Archives of Public Health

BackgroundThe SARS-Cov-2 pandemic (COVID-19) sudden onset disrupted the direct access to face-to-face nutrition consultation fostering the rapid adoption of Telehealth by dietitians. ObjectiveThis study investigates Telehealth use among Lebanese Licensed Dietitians (LDs) amid COVID-19, in the absence of national Telehealth practical guidelines (TPG), and offers insights on Telehealth application under uncertainties of pandemic event, economic crisis, and destructed infrastructure occurring simultaneously in Lebanon. DesignA cross-sectional study during March 2023, using an anonymous online survey (44 questions), diffused through the Lebanese Order of Dietitians and social media platforms. ParticipantsThe sample (n=94) consisted mostly of females (98.9%) and young dietitians (mean(SD) age: 30.54(6.41) years) having a mean(SD) of 7.89(5.7) years of experience. Most respondents identified clinical nutrition as their primary practice area (87.2%), mostly in weight management (84%). Main outcome measuresTelehealth experience amid COVID-19 including tools utilized in remote consultations, barriers, facilitators, and perspectives of Telehealth use. Statistical analysesDescriptive analysis (counts, frequencies) using SPSS version 28. ResultsAlthough 48.4% of LDs reported using Telehealth prior COVID-19, this proportion increased to 97.8% during the pandemic. The most common tools used were WhatsApp (90.3%), Zoom (72.0%), and E-mails (41.9%). Reported barriers included bad internet connection (74.2%), patients preferring face-to-face consultation (61.3%), and patients lacking technical literacy (33.3%); benefits included scheduling and time flexibility (83.9%), decrease in practice-related costs (77.4%), and compliance with social distancing measures (53.8%). The majority agreed that Telehealth is needed (78.5%) and applicable in the Lebanese context (64.6%) and expressed the need for Telehealth trainings (78.5%) and TPG for nutrition care (74.2%). ConclusionsThis study recognizes increasing use of Telehealth in Lebanon, warranting the development of Telehealth nutrition care infrastructure comprising national regulations and evidence-based practical guidelines to respond to the innovation in the healthcare industry, and to assure Telehealth sustainability in LDs routine practice.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable infection and Pakistan faces sudden hike in number of positive cases including number of healthcare professionals (HCPs) also acquired infection. Knowledge, attitude, and practice survey provides a suitable format to evaluate existing programs and to identify effective strategies for behavior change in society. Therefore, the aim of study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among HCPs in Pakistan regarding COVID-19. An online survey-based study was conducted among healthcare professionals including physicians, pharmacists and nurses. A self-administered validated (Cronbach alpha= 0.077) questionnaire comprised of five sections (Demographics, Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers) were used for data collection. Of 414 participants, 29.98% (n=120) physicians, 46.65% (n= 189) pharmacists and 25.36% (n= 105%) nurses. Most commonly utilized information source was social media. Findings showed HCPs have good knowledge (93.2%, n=386), positive attitude (8.43{+/-}1.78) and good practice (88.7%, n=367) regarding COVID-19. HCPs perceived that overcrowding in emergency room (52.9%, n=219), limited infection control material (50.7%, n=210) and poor knowledge regarding transmission (40.6%, n=168) of COVID-19 are the major barriers in infection control practice. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HCPs of age group 40-49 years (OR: 1.419, 95%CI: (0.14-4.78, P=0.041) have higher odds of good knowledge. Similarly, age group of 31-39 years (OR: 1.377, 95% CI: 0.14-2.04, P=0.05), experience of more than 5 years (OR: 10.71, 95% CI: 2.83-40.75, P<0.001), and pharmacist job (OR: 2.247, 95% CI: 1.11-4.55, P=0.025) were the substantial determinants of good practice regarding COVID-19. HCPs in Pakistan have good knowledge, yet, there are areas where gaps in knowledge and practice was observed. To effectively control infection spread, well-structured training programs must be launched by government targeting all kinds of HCPs to raise their existed knowledge.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic thousands of people have experienced teleworking and this practice is becoming increasingly commonplace. Systematic reviews can yield evidence and information to help inform the development of policies and regulations, the aim of this study was to highlight the differences in exposure to psychosocial risk factors for health between part-time and full-time teleworking from home. The protocol of the systematic review of the literature was registered on PROSPERO 2020 platform - International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number CRD42020191455), according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. The key words "telework" and frequency ("part-time" or "full-time"), together with their synonyms and variations, were searched. Independent researchers conducted the systematic search of 7 databases: Scopus, SciELO, PePSIC; PsycInfo, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Web of Science. Of the 638 articles identified from 2010 to June 2021, 32 were selected for data extraction. The authors evaluated the risk of bias and quality of evidence of the studies included using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The results were categorized into 7 dimensions of psychosocial risk factors: work intensity and working hours; emotional demands; autonomy; social relationships at work; conflict of values, work insecurity and home/work interface. The results revealed scant practice of full-time teleworking prior to the pandemic. Regarding the psychosocial risk factors found, differences were evident before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For part-time and full-time telework prior to the pandemic, the dimensions of intensification of work and working hours, social relationships at work, and the home-work interface were the most prominent factors. However, in studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic where teleworking was mostly performed full-time, there was an increase in focus on emotional demands and the home-work interface, and a reduction in the other dimensions.

