Addressing mental health, earlier in pediatric primary care: Introduction to the special section.

Leading national health organizations have declared pediatric mental health an urgent public health issue. Pediatric primary care is an ideal setting to improve mental health in young children; however, various existing barriers limit the effective identification of social-emotional risk among toddlers. This special section of Families, Systems, & Health includes four articles that identify multilevel barriers and facilitators to population-level early childhood mental health screening, identification, and referral and describe implementation strategies that may be used to improve pediatric mental health. In the first article, authors describe clinicians' concerns regarding the social-emotional screening of young children. In the second article, authors highlight the potential for a transdiagnostic screening tool for assessing toddler irritability that may support clinical decision making. In the third article, authors use information gathered from clinicians to generate a logic model that can guide the implementation of screening and referral for toddlers with elevated social-emotional risk. In the fourth article, authors explore caregivers' perceptions of other factors, such as effectiveness, demand, and cost, of the proposed intervention, that may impact their service engagement. Together, these articles outline a plan for facilitating early childhood mental health screening, identification, and referral that has the potential for reducing the prevalence of pediatric mental health diagnoses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Low Health Literacy, Lack of Knowledge, and Self-Control Hinder Healthy Lifestyles in Diverse Patients with Steatotic Liver Disease.

INTRODUCTION: In parallel with the obesity and diabetes epidemics, steatotic liver disease (SLD) has emerged as a major global public health concern. The mainstay of therapy is counseling on weight loss and increased exercise. However, such lifestyle modifications infrequently lead to success. We aimed to identify barriers to diet and lifestyle modification in patients with SLD. METHODS: Patients with SLD completed a 14-item questionnaire that assigned barriers to healthy eating to three categories: lack of knowledge, lack of self-control, and lack of time, with a higher summary score indicating more perceived barriers. We administered assessments of health literacy and physical activity. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and ordinal regression analysis. RESULTS: We included 151 participants with a median age of 64; 54% were female and 68.2% were Hispanic. Median BMI was 31.9 kg/m2. Most respondents, 68.2%, had low health literacy and were either underactive, 29.1% or sedentary, 23.2%. Lack of self-control was the strongest barrier to achieving a healthy lifestyle, followed by lack of knowledge. Lack of time was not significant barrier. Patients with the most significant barriers were more likely to have obesity, low health literacy, and be sedentary. DISCUSSION: Lack of self-control and knowledge are the greatest barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle in patients with SLD. Future clinical interventions should integrate education that targets various health literacy levels with behavioral approaches to improve a sense of agency.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Text Message Intervention to Promote Adherence to Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines in a Predominantly Hispanic Sample of Cancer Survivors and Their Informal Caregivers: Results from a Pilot Intervention Trial.

Hispanic cancer survivors face unique barriers to meeting American Cancer Society (ACS) nutrition and physical activity guidelines, which reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality and improve quality of life. This pilot intervention trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a two-week ACS guideline-based nutrition and physical activity text message intervention in a predominantly Hispanic sample of cancer survivors and their informal caregivers. A mixed methods approach was used to assess feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were measured by meeting a-priori cut-offs of >80% for recruitment, retention, and text message response rate. Participants also completed a semi-structured exit interview by telephone that assessed intervention components. Thirteen cancer survivors and six caregivers (n = 19) participated in this pilot study; 78% self-identified as Hispanic. Mean time since treatment completion for survivors was 11.9 years (SD 8.4), and 67% had breast cancer. Cancer survivors had a higher acceptability rate for physical activity (94%) compared to nutrition messages (86%), whereas equal acceptability rates were observed for both types of messages among caregivers (91%). Texting interventions are a feasible, acceptable, and a cost-effective strategy that have the potential to promote lifestyle behavior change among Hispanic cancer survivors and caregivers.

Functions of Resiliency Traits and Processes in Differential Effects of CBSM on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Moderated Mediation Model.

