Well-Being, Physical Activity, and Social Support in Octogenarians with Heart Failure during COVID-19 Confinement: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare well-being and physical activity (PA) before and during COVID-19 confinement in older adults with heart failure (HF), to compare well-being and PA during COVID-19 confinement in octogenarians and non-octogenarians, and to explore well-being, social support, attention to symptoms, and assistance needs during confinement in this population. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was performed. Well-being (Cantril Ladder of Life) and PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were assessed. Semi-structured interviews were performed to assess the rest of the variables. RESULTS: 120 participants were evaluated (74.16 ± 12.90 years; octogenarians = 44.16%, non-octogenarians = 55.83%). Both groups showed lower well-being and performed less PA during confinement than before (p < 0.001). Octogenarians reported lower well-being (p = 0.02), higher sedentary time (p = 0.03), and lower levels of moderate PA (p = 0.04) during confinement. Most individuals in the sample considered their well-being to have decreased during confinement, 30% reported decreased social support, 50% increased their attention to symptoms, and 60% were not satisfied with the assistance received. Octogenarians were more severely impacted during confinement than non-octogenarians in terms of well-being, attention to symptoms, and assistance needs. CONCLUSIONS: Well-being and PA decreased during confinement, although octogenarians were more affected than non-octogenarians. Remote monitoring strategies are needed in elders with HF to control health outcomes in critical periods, especially in octogenarians.

Perceptions of Older People with Cognitive Impairment, Caregivers, and Professionals about ehcoBUTLER (Tablet Health Care Platform): A Qualitative Focus Group Study.

EhcoBUTLER is a tablet platform mainly aimed at the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to promote their well-being and health. The main objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and feedback level of the ehcoBUTLER potential users and stakeholders to improve its development. Through this exploration, the secondary objective was to contribute to the development of software/apps that promote their integral health. Focus groups were conducted (13 elderly with MCI, 13 with dementia, 12 caregivers, 11 professionals). The content and feedback level were analyzed. Participants liked the appearance of ehcoBUTLER, would like to use it, and were mainly interested in the emotional, healthy lifestyle, cognitive, and ergonomic tools. It is necessary to have prior training, more intuitive/customizable apps, low-price/free, offline/USB content, and add other activities/features. EhcoBUTLER is well-oriented to meet the needs and preferences of potential users. However, improvements in its usability, accessibility, and sustainability are needed. The participants' perspectives provided a comprehensive view to improve ehcoBUTLER, so that in the future, it can benefit the elderly to be active agents in their health; support caregivers in their role and to have a respite; and professionals to have a multi-intervention platform. The present findings can contribute to the development of tablet software/apps that promote the integral well-being of this population.

Determinants of satisfaction with the detection process of autism in Europe: Results from the ASDEU study.

LAY ABSTRACT: Professional guidance and support in response to first concerns appears to be an important predictor of the level of satisfaction with the detection process of autism in young children. In this study, we analyzed the views of 1342 family members, including 1278 parents, who completed an online survey form collecting information about their experience and satisfaction with the early detection of autism in their child. Specifically, we were interested in how specific experiences with the detection process relate to the satisfaction with it and whether we could identify important predictors of satisfaction. The detection process is an emotionally charged period for parents, often described as painful, chaotic, and lengthy. A better understanding of their experiences is important to take appropriate action to improve the detection process. In our sample, the level of satisfaction with the detection process varied greatly from one respondent to another. Among the different experiences we considered, whether or not respondents received professional guidance and support in response to first concerns explained most of this variation. We also found that difficulty finding information about detection services, lack of professional guidance and support in response to first concerns, having to find a diagnostic service on one's own, and longer delays between confirmation of concerns and first appointment with a specialist were experiences associated with a greater likelihood of being unsatisfied. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the parent-professional relationship in the detection process and have important practical implications for health administrations to improve the detection process.

The Integration of Psychosocial Care into National Dementia Strategies across Europe: Evidence from the Skills in DEmentia Care (SiDECar) Project.