Older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) often experience difficulty locating items in kitchen cabinets, limiting their experiences in the kitchen and with meal preparation. This study examined how open shelving kitchen cabinets, relative to closed cabinets, affects cognitive load, motivation, physical activity, and user perception among older adults with MCI. Eleven older adults completed meal preparation tasks in both conditions while data on eye-tracking, wrist accelerometry, step count, task duration, and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory were collected. Participant profiles were developed using standardized z-scores, and post-task interviews captured qualitative perspectives. Results showed modest improvements in cognitive load, intrinsic motivation, and task duration, with physical activity significantly decreasing under open shelving, suggesting greater physical efficiency. Individual profiles revealed diverse patterns, including high performers, strugglers, motivated but physically strained, and balanced or average participants. Interview findings highlighted that emotional and aesthetic concerns, like dust and visual clutter, influenced attitudes toward open shelving regardless of objective functional benefits. These findings suggest that while open shelving may reduce cognitive and physical demands and enhance motivation and task efficiency, personalized and flexible design solutions are critical to support cognitive aging-in-place effectively.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the number of deaths within LTCFs globally. Restrictions around visitation and social distancing were common, however, research conducted during the pandemic demonstrates that these policies impacted the ways in which end of life care was delivered in LTCFs. AimThis paper aims to understand the experiences of LTCF staff in providing end of life care in the UK and explores the barriers and facilitators to doing so in the context of policies issued by the government at the time. MethodsData from semi-structured interviews conducted with 24 LTCF staff working across eight LTCFs in the north-west of England were analysed. Qualitative interviews were conducted with LTCF staff members, exploring their experiences of working in adult social care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes related to providing end of life care during this time were identified and analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsThematic analysis identified four key themes including: discrepancies in following COVID-19 UK government guidelines including visitation at end of life as an exception; the influence of staffing on delivering end of life care; utilising technology to substitute physical presence at end of life visits; and the emotional impact of delivering end of life care under COVID-19 restrictions. ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate the numerous challenges care staff experienced when delivering end of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the practicalities of managing resident deaths, facilitating visitation and the associated impact on emotional wellbeing. Ensuring that all LTCF staff are trained to recognise end of life care, in the event of a future pandemic, will better equip LTCFs. In addition, it is paramount that the government provide consistent guidance on managing family contact at end of life, while taking into account the impact of implementing such guidance on the mental and emotional wellbeing of LTCF staff members.

