Community-based Efforts Research Articles

Impact of war on the environment: ecocide

This paper reviews the militaristic consequences on Mother Earth and in particular ecocide or the mass degradation of the biological forms in regards to war. Wars are recorded from the ancient Egyptian dynasty to the modern era, and all are left concerning effects on mother nature such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water, and air pollution. Some conflicts that are especially noted are the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and contemporary wars in Ukraine which are considered as examples of ecocide in today’s context. To provide a clearer understanding of our methodology, we employed a comprehensive literature review approach. This involved systematically analyzing existing studies that document the environmental impacts of warfare across various historical and contemporary conflicts. We categorized the findings based on specific environmental consequences, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Additionally, we incorporated case studies from significant wars to illustrate patterns of ecocide. The paper looks at how environmental hazard is performed through wars such as direct environmental destructive activities like bombings migration of populations and their needs and socio-economic pursuits. Legal instruments especially those at the international level and international environmental law concerning ecocide as a developing crime are also examined for the problem of ecological injustice. Finally, the review looks at rehabilitation and reconstruction measures including community-based efforts like reforestation and the restoration of ecosystems. The paper finally ends by advocating the threats of international ecocide by calling for international cooperation and treaties on ecocide and no environmental degradation in post-war countries.

Conserving Traditional Medicinal Plants Amidst Deforestation: Insights from Fakai, Nigeria

Deforestation and vegetation loss can trigger various environmental issues, including climate change, desertification, soil erosion, reduced crop yields, loss of vegetation cover, flooding, and other related problems. The study was conducted to examine the impact of deforestation on traditional medicinal plants in the Fakai local government area of Kebbi state. Two out of four districts in Fakai were chosen for their relevance to the study. Data was gathered through questionnaires and in-depth interviews and subsequently analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and charts. The research findings showed that diverse plant species and their parts have been used to treat various ailments since time immaterial. Additionally, it was discovered that deforestation poses a significant threat to plants, particularly traditional medicinal plants in treating multiple diseases. This threat stems from the community's ongoing tree felling for commercial wood fuel harvesting, charcoal production, and bush burning to expand agricultural lands. The study also revealed that measures to curb deforestation were either non-existent or ineffective. The research concluded that while most of the studied community relies on traditional plants for treating health-related issues, human activities are detrimental to this practice, and there is a lack of stringent measures to address deforestation. The study recommends implementing community-based conservation efforts and promoting alternative energy sources to curb deforestation. Other interventions may include seedlings provision, poverty eradication, and legal action against illegal logging to ensure the sustainable use of medicinal plants.

Breaking Barriers with Data Equity: The Essential Role of Data Disaggregation in Achieving Health Equity.

Achieving health equity necessitates high-quality data to address disparities that have remained stagnant or even worsened over time despite public health interventions. Data disaggregation, the breakdown of data into detailed subcategories, is crucial in health disparities research. It reveals and contextualizes hidden trends and patterns about marginalized populations and guides resource allocation and program development for specific needs in these populations. Data disaggregation underpins data equity, which uses community engagement to democratize data and develop better solutions for communities. Years of research on disaggregation show that researchers must collaborate closely with communities for adequate representation. However, despite generally positive support for this approach in health disparities research, data disaggregation faces methodological and political challenges. This review offers a framework for understanding data disaggregation in the context of data equity and highlights critical aspects of implementation, including challenges, opportunities, and recent policy and community-based efforts to address hurdles.

Meeting People Where They Are: Building Community-Centered Care with Smartphone-Facilitated Response to Overdoses

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 members who engaged in community-based effort to reverse overdoses using a smartphone-based app in an Eastern United States (U.S.) city. Drawing from feminist ethics of care, we identify how the caring practices of community members extend from administering a medical intervention to building trust and support between the care receivers and caregivers in the case of opioid overdose response. Contrary to the predominant patient-centered care paradigm, we emphasize community-centered care, which acknowledges the resistance of individuals and attends to reallocating caring responsibility and building relationships within the community. Our results highlight how trust intersects with social ecologies of care in the highly stigmatized context of opioid overdose and that trustful and less hierarchical relationships are critical sources of care for groups experiencing marginalization. We discuss applying harm reduction principles in designing health technologies for substance use disorders. We also discuss research and design opportunities for community-centered design for marginalized individuals and community caregivers.

