Analysis Of Focus Group Discussions Research Articles

High uptake of menstrual health information, products and analgesics within an integrated sexual reproductive health service for young people in Zimbabwe

BackgroundDespite being integral to women’s well-being, achieving good menstrual health (MH) remains a challenge. This study examined MH services uptake (including information, analgesics, and a choice of MH products - the menstrual cup and reusable pads) and sustained use of MH products within an integrated sexual and reproductive health intervention for young people in Zimbabwe.MethodsThis mixed-methods study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of integrated sexual and reproductive health services (CHIEDZA) for youth in three provinces (Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo). The study collected qualitative and quantitative data from 27,725 female clients aged 16–24 years, who accessed CHIEDZA from April 2019 – March 2022. Using a biometric (fingerprint recognition) identification system, known as SIMPRINTS, uptake of MH information, products, and analgesics and other services was tracked for each client. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to investigate MH service uptake and product choice and use over time, and the factors associated with these outcomes. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions and interviews were used to further explore providers’ and participants’ experiences of the MH service and CHIEDZA intervention.ResultsOverall, 36,991 clients accessed CHIEDZA of whom 27,725 (75%) were female. Almost all (n = 26,448; 95.4%) took up the MH service at least once: 25433 took up an MH product with the majority (23,346; 92.8%) choosing reusable pads. The uptake of cups varied across province with Bulawayo province having the highest uptake (13.4%). Clients aged 20–24 years old were more likely to choose cups than reusable pads compared with those aged 16–19 years (9.4% vs 6.0%; p < 0.001). Over the implementation period, 300/1819 (16.5%) of clients swapped from the menstrual cup to reusable pads and 83/23346 (0.4%) swapped from reusable pads to the menstrual cup. Provision of the MH service encouraged uptake of other important SRH services. Qualitative findings highlighted the provision of free integrated SRH and MH services that included a choice of MH products and analgesics in a youth-friendly environment were key to high uptake and overall female engagement with SRH services.ConclusionsHigh uptake demonstrates how the MH service provided much needed access to MH products and information. Integration of MH within an SRH intervention proved central to young women accessing other SRH services.

Feasibility and acceptability of a novel biomedical device to prevent neonatal hypothermia and augment Kangaroo Mother Care in Kenya: Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions and key Informant Interviews.

Hypothermia is a leading newborn complication, especially among premature and/or low birth weight infants. Within low/middle-income countries where incubators and radiant warmers are often in short supply, leading to gaps in the thermal care chain, neonatal hypothermia underlies high rates of newborn morbidity and mortality. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care is an effective method for prevention of hypothermia in premature and low birthweight babies but can be very burdensome for families and healthcare providers. Our international multidisciplinary team has developed a prototype for a wearable biomedical device ("NeoWarm") to provide continuous thermal care and augment kangaroo mother care practices in low-resource settings. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of NeoWarm and to obtain user design feedback for an early prototype from among adult end-users in Western Kenya. We performed key informant interviews (n = 17) among healthcare providers and 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) among 3 groups of adult stakeholders of premature babies, including: (1) parents/family members of premature babies aged 6 weeks or less (3 FGDs); (2) healthcare providers of newborns (e.g., nurses; physicians; 1 FGD); (3) community opinion leaders and stakeholders (e.g., traditional birth attendants; pastors; village elders; 1 FGD). Content and thematic analyses of transcripts indicate that NeoWarm is acceptable and feasible in promoting facility-based kangaroo mother care in the Kenyan setting. Novel findings derived from respondents include (1) the ability of the device to potentially overcome several barriers to traditional kangaroo mother care methods and (2) user-driven encouragement to expand the use case of the device to potentially include community-based kangaroo mother care and neonatal transport. User design feedback obtained during the interviews informed several key design iterations for subsequent prototypes of the device.

Cattle Smuggling Across the India-Bangladesh Borderlands: A Challenge for Border Management?