There is evidence supporting the use of psychosocial interventions in dementia care. Due to the role of policy in clinical practice, the present study investigates whether and how the issue of psychosocial care and interventions has been addressed in the national dementia plans and strategies across Europe. A total of 26 national documents were found. They were analyzed by content analysis to identify the main pillars associated with the topic of psychosocial care and interventions. Specifically, three categories emerged: (1) Treatment, (2) Education, and (3) Research. The first one was further divided into three subcategories: (1) Person-centred conceptual framework, (2) Psychosocial interventions, and (3) Health and social services networks. Overall, the topic of psychosocial care and interventions has been addressed in all the country policies. However, the amount of information provided differs across the documents, with only the category of 'Treatment' covering all of them. Furthermore, on the basis of the existing policies, how the provision of psychosocial care and interventions would be enabled, and how it would be assessed are not fully apparent yet. Findings highlight the importance of policies based on a comprehensive and well-integrated system of care, where the issue of psychosocial care and interventions is fully embedded.

Digital competence in higher education research: A systematic literature review.

In the information and knowledge society, where technology develops rapidly and penetrates deeply into our lives, the discussion about digital competence has become a hot topic today. After the emergence of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and with its huge impact on the education industry, the concern about digital competence has reached a new height. This systematic literature review uses Web of science and Scopus as databases to store and analyze the existing research on digital competence in higher education settings. The purpose of this review is to provide the scholar community with a current overview of digital competence research from 2015 to 2021 in the context of higher education regarding the definition of digital competence, dimensions used to evaluate digital competence, research purposes, methodologies, and results and limitations. Major findings include that the majority of publications cited both research and EU policy in describing the definition of digital competence. The review indicates that most university students and teachers have a basic level of digital competence. Besides, the institutions of higher education are encouraged to focus on the development students and teachers' digital competence, create relevant learning strategies and use appropriate tools to improve the quality of education.

Early Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention Services for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the European Union (ASDEU): Family and Professional Perspectives.

Early services for ASD need to canvas the opinions of both parents and professionals. These opinions are seldom compared in the same research study. This study aims to ascertain the views of families and professionals on early detection, diagnosis and intervention services for young children with ASD. An online survey compiled and analysed data from 2032 respondents across 14 European countries (60.9% were parents; 39.1% professionals). Using an ordinal scale from 1 to 7, parents' opinions were more negative (mean = 4.6; SD 2.2) compared to those of professionals (mean = 4.9; SD 1.5) when reporting satisfaction with services. The results suggest services should take into account child's age, delays in accessing services, and active stakeholders' participation when looking to improve services.

"In the flesh": Narratives of family caregivers at risk of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease.

In the growing body of literature dealing with the consequences of family caregiving amongst people with dementia, there are few studies examining the impact of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease on caregivers. This study exposes the subjective experience of a group of family caregivers who themselves possess a genetic susceptibility to develop this form of dementia. We interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 27 caregivers belonging to family lineages carrying the E280A mutation for Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. We utilized a phenomenological method to analyze these accounts, initially tracking seven theoretical categories (Anxiety, Depression, Burden, Resilience, Self-efficacy, Social Support, and Coping Strategies) and then subsequently two additional categories which emerged (Conceptions about the Disease and Other Vital Experiences Interfering with Caregiving). The results show that caring for a loved one while simultaneously running the risk of developing the same form of Alzheimer's Disease permeates the caregivers' experience both in a negative and a positive way. The continuous exposition to emotional stress in these caregivers should be seriously considered as they may be at risk of accelerating the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, while simultaneously, early psychological symptoms of dementia may be masked by the emotional sequelae of caregiving, interfering with early diagnosis. Certainly, support services for the entire family group are suggested.

Correction to: Early Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention Services for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the European Union (ASDEU): Family and Professional Perspectives.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in one of the co-author's family name. The correct name should be María Victoria Martín-Cilleros instead of María Victoria Cilleros-Martín.