The Influence of Consumption of Mackerel Nugget on Changes in Anthropometric Status of Stunting Toddler in Rembang Health Center

One of the nutritional problems experienced by Indonesian people is stunting. Stunting is a severe nutritional problem where the impact of stunting can occur in the short term or long term. The consequences of stunting can increase morbidity and mortality during infancy, and lower psychological cognitive function during school years. One real community-based effort that can be made to accelerate overcoming the problem of stunting is by implementing nutritional interventions through a food diversification program from mackerel in the form of nuggets. This research aims to analyze the effect of consuming mackerel nuggets on changes in the anthropometric status of stunted toddlers at the Rembang Community Health Center. This research uses a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-post-test design. The samples in this study were some stunted toddlers in the work area of the Rembang Health Center, Pasuruan Regency from October 2023 to December 2023 who met the research criteria, consisting of 30 respondents. The sampling technique used is probability sampling with simple random sampling. The data analysis test was carried out using the Wilcoxon sign rank test From the results of the research data analysis, it can be concluded that there is an influence of consumption of mackerel nuggets on changes in the anthropometric status of stunted toddlers with an Asymp Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.000 < significance α (0.05) The use of mackerel fish processed in the form of nuggets can be used as an alternative in providing complementary food to stunted toddlers. Food diversification is the key to success in increasing the appetite of stunted toddlers, whereby by increasing the appetite experienced by toddlers, the problem of stunting will be easier to solve. Keywords: Nugget, Mackerel Fish, Toddlers, Stunting, Anthropometrics

CULTIVATING TRUST IN RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS WITH OLDER ADULTS ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONTINUUM

Abstract Community-engaged research is essential for identifying and supporting the needs of an aging society and ensuring effective translation of research findings. While not a new idea to the field of gerontology, engaged research models and frameworks are expanding, and researchers are seeing increased access to initiatives for building and sustaining community-engaged research programs. This symposium will feature emerging and established projects across multiple levels of the continuum of engagement, from informing, consulting, involving, collaborating, and ultimately to co-creating. Kim et al. will describe efforts to co-create programming and educational materials with and for Alaska Native caregivers, focusing on decolonizing methodologies. Halvorsen will showcase an ongoing academic-organizational partnership created to increase the research and evaluation capacity of a national nonprofit organization and its grantees. Gan will describe how diverse community members were engaged to understand and meet gaps in cognitive health promotion, resulting in the pilot of a mindful discussion program. Guest et al. will present on the formation and fruitful efforts of a resident advisory board at the University Based Retirement Community, sharing best practices for sustaining engagement. Mahmood et al. will report on a community-based participatory effort evaluating the role of built environment on mobility access across five cities in the Vancouver area. These exemplars will launch the symposium into a discussion about the utility of engaging older adults across the continuum, illustrating effective strategies for establishing trusted academic-community partnerships. We invite attendees to consider the value of this heuristic framework to plan and design fit-for-purpose community-engaged research projects. Community Engaged Research Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

The Contribution of Environmental Diplomacy to Disaster Risk Reduction

This study critically examines the contribution of environmental diplomacy in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing its importance in mitigating the impacts of natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. As global environmental challenges increase, the intersection of international diplomatic efforts and DRR becomes essential for promoting resilience and reducing vulnerabilities. Through a comprehensive analysis of the UNDRR Frameworks, this research investigates how environmental diplomacy contributes to DRR by facilitating international cooperation, enhancing resource allocation, and fostering knowledge dissemination. The study employs an interpretive qualitative inductive methodology, incorporating case studies to identify best practices and challenges in aligning environmental diplomacy with DRR objectives. Findings reveal that robust environmental diplomacy significantly enhances disaster preparedness by promoting cross-border collaboration, accelerating access to climate finance, and integrating local capacities into global frameworks. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of implementation gaps, accessibility to financial resources, and the representation of vulnerable nations in decision-making processes. Key recommendations include strengthening international diplomatic engagements, streamlining climate finance mechanisms, and promoting regional cooperation to address shared risks. Additionally, the study advocates for integrating DRR into national development policies, enhancing community-based resilience efforts, and improving monitoring and evaluation systems to track DRR progress. The research concludes that by reinforcing the synergies between environmental diplomacy and DRR, the global community can better address the increasing risks posed by climate-related disasters and build more sustainable, resilient societies

Project Double Barrel: Crime Rate and Experiences of the Implementers in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay

This study aimed to determine the crime rate in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay in the calendar years 2013-2015 and 2016-2018. Specifically, this study described the index and non-index crimes prior to and during the implementation of the project double barrel and whether significant differences existed on the crime profiles prior to and during the project. It also aimed to identify the experiences encountered by the imple-menters of the project under CMC 16 2. 2016. Archived data were taken from police blotters and crime statistics given by the PNP Personnel in Diplahan Police Station and employed the qualita-tive design using in-depth interview to generate and explore the experiences of the PNP Personnel and Barangay Captains before and during the implementation of the project. Thematic analysis was then applied to generate codes and themes that described the experiences of the participant-interviewees. Findings re-vealed the decrease in index crimes, which include serious of-fenses like murder, theft, and robbery, suggests an improvement in public safety. The heightened police presence and visibility likely acted as a deterrent to violent and property crimes, con-tributing to a more secure environment in public areas. There is a need for a multifaceted approach to improving law enforce-ment's effectiveness and ethical standards in addressing drug-related crimes. Integration of advanced technologies and en-hanced coordination among agencies to improve operations and monitoring capabilities and collaboration with external organi-zations focuses on rehabilitation and prevention, while inde-pendent oversight mechanisms and regular reviews are also needed to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement of policies and drug related operations. Stronger collaboration between police, local governments, NGOs, and health organizations is also necessary to reinforce community-based rehabilitation efforts and preventive measures. Providing mental health support for officers is equally important, as it im-proves their well-being, reduces burnout, and fosters ethical de-cision-making under high-pressure situations. Comprehensive training for officers is vital to prepare them for the complexities of the drug campaign, improving operational effectiveness and promoting accountability within the force.

Environmental impact of solid waste landfilling in Balochistan-A risk assessment for SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the most common wastes that need disposal. However, landfilling is still the most commonly practiced method of waste disposal, but it poses great threats to the environment. This article will look at the major environmental effects of landfilling with a focus on Pakistan and Balochistan province in particular. Emerging projects related to improvement of waste management systems in these areas will also be discussed together with the existing solid waste management challenges. Groundwater pollution, emission of landfill gases to air and adverse effects of poor waste handling on human health and other living organisms are some of the issues that shall be covered in this review. Additionally, advancements in waste-to-energy technologies, recycling initiatives, and community-based waste management efforts aimed at mitigating these impacts shall also be considered as possible solutions in order to achieve the sustainability development goals including SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land).

Youth Violence in Urban Ethiopia: Forms, Risk Factors and Preventive Mechanisms in Hawassa and Shashemene Cities

Youth violence negatively impacts physical, emotional, and social well-being, hindering development, decision-making, learning, and relationships. Holistic and interdisciplinary approaches are needed to mitigate this issue. This research aims to investigate forms, risk factors, and preventive mechanisms of youth violence in Hawassa and Shashemene cities. The research utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design with a mixed-method approach. The study included 400 survey respondents, 16 focus group discussants across two sessions, and 7 in-depth interviewees. As the findings reveal, youth involvement in violence spans from perpetration to victimization. Among the total respondents, 289 self-reported that they have perpetrated various forms of physical, verbal, sexual, economic, and media violence within the past 12 months. The primary reported risk factors for youth violence include attitudes that condone violence (64.25%), insufficient parental control (59%), elevated rates of unemployment (67.25%), and a fragile rule of law (81.25%), which respectively represent the leading factor from the individual, relational, community, and societal risk domains as per the social-ecological model. The findings indicate that institutional and community-based efforts to address and mitigate the issue remain in their early stages. The study areas lack nearly all essential elements of youth violence prevention and intervention programs. The study concludes that youth violence is a more visible issue that affects both society and the youth in the study areas. Without preventive efforts, the highlighted risk factors may further increase the likelihood of youth engagement in violence. Thus, the study recommends the establishment of integrated and inclusive programs and strategies to effectively address the problem such as community awareness campaigns, parental counselling services, school-based interventions, and strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions among others

Impact of ecological education and environmental awareness on sustainable practices in Kosovo: An analytical study