BACKGROUND: Although there is evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based group interventions can improve quality of life (QoL) in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer (BC) little is known about factors that mediate and moderate these effects. We examined a) the mediating role of benefit finding on QoL changes after a Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) intervention, and b) whether this mediation effect differed based on baseline optimism in the first year following surgery for BC. METHODS: We used data from a prior CBSM trial in 240 women with stage 0-3 BC who completed measures of benefit finding (Benefit Finding Scale, BFS), QoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment, FACT-G), and optimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised) at baseline (2 - 10 weeks post-surgery), 6-months and 12-months after randomization. CBSM-related changes and mediation and moderation effects were assessed using latent growth curve models. RESULTS: We found CBSM increased benefit finding (b = 2.65, p < 0.01), emotional (b = 0.53, p < 0.01), and functional QoL (b = 0.71, p < 0.05) over time. CBSM-related changes in emotional QoL were mediated by increased benefit finding (indirect effect = 0.68, 95% bootstrapped CI: 0.17, 1.56) but only among participants with low to moderate optimism at baseline. CONCLUSION: CBSM intervention improved emotional QoL over the first year of breast cancer treatment by increasing benefit finding among women who reported low trait optimism suggesting those who will most likely benefit from improving benefit finding during this stressful period.

A latent class analysis of health behavior changes after cancer diagnosis among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify subgroups of Hispanic/Latino (H/L) cancer survivors with distinct health behavior patterns and their associated sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial characteristics. METHODS: Baseline data were used from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an enhanced patient navigation intervention in H/L cancer survivors. Participants (n = 278) completed the Lifestyle Behavior Scale and validated questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), supportive care needs, distress, and satisfaction with cancer care. Latent class analysis was used to determine the latent classes and associated characteristics. RESULTS: Three latent classes emerged: class 1 (survivors who increased health behaviors [e.g., exercising and eating healthy] since diagnosis); class 2 (no changes in health behaviors since diagnosis); and class 3 (a "mixed class," with a higher or lower engagement across various health behaviors since diagnosis). Participants in class 1 were significantly more educated and less likely to be foreign born. Participants in class 2 were significantly older and more likely to have prostate cancer. H/L cancer survivors in class 3 had a significantly lower income, were less educated, and reported greater unmet supportive care needs, more distress, and poorer HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors who report engaging in health behaviors less frequently since diagnosis may be experiencing psychosocial challenges and health disparities. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors may benefit from screening for social determinants of health and mental health needs, prompt referral to supportive care services, community resources, and public services, and participating in culturally informed psychosocial interventions to address their unique needs.

Intergenerational Determinants of Weight Status Concordance and Discordance in Parent/Adolescent Dyads from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study.

Background: Studies have shown that obesity (OB) has strong intergenerational linkages and tends to cluster in families, but there is a dearth of research examining the socioecological factors predictive of weight status concordance and discordance among parents and adolescents. Methods: We ran a stepwise multinomial logistic regression to assess for sociodemographic, individual-, and family-level predictors of four dyadic weight status groups using data from 1516 parent/adolescent dyads from the National Cancer Institute's Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study. We categorized parent/adolescent dyads into one of four groups based on their BMI: (1) Healthy Weight Concordance (i.e., both parent and adolescent in the normal weight range); (2) overweight (OW)/OB Concordance (i.e., both parent and adolescent with OW or OB); (3) Discordance-Parent OW/OB (i.e., parent with OW/OB and adolescent in the normal weight range); or (4) Discordance-Adolescent OW/OB (i.e., adolescent with OW/OB and parent in the normal weight range). Results: There were 475 parent/adolescent dyads (31.3%) in the Healthy Weight Concordance group, 351 (23.2%) in the OW/OB Concordance group, 604 (39.8%) in the Discordance-Parent OW/OB group, and 86 (5.7%) in the Discordance-Adolescent OW/OB group. Being from a low socioeconomic family, identifying as a minority, and identifying as a male parent were associated with an OW/OB dyadic BMI. Higher levels of adolescent and parent emotional eating were significantly associated with parent/adolescent dyads being in the OW/OB Concordance group. Parent emotional eating was also associated with Discordance-Parent OW/OB. In contrast, parents' and adolescents' physical activity self-efficacy was associated with a Healthy Weight dyadic BMI vs. OW/OB Concordance or Discordance-Parent OW/OB. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the strength of OW/OB concordance in families, especially among lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority families and the significance of emotional eating and physical activity self-efficacy in contributing to BMI patterns among parents and adolescents.

A latent profile analysis to assess physical, cognitive and emotional symptom clusters in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Current research on the physical and psychological functioning of breast cancer survivors often takes an approach where symptoms are studied independently even though they often occur in clusters This paper aims to identify physical and psychological symptom clusters among breast cancer survivors while assessing clinical, psychosocial and demographic characteristics that predict subgroup membership. DESIGN: Using post-surgical data collected from 240 women with stage 0-III breast cancer, symptom clusters were identified using latent profile analysis of patient-reported symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline measures included the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, the Hamilton Rating Scales for depression and anxiety and the Impact of Event Scale. RESULTS: Three distinct classes were identified: (1) mild physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms, (2) moderate across all domains and (3) high levels of all symptoms. Lower socio-economic status, minority ethnicity, younger age, advanced disease stage along with lower self-efficacy and less internal locus of control were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of class 3 membership. CONCLUSION: By identifying those most at risk for severe physical and psychological symptoms in the post-surgical period, our results can guide the development of tailored interventions to optimise quality of life during breast cancer treatment.

Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by an ectopic parathyroid adenoma in an uncommon location: a case report.

Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by an ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the mediastinum is a rare clinical condition. We present a 75-year-old male with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by an ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the mediastinum. This patient was initially referred to the clinic for suspected incidental hypercalcemia. Initial imaging showed two suspicious lesions: one adjacent to the thyroid gland and another in the mediastinum. Further investigations identified a sole mediastinal adenoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by normalization of parathyroid hormone levels after its surgical resection. Thoroughly diagnosing such cases can prove challenging and using a single modality such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, or nuclear imaging alone may not yield conclusive findings or can give false positive results. Our case demonstrates that a combination of several imaging modalities can lead to accurate localization of the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. This will obviate the performance of unnecessary surgical procedures. In addition, the possibility of missing additional sources of ectopic secretions of the parathyroid hormone will be reduced.

Development of a multigenerational digital lifestyle intervention for women cancer survivors and their families.

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents the results of a study developed to inform the design of a multigenerational digital lifestyle intervention for overweight/obese women cancer survivors and their families. We followed the first six phases of the Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share (IDEAS) framework. METHODS: Grandmothers with breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancers (n = 46; 66.1 ± 0.9 years old; 34% Hispanic, 33% non-Hispanic black, 33% non-Hispanic white) self-reported their lifestyle behaviors, family structure, mobile device use, and interest in a family-based lifestyle intervention. A randomly selected subset of 21 participants subsequently completed qualitative interviews to understand their family relationships, weight-related challenges, and feedback on intervention prototypes. RESULTS: Participants reported low fruit intake (0.9 ± 0.1 servings/day), moderate vegetable intake (3.0 ± 0.2 servings/day), and high levels of moderate physical activity (990 ± 234 MET-minutes/week). The majority owned a smartphone (93%) and expressed interest in family-based programs (80%) that focused on weight management (91%). Qualitative data were collapsed into seven intervention considerations, including: capitalizing on existing familial support, involving local family who need lifestyle change, tapping into survivors' internal strengths, validating prior weight loss, overcoming barriers to sustained lifestyle change, providing information on cancer risk, and motivating families through reinforcing activities. CONCLUSIONS: Following the IDEAS framework, our next steps are to develop a fully-functioning prototype and conduct a randomized pilot trial to test the feasibility and effects of a digital intervention that empowers racially/ethnically diverse overweight/obese women cancer survivors to improve their physical activity and dietary intake and to lose weight by encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors in their children and grandchildren.

Informing the Adaptation and Implementation of a Lifestyle Modification Program in Hispanics: A Qualitative Study Among Low-Income Hispanic Adults.

Low-income Hispanics are a hard to reach population that face unique challenges in achieving behavior change. Understanding such challenges can inform the adaptation of lifestyle behavioral interventions and increase participant engagement. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to (1) inform lifestyle modification programs focused on improving the physical activity and healthy eating of low-income Hispanic adults and (2) explore potential gender differences necessary for consideration. Five gender-specific focus groups were conducted with Hispanic adults from a free community clinic (n = 45, 64% women, 53.1 ± 10.1 years). Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a general inductive approach. The qualitative software program Dedoose was used to perform a content analysis. Emergent themes included topics of interest, methods of increasing engagement in healthy behaviors, and the delivery of lifestyle modification programs. Men expressed greater interest in physical activity, while women desired to learn about healthy eating. Men described the importance of physician communication, while women focused on the role of social support as facilitators for participating in such programs. Both genders described education as key to behavior change and viewed text messaging as a valuable complement. Results from this study can inform the adaptation of lifestyle modification programs and increase the engagement of low-income Hispanic populations.

