Communication Barriers Research Articles

Communication Patterns in the Formation of Self-Concept in Early Adults Who Experience Fatherless in Medan City

This research aims to analyze communication patterns in the formation of self-concept in early adults who experience fatherlessness, analyze self-disclosure in early adults, and to analyze communication barriers felt by early adults who experience fatherlessness in Medan City. The theories used in this research are Symbolic Interaction Theory, Self-Concept and Self-Disclosure. This study uses a qualitative method. The number of informants in this study was 6 (six) early adults who experienced fatherlessness. The research results show that the absence of a father causes the emergence of dysfunctional communication patterns in the family which affects various aspects of the informants' lives such as communication with the surrounding environment and their self-concept. Communication barriers found in early adult individuals are psychological barriers or psychological noise, which is caused by the loss of the father's role due to death or his absence in the informant's growth and development during childhood. This condition creates a fear of communicating and causes difficulty in expressing feelings

Linking Post-Treatment Rehabilitation with Healthcare Roles: How Nurses and Technicians Influence Patient Satisfaction

Post-treatment rehabilitation is a critical component of healthcare that significantly influences patient recovery and long-term outcomes. This review explores the interconnected roles of nurses and technicians in delivering effective post-treatment rehabilitation and its impact on patient satisfaction. Nurses play a vital role in patient education, monitoring, and emotional support, while technicians ensure the proper functioning of medical equipment and therapies. Through a collaborative care model, both healthcare roles contribute to improving service delivery and patient experiences. However, challenges such as resource constraints, communication barriers, and the need for specialized training must be addressed to fully harness their potential. By enhancing the roles of nurses and technicians in rehabilitation services, healthcare systems can improve patient satisfaction and develop more efficient, patient-centered services.

Cultural Influences on the Receipt of Breast Reconstruction: a Scoping Review.

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction can provide breast cancer patients with lasting psychosocial, functional, and body image benefits. While sociodemographic factors affecting the receipt of breast reconstruction have been well studied, the cultural factors influencing patients' decisions to undergo breast reconstruction remain unclear. There are currently no reviews on cultural factors influencing breast reconstruction decision-making. This scoping review aimed to broadly evaluate the current literature on cultural factors that influence the receipt of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies. A combination of keywords and subject headings was used to search for articles related to breast reconstruction and decision-making. Databases were searched from inception to November 20, 2023. Screening was performed according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and quantitative studies examining the receipt of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients following mastectomy were evaluated for inclusion. Of the 4,520 studies that underwent screening, 61 studies were included in the final review. The majority of studies included in the review were retrospective studies and studies in the United States. Included studies were evaluated for cultural influences on the receipt of breast reconstruction. Six themes emerged across the included studies: race and ethnicity, language and communication barriers, education and literacy, cultural competency, patient perceptions, and family and relationships. In addition to well-established influences on breast reconstruction like race and ethnicity, this review broadly identified additional cultural factors that influence patients' decisions to undergo breast reconstruction.

Experiences and impacts of psychological support following adverse neonatal experiences or perinatal loss: a qualitative analysis

BackgroundPoor parental mental health in the perinatal period has detrimental impacts on the lives and relationships of parents and their babies. Parents whose babies are born premature and/or sick and require neonatal care or those who experience perinatal loss are at increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. In 2021 a North-West charity received funding to offer psychological support to service users of infants admitted to neonatal care or those who had experienced perinatal loss, named the Family Well-being Service (FWS). The FWS offered three different types of support – ad hoc support at the neonatal units or specialist clinics; one-to-one person-centred therapy; or group counselling. Here we report the qualitative findings from an independent evaluation of the FWS.MethodsThirty-seven interviews took place online or over the phone with 16 service users (of whom two took part in a follow-up interview), eight FWS providers and 11 healthcare professionals. Interviews were coded and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed two themes. ‘Creating time and space for support’ detailed the informational, contextual, and relational basis of the service. This theme describes the importance of tailoring communications and having a flexible and proactive approach to service user engagement. Service users valued being listened to without judgement and having the space to discuss their own needs with a therapist who was independent of healthcare. Communication, access, and service delivery barriers are also highlighted. The second theme - ‘making a difference’ - describes the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal benefits for service users. These included service users being provided with tools for positive coping, and how the support had led to enhanced well-being, improved relationships, and confidence in returning to work.ConclusionThe findings complement and extend the existing literature by offering new insights into therapeutic support for service users experiencing adverse neonatal experiences or perinatal loss. Key mechanisms of effective support, irrespective of whether it is provided on a one-to-one or group basis were identified. These mechanisms include clear information, flexibility (in access or delivery), being independent of statutory provision, focused on individual needs, active listening, the use of therapeutic tools, and positive relationships with the therapist. Further opportunities to engage with those less willing to take up mental health support should be developed.