ABSTRACT This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the cattle smuggling issue along the borders of India and Bangladesh. This critical subject has received little scholarly attention despite having substantial implications for border security, the regional economy, and the sustenance of local populations. This study investigates the complex socioeconomic and political factors that drive illicit trade in borderland areas, employing a thematic analysis of focus group discussions and key informant interviews with residents. Data were collected from 46 borderland residents, including local villagers and informal cross-border traders, from Panchagarh, Kurigram, and Satkhira districts. The findings indicate the presence of four primary themes, namely “Economic Imperatives of Cattle Smuggling,” “High Demand for Indian Cattle in Bangladesh,” “Lack of Proper Border Management,” and “Risks Associated with Cattle Smuggling.” These themes highlight the economic imperatives, market-oriented dynamics, and governance complexities of cattle smuggling in the India-Bangladesh borderlands.

The road less travelled: Exploring the reluctance of vocational students towards higher education in Portugal

AbstractDespite rising participation rates in Portugal, a gap persists between general and vocational upper secondary students' transition to higher education (HE). This study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically through content analysis of focus group discussions, to explore the factors influencing vocational students' reluctance towards higher education, amidst specific policies designed to aid their transition. Empirical findings suggest that vocational students may exhibit reservations stemming from self‐perceived academic deficiencies, impacting their self‐confidence in continuing their education at a HE level. Nevertheless, confidence in market‐valued practical skills might motivate HE consideration within a vocational domain. Their practical focus also makes HE seem less immediately applicable in the labour market. Many prioritise integration into the workforce for short‐run objectives, seeking breaks, experience and financial earnings. Aiming for earning and practicality, many lean towards the labour market over HE, even considering emigrating to achieve financial stability. The study emphasises the need for Portuguese educational policies to align vocational training with HE, supporting diverse student ambitions and holistic career paths.

Trauma Registry Professionals' Perspectives on the Secondary Traumatic Stress Component of Compassion Fatigue: A Qualitative Study.

Secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue have been studied among trauma clinicians yet have not been explored in trauma registry professionals (TRPs). The purpose of this study is to describe the secondary traumatic stress component of compassion fatigue among TRPs. A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted to examine TRPs' experiences with the secondary traumatic stress component of compassion fatigue. The primary investigator assembled a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including nursing leadership, registry educators, mental health experts, and qualitative researchers. Two focus groups were held virtually in January 2021, using an interview guide designed by the research team. Participants were recruited via an email sent to a list of colleagues known to the research team from training classes held nationally and selected for their diverse clinical experiences, years in the role, demographic background, and trauma center representation. The recorded sessions were independently transcribed and analyzed by a five-member subgroup of the research team; the analysis concluded in December 2022. Nine TRPs participated in the focus groups. Participants came from Level I, II, and III adult and pediatric trauma centers and military centers. Four themes emerged from the data: disquieting and rewarding work, reactions and emotional responses, the influence of personal histories and background, and coping strategies. A qualitative analysis of focus group discussions revealed the secondary traumatic stress component of compassion fatigue is present in the TRP.

Abstract TP266: Utilization of Survey, Focus Group, and Referral Data to Plan a Targeted Intervention for Rural Stroke Disparities, Prevention, and Care Access

Methods: This project was a collaborative partnership between a healthcare organization, academic institute, and the local Faith Health Network. A 34-question survey (n=54 respondents) collected data on rural community knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. Three focus groups (n=40 total participants) were conducted to better understand experiences with stroke and obstacles to accessing wellness and healthcare in rural communities. The focus group questions centered on barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Thematic summaries were aligned with stroke referral heat maps and demographics to develop a targeted plan for intervention. Results: Survey respondents reported gaps in awareness of stroke risk factors, stroke identification, and emergency response. Lack of motivation, followed by lack of time or energy, stress, lack of access to healthy foods, and community of support were barriers to healthy living. Cost, followed by transportation, access to medications, time, lack of insurance, and language differences were barriers to accessing medical care. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions was conducted for the three initial topics of barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Dialogue on barriers revealed themes of lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Themes within stroke impact included mental health, access, and advocacy. For solutions, themes emerged as health education, lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Each theme had additional subthemes and direct participant quotes. Survey responses, focus group themes, and referral demographics were synthesized to form a plan to impact stroke prevention and care in these rural areas. Conclusion: A multi-faceted, targeted approach is necessary to increase rural stroke awareness, address disparities in care, and decrease barriers to healthy living and care access.