Spectrum of lymphoma in Bahrain. A retrospective analysis according to the World Health Organization classification.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the spectrum of various types of lymphoma in Bahrain according to the latest World Health Organization classification criteria.  Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for all new lymphoma cases diagnosed at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Bahrain during the period from January 2010 to December 2015.  Results: Two hundred and twenty-one new cases of lymphoma in Bahraini patients were diagnosed in the study period. Eighty patients had Hodgkin lymphoma, 140 had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and one patient had composite lymphoma. In the Hodgkin lymphoma group, nodular sclerosis type was the most frequent type (48.75%), followed by mixed-cellularity type (27.5%), and nodular-lymphocyte predominant type (16.25%). In the non-Hodgkin lymphoma group, 124 (88.6%) cases were B-cell lymphomas, while the remaining were T-cell lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most frequent type of non-Hodgkin B-cell type lymphoma (55.7%), followed by follicular lymphoma (10%).  Conclusion: The distribution of lymphoma in Bahrain is similar to neighboring Middle East countries with a predominance of Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Project SHINE: effects of a randomized family-based health promotion program on the physical activity of African American parents.

This study examined the effects of a family-based health promotion intervention on the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake of African American parents. Eighty-nine African American parents (41.5 ± 8.5 years; 92% females; 74% obese; 64% < $40 K income) and adolescents (12.5 ± 1.4 years; 61% girls; 48% obese) were randomized to a 6-week behavioral skills plus positive parenting and peer monitoring intervention grounded in social cognitive, self-determination, and family systems theories or a general health comparison program. Parents wore accelerometers for 7 days and completed three 24-h dietary recalls at baseline and post-intervention. Multilevel regression models (controlling for baseline variables) demonstrated a significantly greater increase in parent MVPA for those in the intervention versus comparison condition (b = 9.44, SE = 4.26, p < 0.05). There were no other significant effects. Family-based approaches that include African American parents and youth may increase parent MVPA and hold promise for preventing chronic diseases.

Effects of parent-adolescent reported family functioning discrepancy on physical activity and diet among Hispanic youth.

Research has shown that family functioning has been positively associated with physical activity and dietary intake, both of which are obesity-related risk factors. The most widely practiced methodological approach to assessing this construct in empirical studies relies on either parent or adolescent report. Yet, discrepancy in parent and adolescent report of family functioning may provide a fuller understanding of the effects of this construct on obesity-related health outcomes. This is especially important among Hispanics, a population that suffers from disproportionately high rates of obesity and its health-related consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine whether, and to what extent, parent-adolescent discrepancies in family functioning are associated with physical activity, and fruit and vegetable and added sugar intake. We estimated discrepancy scores between parents and adolescents (n = 280 dyads) in family functioning. Then, using structural equation modeling, we tested the effect of family functioning discrepancy on adolescent reports of physical activity, fruits and vegetables intake, and added sugar intake. After controlling for adolescent's gender and BMI, family functioning discrepancy was significantly associated with reduced physical activity (ß = -.14*, 95% CI ([-.26, -.05]) and fruits and vegetables intake (ß = -.22*, 95% CI [-.38, -.09]) such that the larger the discrepancy between parent and youth reported family functioning, the fewer days of adolescent physical activity and the poorer the fruits and vegetables intake. Our findings provide insight for the role of the family in Hispanic adolescent health outcomes and rationale for capturing rich data to better understand that role. (PsycINFO Database Record

Process Evaluation of the Project SHINE Intervention for African American Families: An Integrated Positive Parenting and Peer Monitoring Approach to Health Promotion.

This study describes the process evaluation of Project SHINE, a randomized family-based health promotion intervention that integrated parenting and peer monitoring for improving sedentary behavior, physical activity, and diet in African American families. Adolescent-parent dyads (n = 89) were randomized to a 6-week behavioral, positive parenting, and peer monitoring skills intervention or a general health education comparison condition. Process evaluation included observational ratings of fidelity, attendance records, psychosocial measures, and qualitative interviews. Results indicated that the intervention was delivered with high fidelity based on facilitator adherence (>98% of content delivered) and competent use of theoretically based behavior change and positive parenting skills (100% of ratings >3 on a 1-4 scale). Although only 43% of peers attended the "bring a friend" session, overall attendance was high (4.39 ± 1.51 sessions) as was the retention rate (88%). Parents in the intervention condition reported significant improvements in communication related to adolescents' engagement in health behaviors both on their own and with peers. These findings were supported by qualitative themes related to improvements in family communication and connectedness. This study provides an innovative example of how future family-based health promotion trials can expand their process evaluation approaches by assessing theoretically relevant positive parenting variables as part of ongoing monitoring.