An investigation into the influence that ecological education and environmental consciousness have on the perspectives that persons in Kosovo have toward environmental issues is the focus of this study. In the context of Kosovo, a region facing environmental issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste management problems, the need for effective environmental education and heightened awareness is particularly evident. For the purpose of this study, a complete survey is administered to individuals in order to determine the levels of ecological education, awareness, and associated environmental attitudes. The total number of participants in the research was 302, both genders (F = 51.3% & M = 48.7%). The sample was divided into three groups according to age: 18-30 years (42%), 31-45 years (42%), and above 45 years (16%). The education level of the participants was also registered; 86.5% of them had higher education levels. Most of the participants were from urban areas (65%) rather than rural areas (35%). Results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant differences in ecological education and awareness based on educational level but not on gender or residency. According to the data, there is a favorable association between higher levels of education and increasing environmental awareness and knowledge. Additionally, the research found that there is a negative relationship between ecological education and pollution levels. This finding lends credence to the notion that increased ecological education is a factor that contributes to improved environmental circumstances. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating ecological education throughout all levels of education and implementing community-based efforts to encourage environmentally responsible behaviors and practices. Proposals for those in charge of policymaking in order to improve the efficiency of ecological education and to urge individuals to take responsibility for the environment over the long term should be encouraged to do so.

Breeding sites, migration paths and phylogenetic relationships of mosquitoes in seven cities in northern and southern China.

Mosquito-borne diseases have wreaked havoc on human health, with consequences dramatically increasing in recent years. The incidence of mosquito-borne diseases is closely linked to the locations that are chosen for urban development. The aim of this study was to provide characteristics of mosquito breeding sites in northern and southern China and to document the most important arbovirus vectors found in the study area, the evidence generated here is critical for early prevention and control inter ventions. This research involved a random selection of various sites across four provinces, spanning both the northern and southern regions of China. The dwellings and accessible water storage containers in these sites were investigated to detect the presence of immature mosquitoes. Samples were then collected, mosquitoes were nurtured to adulthood, and the species that were present were identified. A total of 1 249 samples were collected during this survey of the mosquito breeding sites. A total of 80 samples were processed using the Chelex method to extract mosquito DNA from all the samples. The ITS2 gene fragment was then amplified by PCR and sequenced. A subsequent BLAST comparison allowed the identification of the mosquito species, and MEGA11 software was used for phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that there were four species of mosquitoes, including Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Lutzia fuscanus and Armigeres subalbatus. The primary mosquito breeding grounds in the four provinces of China consisted of storm drains, discarded containers, garbage bins, and areas with standing water. Still-water environments, such as rice fields were the primary breeding locations in the southern cities. In contrast, in the northern regions, most breeding occurred at construction sites, and in similar water-prone areas. The most prevalent mosquitoes in the four provinces of China were of the genus Aedes, with a significant number originating from Fujian Province, China. This information sheds light on the migration patterns of mosquitoes and significantly enhances community-based protection measures and mobilization efforts.

ENHANCING TUBERCULOSIS CASE FINDING THROUGH SULI SIMULATOR APP: A CASE STUDY IN LUBUKLINGGAU CITY, SOUTH SUMATERA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge and is included as one of the targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TB case finding in Lubuklinggau City decreased from 967 in 2019 to 273 (24,37%) in 2020. Aims: This study aims to analyze the TB disease management program strategy implementation in contact investigation activities by utilizing the SULI SIMULATOR application. Method: A qualitative design with a participatory action research (PAR) approach was employed, involving focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with 36 informants, and document review. Data were validated using triangulation methods and sources, followed by thematic analysis. Result: The findings revealed that, in terms of input, some PHC lacked analysts in their human resources. In terms of process, the successful implementation of the TB disease prevention program, with the application of SULI SIMULATOR for TB contact investigation, led to an increase in the case detection rate (CDR) to 255 cases (22.76%) in 2021 compared to the previous year's 237 patients (21.16%). Conclusion: The active involvement of the community and family is crucial in promoting early detection of TB cases through contact investigation activities, as well as providing support for treatment in family and community-based health efforts

Sanitary sewer overflows, household sewage backups, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria: the new frontier of environmental health risks and disasters