Catalysts of Social Change: Examining Leadership Development in Service-Learning

The world direly needs leaders as agents of change in a society characterized by disparities in the quality of life due to unequal access to resources. A pedagogical practice increasingly used in higher education for students to acquire leadership skills is service-learning. However, few studies have examined the long-lasting effects of service-learning on student leadership development. Hence, this case study explores the enduring influence of service-learning on leadership development among 13 graduates engaged in a public health care setting in the Philippines as part of their coursework in 2014. Informed by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, thematic analysis of focus group discussions revealed transformative leadership as the enduring influence of service-learning. Opportunities in service-learning for meaning-making seemed contributory for graduates to commit themselves as agents of change in society through their chosen profession. These findings support the view that service-learning is a high-impact pedagogical practice for teaching transformative leadership.

Analysis of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) training and identity needs in the United States: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is the highest attainable degree in the field of public health, specifically designed to prepare professionals to address complex public health challenges in practical settings. This study was designed to explore the importance of achieving a shared and uniform understanding of DrPH education, assess the optimal direction for DrPH training, and investigate the specific curriculum requirements by gathering insights from current DrPH students and alumni in the United States.MethodsA total of 13 focus group discussions and two in-depth interviews (total participants: 50) were conducted through Zoom to see how DrPH students and alumni assessed their DrPH educational programs.ResultsThree overarching findings emerged from the analysis of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. First, participants expressed a preference against a national DrPH board examination, but advocated for a standardized common core curriculum that extends across the entire nation. Second, the ideal direction for DrPH training was perceived to involve a practice-based approach, emphasizing the importance of multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary instruction delivered by faculty with practical experience. Last, there was a demand for a DrPH-specific unique curriculum encompassing areas such as mixed method analysis, leadership and management, applied communication, crisis and change management, proficiency in addressing contemporary topics, and tailored applied and integrative learning requirements specific to the DrPH program.ConclusionsWe explored a range of DrPH training and identity needs among 50 participants, comprised of students and alumni who directly benefit from DrPH education. By considering these inputs, individuals from institutions that offer the DrPH degree can further enhance the quality of public health practice training and make significant contributions to the overall advancement of the field of public health.

Factors leading to the late diagnosis and poor outcomes of breast cancer in Matabeleland South and the Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces in Zimbabwe.

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of female cancer deaths in Africa, and in Zimbabwe, >80% present with advanced disease. A Needs Project (NP) was carried out to determine the key factors responsible for delayed diagnosis and poor BC outcomes and to investigate possible solutions in 6 rural and urban districts of Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces. A mixed method approach was used to collect data in 2 phases. Phase 1: an exploration of key factors leading to poor BC outcomes with >50 professional stakeholders and patient representatives. Phase 2: (i) Quantitative arm; validated questionnaires recording breast cancer knowledge, demographic information and perceived barriers to care administered to women and their relatives (Group 1) and health professionals (HPs) (Group 2). (ii) Qualitative arm; 10 focus group discussions with medical specialists and interested lay representatives (Group 3). The Cochran sample size formulae technique was used to determine the quantitative sample size and data was aggregated and analysed using SPSS Version 23™. Purposive sampling for the qualitative study selected participants with an understanding of BC and the NP. Focus group discussions were recorded and a thematic analysis of the transcriptions was conducted using NVivo9™. Quantitative analysis of Group 1 data (n = 1107) confirmed that younger women (<30years) had the least knowledge of breast cancer (p<0.001). Just under half of all those surveyed regarded breast cancer as incurable. In Group 2 (n = 298) the largest group of health workers represented were general nurses and midwives (74.2%) in keeping with the structure of health provision in Zimbabwe. Analysis confirmed a strong association between age and awareness of BC incidence (p = 0.002) with respondents aged 30-39 years being both the largest group represented and the least knowledgeable, independent of speciality. Nearly all respondents (90%) supported decentralisation of appropriate breast surgical services to provincial and district hospitals backed up by specialist training. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions (Group 3) identified the following as important contributors to late BC diagnosis and poor outcomes: (i) presentation is delayed by poorly educated women and their families who fear BC and high treatment costs (ii) referral is delayed by health professionals with no access to training, skills or diagnostic equipment (iii), treatment is delayed by a disorganised, over-centralized patient pathway, and a lack of specialist care and inter-disciplinary communication. This study confirms that the reasons for poor BC outcomes in Zimbabwe are complex and multi-factorial. All stakeholders support better user and provider education, diagnostic service reconfiguration, targeted funding, and specialist training.

