Challenges in Work-Family Balance and Support Needs of Japanese Parents with Nursery School-Aged Children

We aimed to identify the challenges parents face raising preschool-aged children when trying to maintain a good work-family balance. We also highlight how public health nurses can support the community in this regard. Seven Japanese parents volunteered to participate, and individual in-depth interviews were conducted from May to October 2021. We analyzed the recorded interview data using qualitative descriptive methods. Three main themes concerning work-family balance challenges were extracted: 1) conflicts between parents’ childcare and work roles, 2) issues related to institutions and social systems, and 3) a lack of informal support. Factors contributing to the difficulties were a lack of time to spend with their children;an imbalance in the division of housework and childcare roles between married couples;the employment environment in Japan that makes it difficult to pursue a career while raising children;a lack of childcare services, including childcare for sick children;inadequate consultation systems;and an aging grandparents’ generation owing to late marriages. To solve this problem, we suggest that in addition to establishing a reliable system for providing childcare, local public health nurses should work with childcare workers to create an environment in which parents feel comfortable discussing work-family balance, considering the time constraints of parents during the childrearing period, and use nursery schools as a place for parent-child support.

Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents

BACKGROUND Parental behaviors are key in shaping children’s psychological and behavioral development,crucial for early identification and prevention of mental health issues,reducing psychological trauma in childhood.AIM To investigate the relationship between parenting behaviors and behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.METHODS From October 2017 to May 2018,7 kindergartens in Ma’anshan City were selected to conduct a parent self-filled questionnaire-Health Development Survey of Preschool Children.Children’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire(Parent Version)was applied to measures the children’s behavioral and emotional performance.Parenting behavior was evaluated using the Parental Behavior Inventory.Binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the detection rate of preschool children’s behavior and emotional problems and their parenting behaviors.RESULTS High level of parental support/participation was negatively correlated with conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal total difficulty scores and abnormal prosocial behavior problems.High level of maternal support/participation was negatively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms and abnormal peer interaction in children.High level of parental hostility/coercion was positively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms,abnormal conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal peer interaction,and abnormal total difficulty scores in children(all P<0.05).Moreover,paternal parenting behaviors had similarly effects on behavior and emotional problems of preschool children compared with maternal parenting behaviors(all P>0.05),after calculating ratio of odds ratio values.CONCLUSION Our study found that parenting behaviors are associated with behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.Overall,the more supportive or involved the parents are,the fewer behavioral and emotional problems the children experience;conversely,the more hostile or controlling the parents are,the more behavioral and emotional problems the children face.Moreover,the impact of fathers’parenting behaviors on preschool children’s behavior and emotions is no less significant than that of mothers’parenting behaviors.

基于Needs甲基化法枸杞多糖指纹图谱的建立

目的多糖是枸杞中主要的活性成分,各产地间枸杞多糖的结构和含量均有差异。目前枸杞多糖的质量控制方法大多都通过单糖组成构建指纹图谱,但仅通过单糖指纹图谱对枸杞多糖进行质量控制,并不能系统地对不同产地的枸杞多糖进行质量控制。因此,我们在单糖指纹图谱的基础上,利用Needs甲基化法确定枸杞多糖的糖残基连接方式,建立Needs甲基化法枸杞多糖指纹图谱,实现对不同产地枸杞的质量控制。方法通过水提醇沉法获得枸杞多糖,并采用Needs甲基化、完全酸水解、硼氢化钠还原及乙酰化等方法结合GC-MS测定枸杞多糖的糖残基连接方式。结果将18批枸杞多糖的糖残基连接方式色谱图导入《中药色谱指纹图谱相似度评价系统》(2004版)构建出指纹图谱,并结合多种化学计量法评价不同产地间枸杞多糖的差异。相似度计算结果发现,除西藏自治区三批枸杞多糖相似度0.551-0.569,其余15批样品相似度均0.929以上。糖残基连接方式色谱图共标定了16个共有峰,指认了其中10个共有峰,分别为TArap、T-Araf、T-Xylp、1,2-Arap、1,3-Rhap、1,5-Araf、T-Glcp、T-Galp、1,4-Glcp、1,6-Galp。HCA、PCA和PLS-DA分析结果将18批次不同产地的枸杞多糖分为3类,并筛选出了3个标志性成分,分别为T-Araf、1,5-Araf和T-Glcp,以此来判断不同产地间枸杞多糖的差异性。结论首次建立了18批枸杞多糖的Needs甲基化法指纹图谱,为枸杞多糖质量控制提供实验数据参考,进一步证明了多糖在中药质量控制中的作用。