Reflexiones en torno a la investigación con métodos mixtos / Reflexão sobre pesquisa com métodos mistos / Reflections on research with mixed methods

Objetivo Se presenta una reflexión teórica basada en la experiencia de los autores como investigadores y docentes de unidades curriculares de Metodologías de Investigación. Método reflexión teórica-filosófica. Resultados la dicotomía entre los enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos dio lugar a la discusión sobre la necesidad de pensar en la posibilidad de combinar estos métodos con el objetivo de responder a los nuevos y complejos problemas de investigación con los que actualmente nos enfrentamos. Esta discusión se transformó en una disputa que algunos autores apodaron "Science War", debido a los desafíos metodológicos y epistemológicos de esta combinación que, por su vez, dio origen a los Métodos Mixtos (Mixed Methods). La reflexión que se propone se centra en algunas de las principales cuestiones que surgen en el ámbito de las actuales discusiones entre investigadores y reflejan/traducen algunas de las inquietudes de los mismos.

Objetivo se presenta una reflexión teórica basada en la experiencia de los autores como investigadores y docentes de unidades curriculares de Metodologías de Investigación. Método reflexión teórica-filosófica. Resultados la dicotomía entre los enfoques cualitativos y cuantitativos dio lugar a la discusión sobre la necesidad de pensar en la posibilidad de combinar estos métodos con el objetivo de responder a los nuevos y complejos problemas de investigación con los que actualmente nos enfrentamos. Esta discusión se transformó en una disputa que algunos autores apodaron "Science War", debido a los desafíos metodológicos y epistemológicos de esta combinación que, por su vez, dio origen a los Métodos Mixtos (Mixed Methods). La reflexión que se propone se centra en algunas de las principales cuestiones que surgen en el ámbito de las actuales discusiones entre investigadores y reflejan/traducen algunas de las inquietudes de los mismos.

Objective this study presents a theoretical reflection based on the experience of the authors as researchers and professors of curricular units of research methodologies. Method theoretical-philosophical reflection. Results the dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative approaches originated the discussion on the need to think about the possibility of combining these methods aiming to answer the new and complex research problems currently facing us. This discussion was transformed into a dispute that some authors nicknamed "Science War", due to the methodological and epistemological challenges of this combination, which, in its turn, originated the Mixed Methods. The proposed reflection focuses on some of the main issues that arise in the scope of the current discussions between researchers and reflecting/translating some of their concerns.

Self-determination, emotions and exclusion in a blog of deaf people: a qualitative perspective.

OBJECTIVE: to explore the deaf people's perceptions about their well-being, published on a weblog. METHOD: A free access spanish blog that's been created and used by deaf people is selected. Under qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach, through the non-participating and asynchronous observation, sign language speeches are analyzed in 44 video messages uploaded by deaf bloggers. RESULTS: in the speeches analyzed, inclusion's areas cited the most are self-determination, social inclusion and emotional well-being, these latter two in a negative way: social exclusion and emotional distress. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The study participants state that the arrangements adopted for their inclusion are not enough, with feelings of discomfort prevailing in all areas and life stages. Solidarity initiatives, elimination of communication barriers and true transforming agents of our society are needed.

Self-determination, emotions and exclusion in a blog of deaf people: a qualitative perspective / Autodeterminação, emoções e exclusão num blog de pessoas surdas: um olhar qualitativo / Autodeterminación, emociones y exclusión en un blog de personas sordas: mirada cualitativa

ABSTRACT Objective: to explore the deaf people's perceptions about their well-being, published on a weblog. Method: A free access spanish blog that's been created and used by deaf people is selected. Under qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach, through the non-participating and asynchronous observation, sign language speeches are analyzed in 44 video messages uploaded by deaf bloggers. Results: in the speeches analyzed, inclusion's areas cited the most are self-determination, social inclusion and emotional well-being, these latter two in a negative way: social exclusion and emotional distress. Final considerations: The study participants state that the arrangements adopted for their inclusion are not enough, with feelings of discomfort prevailing in all areas and life stages. Solidarity initiatives, elimination of communication barriers and true transforming agents of our society are needed.

RESUMO Objetivo: explorar as percepções dos surdos sobre seu bem-estar, publicados num blog. Método: foi selecionado um blog em espanhol de acesso gratuito criado e utilizado por pessoas surdas. Abordagem qualitativa assente na fenomenologia, através da observação assíncrona e não participante, os discursos realizados através de língua gestual são analisados em 44 vídeos que foram enviados por bloggers surdos. Resultados: nos discursos analisados, as áreas de inclusão mais citadas são autodeterminação, inclusão social e bem-estar emocional, sendo estas duas últimas de forma negativa: exclusão social e sofrimento emocional. Considerações finais: Os participantes do estudo afirmam que as alterações adotadas para a sua inclusão não são suficientes, com sentimentos de desconforto permanentes em todas as áreas e fases da vida. Iniciativas de solidariedade, eliminação de barreiras de comunicação e agentes transformadores reais da sociedade são necessários.