Factors Affecting Health Research Utilization Among Health Professionals in Nigeria

The utilization of health research in clinical practice is hindered by individual, organizational, and systemic barriers, including insufficient research literacy and unsupportive organizational cultures. Enhancing research literacy, fostering supportive environments, and implementing evidence-based policies are crucial for bridging the gap between research and practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This study investigates the factors affecting health research utilization among health professionals in Nigeria, an essential aspect for advancing healthcare systems and patient outcomes. Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected via an online survey distributed to public health professionals and policymakers. The survey explored demographics, research utilization, dissemination effectiveness, barriers, and recommendations for improvement. Key findings indicate significant demographic disparities, with a higher proportion of younger and non-public health degree holders reporting unused research findings. The study identified major barriers, including inadequate communication, poor dissemination practices, and lack of access to research findings. Despite 87.6% of respondents conducting potentially impactful research, only 13.6% reported actual utilization of their findings. The recommendations for improvement emphasized the role of knowledge brokers, fostering research-attuned and decision-relevant cultures, enhancing communication and interaction between researchers and users, and building capacity among all stakeholders. Additionally, establishing effective dissemination systems, securing funding, and promoting international collaboration were highlighted as critical strategies. The study underscores the necessity of addressing structural, cultural, and communicative barriers to improve the practical application of health research in Nigeria, aligning with global trends and literature advocating for a multifaceted approach to enhance health outcomes.

Implementing family-based interventions in opioid treatment programs: Preferences for method of delivery.

Interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) are typically delivered face-to-face or remotely via telehealth. In recent years, there has been a rapid rise in the number of SUD services delivered using telehealth. However, the literature on which mode of service delivery SUD patients and providers prefer is still emerging, particularly with respect to family-based interventions in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). This study sought to identify/explain preferences for delivering family-based programs among OTP patients and providers. Data collection from a total of 40 participants (20 patients and 20 providers) was conducted from August 2022 to October 2022 at two OTPs in Florida. An online survey was used to collect demographic data, while individual qualitative interviews were conducted to explore preferences for delivering family-based programs. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Analyses revealed that patients and providers had similar preferences, with the most salient being (a) concerns about keeping children engaged during telehealth sessions, (b) concerns about communication barriers when using telehealth, (c) preference for telehealth using live video (as opposed to prerecorded content), and (d) preference for telehealth over face-to-face due to greater convenience for patients. These findings show that preferences for delivering family-based services are varied and may differ somewhat from preferences for delivering traditional individual therapy services. The data presented here can be used to develop and further refine protocols for adapting and delivering family-based interventions in OTP settings, and are especially timely as legislative discussions are currently occurring about expanding telehealth services in these facilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cocoa farmers’ perception regarding the effectiveness of cocoa extension services in the Bia West District, Ghana.

The study analysed cocoa farmers’ perception on the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in the Bia West District. Data for the study was collected from 400 cocoa farmers through a multistage sampling technique. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results reflect a prevailing awareness among the majority of cocoa farmers (over 90%) concerning the efficacy of agricultural extension agents operating in the study area. Farmers perceived a positive impact on information dissemination and timeliness (Mean=4.08), and knowledge and skills enhancement (Mean=4.03). Employing a probit model, age (1%), engagement in off-farm activities (10%), and the age of cocoa farms (1%) emerged as significant factors that influenced farmers' perception of the effectiveness of the agents. The three key challenges faced by farmers in accessing extension services included inadequate CEA visits (1st), trust issues (2nd), and communication barriers (3rd). The study recommends the critical need to intensify and sustain extension training programmes, incentivising and supporting CEAs in fostering robust relationships within farming communities, and directing policy initiatives toward bolstering investments in communication infrastructure.

TEACHER'S EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING ENGLISH TOWARDS DEAF STUDENTS

This study examines the experiences and strategies of a teacher specialized in English instruction for deaf students at special need school in Medan North Sumatera Indonesia. Since 2017 the teacher has navigated significant challenges, including communication barriers and emotional strain, by integrating sign language (SIBI and Bisindo) into daily interactions and instructional methods. Initial self-learning of sign language, followed by formal training from the North Sumatera Language Center, highlights the critical role of effective communication in enhancing educational outcomes for deaf students. The teacher’s adaptive strategies include simplifying lesson content, employing visual aids, and incorporating sign language into English instruction. Innovative methods such as “English day” in morning assemblies underscore the teacher’s commitment to engaging students despite their disabilities. However, obstacles persist, including limited vocabulary, the complexities of teaching a foreign language to students struggling with their narrative language, and systematic issues like lack of resources and societal skepticism. Emotional management and building trust with students are central to the teacher’s approach, demonstrating a holistic commitment to their emotional and academic development. The teacher’s resilience and empathy, supported by the school’s flexible approach, have fostered positive student engagement and progress.

