Facilitate Communication Research Articles

Family experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury in the acute hospital setting

Purpose This study explored experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute hospital setting from the perspectives of family members. Materials and Methods A qualitative, interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 10 family members. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, with Ecological Systems Theory applied as a guiding framework to discuss findings and implications for practice. Results Four primary themes were identified: 1) The hospital environment; 2) Hospital staffing; 3) Identifying and preventing triggers, and 4) Family support and information. Conclusions This qualitative study highlights the need for further information, education, and support to families of patients with TBI in the acute setting. Further research investigating the implementation of best practice approaches for managing challenging behaviours practice in acute settings is needed to overcome the barriers of the hospital environment, inexperienced and inconsistent staffing, and difficulties identifying triggers within the acute hospital setting, experienced by families. Approaches for family involvement in behaviour management strategies, and facilitation of communication for people with TBI in the acute setting requires exploration.

Awareness of forensic anthropology in Switzerland: a survey among forensic practitioners, police, and prosecutors.

Forensic anthropology (FA) as a specialized discipline has been practised in multi-lingual Switzerland for over a decade. A variety of expertise regarding osteological assessments as well as facial image comparison (FIC) is provided by different centres. Nevertheless, information is lacking about the awareness of FA and its benefits for forensic investigations among forensic stakeholders. Therefore, a survey was sent to Swiss anthropologists (AN) and related professions (police officers, prosecutors, and forensic pathologists) to assess three main aspects: (1) the experience of working (biological/forensic) anthropologists within FA; (2) how FA is perceived by other professions within the legal system; and (3) identifygaps (if any) in understanding of FA with the aim to suggest avenues for improvement if necessary. The results show that awareness of FA varies by occupation and cantonal regions. In areas where close collaborations betweenforensic anthropologists (FAs) and other stakeholders have been formally established, be it with focus on osteological analyses or FIC, the awareness of FA competencies was superior to areas where this was not the case. An overwhelming majority of forensic actors expressed interest in continuing education related to the role of FA. These findings indicate that facilitation of communication and collaboration leads to improvement in the awareness of the competencies of FAs and their contribution to forensic investigations.

THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION DYNAMICS IN MAINTAINING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE BADUY TRIBE

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the significance of traditional leadership and communication dynamics in the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Baduy tribe. The Baduy tribe, which resides in the Banten Province of Indonesia, possesses a culturally rich and distinctive heritage. However, the impact of modernization and social change has affected the preservation of their culture. This research method uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews, observation and document analysis. The research findings indicate that traditional leadership plays a crucial role in the preservation and perpetuation of Baduy culture. In Baduy society, the role of traditional leaders encompasses the preservation of cultural customs, the establishment of regulatory frameworks, and the facilitation of communication channels. This study posits that the interconnectedness of traditional leadership and communication dynamics plays a crucial role in the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Baduy tribe. The success in preserving the cultural heritage of the Baduy tribe in the face of modernization is contingent upon the collaborative endeavours between traditional leaders and community members, which encompass the preservation of traditions and the facilitation of communication. This study offers significant contributions to the understanding of strategies for preserving traditional culture amidst the challenges posed by rapid social and environmental transformations

Recommendations for improving digital health literacy in patients with cancer receiving care in the Deep South.

202 Background: As technological advances are developed and implemented in healthcare, cancer patients with low digital health literacy may be at increased risk of health inequities. This study explored recommendations for improving digital health literacy related to electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) based remote symptom monitoring (RSM). Methods: This qualitative study, conducted December 2021-May 2023, included (1) patients with cancer and oncology providers from University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute participating in RSM, and (2) community health workers (CHWs) who serve communities experiencing care access barriers across Alabama. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone, Zoom, or in-person. Recordings were transcribed and inductively content coded using Nvivo software for recurring themes and exemplary quotes by two independent coders. Results: Patients with cancer (n=19), providers (n=15), and community health workers (n=13) participated. Among patients and providers participating in RSM, recommendations included additional tech-focused training opportunities and in-person tech guidance. CHWs expanded upon this with four key recommendations involving provider-facing interventions. The first was to engage in communication-focused interventions that encourage use of lay language, developing cultural competency among providers, and “meeting patients where they are,” because as one CHW explained “if you don't actually understand the actual language, then you're never going to be able to really understand what's going on with your health.” A second recommendation was to focus on individual and community needs, such as lobbying to bring Wi-Fi to rural locations and developing subsidized cost programs for individuals who need them. CHWs then highlighted the existence of community partnerships and technology-focused training programs that largely go underutilized by local populations. Further developing these partnerships would also serve to emphasize the connection to the local community and legitimization of digital healthcare services. Finally, CHWs encouraged providers to emphasize to patients that technology in healthcare is a tool to facilitator greater connection and communication between patients and providers and that there is a “face behind the screen.” Conclusions: This study identifies key recommendations on how to address digital health literacy gaps and communicate the importance of the technologization of the American healthcare system to local communities in Alabama.

