Ali Lakhani

A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes

Much research attests to the beneficial effects of equine interventions on physical development and ability. However, less is known about the possible psychological benefits of horse activities, such as therapeutic riding or interactions with horses. Although there is public consensus that horses can have psychological benefits, it is an under-researched area and conclusions are largely based on anecdotal data. The little empirical evidence that is available about the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes tends to be mixed and is often difficult to interpret due to the lack of rigorous research designs. The purpose of this review was to examine the current state of the literature regarding the psychological effects of equine-assisted interventions, and to make recommendations for future research. Findings from this review suggest that equine-assisted interventions hold much promise, particularly in terms of child/adolescent social and behavioural issues, and perhaps adult affective disorders. However, the current state of the literature does not allow us to definitively conclude that equine-assisted interventions are efficacious. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are greatly needed in this area, as it is an appreciation of the need to standardise and document equine-assisted interventions and outcomes in future research.

Performativity, Propriety and Productivity: The Unintended Consequences of Investing in the Early Years.

This paper examines notions of childhood development in a significant Australian policy document. Using Fairclough’s approaches to discourse analysis as guides, Foucault’s understanding of regimes of truth and discourses as systems of power relations and Nikolas Rose’s concept of ‘responsibilisation’, the paper argues that discourses of healthy childhood development as represented in this document produce definitions of ‘proper’ child development and thus, place certain children and families outside this idea. Proper development is understood through Nikolas Rose’s concept of ‘responsibilisation’ where the recognition of ‘at risk’ or ‘improper’ groups, and notions of productivity, are addressed through understandings of performativity while highlighting consequences for children and families.

Playgroups offering health and well-being support for families: a systematic review.

This systematic review explores the health and well-being outcomes that families experience as a result of their participation in playgroups that provide health and well-being services. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature resulted in 12 articles for inclusion. A meta-synthesis method, using reciprocal translation, was implemented to synthesize findings. Findings suggest that programs support childrens social development, transition to school, and overall health. For parents, programs provide targeted social and health support, and knowledge sharing and learning opportunities. Future research in this area will benefit from participatory research approaches and exploring how universal approaches to program provision benefit families.

Nominal group technique for individuals with cognitive disability: a systematic review

Abstract Rationale: Considering the perspectives of individuals with cognitive disability is important for their participation in their self-directed health care. The nominal group technique (NGT) has been identified as a method to gather opinions of people with cognitive disability; however, a synthesis of methodological considerations to undertake when employing the approach among people with cognitive disability is non-existent. Method: A systematic review guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols was undertaken. Five databases (CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest Social Science Journals, Scopus, and MEDLINE) were searched for peer-reviewed literature published before September 2016. Methodological considerations pertaining to the four stages of the NGT– generating ideas, recording ideas, clarification, and ranking – were extracted from each study. Results: Nine publications contributing to eight studies were included. Methodological considerations focused on (i) the number of participants within discussion groups, (ii) research question introduction, (iii) support individuals and accessible methods, (iv) ranking, and (v) researcher training and counselling services. Conclusions: The use of the NGT to gain the health care perspectives of adults with cognitive disability is promising. Conducting nominal group techniques informed by the methodological considerations identified within this review can work towards ensuring that the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability are considered. Implications for rehabilitation The emergent policy move towards self-directed health care for people with disability requires that the health care perspectives of people with disability are considered. Effective consultation and discussion techniques are essential to gain the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability. After undertaking methodological considerations, the NGT can be an effective approach towards gaining the health care perspectives of people with cognitive disability.

Traumatic brain injury amongst indigenous people: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify the types of research focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) amongst Indigenous people in order to (i) synthesise their findings and (ii) ascertain where research gaps exist. Methodology: A systematic review using the PRISMA approach was employed. Eight databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature published at any date. Findings: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The majority of studies focused on the prevalence or incidence of TBI amongst Indigenous people (n = 15). Twelve of these found Indigenous people had a higher prevalence or incidence of TBI compared to non-Indigenous people. Under-researched areas include (with number of articles identified in brackets): Indigenous level of injury or recovery (n = 2), neuropsychological assessment and TBI (n = 3), Indigenous perspectives of TBI (n = 2), Indigenous intervention for TBI (n = 1), and rehabilitation for TBI (n = 4). Conclusion: Published studies demonstrate that Indigenous people have a higher prevalence or incidence of TBI compared to non-Indigenous people. Limited studies explore culturally appropriate rehabilitation and intervention methods and Indigenous understandings of TBI. It is imperative that future research consider the nature and efficacy of culturally appropriate approaches and their contribution towards better outcomes for Indigenous people with TBI, and their families and communities.