Enhancing Performance and Work Ethics of Low-Educated Employees

This research examines strategies to enhance the performance and work ethics of employees with limited educational backgrounds by implementing business ethics and organizational development practices, with a focus on PT Medi Modular Luar Biasa (PT MMLB), an Indonesian healthcare infrastructure company. The research addresses the challenges faced by companies in managing low-educated employees, including cognitive limitations, communication barriers, and difficulties adapting to organisational changes, which often lead to suboptimal performance and ethical lapses. Through qualitative interviews with employees and management, the study reveals significant differences in how employees with varying educational backgrounds understand and implement corporate values such as integrity, and professionalism. The research highlights the need for ethical leadership and structured organisational support to address these challenges. The findings suggest that enhancing the ethical climate and providing tailored training are crucial for improving both performance and work ethics among low-educated employees. The study proposes interventions such as clarifying role expectations, reinforcing ethical guidelines, and fostering a supportive work environment to drive continuous improvement and employee well-being. The research contributes practical recommendations for businesses facing similar challenges, emphasising the importance of ethical leadership in shaping positive employee behaviour and organisational outcomes.

On the development of criteria for determining the effectiveness of technical working groups: A case study about information processes in marine conservation and fisheries management in Belize

Use of scientific information in evidence-based decision-making is critically important in addressing coastal and ocean management concerns. In an ecosystem-based management context, ensuring that the “right” information (reliable) is available can be particularly challenging as the information often resides in different organizations with different management mandates. Many governmental and intergovernmental organizations have used a range of approaches, including technical advisory committees and working groups, to facilitate multidisciplinary input into the development of appropriate policies and management practices. This study examined the roles of multiple stakeholders participating in technical working groups that assist in decision-making for marine fisheries management in Belize, a coastal country in Central America. Through interviews with members of three working groups – the Spawning Aggregation Working Group, the Managed Access Working Group, and the National Hicatee Conservation and Monitoring Network – and decision-makers in the Belize Fisheries Department, information production processes and pathways for information uptake into policy were investigated. Major characteristics of communication at the science-policy interface associated with each working group were revealed. Important communication enablers and barriers were identified related to the operation of the working groups, such as membership commitment and resource availability, which influenced knowledge exchange within and outside the groups. Based on the results, a set of requirements for the creation and operation of effective working groups was formulated with regard to requisite inputs, the operational processes, and the types and uses of the information outputs of the groups. These requirements serve as a foundation for development of indicators of the effectiveness of working groups in environmental management contexts that support communication and decision-making at science-policy interfaces.

Influence of dialect diversity on level of urban innovation—Empirical evidence based on 276 cities in China

Diversity is influential and integral in innovation and economic growth. Despite the extensive research on the relationship between diversity and innovation, little attention has been paid to dialect diversity. The paper fills the research gap by investigating the impact and mechanism of dialect diversity on urban innovation in China. Also, this paper confirms the potential role of language as a non-institutional factor in urban innovation. Based on data from 276 prefecture-level cities in China, we find that dialect diversity impedes urban innovation. Moreover, in mechanism, it is not the communication barriers, but rather the identity from dialectal diversity that reduces regional trust to constrain urban innovation. Finally, we find that the negative impact of dialect diversity on urban innovation is continuous and more pronounced in eastern and southern cities. The conclusions not only enrich the theoretical research on innovation but also provide insights on how to promote language diversity governance and urban innovation for China and other countries.

Cross-cultural Engineering Team Management in The Context of Globalization

This paper discusses the challenges and strategies of cross-cultural engineering team management in the context of globalization, demonstrates the problems of communication barriers, cultural conflicts and trust building through case studies, and proposes solutions such as cross-cultural training, diversity management and technical support to enhance the efficiency of cross-cultural team collaboration and project success.

Organizational Transformation in Adopting Hybrid Work Models: A Literature Review on Organizational Changes and Employee Readiness

This study explores the implications of hybrid work models on organizational dynamics and employee well-being. Through a qualitative literature review approach, the research examines existing literature on hybrid work, focusing on organizational changes, employee readiness, and long-term effects. The methodology systematically reviews scholarly articles, books, and academic sources, synthesizing key themes, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings. The results reveal mixed findings regarding the impact of hybrid work on various aspects of organizational functioning and employee experiences. While hybrid work offers opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, it also presents challenges such as communication barriers, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and uncertainties regarding career advancement. Longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across industries, cultures, and geographic regions are recommended to track the evolution of hybrid work arrangements and assess their sustainability in dynamic environments. Interdisciplinary approaches and integrating emerging technologies can contribute to evidence-based decision-making and foster innovation in hybrid work design and implementation.