Factors that Influence Reproductive Health Decisions Among Low-Income Males Enrolled in an Anti-poverty Government Initiative in an Urban Community: A Qualitative Study Based on Thematic Analyses of Focus Group Discussions in Pasig, Philippines

Poor family planning greatly impacts both maternal and child health outcomes. While legislation of the 2012 Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law increased the access and use of contraceptives, there is still an unmet need for family planning in terms of limiting and spacing of births especially in the lower economic quintiles within densely populated urban communities. Meanwhile, while other studies have shown that male involvement in family planning yields beneficial reproductive health outcomes, local reproductive health policies by the government targeting men have remained very minimal. Therefore, this qualitative study explored the factors that influence the reproductive health decisions among low-income males which may augment the local government in creating reproductive health policies that extend to these demographics. Using a modified qualitative knowledge, attitudes and practices framework, low-income 18-45 year-old males enrolled in an anti-poverty government initiative, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), in Barangay, Pinagbuhatan Pasig City were included in this study. Four FGDs with 3-5 members recruited through purposive sampling were conducted between June 1-July 31, 2019. Thematic analysis was done using NVIVO software (ver. 11) and five themes emerged as the key factors that influence reproductive health decisions. Men enrolled in the 4Ps in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City decide the contraceptives to use while their female partners use these contraceptives. (1) Safety issues and (2) compatibility on a contraceptive, (3) control over sex, (4) possible infidelity in marital dynamics, and (5) hegemonic masculinity are the five factors that influence their choice of family planning methods.

Positive peace and environmental sustainability: Local evidence from Afghanistan and Nepal

Climate and other forms of global environmental change are transforming the security landscape where peace and conflict manifest. Given that most studies on the relationship between peace and the environment focus on (the absence of) violent conflicts or negative peace, this study seeks to identify environmental security issues at the local or community levels using the concept of positive peace. A thematic analysis of focus group discussions from Afghanistan and Nepal, two countries with histories of violent conflict and vulnerable to climate change, reveals non-violent security issues that could undermine resilience to conflict and environmental change. In Afghanistan, local communities view poor water quality and inequitable water distribution as outstanding issues related to government inaction. In Nepal, local communities perceive threats of wild animals and agricultural problems as prominent issues linked to inadequate government support. These findings confirm the value of positive peace in illuminating and contextualizing the relationship between peace and environmental sustainability. This integrated framework can contribute to a more holistic approach toward climate security and environmental peacebuilding.

An online medical course during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods analysis

Introduction: An evaluation of the online medical course was conducted to assess student readiness, engagement, and satisfaction at the San Beda University College of Medicine in Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A convergent mixed methods approach was done with a quantitative online survey and a qualitative thematic analysis of focus group discussions (FGD) with medical students. A total of 440 students participated in the survey while 20 students participated in the FGDs. Results: The medical students were sufficiently equipped with computers and internet connections that allowed them to access the online medical course from their homes. The 5 themes identified during the study that were relevant to education were: Student readiness for online learning, Learning Management System (LMS) and internet connectivity, teaching and learning activities, the value of engagements, and teaching effectiveness of the faculty. The combined quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed vital issues that affect student learning. This included the need for students to interact with fellow students and to be engaged with their faculty. The issues that affect teaching included the need for continuing faculty training and management skills in delivering the full online course. Conclusion: The success of online education rests heavily on the interactions of the students, the teachers, and the knowledge. Student interactions, managerial and skills training for the faculty, and providing students with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities are the most effective means to ensure the effective delivery of online medical courses.

Mentoring Novice Teachers in a Norwegian Context of Inclusive Education

ABSTRACT There is global agreement that schools should be inclusive, however both experienced and inexperienced teachers find this challenging. In this study we explore how experienced teachers working as local mentors for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) address the challenges they face in an inclusive school. The study is designed as a qualitative study consisting of three different focus group discussions with three samples of mentors, and two surveys with one sample of mentors and one of NQTs. Data was collected in 2021, and descriptive analysis of the survey-data and thematic analysis of focus group discussions were conducted in 2022. Key findings indicate that the topics dominating NQTs supervision also challenge their mentors’ practices concerning 1) pupil behaviour and inclusive-adapted education, 2) inclusive classroom management and relationship building, and 3) inclusive parent-teacher cooperation. Furthermore, although the mentors acknowledge lack of expert knowledge, their self-efficacy is maintained due to professional mentoring-collaboration. An implication of the study is the need for recognising the mentoring process as a joint responsibility between all members of the professional community in schools, and not only a task for the assigned mentor.

