NOACs versus warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acknowledgments Revman software was used for meta-analysis, a free download from the Cochrane Collaboration. GRADE pro software was used to formulate the GRADE summary of findings table, a free download from the GRADE working group.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A Study of the Wellbeing of Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Sibling Efficacy, Positive and Negative Affect, and Coping Strategies

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include pervasive developmental disorders characterised by communication deficits, difficulty with social understanding, and repetitive behaviors. Few studies have compared the efficacy, affect, and coping strategies of siblings of typically developing children with siblings of children with ASD. Typically developing siblings are understood to be at an increased risk of externalising and internalising problems. The current study examined whether siblings of children with ASD differed in levels of efficacy, affect, and coping from siblings of typically developing children. Participants (156) included an Australia-wide sample involving 82 siblings of children with ASD, and 74 siblings of typically developing individuals. Participants completed The Self-Efficacy Scale for Children (assessing social, emotional, and academic efficacy), the Positive and Negative Affect Scales, the Brief COPE Scale, and other scales as part of the larger study. Results showed that ASD siblings reported lower scores on emotional efficacy, social efficacy, and positive affect, and higher negative affect, than did the comparison group siblings. However, no significant differences were found in coping strategies or academic efficacy between the ASD siblings and the typically developing siblings. Consistent with earlier research findings, there are perceived negative effects or risks from being a sibling of an individual with ASD, suggesting support interventions may assist the development of emotional and social efficacy and increased positive affect for these individuals.</jats:p

The Role of Perception in Developing Healthy Lifestyles and Community Engagement

Background: The Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department and the Cobb2020 partnership, sponsored by the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnering program, facilitated six focus groups in Cobb County to ascertain residents’ perceptions of healthy behaviors. The purpose of the research was to assist in the development of programs to increase healthy behaviors. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to choose fifty-eight participants, who were divided into six groups in different geographic locations. The focus group questions concerned healthy living, health communications, and community health. Qualitative data analysis techniques were used to generate themes and categories across and within groups. Results: Six themes emerged: 1) need for education; 2) healthy food choices; 3) access to healthcare; 4) trust in health care providers; 5) affordable healthcare; and 6) need for local resources. The results show how community members’ perceptions regarding: a) policies that affect health, b) environments that promote healthier choices, and c) systems that allow individuals to be health consumers influence healthy living and community engagement. Other findings note different perceptions between those with and without health insurance. In addition, socio-economic status and ethnicity were seen as factors related to the perceptions of participants. Conclusions: The findings of this study informed a comprehensive, county-wide Community Health Improvement Plan. As a result of these studies, Cobb & Douglas Public Health established, as two chronic disease prevention interventions, the Cobb2020 Farm Fresh Market and, in the City of Kennesaw, the 100% Tobacco Free Parks and Cemeteries policy

Cultural competence: Facilitating indigenous voices within health promotion competencies

Karen Anne Hicks - ORCID 0000-0002-7274-9745 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7274-9745Indigenous voices must inform health promotion strategies aiming to address significant and persistent Indigenous health inequities. Consequently, Indigenous knowledge and practice must inform capacity development tools such as health promotion competencies. To ensure Indigenous voices are heard, culturally appropriate consultations must be undertaken. This article analyzes the consultation process undertaken to develop the 2012 Aotearoa/New Zealand health promotion competency framework. Analysis was undertaken to identify aspects within the consultation process that facilitated participation by Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This qualitative research study was undertaken with health promotion practitioners involved in the consultation process; data were obtained from individual semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that using culturally appropriate consultative approaches, and integrating Māori values within the consultation process, resulted in a culturally competent framework. Findings can inform future consultation processes undertaken with Māori alongside Indigenous populations and culturally diverse populations globally.https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440187832188pubpub