Doha International Family Institute Journal - Current Issue

The absence of measurable indicators for family well-being poses significant challenges in the Arab context. Without a standardized framework for assessment, it becomes difficult to identify areas of concern and allocate resources effectively. Moreover, the lack of quantifiable data hinders the development of targeted interventions and policy initiatives aimed at promoting family well-being. Hence, the establishment of measurable indicators for family well-being is a critical step towards promoting strong, resilient families in the Arab region. By providing a comprehensive framework for assessment, monitoring, and comparison, these indicators can inform policy decisions, enhance intervention strategies, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being of families and individuals across the region. This article delves into the intricate landscape of family well-being, exploring its diverse dimensions and critically examining the gaps in the existing indexes and the role of measurable indicators in guiding effective interventions and policy decisions. Addressing the urgent need for measurable indicators, this article outlines a novel family well-being index for the region. Comprising three pillars – economic security, emotional well-being, and social connectedness – and relying on 12 practical indicators, the index provides a foundational framework for comprehensive assessment, data-driven interventions, and informed policy decisions. This framework offers a concrete step towards promoting family well-being and fostering a thriving future for families across the region.

This article explores the challenges and coping strategies associated with the excessive use of technology among adolescents in Qatar from the perspective of parents. The article presents the qualitative findings of a 2021-2022 study conducted on the overuse of technology by adolescents in Qatar. The original study followed a mixed-method approach: investigating the experiences of adolescents and their parents, and the use of technology in their lives. The study found that the excessive use of technology among adolescents in Qatar is a major concern for the family, leading to negative consequences such as isolation, poor performance at school, health problems, and social disintegration. These challenges can cause not only family instability but also further complications in the lives of adolescents in the long run.

Thus, some coping strategies need to be developed by parents to mitigate the negative effects of excessive use of technology among adolescents such as control, building trust, entertainment, and discussion. Such strategies encourage alternative forms of social interaction with the family and avoidance of technology. This article provides valuable insights into the challenges, negative impacts, and coping strategies parents can use to promote healthy well-being among the younger generation. We argue that implementing appropriate educational programs for adolescents and parents would mitigate challenges and promote the development of healthy lifestyles and habits, including the creation of leisure activities to reduce reliance on technology.

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (CWNDs) are reported to face far greater challenges, which result in worse outcomes, than children with physical disabilities. Very few studies quantify the cost of disability around the world, and to date no study has been based on CWNDs in Qatar. Through an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis, this study explores the financial dynamics of 15 families with CWNDs in Qatar. It examines the met and unmet costs related to medical care, education, and everyday well-being. Quantitatively, within the small sample, the total disability price tag of raising CWNDs in Qatar was found to be between QAR 2,700 and 40,000 per month, which can represent between 15 and 420% of the average family’s median income. From a qualitative perspective, financial difficulties played a central role in raising a child with a disability. This factor was also exacerbated in cases where families had good financial capacity. The lack of inclusive and affordable educational institutes and recreational activities, as well as irregular, spaced apart, or outdated modes of treatment were other significant challenges they faced. The study concludes with policy recommendations for these three areas.

Retraction Notice

Retraction notice to “The consequences of caring for older people at home in Qatar: exploring the stresses and joys of caregiving” [DIFI Journal, Volume 2023, Issue 1]

No authors listed

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5339/difi.2023.7

Published: 12 March 2024

The article with the above-mentioned title, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5339/difi.2023.7, published online on 15 February 2023, has been retracted due to disputed authorship.

Cite as: Retraction notice to “The consequences of caring for older people at home in Qatar: exploring the stresses and joys of caregiving.” Doha International Family Institute Journal 2023:(2). https://doi.org/10.5339/difi.2024.retraction.11