Abstract Untreated sewage discharges leading to environmental contamination are increasingly common in communities across the globe. The cause of these discharges ranges from sewer lines in disrepair, blockages, and in the era of more extreme wet weather events, the infiltration of stormwater into the system during heavy downpours. Regardless of the driver of these events, the aftermath results in raw sewage spilling into local waterways, city streets, and commercial and residential structures. Historical research in public health has thoroughly documented the connection between exposure to untreated sewage and waterborne disease. Recent research has detected antibiotic-resistant bacteria at wastewater treatment facilities at a time when deaths by antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. However, no research has explored the exposure pathways of antibiotic-resistant bacteria during sanitary sewer overflows and household-level sewage backups. In this commentary, we aim to introduce this new frontier of environmental health risks and disasters. To do this, we describe the history of modern sanitation and sewer infrastructure with a particular focus on wastewater infrastructure in the U.S. We also explore emerging risks and current methods for identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. We end with future directions for interdisciplinary scholarship at the nexus of urban planning, engineering, and public health by introducing the Water Emergency Team (WET) Project. WET is a community-based multi-method effort to identify environmental risks in the aftermath of household backups through (1) residential surveys, (2) indoor visual inspections, (3) environmental sampling, and (4) laboratory processing and reporting. Our hope is that by introducing this comprehensive approach to environmental risks analysis, other scholars will join us in this effort and ultimately towards addressing this grand challenge of our time.

Modeling the evolution of community structure by the dynamic network analysis: Sustainability transition in Kyoto Eco-School Districts, Japan

Sustainability transition increasingly relies on local institutional settings and community-based efforts where local agencies play pivotal roles. A significant gap lies in understanding the dynamic interplay among community-based organizations over time that shape evolving strategic collaborations in different stages to drive local institutional change. This study adopts a dynamic network approach to map the evolving community structure, identify key organizations, and detect collaboration patterns among local actors by the case study of Kyoto, Japan. Furthermore, it explores the influence of significant events and policies on the network evolution. The study uncovers three main findings. Firstly, a three-stage evolution of the local network is concluded that presents incremental change towards an expanding, decentralized community structure, forming collaborative governance. Secondly, five collaboration patterns and their dynamics are revealed, reflecting evolving strategic alliances that play different roles in leveraging resources throughout the process. Thirdly, the effects of policies and events on the network are well reflected and explained through matching the time series data. The Kyoto case uncovers hidden community dynamics that illuminate local pathways to sustainable practices, offering guidance for policymaking and practices that resonate more broadly with globally relevant contexts.

Beyond catching fish: exploring community-based management efforts to restore a Sub-Arctic lake in Norway

Across the world, local communities are actively engaging in management and monitoring of natural resources. The underlying driver of most community-driven efforts goes beyond the utilizations of natural resources to entail a deeper relation to the place or ecosystem they are managing. The aim of this study is to understand what motivates a local volunteer group to spend considerable amount of time and resources to manage and restore a subarctic lake. We used a case study approach combining analysis of documents, participant observation and semi-structured interviews to explore their narrative. The findings show that values, such as care, responsibility, and stewardship, were the primary motivation of this effort and its ultimate goal. The project also promoted relational values like social cohesion, cultural identity, and knowledge-sharing. Despite no longer being essential for subsistence, the lake retains cultural and social significance, highlighting the need to document informal community-based monitoring and management practices for understanding ecological dynamics. The implications include the importance of recognizing relational values in shaping behaviour towards nature for achieving sustainability.

An interrupted time series analysis of fentanyl, naloxone, and opioid-involved deaths in five counties in Eastern Missouri

IntroductionRates of opioid overdose deaths (OOD) have increased since the introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl in the U.S. drug supply. Though community-based naloxone distribution efforts have been found to effectively reduce OOD, no studies to date have examined their effects during the fentanyl era, nor in the epicenter of a state's overdose crisis. Thus, the current study assessed the impacts of both fentanyl and of subsequent grant-funded community-based naloxone distribution on OOD across Missouri's St. Louis region. MethodsMedical examiner data includes individuals who died within one of the five study counties (St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles counties [combined as “Collar Counties”]) between 2011 and 2022 due to an opioid overdose (N = 6,799). Naloxone distribution date and location data came from Missouri's university-based naloxone distribution team. We conducted a controlled interrupted time series using an autoregressive model via proc ARIMA to examine changes over time in the rate of OOD associated with the introduction of fentanyl (defined to be present in 25% of opioid overdose deaths; June 2015) and the start of naloxone distribution for each location (August 2017, October 2017, and January 2018, respectively). ResultsThe introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply of St. Louis City was associated with an increased rate of OOD over time (p < .001). Naloxone distribution in the City was associated with an immediate decrease in OOD (p < .001) followed by a slowed increase in OOD (p < .001). These findings were not replicated in St. Louis County nor the Collar Counties. ConclusionsThe effects of fentanyl and naloxone on OOD varied by region in Eastern Missouri. Specifically, fentanyl and naloxone effects were only found in a high-need urban area with existing harm reduction and street outreach programs, but not in surrounding suburban or rural areas. State-level naloxone distribution decision-makers should prioritize funding harm reduction services in both urban and non-urban settings to help increase targeted naloxone distribution to those actively using drugs. Additionally, interventions tailored for people who engage in solitary drug use - such as safe consumption spaces and overdose detection technologies - should receive increased investment and implementation, particularly in rural areas where harm reduction infrastructure is more scarce.