Qualitative developmental research among low income African American adults to inform a social marketing campaign for walking.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the development of a social marketing campaign for increasing walking in a low income, high crime community as part of the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with 52 African American adults (ages 18 to 65 yrs), from two underserved communities to develop themes for a social marketing campaign to promote walking. Participants responded to questions concerning social marketing principles related to product, price, place, promotion, and positioning for increasing neighbourhood walking. RESULTS: Focus group data informed the development of the campaign objectives that were derived from the "5 Ps" to promote physical and mental health, social connectedness, safety, and confidence in walking regularly. Focus group themes indicated that physical and mental health benefits of walking were important motivators. Walking for social reasons was also important for overcoming barriers to walking. Police support from trusted officers while walking was also essential to promoting safety for walking. Print materials were developed by the steering committee, with a 12-month calendar and door hangers delivered to residents' homes to invite them to walk. Pride Stride walks empowered community walkers to serve as peer leaders for special walking events to engage new walkers. CONCLUSIONS: Essential elements for developing culturally tailored social marketing interventions for promoting walking in underserved communities are outlined for future researchers.

Effects of parenting style and parent-related weight and diet on adolescent weight status.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the interaction between parental limit setting of sedentary behaviors and health factors (weight status, physical activity [PA], fruit and vegetable [FV] intake) on standardized body mass index (zBMI) in African American adolescents. METHODS: Data were from 67 parent-adolescent dyads. Parental limit setting, PA and FV intake were assessed via self-report, and objective height and weight measurements were collected. RESULTS: Regressions examined the interaction between parental limit setting and BMI, PA, FV intake on adolescent zBMI. The model for parent BMI and FV intake accounted for 31% of the variance in adolescent zBMI. A significant interaction for parent BMI by limit setting showed that as parental BMI increased, higher (vs. lower) limit setting was associated with lower adolescent zBMI. Higher parent FV consumption was associated with lower adolescent zBMI. CONCLUSION: Future interventions should integrate parent limit setting and target parent fruit and vegetable intake for obesity prevention in underserved adolescents.

Spectrum of malignant lymphomas in Bahrain. Leitmotif of a regional pattern.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinicopathologic features of malignant lymphomas in Bahraini patients. METHODS: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted. All new cases of malignant lymphoma diagnosed during the period January 1996 to December 2001 at the Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain were included in the study. RESULTS: Seventy-two cases met the inclusion criteria. This included 24 (33.3%) cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and 48 (66.7%) cases of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). A young age at presentation (median 20 years) mixed cellularity histology, lack of extra nodal involvement and rare marrow involvement characterized HD. The majority of NHL showed diffuse high or intermediate grade lesions. A high number of primary extra nodal neoplasms (41.7% of NHL) and frequent involvement of the gastrointestinal tract with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric lymphomas were notable features among NHL cases. Immunohistochemical staining in 30 cases showed 26 cases (86.7%) of B cell and 4 cases of T cell origin. CONCLUSION: The study highlights common features that distinguish malignant lymphoma reported from countries of the Arabian Gulf region. This pattern distinguishes them from the disease encountered in the Western world.

Renal biopsy findings in the kingdom of bahrain: a 13-year retrospective study.

Glomerular diseases continue to be the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. Hence, it is important to recognize the pattern of these diseases in any given geographical area. A total of 498 renal biopsies performed on patients with proteinuria, hematuria and mild to moderate renal impairment during a period of 13 years (between January 1990 and December 2002) at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (a tertiary care hospital of the Kingdom of Bahrain), were reviewed and categorized. Primary glomerular disease accounted for two-third of the glomerular diseases, which in turn constituted 44.8% of all renal biopsies. The most common histological lesion was minimal change disease (30%). Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis was the second most common lesion (23.8%) followed by membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (14.3%). Secondary glomerular disease comprised 33.6% of glomerular diseases (22.7% of all the renal biopsies) with lupus nephritis forming the commonest lesion (38.9%) followed by diabetic nephropathy (31.9%) and hypertension (20.4%). Tubulointerstitial diseases accounted for 13.1% of all renal biopsies whereas transplant diseases were noted in 12.2%. The miscellaneous group including inadequate biopsies constituted 7.2% of all the biopsies. The results of this analysis were compared with surveys from other parts of the World.

Plasmacytoma of the rib in young male.

Solitary plasmacytoma of the 11th rib with soft tissue extension was seen in a 29-year-old male. Hematological and biochemical profiles did not reveal any systemic involvement. The 12-cm fusiform expansile lesion was excised and subjected to histopathological examination. The sections revealed sheets of plasma cells with focal cortical discontinuity and adjacent soft tissue invasion. This case is unique in view of the age of occurrence and the site of the lesion.