Use of technology among older adults in Baltic states during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The population in the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is ageing rapidly. Technology is a potential resource in enhancing the health and wellbeing of the elderly. The use of technology reduces social isolation through the facilitation of communication and facilitates access to healthcare resources. This study is based on the theory of reasoned action that aims to explains the relationship between attitudes and behavior of individuals. Study Aim Determine nature of the use of technology by older adults in the Baltic states across countries, genders, age, and employment status. Methods Data from Wave 9, COVID-19 Survey 2 (Summer 2021) of the of the cross-national panel dataset of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were examined using a sample of 6303 adults over 50 years old from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Analysis Nonparametric one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test) was performed to test the null hypothesis that the rate of use of technology is equal across gender, age, and country in Baltic states. Findings There was a statistically significant difference in the use of technology reported by country [= 15.7, df = 2; p< .001], and age [= 1471.64, df = 6; p< .001. Conclusions These finding suggest that country and age are significant predictors of use of technology. Implications for Policy and Practice: Initiatives for the care of older adults should not only aim to increase the use of technology by older adults but also increase the utility of information and ease of navigation of websites targeted towards this population. Key messages • Country and age are significant predictors of use of technology among the elderly in Baltic states. • Policy initiatives that aim to alleviate social isolation among the elderly through use of technology, need to increase the ease of navigation of websites targeted towards this population.

Controlled chaos: examining collaborative response to the 2017 Hattiesburg tornado

Hattiesburg, Mississippi experienced two tornados within a four-year span (2013–2017). Community members who participated in response and recovery to both disasters were interviewed to understand how coordination changed between the two events. The purposive sample included representatives from a variety of organizational types, sizes, and missions. Four findings emerged detailing how organizations used collaborative management networks to respond to the disaster. Respondents indicated the importance of coordination, communication facilitation, identification, and experience. Lessons learned in 2013 did not have to be learned in 2017 when resultant network coordination and effective responses were retained by actors and made a part of their routine responses to crises.

Research on the Impact of the “The Belt and Road” on the Development of Open Economy in the Central and Western Regions ——Empirical Analysis Based on Differences-in-Differences

“The Belt and Road” (B&R) has made the mid-west region the frontier of opening to the outside. Based on the sample data from 51 cities from 2005 to 2019, the paper studies the policy effects of B&R on the open economy in the mid-west region by utilizing a difference-in-differences model. Also, building upon the index of level of infrastructure development, the paper analyzes the specific mechanism of this policy effect. The research results show that: B&R has elevated the level of opening-up in the mid-west region, as reflected in a significant increase in the regions’ foreign trade dependence and foreign investment reliance since the initiative was launched; further research reveals that B&R has a greater stimulating impact on promoting foreign trade in the mid-west region compared to attracting foreign investment while factors such as location and business environment have affected the policy effect of B&R to some extent. In terms of its mechanism of action, B&R has improved the transport facilitation and communication facilitation in the mid-west region, thereby promoting the development of its open economy. The research holds valuable insights for guiding China in the acceleration of the western region development through B&R, and the achievement of the high-quality opening economy development in the mid-west region.

Assessing swallowing disorders in adults on high-flow nasal cannula in critical and non-critical care settings. A scoping review protocol.