RESUMEN Objetivo: explorar las percepciones de bienestar que las personas sordas vierten en un blog de Internet. Método: Se selecciona un blog español de acceso libre creado y utilizado por personas sordas. Bajo una metodología cualitativa con diseño fenomenológico, y a través de la observación no participante y asincrónica, se analizan los discursos en lengua de signos de 44 videomensajes publicados por blogueros sordos. Resultados: las áreas más mencionadas sobre su inclusión en los discursos analizados son la autodeterminación, el bienestar emocional y la inclusión social, estas dos últimas en sentido negativo: malestar emocional y exclusión social. Consideraciones finales: Los participantes del estudio manifiestan que los planes adoptados para su inclusión no son suficientes, y tienen sentimientos de malestar en todas las áreas y etapas vitales. Se hace necesario eliminar las barreras de comunicación y crear iniciativas solidarias con verdaderos agentes transformadores de la sociedad en la que vivimos.

Addressing Suicide Risk According to Different Healthcare Professionals in Spain: A Qualitative Study.

This study analyzes the views of four groups of healthcare professionals who may play a role in the management of suicidal behavior. The goal was to identify key factors for suicide prevention in different areas of the healthcare system. Qualitative research was conducted using focus groups made up of different healthcare professionals who participated in the identification, management, and prevention of suicidal behavior. Professionals included were primary care physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and emergency physicians. 'Suicide' was amongst the most relevant terms that came up in discussions most of the times it appeared associated with words such as 'risk', danger', or 'harm'. In the analysis by categories, the four groups of professionals agreed that interventions in at-risk behaviors are first in importance. Prevention was the second main concern with greater significance among psychiatrists. Primary care professionals call for more time to address patients at risk for suicide and easier access to and communication with the mental health network. Emergency care professionals have a lack of awareness of their role in the detection of risk for suicide in patients who seek attention at emergency care facilities for reasons of general somatic issues. Mental health care professionals are in high demand in cases of self-harm, but they would like to receive specific training in dealing with suicidal behavior.

Modelo predictivo de la intención de adopción de Blended learning en profesores universitarios / Predictive Model of the Intention to Adopt Blended Learning in a University Setting

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la intención de uso de la modalidad instructiva blended learning por parte de profesores universitarios, a partir del diseño de un modelo predictivo, tomando como aportes teóricos la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (Theory of Planned Behavior), los modelos de aceptación tecnológica (TAM) y la Teoría de la Difusión de Innovaciones (Innovation Diffussion Theory). El modelo teórico planteado está constituido por seis constructos: Utilidad Percibida, Facilidad percibida de Uso, Compatibilidad, Imagen Social, Norma o Influencia Social e Intención de Uso. En el estudio participaron 486 profesores de diferentes universidades españolas. Para el tratamiento de los datos se realizaron Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) y análisis causal, conforme al enfoque de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) con estimación de parámetros, utilizando el método de Máxima Verosimilitud (ML) para el contraste de las relaciones estructurales propuestas. Los resultados revelan que los factores del modelo explican el 41% de la variabilidad de la intención de uso de blended learning en los profesores. Esta intención de adoptar b-learning está positivamente afectada por dos determinantes principales, de un lado, la utilidad percibida sobre la mejora de la práctica docente (valor estandarizado = 0.54, p < 0.001) y la existencia de condiciones favorables (recursos y equipamientos técnicos, humanos, etc.) de la propia universidad para su implementación (β = 0.26, p < 0.001).