Integrated Application for Paddy Disease Detection and Remedy Suggestion

In India, agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, with the majority of villagers relying on it as their primary livelihood. However, challenges such as disease management, soil quality assessment, and weed control often limit productivity. While Kisan call centers provide essential support, their effectiveness is constrained by communication barriers and the limitations of verbal explanations. This paper proposes an innovative solution through a machine learning- based mobile application designed specifically for farmers. The app enables users to upload images of paddy disease symptoms, soil test results, and weeds for analysis. Leveraging advanced algorithms, it provides automated, data- driven recommendations for disease control, crop management, and soil improvement. The app also offers local language interfaces, making it accessible to less educated farmers. By continuously refining its decision-making capabilities through user feedback, the app evolves to meet the specific needs of different regions and farming practices. This approach not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also empowers farmers with immediate, reliable expert advice, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern technology. Ultimately, the application aims to significantly improve agricultural outcomes, contributing to the sustainability and growth of the farming sector in India. Key Words: Paddy crop disease, Integrated, Application, suggestion, soil, weeds, resolution etc.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validity of the Saudi Sign Language Version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire.

Profoundly hearing-impaired individuals lack health-promotion education on healthy lifestyles, and this may be due to communication barriers and limited awareness of available resources. Therefore, providing understandable healthy eating knowledge and a proper education evaluation via a questionnaire is vital. The present study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the content of a Saudi sign language version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ). The study followed the World Health Organization guidelines for the translation and cultural adaptation of the GNKQ, using two-phase translation (from English into Arabic and then from Arabic into Saudi sign language), including forward-translation, back-translation, and pilot testing among profoundly hearing-impaired individuals. A total of 48 videos were recorded to present the GNKQ in Saudi sign language. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) value was equal to 0.96, and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) value for all questions was between 1 and 0.9, except for question 6 in section 1, which was 0.6; this discrepancy was due to religious, social, and cultural traditions. The translation, cultural adaptation, and content validity of the Saudi sign language version of the GNKQ were satisfactory. Further studies are needed to validate other measurement properties of the present translated version of this questionnaire.

دور التسامح في تعزيز العلاقات الاجتماعية من المنظور الأنثروبولوجي الاجتماعي

In the field of social anthropology, the concept of tolerance plays a pivotal role in understanding the interactions of human societies. Tolerance, which is the acceptance and respect for different beliefs, practices, and opinions, is not only a moral virtue but also an important element of social cohesion. This article highlights the understanding of the importance of tolerance in an anthropological context, and its role in strengthening social bonds from a social anthropological perspective. Tolerance in the field of social anthropology includes the acceptance and respect for cultural diversity and individual differences. It is a fundamental concept that has evolved over time in human societies. Throughout history, many civilizations have struggled with the concept of tolerance, and these civilizations were often shaped by social norms and cultural practices. Tolerance was an integral part of societal values that prioritized harmony and cooperation among their members. This historical perspective highlights the fundamental relationship between tolerance and social cohesion and emphasizes the role of cultural norms in shaping attitudes toward diversity. Tolerance works to promote social cohesion by strengthening understanding and acceptance of diverse viewpoints. When individuals embrace tolerance, they are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue and break down communication barriers with others who hold opposing beliefs. This open-minded approach not only fosters empathy and mutual respect, but also contributes to conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence within society. By fostering a culture of tolerance, a society can leverage the richness of its diversity to enhance collective efforts to collaborate and solve problems.

An improved flocking control algorithm to solve the effect of individual communication barriers on flocking cohesion in multi-agent systems

Flocking cohesion is a crucial factor for groups to maintain aggregation. Communication barriers can significantly challenge the maintenance of flocking aggregation and integrity. Although several studies have focused on communication barriers between agents and the Leader, less attention has been given to agents' self-communication barriers. This paper investigates the effect of two kinds of communication barriers that coexist on flocking cohesion. One is the communication barrier between agents and the Leader. There are informed and uninformed agents, with informed agents receiving different degrees of complete information about the Leader. The other is the agent's self-communication barrier, where each agent has a failure rate that prevents it from obtaining and transmitting information. Then, a novel potential function is designed by analyzing the correlation between the potential function and flocking cohesion. It enhances flocking cohesion and reduces flocking time. Moreover, the flocking control algorithm is improved by incorporating a local feedback mechanism. It allows informed agents to transfer information more broadly and promotes interaction among agents, further enhancing flocking cohesion and integrity. Stability analysis is performed using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, we propose three criteria for evaluating flocking performance. Based on these criteria, simulation results demonstrate the proposed potential function and control algorithm's significant advantages. This control algorithm is applicable for addressing individual communication issues in swarming drones or flocking robots during missions in engineering applications.

