Looking at Diabetes Through Different Lenses: Focus Groups Conducted With Somali Canadian Families and Their Health-care Providers.

OBJECTIVES: In Toronto, many families with Somali backgrounds have children living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). At our clinic, children with African and Caribbean backgrounds have higher glycated hemoglobin than children from European backgrounds. In this study, we explored the experiences and perspectives of Somali Canadian families with children living with T1D, as well as health-care professionals (HCPs) who care for them, to better understand how T1D impacts these families. METHODS: We conducted 3 separate focus groups with Somali Canadian parents of children with T1D (n=11), Somali Canadian adolescents with T1D (n=5), and HCPs who treat patients with diabetes (n=9), respectively. A grounded theory approach to data analysis was applied to identify themes. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: 1) the general impact of living with diabetes, 2) the challenges of self-management, 3) uncertainty on whose job it is to manage the diabetes, and 4) how cultural differences between Canada and Somalia impact diabetes management. There was discordance in the perspectives of families and HCPs for all themes, but especially themes 1 and 3. Parents focussed on the social impact of diabetes and behavioural indicators of management success, whereas HCPs emphasized clinical measures. Families believed children should take charge of their diabetes self-management early on, whereas HCPs believed the children were not developmentally ready for this responsibility. CONCLUSIONS: Differing perspectives of patients, families, and HCPs may lead to diverging expectations for treatment and management. Families and practitioners must work together to identify barriers to care and build strategies to promote competency and resilience in the self-management of T1D.

'Teenagers are into perfect-looking things': Dating, sexual attitudes and experiences of adolescents with severe obesity.

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study explored the dating and sexual health attitudes and behaviours among adolescents with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 99th%) attending a multidisciplinary weight-management programme. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants (12 females, 7 males; Mage = 16.8) and analysed through reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants described polarized dating behaviours in which dating and sexual relationships were either avoided due to this not being a priority, lack of time, feared rejection, and/or body size as perceived barrier or in contrast, when approached, involved greater sexual risk. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have numerous implications including the need for increased education on the romantic developmental challenges faced by adolescents with severe obesity, the importance of ongoing screening of high-risk sexual behaviours and body dissatisfaction from frontline care providers, and the ability to support referrals to psychosocial services when appropriate.

Population-Based Survey Showing That Breastfed Babies Have a Lower Frequency of Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Than Nonbreastfed Babies.

Justification: Breastfeeding provides the best infant food, and closeness to the mother is crucial for successful breastfeeding. However, sharing parents' beds and sleeping on the stomach poses a high risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There is little information on these practices regarding the Spanish population. Objective: To explore breastfeeding and bed-sharing practices in the study population Materials and Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted through an anonymous telephone survey with a representative random sample of babies born in the Health Area of La Marina Baixa, Alicante, between 2018 and 2019. A previous-day strategy was implemented to determine the feeding and bed-sharing variables. Results: The total breastfeeding and formula-feeding rates were 47.0% and 52.9%, respectively. The overall bed-sharing rate was 66.5%. The breastfeeding rate was 86.4% with bed-sharing and 13.6% without bed-sharing. The rate of prone sleeping position in children younger than 6 months of age was 9.3-3.5% with breastfeeding and 5.8% with formula feeding. Lower frequencies of tobacco, alcohol, and nonsupine sleeping positions were observed among mothers who practiced breastfeeding and bed-sharing. Conclusions: We found a close relationship between breastfeeding and bed-sharing and a lower frequency of SIDS risk factors associated with both practices. Families should be informed about the risk factors associated with SIDS to encourage safe bed-sharing while avoiding recommendations that discourage breastfeeding.

Development and Implementation of a Pilot Integrative Day Hospital Program for Youth with Severe Obesity and Mental Health Issues.