A focus group study exploring dairy farmers' perspectives of cull cow management in Ontario, Canada.

Maintaining the welfare of cull dairy cows from the farm to slaughter is an ongoing challenge for the dairy industry. Recent research suggests that some cull dairy cows within the marketing system are in physical states that are below regulatory standards, and further research is required to determine why these unfit cows are found throughout the journey to abattoirs. Since dairy farms are the origin of these cows, decision making by dairy farmers has been identified as key to preventing cull cows that are considered unfit for transport from entering the marketing system. The objectives of this study were to understand dairy farmers' perspectives on their cull dairy cow management practices, recommendations and requirements of regulations, management tools, and welfare issues. Four focus groups with a total of 21 participants were each conducted virtually, video recorded, and transcribed verbatim, with dairy farmers from Ontario, Canada. A thematic analysis of focus group discussions was conducted utilizing deductive reasoning. There were three themes identified including deciding to cull or not, management of cows being culled, and knowledge and perceptions of cull cow regulations. When making culling decisions, farmers utilize multiple sources of information including personal experiences and values and external referents like veterinarians, family members and other farmers. The welfare of their cows was a high priority but one that was often weighed against the financial outcomes of culling decisions. Finally, most participants considered recent regulatory changes for the management of cows before shipment to be of little importance on their farms. In conclusion, the farmers from this study showed the diversity of considerations they make in culling decisions and the large contribution of animal productivity and economic factors. There was a general lack of knowledge of recent regulatory changes for the shipment of cull cows, and there is room for improving the uptake of new recommendations for culling only cows fit for transportation.

Time and Temporality in Early Childhood Education and Care Work

ABSTRACT We explore time and temporality within the work life context of Finnish early childhood education and care professionals. Temporality is a key element of education, since development and learning are always a matter of time and change. Furthermore, interpretations of time play a complex role in the work practices of educational institutions. Discursive analysis of focus group discussions shows that professionals must cope with several temporal dimensions. Even though the long-term orientation based on educational objectives is well recognized, as is the importance of moments of encounter with the individual child, time resource management dominates discussions. Thus, in everyday practices the pedagogical activities must be constantly adapted to changing time resources. This makes work unpredictable, creating an imbalance between the temporal dimensions. Results indicate that time and temporality interpretations are significant, as they affect the work conditions of professionals as well as the quality of early childhood education and care.

Pilot trial of the online implementation intervention Aphasia Nexus: Connecting Evidence to Practice

Purpose Aphasia Nexus: Connecting Evidence to Practice is a theoretically-based online implementation intervention designed to overcome the barriers related to the implementation of intensive and comprehensive aphasia services. The objective was to establish the feasibility of incorporating Aphasia Nexus within routine clinical practice through an evaluation of: (1) its potential to positively influence the intensity and/or comprehensiveness of aphasia services; (2) the ability of selected outcome measures to capture changes to factors influencing implementation; and (3) the acceptability of the website to on-site speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Method A single arm pre-post pilot trial was conducted within an Australian health service. The design collected qualitative and quantitative pre-post data in the form of therapy logs, behaviour change questionnaires, and a post-intervention focus group. Data were collected one week prior to, and one week following, a 12 week implementation period where participating SLPs (n = 5) were provided access to the Aphasia Nexus website. Result Quantitative data revealed improvements in the median time per patient with aphasia from 65 to 115 minutes per week (intensity/dose), an additional 50 minutes per week. SLPs trialled at least one new therapy approach (Attentive Reading and Constrained Summarisation) and service delivery model (group therapy) representing an increase in the comprehensiveness of their services to patients. SLPs perceived a reduction in the barriers associated with the promotion of new aphasia services. Qualitative analysis of focus group discussion revealed that participants considered Aphasia Nexus in the overarching theme of practice efficiency (obtaining the best outcome from the least amount of effort) and the sub-themes of accessible therapy resources and the prioritisation of time. Conclusion Overall, Aphasia Nexus was considered a useful clinical tool with the potential to positively influence clinical aphasia practice. These results will inform further implementation intervention refinements and will inform the methodology of future research.