The Development of a Feeding Coparenting Scale for Japanese Parents of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Elementary School Children

Aim: Recently, the role of feeding coparenting has gained attention in the child eating research field. The Feeding Coparenting Scale (FCS), a measure of how caregivers interact with their partners when feeding their children was developed in the United States in 2019. However, there is no valid and reliable measure to assess feeding coparenting among caregivers of school-aged children in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the FCS (FCS-J) questionnaire for caregivers with school-aged children. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey completed by caregivers of children aged 10-12 years. A preliminary survey using interviews and a web-based survey was conducted and found that the translated items of the FCS into Japanese were understandable to Japanese people. The developed survey was administered to parents of children at an elementary school. The reliability of the survey was assessed using both test-retest reliability and internal consistency analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test construct validity, and known population validity was examined in relation to attributes, marital satisfaction, and feeding tasks. Results: Findings with 135 parents of school-aged children showed good internal reliability and validity of the FCS-J. The mean score for the overall FCS-J score was 46.2 (SD = 6.2), with Cronbach’s α of 0.72. For the subscales, Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.75 to 0.79. In sum, the present study’s results support the three-factor structure of the FCS in Japanese caregivers in Japan. Conclusions: The developed FCS-J was found to have a certain degree of reliability and validity. In this study, a Japanese version of the FCS-J was developed. .

Multimodal emotion recognition in the metaverse era:New needs and transformation in mental health work

This editorial comments on an article recently published by López del Hoyo et al.The metaverse,hailed as"the successor to the mobile Internet",is undoubtedly one of the most fashionable terms in recent years.Although metaverse development is a complex and multifaceted evolutionary process influenced by many factors,it is almost certain that it will significantly impact our lives,including mental health services.Like any other technological advancements,the metaverse era presents a double-edged sword for mental health work,which must clearly understand the needs and transformations of its target audience.In this editorial,our primary focus is to contemplate potential new needs and transformation in mental health work during the metaverse era from the pers-pective of multimodal emotion recognition.

Expérience des parents faceàl’accompagnement pédiatrique en HAD:étude exploratoire qualitative Parents’Experience of Pediatric Home Care:A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Aim:To investigate parents’experience of home care for children in oncology in order to identify the benefits,expectations,and possible difficulties associated.Material and methods:A qualitative method was adopted,with non-directive interviews conducted with nine participants,then analyzed using thematic content analysis.Results:The main recurring themes in the discourse include:(1)relief,(2)positive representation of home,(3)positive representation of home care,and(4)negative representation of home care.For these parents,home care appears to be positive overall,even though the introduction of home care is often reported as a source of stress for them.Conclusion:These results must be interpreted with caution,but they do support previous research and highlight certain recommendations for further improving this experience,particularly for parents,but also for the sick child and the family.

The Oral Health Status of Person with Special Needs in Kumasi

Background: The most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide is oral health-related disease, with dental caries and periodontal conditions being common. Oral health status significantly impacts overall health and quality of life. Barriers to dental care affect children with special needs. This study evaluates the oral health status and treatment requirements of people with special needs. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study in Kumasi, Ghana examined oral health status among people, 121 children with special needs over two months, in June-July 2022. Dental caries, periodontal changes, malocclusion, and trauma were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The oral health status among people with special needs in this study was generally moderate, with a range from very good to very poor. The prevalence of dental caries was 37%, with a mean DMFT score of 2.82. Periodontal health showed unsatisfactory indicators such as mobile teeth, poor gingival health, high plaque scores, and the presence of halitosis. Conclusion: This descriptive study aimed to provide baseline data on the oral health status of special needs students in Kumasi, addressing the lack of knowledge in this area. It highlighted the importance of dental care in maintaining good oral health and overall well-being in individuals with special needs. Coordinated efforts by dental professionals are needed to provide dental health education and preventive interventions for these children.