Background: Adolescents with severe obesity and comorbid mental health issues are the most resistant to traditional weight management approaches and have poor treatment outcomes. Our objective was to implement and evaluate a pilot day hospital treatment program for adolescents with severe obesity, or risk for severe obesity, and significant mental health comorbidities. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of adolescents 12-18 years of age with severe obesity (BMI >99th percentile), or at risk for severe obesity, and comorbid mental health issues. The intervention, focused on healthy lifestyle and mental health support, was implemented within an existing psychiatric day hospital at a pediatric quaternary care hospital. Anthropometric and mental health measures were analyzed pre- and postintervention. Results: Thirty-two adolescents with a mean age of 14.9 years [standard deviation (SD) 1.6] participated in the pilot integrative day hospital program for a mean duration of 5.2 months (SD 2.3). Eleven participants had primary severe obesity and comorbid mental health conditions (obesity subgroup) and 21 participants had primary mental illness and were at risk for obesity (psychiatry subgroup). We did not observe a significant difference between BMI pre- and postprogram among adolescents in both subgroups. In other words, adolescents in both subgroups achieved weight maintenance. Fear in losing control of overeating and/or being seen by others when eating decreased significantly in the obesity subgroup [mean difference (MD) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27 to 1.71]. There was a significant decrease in participant-reported depression symptom severity, both overall and within program subgroups. Quality-of-life scores of study participants improved significantly within the obesity subgroup (MD -12.31; 95% CI: -21.69 to -2.93), but not within the psychiatry subgroup (MD -6.35; 95% CI: -13.37 to 0.67). Conclusions and Implications: A day hospital model of care may result in weight maintenance, decreased eating concerns, and improved mental health in adolescents with severe obesity or risk for severe obesity, and significant mental health comorbidities.

"Your own pace, your own path": perspectives of adolescents navigating life after bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery, an established weight-loss tool, may be offered to some adolescents with severe obesity. However, few studies explore adolescents' postoperative experiences beyond physical and metabolic outcomes and quality-of-life measures. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2021, 45 semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents (16-20 years) at 6 months (N = 15), 12 months (N = 15), and 24 months (N = 15) following bariatric surgery. A deductive thematic analysis framework was applied by two independent coders (Cronbach's α = 0.84). Themes were identified and refined iteratively, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged related to: (1) weight-loss expectations vs. reality, (2) social landscape, (3) body image, (4) eating and moving, and (5) challenges for long-term success. The pace of and satisfaction with weight loss and side effects was heterogenous among participants, with most changes occurring early and stabilizing by 24 months. Adolescents adapted over time to their new social landscapes (e.g., relationships) and reported improved body image and confidence, yet persistently struggled to reconcile their internal identity with evolving external perceptions and discomfort with new attention. Participants experienced changes to lifestyle routines after surgery (e.g., eating, moving, habits), which introduced distress at 6 months but resolved over time. Life transitions in early adulthood (e.g., moving away, university/college, employment), concurrent with their evolving and increasing autonomy, physical, social, and financial independence, imposed unexpected challenges to postoperative routines and support systems. Participants unanimously reaffirmed that bariatric surgery is a lifelong journey and that they were committed to long-term success. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide insight into optimizing adolescent selection for bariatric surgery and perioperative support. Specifically, important life transitions during this developmental period impact postoperative experiences and outcomes and adolescents may benefit from postoperative counseling focused on managing weight-loss expectations and adapting to evolving nutritional needs and changing social circumstances.

