor model of Burnout syndrome constituted by the variables Emotional dissonance, Self-motivation, Emotional demands, Instruction, Involvement, and Self-efficacy. We emphasize the relevance of strategies to prevent Burnout Syndrome in this professional category and the need for actions to promote and develop emotional intelligence and self-efficacy as a strengthening factor of the emotional resources to work as a clinical psychologist.(AU)

Se utilizó el modelo demandas y recursos para identificar el poder predictivo del estilo personal del terapeuta y del trabajo emocional (demandas), y de la inteligencia emocional y autoeficacia profesional (recursos) sobre las dimensiones del síndrome de Burnout (SB), en una muestra de 240 psicólogos clínicos brasileños. Los datos se recolectaron de una plataforma en línea, utilizando como instrumentos de investigación un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos y laborales, el Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo, el Cuestionario del Estilo Personal del Terapeuta, el Cuestionario de Evaluación Relacionado con Demandas Emocionales y Disonancia de la Regla de la Emoción, la Medida de Inteligencia Emocional y Escala de Autoeficacia General Percibida. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron un modelo predictor de las dimensiones de SB, constituido por las variables disonancia emocional, automotivación, exigencias emocionales, instrucción, implicación y autoeficacia. Se destaca la relevancia de las estrategias dirigidas a la prevención del SB en esta categoría profesional, así como la necesidad de acciones dirigidas a promover y desarrollar la inteligencia emocional y la autoeficacia como fortalecimiento de los recursos emocionales para trabajar en la práctica clínica.(AU)

UDHAVI Community Support During India's Second COVID-19 Wave: A Descriptive Study on a Tertiary Care Center's Pandemic Response Helpline.

BACKGROUND: In April 2021, during the peak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, hospitals overflowed with COVID-19 patients, and people hesitated to seek necessary care due to fear of contracting the disease. The UDHAVI helpline was set up by a tertiary care hospital in Vellore with the help of district administration, nongovernmental organizations, and various supporting agencies to provide general information, medical advice, counseling, and logistics support to the community. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all the phone calls made to the UDHAVI helpline between mid-May and mid-June 2021 during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The calls were electronically captured as part of the process, and the information was subsequently retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 677 calls were received. The lines for general information, medical advice, counseling, and logistics support received 168 (25%), 377 (56%), 15 (2%), and 117 (17%) calls, respectively. Home care kits, oxygen concentrators, and food were delivered by volunteers from local nongovernmental organizations and hospitals. CONCLUSION: We believe the details of our experience would be useful in the preparedness and mobilization of resources in the event of any public health emergency. As a result of this initiative, we propose an integrated partnership model for emergency response to any pandemic situation.

Age-Friendly Approach Is Necessary to Prevent Depopulation: Resident Architectural Designers and Constructors' Evaluation of the Age-Friendliness of Japanese Municipalities.

Japan has the world's largest old population ratio; thus, aging is an urgent societal issue. As global trends seem to be following Japan's social changes, there is an emphasis on municipalities becoming more age-friendly. Hence, we examine the age-friendliness of 135 Japanese municipalities, selecting 240 resident architectural designers and constructors to assess their municipalities using the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ). The findings indicate that Japan lacks "outdoor spaces and buildings". Additionally, the evaluation of "housing", "community support and health services", and "transportation" in populated municipalities in the past five years was found to be significantly higher than that in depopulated ones. Age-friendliness is significantly affected by the AFCCQ total score (hereafter, Score) based on "housing", "social participation", "community support and health services", "transportation", and "financial situation" evaluations. High specificity (0.939) was found when the score was treated as a marker of depopulation; an age-friendly approach is a necessary condition for preventing depopulation. Furthermore, a lack of "communication and information" was observed in municipalities with a higher rate of single-person households aged 65 years and older. Therefore, resident architectural designers' and constructors' assessments, combined with the AFCCQ, will be a powerful tool for evaluating the age-friendliness of municipalities.