Measuring the success of cross-tenure collaborative weed management: insights codeveloped with practitioners

AbstractThere is limited documentation of cross-tenure collaborative weed management programs, and no consistent set of metrics for evaluating their performance. In this study, 12 weed management practitioners in southeast Australia participated in a qualitative social research project to discuss and document examples of cross-tenure collaborative weed management and critically reflect on whether existing metrics are suitable for evaluating the performance of their programs. Analysis of focus group discussions, project documentation, subsequent reflections, and review of the literature reveal that weed management practitioners, in Australia and elsewhere, mostly rely on metrics that measure weed management inputs, such as herbicides, labor, and costs. Metrics used to evaluate social outcomes focus on benefits for individuals rather than social relationships or achievement of equitable outcomes. Social research on collaborative governance and social science methods more broadly, such as social network analysis and collective narratives, could be used by weed management practitioners to better evaluate and explain social–ecological outcomes over time.

A qualitative study on newly settled migrants’ perceptions of civic and health orientation in Sweden

Abstract Background Migrants face structural, socio-political barriers in their resettlement processes that affect their health. Migration also impacts resources such as social capital and health literacy that are of importance for health and integration in society. Hence, there is a need for health promotion in the post-migration phase. The aim of the study was to explore participants' perceptions and experiences of civic orientation with added health communication. Methods Six focus group discussions were performed with 32 men and women. Two were held in Arabic, two in Farsi and two in Somali, with native speaking moderators. Participants were recruited from civic orientation classes in the county of Stockholm. An interview guide with semi-structured questions was used. The data were analysed using a method for content analysis of focus group discussions. Results Three main categories were identified: ‘The course gives valuable information but its delivery needs adjustments', which includes that the civic and health orientation is valuable and needed earlier, during asylum phase, and that planning and course content need adjustments. ‘The health communication inspired participants to focus on their health', includes that the health communication was useful and inspired uptake of healthier habits. ‘Participation in the course promoted independence and self-confidence', which includes that the course gave insights into society and values in Sweden and promoted independence and new social contacts. Conclusions This study adds knowledge of the users' perspectives on the potential of civic orientation to promote health and integration of newly settled migrants, describing ways in which civic orientation with added health communication prompted health and empowerment. However, the content and delivery of the course needs adjustment to better fit the migrants' life situations and varying pre-existing knowledge. Key messages The civic and health information is needed early in the resettlement phase. Participation in the course promoted health awareness, independence and self-confidence.

Development of teachers’ practices in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD): a discursive community of interdisciplinary practices focusing on the theme of chocolate

The aim of this article is to present a case study in the field of ESD for in-service teachers training conducted in a Swiss primary school . A Discursive Community of Interdisciplinary Practices (DCIP) has been created including researchers, teachers, and a pedagogical advisor in the context of ESD, focusing on the topic of chocolate. In this article, we discuss how the DCIP helped teachers to develop competencies in the field of ESD. Furthermore, we see how teacher training could lead to a transformation of teachers’ practices, moving from a normative education to a more reflexive one. We present the collaborative research and its theoretical context. The analysis of focus group discussions evidenced an evolution of ESD teachers’ points of view. The analysis of the teachers’ comments highlights the potential of the methods implemented to help teachers to enter into the process of conceptualizing knowledge in terms of ESD.

The Aftermath of Covid and Cyclones Idai and Kenneth: A Naturalistic Experiment Examining Empowerment and Resiliency in Rural Mozambique

Objective: To determine, by using a naturalistic experiment resulting from Covid and Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, if a previously completed comprehensive intervention within a Mozambiqian village by the Non-Governmental Organization Care-for-Life ( CFL), resulted in community empowerment in the community's response to these disasters, as defined by World Bank. Method: Over a nine-month period, beginning three weeks post-cyclones (November 2019), data were collected using mixed research methods, including in-depth interviews (22), focus group discussions (four), pre–post household surveys, and nonparticipatory observations. Results: Quantitative results demonstrated that the village responded effectively by decreasing disease, increasing sanitation, and providing food security to community members. Using thematic analysis of focus group discussions and interviews, several themes were identified documenting the community's and village leaders’ responses. Discussion: This mixed-methods study demonstrated that the comprehensive CFL interventions were effective in empowering community leaders and members, and in building resiliency in responding to disasters.