The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has become a widely used respiratory support system, which has proven to be effective in different populations. The facilitation of oral communication and feeding have been described as advantages of this support. Nevertheless, swallowing disorders associated with the use of HFNC have been postulated. However, such evidence is scattered in the literature, not systematically searched, and needs to be adequately summarised. This review aimed to explore the literature, to identify and map the evidence, regarding the frequency and methods of assessment of swallowing disorders in adult HFNC users, in both critical and non-critical units. A scoping review will be conducted. A systematic search in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CENTRAL, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and other resources will be conducted. Primary studies, in any language or publication status, assessing the incidence of swallowing disorders in adults with HFNC support will be included. Two reviewers will independently select studies and extract data. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. The results will be reported narratively, using tables and figures to support them. Positive end-expiratory pressure generated in the airway by HFNC could impair the proper swallowing performance. Knowing the methodological characteristics, the instruments or scales used to assess the presence of dysphagia, and the results of the studies may contribute to considering swallowing assessment in this population on a routine basis, as well as to guide the conduct of new studies that may respond to less researched areas in this topic. Registration number: INPLASY2022110078.

Healthcare provider-targeted mobile applications to diagnose, screen, or monitor communicable diseases of public health importance in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Communicable diseases remain a leading cause of death and disability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). mHealth technologies carry considerable promise for managing these disorders within resource-poor settings, but many existing applications exclusively represent digital versions of existing guidelines or clinical calculators, communication facilitators, or patient self-management tools. We thus systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central for studies published between January 2007 and October 2019 involving technologies that were mobile phone- or tablet-based; able to screen for, diagnose, or monitor a communicable disease of importance in LMICs; and targeted health professionals as primary users. We excluded technologies that digitized existing paper-based tools or facilitated communication (i.e., knowledge-based algorithms). Extracted data included disease category, pathogen type, diagnostic method, intervention purpose, study/target population, sample size, study methodology, development stage, accessory requirement, country of development, operating system, and cost. Given the search timeline, studies involving COVID-19 were not included in the analysis. Of 13,262 studies identified by the screen, 33 met inclusion criteria. 12% were randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with 58% of publications representing technical descriptions. 62% of studies had 100 or fewer subjects. All studied technologies involved diagnosis or screening steps; none addressed the monitoring of infections. 52% focused on priority diseases (HIV, malaria, tuberculosis), but only 12% addressed a neglected tropical disease. Although most reported studies were priced under 20USD at time of publication, two thirds of the records did not yet specify a cost for the study technology. We conclude that there are only a small number of mHealth technologies focusing on innovative methods of screening and diagnosing communicable diseases potentially of use in LMICs. Rigorous RCTs, analyses with large sample size, and technologies assisting in the monitoring of diseases are needed.

A Critical Review of Contemporary Trends and Challenges in Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) has evolved from an administrative role to a strategic partner in business goals. Cultural, technological, and economic shifts have driven this trend. This academic paper examines current HRM trends and challenges to emphasize their relevance.HR analytics and AI have transformed human resource management (HRM) by enabling evidence-based decision-making, improving recruitment, and increasing employee engagement. This shift allows Human Resource Management (HRM) to align human efforts with corporate objectives, moving from an administrative role to a strategic partner in organizational decision-making. Globalization requires Human Resource Management to manage diverse and cross-cultural workforces. Current talent acquisition, communication facilitation, and dispute resolution need cultural awareness, emphasizing the importance of global capabilities for HR professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated remote work, requiring HRM practices to adjust quickly. HR experts have adjusted recruitment, onboarding, virtual team collaboration, and mental health aid. These adjustments demonstrate the relevance of HRM in crisis management, corporate resilience, and employee well-being. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly significant, with HRM promoting diversity and inclusivity. Human Resource Management (HRM) promotes justice and inclusion across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment through career advancement. In conclusion, HRM's dynamic interaction with technology, globalization, remote work, and DEI efforts shows its strategic importance in managing complexity and seizing opportunities. Organizations must adapt their HRM methods to modern trends to ensure long-term profitability in a rapidly changing global economy. Keywords: Human Resource Management (HRM), Technology Integration, Globalization Impact, Remote Work, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Organizational Resilience