BackgroundWhile veterinary surgeons are known to have particularly high rates of injury compared to other sectors, little is known about rates of injury among veterinary students. This study aims to understand animal-related injury rates, injury context and mechanisms, attitudes to reporting injuries, and behaviour change among UK and Irish veterinary students. MethodsA survey was distributed to students across all veterinary schools operating in the UK and Ireland in 2021. Questions explored participants experience of injury through asking about their most recent and most severe injuries via quantitative and free-text questions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and qualitative content analysis. Results533 responses were included in the analyses. Overall, 47.5% of students reported having been injured by an animal during the veterinary degree, 35.5% of students reported being injured within the last 12 months. Most recent injuries were caused by companion animals (38.0%), livestock (37.6%), and equids (23.5%). For their most severe injuries, 48.7% involved livestock, 28.7% companion animals, and 22.1% equids. The content analysis highlighted that students normalised injuries and infrequently reported injuries to the university. It was very rare for students to take time off from their studies or placements, due to course pressures. ConclusionsThese findings reflect concerningly high levels of injury, which are being under-reported and reflect a culture of injury acceptance and expectation among students. Veterinary schools should consider lessons learnt in other work environments which have been successful in changing safety culture.

IntroductionAccording to the 2018-2019 People Mobility Survey, work-related journeys (commuting and on-duty journeys) account for approximately 25% of all journeys. The use of non-motorized (nm) and motorized (m) personal mobility devices (PMDs) has steadily increased since their introduction into the French market in the last decade. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the characteristics of work-related road crashes and their evolution since the introduction of new PMDs in France and the increase in the use of scooters. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the Rhone Road Trauma Registry. Data were collected from 2015 to 2020. We included the data for the victims aged 18-70 years who were injured in work-related road crashes. ResultsWe identified 11,296 individuals aged 18-70 years who experienced work-related road crashes. An injury report was provided for a total of 11,277 patients. A total of 546 passengers and 78 drivers of other motorized vehicles (buses/trams, construction equipment, and tractors) were excluded from the analysis. Seven patients died at the time of the crash, and seven died after hospitalization. Of the 10,653 (94.4%) victims, there were pedestrians (5.1%), or riders of bicycles (16.9%), scooters (3.8%), other PMDs (roller blades, skateboards, monowheels, gyropods, and hoverboards; 0.4%) and motorized two-wheeler (21.4%), or drivers of car (45.3%), and truck (1.5%). More than half of the scooter riders and 80% of other PMD riders were men. More than 60% of other PMD riders and 53% of scooter riders were under 34 years of age. Most scooter road crashes occurred during commuting (95.6%). Sixty-five percent of the scooter crashes and 50% of other PMD crashes did not have opponents. Overall, one-quarter of the victims experienced crashes without opponents. Most scooter riders had injuries to their upper limbs (59.2%), lower limbs (46.8%), face (21.2%) or head (17.9%). DiscussionMost work-related road crashes were of low or moderate severity (97.5%; Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale, MAIS score < 3). The frequency and severity of injuries among scooter and other PMD users were similar. Scooter opponents were rarely observed in pedestrian injuries (12/575). Most scooter- and other PMD-crashes did not have opponents. ConclusionMany head injuries could be prevented with more widespread use of helmets, among scooter- and other PMD users and bicycle users. What is already known on this topicO_LIThe use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) has steadily increased in France. C_LIO_LIWork-related journeys (commuting and on-duty journeys) account for approximately 25% of all journeys C_LI What this study addsO_LIWe describe work-related road crashes characteristics since PMDs introduction. C_LIO_LIWork-related road crashes involving scooters or other PMDs riders are of low severity. C_LIO_LIMost scooter riders had injuries to their upper limbs (59.2%), lower limbs (46.8%), face (21.2%) or head (17.9%). C_LI How this study might affect research, practice or policyO_LIMany head injuries could be prevented with more widespread helmet use. C_LIO_LICompanies can take preventive actions to ensure that employees are better informed. C_LI