Promoting International Students’Mental Health Unmet Needs:An Integrative Review

Background:There are increasing concerns about the mental health needs of international students.Previous studies report that international students experience additional challenges and higher levels of stress compared to domestic students.This integrative review aimed to identify perceived stressors,coping strategies and factors that contributed to accessing mental health services of international students.Methods:A systematic search was performed between January 2010 and December 2023 using PubMed,CINAHL,ProQuest,the Cochrane Library,Scopus and PsycINFO databases.A manual search was also performed that included reference lists of included articles;data was extracted and reviewed by three reviewers.A total of 21 studies were included in this review with a total of 4442 international students recruited,with ages between 17 to 43 years.Nineteen studies reported international students’gender,there were more females(n=2205)than males(n=1022).Ethnicity was reported in 18 studies.They included Asia,Europe,Latin America,North America,South America,Africa,the Middle East and Pacific Islands.This review adopted Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage approach,with specific steps for problem identification,literature search,data evaluation,data analysis,and presentation.Results:The Health Belief Model was used to explain relationships among independent and dependent variables and guide the findings of this review.Three identified progressive themes emerged including Theme 1:understanding cultural variations with perceived stress;Theme 2:coping strategies in dealing with stress and challenges in the new environment;and Theme 3:perceived threats and stress affecting how international students perceived barriers and benefits to access counselling support services and mental health services.This integrative review presents an overview of mental health needs and factors contributing to the mental health and well-being of international students via the inclusion of studies with different designs,providing an in-depth understanding of the study phenomenon.The findings of this review may help university health providers,mental health professionals,academic institutions and policymakers better understand the multifaceted needs of international students.Conclusion:This review demonstrates the importance of increased cross-cultural interactions between international students and domestic student counterparts to enhance belongingness and connection to host countries.This may facilitate adaptation to new living and learning environments.It is crucial academic institutions offer programs that can be effectively implemented and sustained to meet the unmet mental health needs of international students.University orientation programs,student counselling and health services may integrate cultural events,social support groups,leadership programs and resilience models of acculturation to promote mental health and well-being among international students.While these studies show promising results,there is a need for further robust evaluative studies to develop culturally sensitive mental health promotion programs for international students.

Main focus of parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the effectiveness of early clinical screening

BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a common mental and behavioral disorder among children.AIM To explore the focus of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder parents and the effectiveness of early clinical screening METHODS This study found that the main directions of parents seeking medical help were short attention time for children under 7 years old(16.6%)and poor academic performance for children over 7 years old(12.1%).We employed a two-stage experiment to diagnose ADHD.Among the 5683 children evaluated from 2018 to 2021,360 met the DSM-5 criteria.Those diagnosed with ADHD underwent assessments for letter,number,and figure attention.Following the exclusion of ADHD-H diagnoses,the detection rate rose to 96.0%,with 310 out of 323 cases identified.RESULTS This study yielded insights into the primary concerns of parents regarding their children's symptoms and validated the efficacy of a straightforward diagnostic test,offering valuable guidance for directing ADHD treatment,facilitating early detection,and enabling timely intervention.Our research delved into the predominant worries of parents across various age groups.Furthermore,we showcased the precision of the simple exclusion experiment in discerning between ADHD-I and ADHD-C in children.CONCLUSION Our study will help diagnose and guide future treatment directions for ADHD.

Knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1,2021,to September 11,2021,in a tertiary hospital in north India.Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants.Three instruments were employed for data collection after fulfilling sample criteria;for baseline information demographic tool,knowledge questionnaires,and a practice checklist.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:On assessment of 50 participants,the majority of parents aged above 30 years(74%).Most of the participants were male(82%),graduated(38%),and working in the private sector(58%).Similarly,two-thirds of participants were residing in a nuclear family(64%)with a single child 32(64%)and family income<5000 rupees per month(60%).The mean score of knowledge was 1.94±0.81 and that of practice skills was 1.98±0.85 on home-based care.Regression analysis showed that knowledge of parents was significantly associated with qualification(β:1.821,P=0.002).Similarly,association of practice skills of parents with gender(β:1.235,P=0.050)and qualification(β:1.889,P=0.00)was significant.Conclusion:The general findings of our study showed that parents’education and occupation played a significant role in a child’s care.Parental education and catheter care skills positively affect the child and reduce readmission rates.

An Empirical Study on Foreign Language Majors’Needs for Ideological and Political Education Elements in Chinese Universities

The paper takes 2076 undergraduate students majoring in foreign languages from 15 Chinese universities as the research subjects to investigate their demand for ideological and political education elements in foreign language courses.The results show that:(1)Students have high needs for ideological and political education elements in foreign language courses;(2)There are differences in students’needs for ideological and political education elements across different dimensions.Students have higher demand for dimensions such as personal qualities,cultural literacy,moral cultivation,and patriotism,while their demand for dimensions related to constitutional law and political identity is relatively low.Therefore,foreign language majors in Chinese universities should optimize the supply of ideological and political education elements in their courses according to students’needs,and improve the effectiveness of moral education in these courses.