노인요양병원 간호사의 촉진적 의사소통능력, 노인돌봄태도와 노인간호실천과의 관계에서 도덕적 민감성의 매개효과

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate moral sensitivity and their mediating effects on the relationship among facilitative communication, attitude toward caring and performing older adult care in geriatric hospital nurses.
 Method : In total, 202 individuals participated in the cross-sectional study. Data were collected from August to October 2022 using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using multiple regression and a simple mediation model applying the PROCESS Macro with 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval( 5,000 bootstrap resampling).
 Result : Older adult care performance was significantly associated with facilitative communication (r＝.88, p＜.001), attitude toward caring (r＝.76, p＜.001), and moral sensitivity (r＝.68, p＜.001). Using PROCESS Macro Model 4, care performance was found to be directly affected by facilitative communication (β＝.88, p＜.001) and attitude toward caring (β＝.76, p＜.001). Moral sensitivity was directly affected by facilitative communication (β＝.67, p＜.001) and attitude toward caring (β＝.75, p＜.001). The partial mediating effects of moral sensitivity (β＝.76, p＜.001, 95% confidence interval 0.06∼0.19) in facilitative communication’s impact on care performance and (β＝.57, p＜.001, 95% confidence interval 0.11∼0.38) on the impact of attitude toward caring on older adult care performance were confirmed.
 Conclusion : The findings indicate that education strategies that can simultaneously increase facilitative communication, attitude toward caring and moral sensitivity are more effective when developing education programs that enhance the care performance of geriatric hospital nurses. Cultivating moral sensitivity will further promote geriatric hospital nurses' older adult care performance.

Analysis of the Role of Public Relations in Managing Brand Association Nature Republic

This research is about the analysis of public relations in managing the nature republic brand association. In this study, the role of public relations was found according to Dozier and Broom, as communication facilitators and communication technicians as public relations practitioners. This happens, because many skin care products have sprung up that have the same concept and purpose. The method used is qualitative descriptive, with data collection techniques of interviews, observation, and documentation. This research uses Emille Durkheim's functional theory in overcoming problems that arise, companies need public relations that can establish communication between companies and consumers. Based on the results of research and data analysis conducted, it was concluded that public relations through innovation, namely the official website of the naturerepublic.id in managing the nature republic brand association, keeps communication channels open so that company information and consumer desires are fulfilled

Comprehensive Use of a Multifunction Software Tool to Facilitate Education and Communication of Treatment-Related Distress in Patients with Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy

Real-time reporting of patient-reported cancer radiation treatment symptoms via mobile app or computer-based system can improve communication with the Clinical Care Team (CCT) however single-purpose solutions can be impractical. This study describes use of multifunction software and associated patient satisfaction. Patients receiving thoracic, pelvic, or bone radiation therapy at a provincial cancer agency were asked to enroll and receive training on app use. Clinical teams can send tailored educational materials (12 PDFs, 1 file linking patients to facility resources pertinent to treatment). During active treatment, the CCT also uses the software to administer the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) questionnaire once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Patients can also complete it ad hoc. The ESAS asks patients to report function across 10 domains using an 11-point scale (range 0-10); the version within the app is enhanced by programmed clinical alerts correlated to the response. When patients report pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or depression as a 7 or 8, then the response is flagged as "urgent"; if patients report a 9 or 10 then it is an "emergency". All the other items are considered "urgent" if the patient reports a 9 or 10. Upon completing the questionnaire, patients with flagged responses receive programmed recommendations, and a CCT member follows up with further instructions. Additionally, the software triages patient responses in order of urgency on the CCT's dashboard. Patients also have ad hoc use of a diary, to record any personal information, and the ability to securely communicate medical and non-medical information with the CCT. Patient satisfaction with the software was assessed by randomly asking patients with active accounts >30 days, "How likely are you to recommend (software name) to another patient" using an 11-point scale. Data for 180 days of software use were downloaded (Jan. 17) and analyzed descriptively. Patients (n = 1,647) were sent educational information and 69.94% opened the files in less than 1 day; the median time to open was 2 hours. The ESAS was completed by 561 patients a total of 2,452 times (mean = 4.37). The CCT received 39 (1.59%) emergency alerts and 299 (12.19%) urgent alerts. The diary and secure communication features were used by 5.32% of patients. The mean satisfaction score was 7.87 (n = 176); 88 patients (50.00%) rated the app a 9 (n = 17; 9.66%) or 10 (n = 71; 40.34%). The implementation of patient-facing multifunction software to those receiving radiation has, so far, been a success because it complements standard treatment care, facilitates CCT-patient partnership, enhances continuity of care, and is well-liked by patients.