Ulcerated Breast Cancer: How Fear Led to Delayed Diagnosis?

Diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and overall survival rates. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and establish national screening programs, the fear of undergoing mastectomy remains a significant obstacle, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Various socioeconomic and cultural factors prevalent in diverse societies can impact patients’ behaviors towards seeking timely medical attention for diagnosis. Breast cancer patients often face obstacles such as inadequate emotional support, communication barriers, and limited access to counseling services. This case report highlights the imaging features of a 56-year-old patient who presented with a 15 cm ulcerated mass in her right breast and delves into the factors causing to the delayed diagnosis.

Patient-reported experience measures for people living with dementia: A scoping review.

The prevalence of dementia is increasing globally, with an estimated 139 million people expected to be living with dementia by 2050. Across numerous countries, substandard care for people with dementia is evident, with quality improvement needed. Recently, a focus on patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) has been utilised in healthcare services as a method of evaluating the care experiences provided and determining areas of improvement. The literature is scarce regarding the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PREMs with people with moderate to advanced dementia. This scoping review aimed to identify PREMs that have been used with vulnerable populations including people with cognitive impairment, mental health concerns, and children, outline dimensions included, and determine adaptions made to the PREMs to improve acceptability of the instruments for vulnerable populations. A database search of Medline was conducted to identify 36 studies including 32 PREMs. The PREMs identified covered a range of dimensions, most frequently care effectiveness, care environment, and patient involvement. The most common adaption to the PREMs was simplification of wording and sentence structure. Several measures conflated patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with patient experience, limiting utility for improving patient experience specifically. While several PREMs have been used with people with dementia, challenges in their implementation and their applicability to specific settings limit their use more broadly. Evidently, there is a need for development of a PREM for people with moderate to advanced dementia that is applicable across healthcare settings and is appropriately adapted for varying cognitive and communicative barriers.

Longitudinal Coadaptation of Older Adults With Wearables and Voice-Activated Virtual Assistants: Scoping Review.

The integration of smart technologies, including wearables and voice-activated devices, is increasingly recognized for enhancing the independence and well-being of older adults. However, the long-term dynamics of their use and the coadaptation process with older adults remain poorly understood. This scoping review explores how interactions between older adults and smart technologies evolve over time to improve both user experience and technology utility. This review synthesizes existing research on the coadaptation between older adults and smart technologies, focusing on longitudinal changes in use patterns, the effectiveness of technological adaptations, and the implications for future technology development and deployment to improve user experiences. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, this scoping review examined peer-reviewed papers from databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PEDro, Ovid PsycINFO, and EBSCO CINAHL from the year 2000 to August 28, 2023, and included forward and backward searches. The search was updated on March 1, 2024. Empirical studies were included if they involved (1) individuals aged 55 years or older living independently and (2) focused on interactions and adaptations between older adults and wearables and voice-activated virtual assistants in interventions for a minimum period of 8 weeks. Data extraction was informed by the selection and optimization with compensation framework and the sex- and gender-based analysis plus theoretical framework and used a directed content analysis approach. The search yielded 16,143 papers. Following title and abstract screening and a full-text review, 5 papers met the inclusion criteria. Study populations were mostly female participants and aged 73-83 years from the United States and engaged with voice-activated virtual assistants accessed through smart speakers and wearables. Users frequently used simple commands related to music and weather, integrating devices into daily routines. However, communication barriers often led to frustration due to devices' inability to recognize cues or provide personalized responses. The findings suggest that while older adults can integrate smart technologies into their lives, a lack of customization and user-friendly interfaces hinder long-term adoption and satisfaction. The studies highlight the need for technology to be further developed so they can better meet this demographic's evolving needs and call for research addressing small sample sizes and limited diversity. Our findings highlight a critical need for continued research into the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between smart technologies and older adults over time. Future studies should focus on more diverse populations and extend monitoring periods to provide deeper insights into the coadaptation process. Insights gained from this review are vital for informing the development of more intuitive, user-centric smart technology solutions to better support the aging population in maintaining independence and enhancing their quality of life. RR2-10.2196/51129.