In line with population ageing, the number of global deaths is predicted to increase. There have been projections that, within the next 20 years, in England and Wales, care homes may become the most common place of death. In order to respect the autonomy of their residents, it is therefore, vital that care home staff are able to have Advance Care Planning conversations. However, care home staff may lack the knowledge or confidence to have such discussions. Further, a systematic review found a paucity of evidence about whether Advance Care Planning training interventions for care home staff are effective. New, higher quality studies are now available, justifying this review update. We sought to address two questions: 1) What Advance Care Planning education interventions exist for care home staff? and 2) how effective are these interventions? All measurable outcomes of effectiveness (e.g. health system/resource-related, patient/relative-related, staff-related) including both qualitative and quantitative measures of effectiveness were considered. DesignThe review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) and is registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022337865). Original research evaluating Advance Care Planning education for care home staff and reporting any measurable outcome of effectiveness was included. We searched Ovid Medline All, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBSCO CINAHL, EBSCO ERIC, and Ovid PsycINFO from March 2018 (3 months prior to original review search cut-off) to June 2022, with supplemental journal and website searches. The results were synthesised by narrative synthesis. FindingsThe current review update almost doubled the number of included studies in a relatively short period. This review includes 10 studies (n = 310 care homes), from the UK, Belgium, Norway and Canada. UK studies were mainly related to the Gold Standard Framework for Care Homes. Two studies adopted multi-component education interventions. Outcome measures included resident/family, staff and health service-related concepts. Even after identifying a further 5 papers, there remains insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of Advance Care Planning education interventions for care home staff. ConclusionsAdvance Care Planning education interventions are heterogeneous and often complex in their design, flexibility, target populations, and outcomes. There remains insufficient data to determine the effectiveness of Advance Care Planning education interventions for care home staff, with a particularly urgent need to agree on outcome measures of the effectiveness. Future research could consider updating the existing Delphi consensus on outcome measures for evaluating Advance Care Planning, in light of this systematically collected evidence, with a view to agreeing outcomes that are specific to Advance Care Planning education interventions for care home staff.

Using the Herzbergs Two-Factor Theory, this study explored factors influencing job satisfaction among nurses in a private hospital in Nigeria. Ten nurses were recruited through purposive sampling to participate in interviews. Data was analyzed in MAXQDA using a thematic analysis approach. Extrinsic (hygiene) factors (i.e., high workload, low salary, limited opportunities for career advancement) were noted by respondents as significant sources of dissatisfaction, while intrinsic (motivational) factors (i.e., autonomy, peer support, and recognition) enhanced job satisfaction. Findings offer insights into how systemic and interpersonal factors influence nurse satisfaction and provide evidence-based strategies for enhancing retention in low-resource, profit-driven healthcare environments.

BackgroundPrevious research has suggested that stress may have a negative effect on the clinical performance of paramedics. In addition, stress has been demonstrated to have a negative impact the driving abilities of the general population, increasing the number of driving errors. However, to date no studies have explored stress and its potential impact on non-clinical performance of paramedics, particularly their driving abilities. MethodsParamedic students underwent emergency driving assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stressful medical scenario. Number and type of errors were documented before and after by both driving simulator software and observation by two observers from the research team. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was utilised to record self-reported stress levels. Results36 students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students demonstrated no increase in overall error rate, but demonstrated an increase in three critical driving errors, namely failure to wear a seatbelt (3 baseline v 10 post stress), failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (7 v 35), and losing control of the vehicle (2 v 11). Self-reported stress levels also increased after the clinical scenario, particularly in the area of mental (cognitive) demand. ConclusionParamedics are routinely exposed to acute stress in their everyday work, and this stress could affect their non-clinical performance. The critical errors committed by participants in this study closely matched those considered to be contributory factors in many ambulance collisions. These results stimulate the need for further research into the effects of stress on non-clinical performance in general, and highlight the potential need to consider additional driver training and stress management education in order to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors. Key pointsO_LIParamedics are exposed to stressful clinical scenarios during the course of their work C_LIO_LIMany critical and serious clinical calls require transport to hospital C_LIO_LIAmbulance crashes occur regularly and pose a significant risk to the safety and wellbeing of both patients and paramedics C_LIO_LIThis simulated clinical scenario followed by a simulated driving scenario has highlighted that stress appears to affect driving abilities in paramedic students C_LIO_LIThe findings of this study, although conducted in paramedic students in simulated environments, highlight the need to further investigate the effects of stress on driving abilities among paramedics C_LI