Supportive care needs of women with gynecologic cancer and factors affecting in Turkiye: a cross sectional study

Background:Identifying and managing patients'supportive care needs is an essential component of health care.The cancer patients'needs are multidimensional and it is important to identify these needs.This study was conducted to assess supportive care needs of women with gynecologic cancer and affecting factors.Methods:This cross-sectional study consisted of 98 women with gynecologic cancer.The data of the study was gathered using“Personal Information Form”and the“James Supportive Care Screening”.Results:The most frequently reported unmet needs of gynecologic cancer patients were emotional issues,including uncertainty(87.6%),fears(85.7%),feeling down(86.7%),worry(87.6%),loss of interest in usual activities(73.3%)and physical symptoms including fatigue/lack of energy(81.9%),weakness(81.9%),lack of appetite(76.2%).The most frequently reported social/practical problems was transportation problems(50%).The mean scores for JSCS was 29.72±15.57.There were a statistically significant difference was found only between family type,stage of the disease,and time of diagnosis,and the total mean scores of the JSCS(p<0.05).Conclusion:It has been determined that patients with gynecological cancer mostly experience emotional and physical problems.Health professionals working in the oncology unit should be aware of unmet needs.Certain programs and services to address the identified unmet needs should be provided.

Research on Learner Needs Analysis and Listening Activities

Listening is the primary method to access language information.It is an essential part of L2(second language)teaching but also the most difficult skill to master for L2 learners.Based on this,it is necessary to analyze learners’needs in listening.This article aims to conduct a needs analysis of a selected learner from Iraq and describe course material selection and design.Methods including questionnaires,interviews,and observation were used to collect data.Additionally,targeted 60-minute online listening activities were designed.It was found that listening activities can improve both listening and speaking skills.Thus,language teaching should be student-oriented,and subsequent course materials and activity design should be selected based on the analysis of students’needs.

Analysis of the Brand Visual Needs System from the Perspective of Contemporary Market Demands

Brand visual design is not only an essential bridge for companies to convey their ideas and values but also a key factor in shaping the brand image and enhancing market competitiveness.However,a pervasive concern has arisen in society that many recent graduates in brand design and visual design cannot immediately meet the demands of the design industry.Despite attempts by scholars to reform courses and teaching philosophies,there are still significant shortcomings and gaps.Therefore,based on market orientation and supply-demand concepts,this study collected in-depth recruitment demands for brand design from 74 companies and conducted systematic summarization and analysis.It synthesized a demand model consisting of three major modules and 55 content points required by companies for brand design students.Based on these demands,adjustments and plans were made to the curriculum content,aiming to construct a teaching system that not only meets market demands but also enhances students’comprehensive qualities.The goal is to cultivate more outstanding talents capable of quickly adapting to and excelling in brand design work.

Core competencies and perceived training needs of nurses in the background of Internet plus nursing service:a qualitative descriptive study

Background:The Internet plus nursing service program is being piloted in China,which has become a new home nursing service model led by nurses.To enable safe and effective homecare service delivery,nurses working in the program need a high level of competency.However,the content of these core competencies and the training needs of nurses for Internet plus nursing services are still unknown.Aim:To describe nurses’perceptions of core competencies and training needs to work in the Internet plus nursing service program,thereby providing a reference for the development of training programs.Methods:A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 15 nurses with experience of working in the Internet plus nursing service program.Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim,and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results:Core competencies involved comprehensive assessment competence,direct care practice competence,health education and consulting competence,risk estimation and response competence,and communication competence.Training needs involved complex operational items,knowledge of chronic disease management,professional communication,risk identification and response,nursing standards,norms,and procedures,and utilization of information technology.Conclusions:The training system may be developed based on nurses’core competencies and their training needs to promote professional development of the Internet plus nursing service.

Research on Training Needs,Training Transfer,and Training Effectiveness of In-Service Teachers in Local Normal Colleges

This study aims to understand the in-service training needs,training transfer,and training effectiveness of teachers in local normal universities in China,while also proposing a continuous professional development plan for teachers.Descriptive research methods were employed,with questionnaires serving as the primary data collection tool.The survey revealed that the educational background of teachers in local normal universities is characterized by an unreasonable distribution of academic qualifications,with a shortage of teachers holding postgraduate and higher degrees.Additionally,the training effectiveness for female teachers was found to be lower than that of male teachers.There is a lack of personalization in training needs,which tends to be more generalized.The transfer effect of training is moderate,and there is a need for further enhancement at the behavioral level of training effectiveness.A continuous professional development plan for teachers has been formulated to improve training effectiveness and promote professional development.