Experiences of stigma and HIV care engagement in the context of Treat All in Rwanda: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: 'Treat All' policies recommending immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after HIV diagnosis for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) are now ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa. While early ART initiation and retention is effective at curtailing disease progression and transmission, evidence suggests that stigma may act as a barrier to engagement in care. This study sought to understand the relationships between HIV stigma and engagement in care for PLHIV in Rwanda in the context of Treat All. METHODS: Between September 2018 and March 2019, we conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with adult PLHIV receiving care at two health centers in Kigali, Rwanda. We used a grounded theory approach to data analysis to develop conceptual framework describing how stigma influences HIV care engagement in the context of early Treat All policy implementation in Rwanda. RESULTS: Among 37 participants, 27 (73%) were women and the median age was 31 years. Participants described how care engagement under Treat All, including taking medications and attending appointments, increased their visibility as PLHIV. This served to normalize HIV and use of ART but also led to high levels of anticipated stigma in the health center and community at early stages of treatment. Enacted stigma from family and community members and resultant internalized stigma acted as additional barriers to care engagement. Nonetheless, participants described how psychosocial support from care providers and family members helped them cope with stigma and promoted continued engagement in care. CONCLUSIONS: Treat All policy in Rwanda has heightened the visibility of HIV at the individual and social levels, which has influenced HIV stigma, normalization, psychosocial support and care engagement in complex ways. Leveraging the individual and community support described by PLHIV to deliver evidence-based, peer or provider-delivered stigma reduction interventions may aid in attaining Treat All goals.

Partnering With Latino/a Caregivers and Community Stakeholders to Understand Priorities and Needs Prior to Implementing an Early Literacy Program.

PURPOSE: Latino/a children disproportionately experience academic vulnerabilities, including in reading. Caregiver-mediated interventions can be leveraged to support the bilingual language development of young Latino/a children to prevent these well-documented disparities in reading. However, in leveraging these programs, it is important to weigh Latino cultural values surrounding education, family connection, and learning alongside the barriers and inequities experienced by Latino families. In response to this need, this study used a community-partnered approach to (a) understand caregivers' needs related to the language and literacy development of their young children and (b) understand perspectives for how best to implement a culturally adapted and culturally responsive caregiver-mediated program. METHOD: A total of 101 caregivers completed a needs assessment of sociodemographic information, child development and needs, and family needs. Subsequently, nonprofit staff and caregivers completed semistructured interviews or focus groups about the development and implementation of a birth-to-5 program supporting early language development. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of families reported having at least one child with delayed language. Furthermore, 60.3% of respondents reported desiring strategies to support their child's early reading. Deductive content analysis revealed that both staff and caregivers desired a birth-to-5, caregiver-mediated program. Staff described family-level characteristics to consider for an early language program, community strengths, specific inequities faced by Latino families, and suggestions about culturally responsive early language and literacy program content and structure. Caregivers described barriers and inequities that they have faced related to their children's learning and development and how a birth-to-5 program could be responsive to their needs and values. CONCLUSIONS: Staff and caregiver emphasized the resilience of Latino families and their strong values surrounding educational involvement. At the same time, participants also reported barriers and inequities rooted in systemic racism that have prevented families from being involved in certain aspects of the children's education. Together, these results revealed the importance of an early literacy program that is responsive to the structural inequities experienced by families.

Making space at the table: Engaging participation of people with dementia in community development.

OBJECTIVES: The Building Capacity Project is an asset-based community development initiative that aims to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion for people with dementia. Using a community-based participatory approach, we conducted research to examine the relational patterns and participatory practices within and across project sites in two different regions of Canada (Vancouver and Thunder Bay). METHODS: Five focus groups and five individual interviews were conducted with team members and community partners (n = 29) and analysed for themes. RESULTS: The overarching theme of Making Space at the Table explains how the participation of people with dementia has served both as a value and a practice shaping the relational work throughout the project. Three sub-themes include: Maintaining a common foundation; Creating communication pathways; and Fostering personal connections. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings show how community development can support the meaningful participation of people with dementia in their communities through processes of collaboration that focus on individual and collective strengths, that allow time for the work to unfold, and for building relationships that foster trust and respect for diversity.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community support intervention for people with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: People receiving agonist treatment for opioid use disorder often have family or friends who do not use illicit substances and could be mobilized to support recovery efforts. The present study evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community support intervention (CSI) designed to increase drug-free social support and expand drug-free network support. METHODS: Participants receiving methadone treatment and using illicit drugs (n = 33) were randomly assigned to a weekly CSI or education group for 12 weeks. CSI participants attended the group with a drug-free family member or friend, and were scheduled to engage together in two community activities per week designed to meet drug-free people. Education participants attended a weekly education group and were given two weekly written homework sessions. RESULTS: CSI groups were well attended. CSI participation was associated with reduced conflict with the family member or friend, and with increased engagement in self-help groups. No condition differences were observed in social network variables or urinalysis results, though four CSI participants (24%) compared to 0 education participants met criteria for substantial (>75%) reductions in drug use. Many eligible patients chose not to participate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest good implementation feasibility and acceptability, and low demand feasibility. Broader clinical implementation requires strategies to improve patient willingness to enlist available social support. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Mobilizing family and friends to provide social support for people engaged in active drug use is possible. More work is needed on how to leverage support to change existing networks.