Using occupational therapy principles and practice to support independent message generation by individuals using AAC instead of facilitated communication

Facilitated communication (FC) has been a heavily debated and documented topic across multiple disciplines, including sociology, education, psychology, pediatrics, speech-language pathology, and disability studies. Although many professionals from various disciplines and advocates have offered opinions, suggestions, and research on the topic, there has been minimal input from the occupational therapy (OT) profession. The lack of OT input is noteworthy as OTs are experts in enabling upper extremity performance and independence through a variety of training, adaptation and modification strategies, and use of external supports. Because of their professional code of ethics and a specific knowledge base, OTs are uniquely positioned to provide a host of ethical and evidence-based strategies that enable independent access to communication technology. The consideration of multiple access options is contrary to the typical facilitated encounter where facilitators exclusively choose to manipulate an upper extremity in order for letters to be selected on a display or keyboard. The purpose of this paper is threefold: (a) To offer insight into the standard of care by OTs including their ethical standards; (b) to identify varied accommodations that enable access using a feature-matching standard of care that eliminates the need for a facilitator; and (c) to highlight how to increase independent assistive technology/augmentative and alternative communication access, thus dissuading the need or use of facilitated access to letters.

Communication preferences and perceptions of cancer patient during their first medical oncology appointment.

The first medical oncology appointment serves as a platform for patients to comprehend their diagnosis and prognostic implications of cancer. This study aimed to determine patients' communication preferences during their first medical oncology appointment and to assess the disparities between patients' preferences and perceptions. A total of 169 cancer patients participated by completing the Communication in First Medical Oncology Appointment Questionnaire (C-FAQ), a two-section questionnaire designed to assess patients' preferences and perceptions regarding Content (information provided and its extent), Facilitation (timing and location of information delivery), and Support (emotional support) during their first medical oncology appointment. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the variations between preferences and perceptions. Content emerged as the most significant dimension compared to Facilitation and Support. The physician's knowledge, honesty, and ability to provide clear information were considered the most important attributes. Patients evaluated most of their preferences as "very important". Patients' perception of the communication dimensions present during their appointment was below preferences for 11 items, indicating significant discrepancies in clinical practice. Patients highly valued their preferences concerning Content, Facilitation, and Support dimensions of communication. However, patient preferences were more prominently oriented towards the Content dimension. The discrepancies between preferences and perceptions should be viewed as an opportunity for enhancing communication skills through training.

Setting the Bar Behind Bars

As a continent with over 2 000 indigenous languages, Africa is complex regarding linguistic diversity. Whereas fluency in a major language is vital for communication in most bureaucratic, legislative and governmental environments, this skill is sometimes lacking in certain sensitive areas in Africa, such as prison facilities and courts. The term prisoner interpreting refers to the facilitation of communication by an interpreter between a prisoner or detainee and another party who do not share a common language; however, research regarding prisoner interpreting is currently marked by a huge hiatus. The aim of this study was to describe what prisoner interpreting in Nigeria and South Africa may entail; it was undertaken due to the lack of research in this domain. The setting is contextualised by providing background on community interpreting for prisoners and the substandard prison environment, and the necessary communicative competence required of interpreters is investigated. It was found that cultural considerations and dialectal differences are prominent factors to keep in mind when interpreting for prisoners. Power dynamics are examined, the first finding being that language status is problematic if a major language – in this case, English – is privileged above others. Moreover, it was determined that there are often large power gaps between parties. Regarding responsibility and role, it was established that parties in the interaction often have conflicting goals and the interpreter is tasked with deciding whether to comply with norms, or to challenge them. It can be deduced that prisoner interpreting in both Nigeria and in South Africa constitute unique challenges and require the community interpreter to meet a significantly high standard of expectations.

Dynamics of interdisciplinarity: a microlevel analysis of communication and facilitation in a group model‐building workshop

AbstractParticipatory system dynamics is assumed to generate inter‐ and transdisciplinary understanding and whole‐system perspectives via scripted workshop structure, facilitation, and the use of visual boundary objects. However, there is little research into how exactly workshop activities and facilitators affect communication dynamics during a workshop and create an interdisciplinary perspective. Thus, we offer an innovative dynamic understanding via a rare microlevel analysis of facilitation and dynamics of communication and interdisciplinarity in a group model‐building workshop. We investigate how the conversation focus unfolds over time and examine in depth disciplinary transitions as well as the facilitator's role. We also analyse participants' perceptions of interdisciplinarity from the workshop and provide a research framework for workshop microlevel analysis. Based on the workshop's heritage science setting, we discuss the recursive nature of generating joint meaning and the use of participatory system dynamics for managing interdisciplinarity in a research project and make recommendations. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.