Evidence for Using Farm Care Practices to Improve Attachment Outcomes in Foster Children: A Systematic Review

Anecdotal evidence suggests that care farming practices have the potential to provide positive outcomes for young people in foster-care and residential care environments. A systematic review (searching; CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, PsychInfo) was conducted to explore how participation in care farming initiatives impacts attachment in children in foster-care and what aspects of care farming initiatives provides positive attachment outcomes. The systematic review did not identify any research publication in care farming and foster-care. Therefore, it is imperative that practitioners realise that the evidence is lacking when using these types of interventions and keep a close account of the benefit and harms that may be encountered during the interaction processes.

USING THE AHP TO ESTABLISH INCLUSIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR INDUSTRY

The lack of inclusive housing options across the developed world means that many people with disability reside in housing which does not meet their physical and cognitive accessibility requirements, as well as their social and health care needs. This situation is partly due to a) a lack of understanding by designers and developers about what consumers want from their housing beyond the necessary physical access features and b) lack of multidisciplinary understanding of the various decisions or motivating drivers that might result in a development opportunity. In order to provide some decision clarity for the complex area of inclusive housing development, an AHP was used to determine the key priorities across a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, including architects and designers, builders, disability service organisation professionals, and occupational therapists and access consultants. Despite some discipline variability, AHP results indicated three key drivers common to all stakeholder groups, namely, ‘connectedness of end users’, ‘feasibility’ and ‘building specifications’. The findings assert the importance of considering the needs of end users for inclusive housing development, a consideration that is often overlooked. The findings of this study will assist development of a resource manual to assist industry throughout inclusive housing development decision-making.

How Can Arts Participation Promote Indigenous Social Determinants of Health

This chapter draws on Australian and Canadian Indigenous frameworks to explore the relationship between arts activities and the social determinants of health (SDOH). It grounds these explorations in insights from two arts-based projects called Living Cultures and the Desert Harmony Festival in a remote part of Central Australia, both of which are powerful case studies for considering the ways in which arts participation can promote Indigenous SDOH and well-being. It focuses on two key social determinants that were strongly present in the Living Cultures project and the Desert Harmony Festival: Employment and Language, Heritage and Strong Cultural Identity. This chapter then unpacks two of the resulting components of social capital that stem from these broader determinants (Bonding: Relations within the Community and Bridging: Relations with Other Communities), in order to further illustrate how Indigenous SDOH can be used in community arts work.

Community Music Research and Evaluation Through a Social Determinants Lens

Community music research and evaluation is expanding, and as such, interdisciplinary approaches can contribute innovative perspectives to the field. In this chapter, we share practical research lessons developed through applying a social determinants of health and well-being lens to a complex community music programme involving refugees and asylum seekers in Brisbane, Australia. We outline some key benefits and limitations of applying social determinants of health models to complex community music activities and make suggestions for future research.

Violence Against Children in Afghanistan: Community Perspectives:

Violence against children (VAC) is a significant international problem and, in Afghanistan, is particularly complex given the country has suffered armed conflict and extreme poverty for more than 30 years. The aim of this study was to examine the level of knowledge and observation of VAC by community leaders, professional groups, and business owners in three Afghan districts. A survey of community and religious leaders; health, socio-legal, and education professionals; and business owners from Kabul, Jalalabad, and Torkham ( n = 182) was conducted. Structured interviews included qualitative and quantitative components. Questions related to knowledge and experience of VAC, and to perceptions of consequences, causes, and strategies for preventing VAC. The statistical significance of differences between participant groups and measures of association were assessed by Pearsons chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kruskall-Wallis one-way ANOVA. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. VAC was reported to occur mostly in the home, community, and workplace. The scale of the problem varied, with religious and community leaders underreporting VAC by 30% to 40% compared with other participant groups ( p < .001). Business owners also significantly underreported VAC in the workplace, despite admitting to acts of discipline that included physical contact. There were some regional differences, with lower reporting of violence in Jalalabad compared with the two other locations ( p < .001). Causes of VAC were consistently attributed to poverty, lack of education, and the effects of war. The findings of this study indicate that VAC is a serious and complex problem in Afghanistan. Decades of armed conflict and entrenched poverty influence how violence is perceived and recognized. Consideration should be given to initiatives that build on the existing strengths within the community while raising awareness and recognition of the nature, extent, and burden of VAC in the community.