ObjectiveThis study explored nurses willingness to work in assisted living institutions for the aged. BackgroundAssisted living institutions are multifunctional facilities that provide clinical and ambulatory (day hospital) care for somatic and psychogeriatric elderly with multiple pathology, disability, and handicaps. MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods approach in which qualitative data was collected first before the quantitative data. Data was collected through focused group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires from 248 respondents with age ranging from 20 to 58 years from October 2016 to January 2017 with 8 missing from the quantitative data. Four pertinent questions were sked both in the study. Sampling was convenient and purposive from 4 different health institutions in the metropolis. Data from the FGDs were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Quantitative data was entered in SPSS version 23 and cleaned. Both sets of data were coded and analysed. ResultThe nurses appreciate the increase in the number of the aged in their communities; they think community members prepare towards their ageing by using their children as security, and the idea of assisted living was enthusiastically supported, but with the proviso that it would need to be ran by a private entrepreneur. Almost all the 240 respondents said that government should establish an institution for the aged and they would be willing to work in such an institution, if only it will run by a private entrepreneur. ConclusionThe nurses also think that families are now becoming more nuclear; that is why caring for the aged has become a problem, thus creating a need for assisted living facilities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are two million reported cases of food poisoning in Nigeria with estimated deaths of 200,000 people from food poisoning and 20,000 deaths from exposure to food pesticides annually - children inclusive. These hotels make provision of letting room, food and refreshment services in restaurant, bars and banqueting rooms, conference/mailing rooms and leisure facilities it was expressed that, threat identified with the production of food items can be minimized to a permissible limit or eliminated through the utilization of HACCP procedure. This study assessed the knowledge of HACCP of food handlers in standard hotels in Lagos State. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design and was conducted in Lagos. All the hotels classified by the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC, 2001) as either three, four or five star-rated were targeted. A purposive and stratified sampling technique was used to select the study units who constituted the respondents for the study with a total of 31 hotels involved in the study. A questionnaire was used to get information on knowledge on HACCP and its implementation by 31 food handlers. Data were presented in tables. Findings from this study has revealed that under 20% of the respondents in the various hotels use HACCP has the quality control strategy, less than 50% understand the concept of HACCP. Results also revealed that there is an insignificant relationship between years of service in the food establishment and the knowledge on HACCP at P value (0.05). More results revealed that there is no significant relation between formal training and knowledge on food safety. Results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between knowledge of HACCP by food handlers and their implementation in food preparation with P-value at (0.05). This insignificant relationship between formal training and knowledge on food safety could mean that there may be other factors preventing food handlers from implementing food safety practice, this may include time, cost of carrying out the practices or even personal attitude of the food handlers during food handling. Food handlers should be taught food safety practices practically rather than theoretically.

ObjectiveThis scoping review protocol outlines the steps to conduct a scoping review to assess the health experiences of female head porters and their unique health challenges and needs. The review aims to broaden our understanding of the occupational health challenges facing head porters in sub-Saharan Africa and identify any gaps in the health literature related to this population. IntroductionHead portering is an informal occupation predominantly undertaken by women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Female head porters often lack education and skills, which makes head portering an appealing yet laborious occupation to improve income and associated social conditions and support families left behind. Inclusion criteriaStudies were included in the review if they included females of all ages engaging in head-portering activities as a livelihood in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and AnalysisThe six stages of the Arksey and OMalley (2005) framework guided the design and reporting of this scoping review. The methodology adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews. Relevant articles and grey literature were identified through searches of health-related databases. The extracted data will be presented using a narrative summary to complement a data table. Ethics and disseminationThe ethical approval submission for this scoping review protocol was not completed as it is not required. Formal knowledge translation and dissemination activities will include publishing findings in African-based high-impact journals and conference presentations to reach relevant audiences. The final recommendations for practice, policy, and research will be shared and distributed through toolkits for healthcare professionals and stakeholder information leaflets. RegistrationThe review has been registered with Open Science Framework Registries: https://osf.io/c3q7as Strengths and LimitationsThis scoping review explores the literature on the health implications of head portering among female head porters, encompassing a broad range of studies and evidence. It aims to identify research gaps, highlight key health concerns requiring further investigation, and serve as a foundation for future reviews and primary studies. However, this review does not include a formal quality assessment of the included studies, which may impact the reliability of the findings. Due to its broad scope, detailed analyses of specific health issues may be limited. Additionally, the risk of selection and interpretation bias may constrain the depth of analytic synthesis, reducing its applicability for precise policy and practice recommendations.