288 Carers in transition: a support group for dementia carers whose spouse is transitioning to Long Term Care

Abstract Background In Ireland, an estimated 32% of people with dementia (PwD) are about to move to Long-Term Care (LTC). For spousal dementia carers, the transition to LTC is their greatest period of grief. Spousal dementia carers deal with changes in their relationship, identity, and role, when their spouse prepares to enter LTC. The Carers’ Transition Group (CTG) supports spousal carers in processing grief, educates about dementia and what to expect as their caring role evolves, signposts to resources, and supports improvement of overall well-being. The group is comprised of spousal carers of PwD who are currently patients of a Mental Health Service for Older Persons, transitioning to LTC. Methods Feedback on the Group was obtained via participant questionnaires and an assessment tool based on the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) administered pre-and-post, to ensure both the sessions and associated tools accurately reflected members identified needs. Results Group member feedback was very positive in regard to session content, group size and structure, and facilitator communication. Several participants expressed that simply hearing that others had experiences similar to their own as comforting. Conclusion The CTG highlights the need for research and development of psychosocial and psychoeducational interventions that provide support throughout the caring journey. Findings indicate an overall positive experience, with respondents expressing that sharing emotions and experiences, and feeling understood as the most beneficial element.

The role of information communication technologies on African indigenous knowledge systems: Folktales

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) are values that were passed among African generations by word of mouth. Despite the Fourth Industrial Revolution's (4IR) facilitation of rapid communication for every aspect of society, many Africans have not embraced it to store AIKS, mainly due to concerns over biases and prejudices embedded in aspects like information and communication technologies (ICTs). Using decoloniality theory, this paper aims to show the importance of AIKS, which faces extinction due to the combined effects of the deaths of members of the old generation and acculturation. In the methodology section, Afrocentricity, which celebrates rootedness in African culture and history, was used together with storytelling as a means to examine the perceptions of Afrocentric scholars as revealed in their folktale works that were analyzed qualitatively. Results revealed that lack of exposure to ICTs is one of the main reasons for the scant AIKS virtual literature. Many African people do not have access to other needs like food, education, clothing, electricity, and shelter, which effectively renders ICTs ‘secondary, yet access to information and participation are fundamental rights. We urge stakeholders to implement policies that promote the preservation of AIKS in electronic repositories. Memory devices and other ICT accessories should be responsive to African cultures. Investment in ICT infrastructure and training, reliable electricity, and addressing all the basics are critical.

Menstrual cycle characteristics, perceived impact on performance, and barriers to communication: Perspectives of high-performance adolescent athletes in Singapore.

The purpose of this study was to examine the menstrual cycle (MC) characteristics, explore the impact on performance, and identify barriers to and facilitators of MC-related communication among high-performance female adolescent athletes in Singapore. Ninety athletes (15.4 ± 1.8 years) from multiple sports completed an online questionnaire. Eighty-four athletes were postmenarcheal (menarcheal age 11.9 ± 1.3 years), including two who were using an oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Secondary amenorrhea, current or history of, was self-reported in 16% of athletes. Sixty-two percent and 67% of non-OCP athletes perceived that the MC affected their ability to train and compete, respectively. Athletes preferred speaking to a parent (85%) and a female figure (67%) about MC-related concerns. Through thematic analysis, three barriers to communication were constructed: (1) pervasive menstrual stigma, (2) constraints of the training environment, and (3) the low value placed on MC-related conversations. Two facilitators of communication were constructed: (1) respect athletes' individual experiences as menstruating girls and (2) foster a safe space for MC-related conversations. Findings demonstrated that menstrual irregularities are common in adolescent athletes and screening for MC disorders, particularly primary amenorrhea should be undertaken in this population, with clear support pathways for management including symptom mitigation. To support athletes in raising MC-related concerns when needed, structured communication pathways that consider individual preferences and involve a (female) point of contact should be established within the training environment. Improving menstrual health literacy among adolescent athletes before any misinformation or negative perceptions are firmly established may contribute to longevity in their athletic careers.