The objective of this study is to analyze the intention of the use of the instructional modality blended learning to be used by academics as a predictive model using theoretical contributions from the Theory of Planned Behavior (Theory of Planned Behavior), models of acceptance technology (TAM) and the theory of diffusion of innovation (Innovation diffusion Theory). The theoretical model proposed consists of six constructs: Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Compatibility Social Image, Social Influence and Intended Use. The study included 486 teachers from different Spanish universities. The data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Causal analysis was also utilized, conforming to structural equation approach (SEM), with parameter estimations using the maximum likelihood method (ML) for the contrast of the proposed structural relationships. The results reveal that the model factors explained 41% of the variability of the intended use of blended learning. The intention to adopt b-learning is positively affected by two main determinants, on one side the perceived usefulness of improving teaching practice (standardized value = 0.54, p <0.001) and on the other the existence of favorable conditions (resources and technical equipment, human, etc.) of the university for its implementation (β = 0.26, p < 0.001).

Atributos y estereotipos de género asociados al ciclo de la violencia contra la mujer / Gender Attributes and Stereotypes Associated with the Cycle of Violence Against Women

Se examinó la relación entre la construcción social de atributos y estereotipos de género, y la presencia de violencia doméstica contra la mujer. Participaron 1.200 sujetos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, residentes en distintas localidades de España. Los participantes valoran positivamente los atributos de género que conforman la imagen femenina, sin embargo tienden a estereotiparse marcadamente por el género. En referencia a los atributos de género a infundir en la educación de los hijos, existen diferencias respecto al sexo del educador, siendo las madres más rígidas en la crianza de los hijos. Respecto a la valoración de atributos de género en la pareja, los sujetos tienden a preferir parejas marcadamente estereotipadas. En relación a la valoración a cerca de los prototipos de género que difunden los medios de comunicación, ambos sexos coinciden en el deseo de percibir figuras masculinas y femeninas más estereotipadas. Se encontró una asociación entre la violencia doméstica con los atributos de género masculinos, calificando a los hombres maltratadores como personas violentas y a las mujeres como pasivas, siendo la valentía la principal característica para salir del círculo de la violencia.

This study examined the relation between the social construction of gender attributes and stereotypes, and the presence of domestic violence against women. The participants were 1.200 subjects of both sexes, over 18 years of age, residing in different locations in Spain. Participants positively value the gender attributes that constitute the female image. However, they tend to markedly stereotype themselves according to gender. Regarding the transmission of gender attributes in the education of children, there are differences related to the sex of the educator, mothers being more rigid in their parenting. Concerning the assessment of gender attributes in romantic relationships, the subjects tend to prefer strongly stereotyped couples. In relation to the assessment of the gender prototypes broadcast by the media, both sexes agree on their desire to perceive more stereotyped male and female figures. An association between domestic violence and male gender attributes was found, as well as the description of abusive men as violent persons and of women as passive, and the notion of courage as the main characteristic needed to break the cycle of violence.

Concepción de mundo, aspectos contextuales y bienestar psicológico en chilenos supervivientes a experiencias de prisión y tortura por motivos políticos a más de 30 años de ocurridos los hechos / World conception, contextual aspects, and psychological well-being of chilean survivors of political torture and imprisonment after more than 30 years

El objetivo principal es estudiar los efectos psicológicos a largo plazo de experiencias de prisión y tortura política en la concepción de mundo de un grupo de chilenos supervivientes a estas experiencias. El diseño es descriptivo de tipo ex post facto con metodología cualitativa de análisis de contenido, y el uso de los programas informáticos QSR-Nvivo6 y SPSS. Se concluye la presencia de secuelas psicológicas a largo plazo de experiencias de represión política, manifestada en una concepción negativa del mundo, en todos los participantes, atribuida principalmente a causas humanas. Esto se relaciona con la valoración de vivir en un mundo influenciado por el ex régimen militar chileno, e insatisfacción con la sociedad chilena, debido a la percepción de su apoyo al mismo régimen político.

The main objective of this article is to study the long-term psychological effects of imprisonment and torture experiences for political reasons in the world conception of a group of Chilean survivors. The design is a descriptive ex-post facto model, including qualitative methodology on content analysis, and QRS Nvivo6 and SPSS software. Results suggest the presence of longterm psychological effects from political repression experiences, expressed in a negative world conception attributed mainly to human actions in all the participants. This relates to the perception that the former military regime keeps its influences in the world, as well as the Chilean society’s dissatisfaction with the violations of Human Rights occurred in Chile.