BackgroundAdverse events are serious and frequent complications most often linked to the quality of nursing care. PurposeWe evaluated the compliance to traceability of nursing care at bedside using the Patient Smart Reader(R), a personal digital assistant with a barcode. MethodsWe compared paper record forms, specific computer software in the hospital information system and the Patient Smart Reader(R). ResultsThe Patient Smart Reader enhanced the recording of 90% of nursing care surveyed. Regarding the insertion of blood catheters, compliance rates increased from 44.19 % to 100%, and blood catheter monitoring has risen from 29.64% to 80.74%. Urinary catheter monitoring and insertion recording increased from 10.23% to 55.43% and from 16.67% to 100 % respectively. ConclusionsProviding to caregivers a nursing record system using barcoded implements at the point of care in real time significantly improved traceability of the nursing care.

IntroductionIn Ireland, there has been a substantial recent investment in the Community Specialist Team for Older People (CST OP) service model. This approach provides timely integrated assessment and intervention for older adults in the community by a specialist multidisciplinary team. To inform the ongoing development and refinement of the CST OP service model, and ensure it is responsive to the needs and preferences of older adults, it is important to understand how older adults experience this new model of care. This qualitative descriptive study aims to resolve a research gap by exploring older adults experiences of the CST OP service model. MethodsA qualitative descriptive study design was employed to explore older adults experiences of the CST OP service model. Purposive non-probability sampling was used to recruit 13 older adults who had completed intervention with a CST OP intervention. All interviews were completed in participants own homes, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis guided data analysis. FindingsThree themes were identified; older adults were uncertain about what to expect from the CST OP service and encountered accessibility barriers (theme1); the CST OP team provided coordinated, comprehensive care and built strong relationships with older adults (theme 2); CST OP intervention enabled older adults to better manage everyday activities and long-term conditions, thereby improving their wellbeing (theme 3). Discussion/ conclusionOur findings highlight the importance of CGA in community-based care for older adults. Further research is needed to address access barriers and evaluate older adults experiences with case management and care coordination in the CST OP service model.

Introduction.Digital technologies are increasingly influencing childrens lives, with many seeking digital platforms for nutritional education. This study aims to assess the usability and acceptability of Ajyal Salima, a nutrition awareness digital platform targeting children aged 9-11, in four Arab countries. Methods.A qualitative study was led across four countries: Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Jordan. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with children and parents, and one-to-one interviews were held with teachers. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results.Four major themes emerged: platforms usability, content enjoyment, changes in childrens habits and recommendations to improve the platform. Overall, parents and teachers found the digital experience positive and useful and the content appropriate for children, particularly younger age groups. Challenges included registration difficulties, technical problems, internet accessibility, low parental involvement, and difficulties integrating the platform into teachers schedules. The platforms animations were less effective in sustaining childrens attention amid evolving digital standards. Conclusion.To enhance the platforms effectiveness, recommendations include simplifying the registration process, enhancing content interactivity, aligning the platform with school curricula, and equipping teachers with supportive resources. Fostering stronger school-family partnerships and engaging parents through community initiatives may be considered to maximize the platforms potential to promote healthier eating habits and improve nutritional awareness among children and their families, across the region.