"It's a tool, not a cure": the preoperative teen perspective on bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is well established in adults as the most effective tool for sustained weight loss and reduction of obesity-related co-morbidities, and is an emerging option for adolescents in whom conservative approaches have failed. Narratives are vital in understanding the motivating reasons and psychosocial profiles of adolescents considering bariatric surgery during a developmental period of evolving self-concept, body image sensitivity, peer pressure, and increased opportunity for risky behaviors. OBJECTIVES: To explore preoperative adolescent patient perspectives on their decision to pursue bariatric surgery, anticipated physical and psychosocial effects, and preparation process. SETTINGS: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with adolescents (16-18 yr old) 2-4 months before bariatric surgery. A theoretical thematic analysis was conducted with 3 independent reviewers (interrater reliability, Cronbach's α= .81) and conflicts were resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Patients' perspectives are captured in 4 themes: motivation for surgery, effects on health and habits, psychosocial changes, and support systems during preparation. Participants perceived surgery as a tool but not a solution for weight loss. Most were motivated for health and daily functional improvement rather than aesthetic reasons, and some anticipated improved social interactions while maintaining their self-identity. Participants were selective in sharing news of their surgery, and received varying levels of support from families, friends, and healthcare teams. CONCLUSION: Adolescents seem generally prepared for and informed about surgery, with expectations for weight loss and psychosocial improvements, although uncertainty and contradictory thoughts were prevalent. Insights provided by these adolescent patients will help optimize bariatric surgery assessments and support from clinical teams and inform preoperative education for future patients and families.

"I don't want them to think that what they said matters": How treatment - seeking adolescents with severe obesity cope with weight-based victimization.

Adolescents with severe obesity are subject to a high prevalence of weight-based victimization that may lead to pervasive mental health symptoms. However, different coping strategies could potentially modulate these psychological consequences. This study aims to explore how treatment-seeking adolescents with severe obesity cope with weight-based victimization. This was a qualitative research study using an interpretive phenomenological analytic approach. One-on-one semi structured interviews were completed with 19 adolescents (63% female) enrolled in a weight management program. The interviews were transcribed and sequentially analysed until data saturation was attained. The majority of participants (89.5%) described being a victim of weight-based victimization and highlighted a significant emotional toll. Two key themes were identified that captured the various coping strategies used by participants. Over half (52.9%) described approach coping strategies where they acted on the source to invoke change by standing up for themselves, helping others in similar situations or becoming a bully themselves. Whilst the majority (94.1%) used avoidant coping strategies such as feigning a strong exterior façade, denial, isolation and self-harm. Nearly half (47.1%) used both strategies. Treatment-seeking adolescents with severe obesity commonly use avoidant coping strategies to deal with weight-based victimization. These strategies are associated with negative mental health outcomes and should be evaluated when counselling adolescents with obesity who have experienced weight-based victimization.

Development of a smartphone app for adolescents with lupus: a collaborative meeting-based methodology inclusive of a wide range of stakeholders.

Traditional challenges of creating a medical app include hearing the voices of various stakeholders as a collective rather than in a consultative process that is sequential. This report describes the development of a mobile (smartphone) app for adolescents with lupus as well as the process that was used to overcome the challenge described above. The development of the smartphone app addressed optimal ways to incorporate information about 1) lupus, including the effects of both the disease and the medications used to treat it; 2) how life choices can affect lupus patients' condition; and 3) ways to increase self-management and communication. The collaborative concept-generating and requirements-gathering methodology was used during a two-day workshop with a range of stakeholders (ages 16 - 59 years) that focused on leveraging user-centered design methods to generate guidance to mobile app developers. The app development process conducted during the workshop included the following steps: 1) recruiting a goal-focused collaborative group, 2) defining app objectives, 3) evaluating potential needs of users, 4) brainstorming app features and use-case modeling, 5) reviewing existing app features and prototypes, 6) refining functionalities, 7) writing user narratives, 8) visualizing navigation and feature design, and 9) identifying content. The use of creative devices such as drawing interfaces fostered fun, engagement, and sustained energy, and the use of a brainstorming technique leveraged methods that ensured an inclusive process so that even participants who were shy, quiet, or easily intimidated by "professionals" felt confident to contribute. In addition to a name change for the app, project outcomes included the selection of the following app features: symptom tracking; appointment and medication reminders; a social media component; a medical summary; easy navigation; informational content; gamification; and personalization (options for customization).