Research on the Status Quo and Improvement Needs of Foreign Language Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Curriculum-Based Ideological Education in Xinjiang Colleges and Universities

This study investigated the status quo and further improvement needs of foreign language teachers’teaching competence in curriculum-based ideological education(CIE)in Xinjiang colleges and universities.The results show that the teachers’teaching competence in CIE is generally good,with the“cultivating quality”being the highest and the“scientific research quality”the lowest;there still exist several problems,such as teachers’lack of theoretical knowledge in CIE,lack of teaching resources,and insufficient abilities in teaching design and research.It is hoped that with the support and efforts from university administrations,teachers can improve their teaching competence in CIE through various approaches adopted and multiple measures taken,thus optimizing their teaching effectiveness,promoting the construction of CIE in Xinjiang colleges and universities in the new era,and contributing to Xinjiang’s high-quality development.

Education of Hospitalized Diabetic Patients: Analysis of Training Needs among Nurses in a Lebanese Hospital - A Secondary Publication

The design of diabetes inpatient educational preparation should be based on the needs of the nurses involved in terms of skills in this area. The objective of this qualitative study is to identify the preparatory needs of nurses working in the medical and surgical units of a Lebanese hospital in terms of Survival Skills Education for Hospitalized Diabetic Patients (SSEHDP). Method: The focus group method is used for data collection using a semi-structured interview guide. The needs expressed by the thirty-two participating nurses were classified into categories of the competency framework for providing self-management education to diabetic patients proposed by the American Diabetes Association. Results: By focusing on the themes of an SSEHDP, a list of preparatory needs was drawn up. The needs identified and analyzed are then translated into general and specific learning objectives for educational preparation. Conclusion: The needs analysis is only the first step in a work that will ideally continue into the implementation and eventual evaluation of an educational program developed to help nurses acquire skills in the education of diabetic patients.

Entangled relationship:Chinese parents’involvement in young learners’English tests

Young learners’English(YLE)tests have become increasingly prevalent among and important to Chinese English learners and their parents.In China,parents are actively involved in their children’s education and test-taking decisions,and their participation has given rise to a series of social impacts.Although parent involvement has received increasing public and academic attention in newspaper and scholarly articles,there exists no thorough analysis of current research on parents’roles in young learners’test-taking.To address this gap,we systemically analyzed Chinese newspaper articles and academic articles between 2011 and 2021 to elicit Chinese parents’roles in YLE test-taking.Our thematic analysis of the literature identifies the ways in which parents influence their children’s test-taking experiences,and how the tests affect this influence.Specifically,our results elicit 1)parents’engagement in YLE testing;2)parents’understanding of the intended uses of YLE tests;3)parents’perception and consequences of their involvement in YLE testing;and 4)parents’backgrounds.This analysis reveals the popularity of YLE tests among young learners and their parents in China and public concern over test-related issues.It also broadens our understanding of YLE testing impact and suggests future potential research directions.

Lived experiences with unmet supportive care needs in pediatric cancer:Perspective of Chinese children and their parents

Objective:Unmet supportive care needs(SCNs)impact pediatric cancer patients and their parents.This study aimed to explore the unmet SCNs from the perspective of Chinese children with cancer and their parents through lived experiences.Methods:The data of this study was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews.The participants were recruited from the oncology units of three children’s hospitals in China’s cities(Shanghai,Guangzhou,and Hefei)from October 2020 to December 2021.Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s sevenstep phenomenological analysis method.Results:Eight pediatric cancer patients and twenty-four parents were enrolled in the study.Four main themes and eight subthemes(both children’s and parent’s perspectives)were generated:1)meeting the ongoing needs along the cancer trajectory(can you tell me what comes next;our needs are growing);2)communicating with a family focus(they only talk to my parents;let each family member have a voice);3)providing care beyond the treatment(I am bigger than my body[the children’s needs for emotional consolidation and information about their prognosis];there are things beyond treatment);4)getting support from the community(I am not a monster[the children were unhappy about being treated differently];we want to connect with the resources near us).Conclusion:This study revealed multiple unmet SCNs from the perspective of Chinese children with cancer and their parents.The findings call for comprehensive and in-depth supportive care beyond treatment,integration of the family member voice in pediatric cancer care,and a coordinated pediatric cancer support mechanism in the Chinese healthcare system.