PurposeThis study aims to conduct test-retest reliability of the AWP - Thai version. Internal consistency has been tested after completing an approval process of forward-backward translation and achieving good content validity. Under the shortage of mental workforce, vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been trained to enhance supported employment in homeless people with mental illness (MI). The Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) is required for Thai translation to classify the quality of job skills in one pilot setting at Nonthaburis destitute home. MethodsTwo weeks were set for test-retest reliability of the AWP collecting a group of participants (n = 59). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated at the 95% confidential level with an F-test of true value. ResultsModerate to good test-retest reliability of the AWP is addressed for all participants and separation of those participants into four groups of job selection: rug hooking, cleaning food table, sweeping the leaves, and community gardening. However, a cautious interpretation of ICC provides accurate implications of the AWP in both clinical utility and the VR program evaluation. ConclusionsThe AWP is a performance-based tool that can be an observable process in participatory work routines. Motor, process, and interactive communication skills are essential components connected to a practical solution to enhance the VR to the social welfare system.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted health professionals mental health and emotional wellbeing, however less research has examined the impact of the pandemic on LTCF staff. There is limited research on the emotional wellbeing of adult social care staff, particularly within the context of the government guidance and restrictions. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of LTCF staff in England. MethodsSemi-structured, qualitative interviews with 24 staff members working in eight LTCFs based in the north-west of England. Data was collected initially to explore experiences of staff members working in LTCFs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a secondary analysis of the data focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing was conducted using thematic analysis. FindingsFive central themes were conceptualised: burnout and trauma (including initial impact on mental health and long-lasting effects on mental health); efforts to cope (passive coping strategies and active coping strategies); positive impacts on staff wellbeing (including building resilience and preserving the routine of daily life); impact on personal/home life (including protecting ones family, changing family relationships, and less work/life balance); and availability of support (including informal support and support from external services). ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had a predominantly negative impact on LTCF staffs emotional wellbeing, partly due to a lack of external support and appreciation. This impact continues to affect many LTCF staff who have not been able to access useful or appropriate support. This research highlights the importance of developing organisational resilience within such facilities and supporting LTCF staff to emotionally cope with the challenges of future pandemics.

BackgroundDementia is a terminal condition often requiring palliative care delivered in residential care settings. While informal caregivers (ICGs) are pivotal in care-based decision-making, they have higher rates of physical and mental illness than ICGs of people with other terminal conditions. Identifying the needs of ICGs of people living with dementia (PLwD) is essential, to mitigate these risks and develop effective support systems. ObjectiveOur objective was to understand the first-hand experiences and needs of ICGs of PLwD receiving palliative and end-of-life care, in residential care settings. MethodFollowing the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, electronic databases (APA PsychNet, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed and Web of Science) were searched in September 2024, with no publication date limitations. Thematic synthesis was conducted on the findings of eligible peer-reviewed and grey literature, written in English, and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. ResultsForty-six articles were included. There were three overarching themes: "knowledge and understanding of dementia", "engagement in care-based decisions", and "coping mechanisms and support for own wellbeing". Sub-themes presented an interplay between these, demonstrating the importance of understanding dementia, the significance of such knowledge for ICGs to maintain their own wellbeing, subsequently influencing their engagement in care-based decision making. ConclusionCare settings must work towards compassionate and timely support for ICGs, including a stable point of contact throughout admission and should use lay language. Future studies should take a longitudinal approach to understand the evolving role of ICGs, with particular attention to cultural and ethnic needs. What is already known on this topicO_LIAlongside care-staff, informal caregivers play a critical role in care-based decision-making and support for people living with dementia (PLwD), but they face significant health and wellbeing challenges, with limited research on effective mechanisms to involve and support them in their role. C_LI What this study addsO_LIOur study highlights the interconnected challenges faced by informal caregivers of PLwD in understanding dementia, maintaining their own wellbeing, and engaging in care-based decisions for PLwD. C_LI How this study might affect research, practice, or policyO_LIThe findings identify a need for proactive, compassionate support for informal caregivers of PLwD through navigable resources, education surrounding dementia terminology using lay-language, and consistent communication with care-staff to build trust and stability for informal caregivers. C_LIO_LIOur scoping review highlights the need for longitudinal research on evolving informal caregiving roles and calls for further research to explore and address the diverse needs of underserved communities, to inform culturally competent policies and practices. C_LI

Few dementia caregiver support programs have been tested in real-world settings. We tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness (e.g., preparedness for caregiving) of the first short message service (SMS) texting program to support informal caregivers of people with dementia. We analyzed data from 147 caregivers of people with dementia participating in a service program. This program was a remote, asynchronous, and bidirectional texting program focused on dementia education, skill-building, and community resources that lasted six months. We measured outcomes via surveys and metrics of intervention usage over six months. Two caregivers experienced technical issues during the program, 12.9% unsubscribed, and 68.8% read most texts thoroughly. Most caregivers (64.3-75.9%) reported high or very high levels of acceptability. Levels of preparedness for caregiving and unmet needs improved from pre- to post-program testing. This real-world implementation of a texting caregiver support program led to improvements in caregiver outcomes.