Development of a smartphone app for adolescents with lupus: a collaborative meeting-based methodology inclusive of a wide range of stakeholders / Desarrollo de una aplicación para teléfonos móviles inteligentes dirigida a los adolescentes con lupus: un método colaborativo basado en reuniones con una amplia gama de interesados directos

Traditional challenges of creating a medical app include hearing the voices of various stakeholders as a collective rather than in a consultative process that is sequential. This report describes the development of a mobile (smartphone) app for adolescents with lupus as well as the process that was used to overcome the challenge described above. The development of the smartphone app addressed optimal ways to incorporate information about 1) lupus, including the effects of both the disease and the medications used to treat it; 2) how life choices can affect lupus patients' condition; and 3) ways to increase self-management and communication. The collaborative concept-generating and requirements-gathering methodology was used during a two-day workshop with a range of stakeholders (ages 16 - 59 years) that focused on leveraging user-centered design methods to generate guidance to mobile app developers. The app development process conducted during the workshop included the following steps: 1) recruiting a goal-focused collaborative group, 2) defining app objectives, 3) evaluating potential needs of users, 4) brainstorming app features and use-case modeling, 5) reviewing existing app features and prototypes, 6) refining functionalities, 7) writing user narratives, 8) visualizing navigation and feature design, and 9) identifying content. The use of creative devices such as drawing interfaces fostered fun, engagement, and sustained energy, and the use of a brainstorming technique leveraged methods that ensured an inclusive process so that even participants who were shy, quiet, or easily intimidated by "professionals" felt confident to contribute. In addition to a name change for the app, project outcomes included the selection of the following app features: symptom tracking; appointment and medication reminders; a social media component; a medical summary; easy navigation; informational content; gamification; and personalization (options for customization).

Uno de los desafíos tradicionales durante el desarrollo de una aplicación médica es considerar las opiniones de los diversos interesados directos como colectivo, en lugar de emplear un proceso de consulta de tipo secuencial. En este informe se describe el desarrollo de una aplicación para teléfonos móviles inteligentes dirigida a adolescentes con lupus, así como el procedimiento empleado para superar este tipo de dificultades. En el desarrollo de esta aplicación se buscó la mejor manera de incorporar información acerca de: 1) el lupus, incluidos los efectos tanto de la enfermedad como de los medicamentos utilizados para su tratamiento; 2) cómo las opciones de vida pueden afectar a la situación de los pacientes con lupus; y 3) los procedimientos para aumentar el autotratamiento y la comunicación. En un taller de dos días, en el que participaron diversos interesados directos (de 16 a 59 años de edad), se empleó una metodología colaborativa de generación de conceptos y recopilación de requisitos con el propósito de aprovechar los métodos de diseño centrados en el usuario para que sirvan de guía a los productores de aplicaciones para telefonía móvil. El proceso de desarrollo de la aplicación que se llevó a cabo durante el taller utilizó los siguientes pasos: 1) captar un grupo colaborativo centrado en las metas, 2) definir los objetivos de la aplicación, 3) evaluar las posibles necesidades de los usuarios, 4) hacer una lluvia de ideas sobre las características de la aplicación y elaborar modelos de casos de uso, 5) analizar las características y los prototipos de las aplicaciones existentes, 6) perfeccionar las funcionalidades, 7) redactar distintas experiencias de los usuarios, 8) visualizar el diseño de la navegación y las funcionalidades, y 9) determinar el contenido. El uso de recursos creativos como las interfaces para dibujar fomentó la diversión, la participación y la energía sostenida; y el empleo de una técnica de lluvia de ideas permitió aprovechar algunos métodos que garantizaban un proceso inclusivo, de manera que aun los participantes tímidos, callados o fácilmente intimidables por los "profesionales" se sintieran cómodos para participar. Además del cambio de nombre de la aplicación, otro resultado del proyecto fue que se seleccionaron las siguientes características de la aplicación: seguimiento de síntomas; recordatorio de citas y medicación; un componente de redes sociales; un resumen del historial médico; navegación sencilla; contenido informativo; ludificación; y personalización (opciones de adaptación individualizada).