Learning From Community-Based Efforts Toward Shared Responsibility for Climate and Environmental Justice

In this exploratory inquiry, the research team investigates community-based data practices in climate and environmental justice initiatives. We set out to learn from the long history and current activities of communities seeking to hold corporate and government actors responsible to enact care for the climate and environment (e.g., monitoring air quality and waterways affected by petrochemical industries). Through a critical intersectional care ethics lens, we follow how groups respond to harms to ecosystems and seek healing, positioning their epistemic authority as they work with data (e.g., Ottinger, 2023; Puig de la Bellacasa, 2017). This work draws insights from inquiries which have examined how communities engage with climate action and efforts toward environmental sustainability (e.g., dos Santos et al., 2024; Kaczmarek, 2023; Nathan, 2012). Through a poster reporting on preliminary research, we share early analyses highlighting communities’ labor of resisting corporate delay, denial, and other dis- and mal-information practices, which slow or block urgently needed action and truth-telling. Methods involve analysis of archival records created by and about communities affected by the Love Canal toxic waste crisis in Western New York. The project aims to appreciate differences and similarities in community-based data practices, identifying further possibilities for information professionals and libraries, archives, and museums to uphold these data practices and associated knowledge and memory work, research, and storytelling. In turn, the team proposes future work to trace the development of community-based practices with climate and environmental data over time.

Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination among Eligible Adults in Abuja, Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study Using the WHO Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination Framework.

Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, Nigeria still faces significant COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, with only 60.7% of the eligible population fully vaccinated as of 20 March 2023. Our study, part of a community-based effort to improve knowledge and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, utilized the WHO's Behavioral and Social Drivers (BeSDs)-of-vaccination framework to examine the drivers of COVID-19 vaccination among eligible adults. This was a mixed-method study with focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) involving 40 purposively sampled participants. We triangulate qualitative findings with data from a household survey of 1512 eligible adults identified using a two-stage systematic cluster sampling approach. All data were collected from the 1-18 November 2022. The household survey showed 46% COVID-19 vaccine uptake, with Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact test showing significant associations between vaccine uptake and gender, religion, and education. Multivariate logistic regression showed that confidence in vaccine safety, knowing vaccination sites and family/friends' endorsement of COVID-19 vaccination were the strongest items associated with vaccine uptake in the thinking-and-feeling, practical-issue, and social-process domains, respectively. Multiple items measuring these domains aligned with BeSD priority question, demonstrating the robustness of the pared-down framework. Qualitative data corroborated these findings. To address vaccine hesitancy and increase uptake, community-driven approaches to improve trust in vaccine safety and benefits and promote positive vaccination norms are needed. In addition, service delivery strategies to make vaccination services easily accessible and identifiable should be developed and tailored to community needs.

Sustainable and Quality Tourism Training for the Local Community of Braga Tourism Village

The readiness and participation of the community inbalancing their area to become a destination with quality tourism is needed.Therefore, community empowerment is needed, which aims to harmonizethe existing strategic plan for the community living in Braga Tourism Village,which requires readiness and participation in its development because thecommunity lives around an area with historical and cultural tourism potential,which of course needs to be preserved and utilized by applicable laws. Thecommunity needs to identify the potential and implement suitable programsbased on the concept and applicable laws. With this provision, it washoped that community-based tourism efforts would support the existenceof areas with potential cultural and historical attractions and promote qualitytourism. This community service program aims to provide material on theconcept of quality tourism and sustainable tourism. This program aimedto maximize the potential of the cultural history tourist attraction of BragaTourism Village, which then targets the community to understand and applythe material that has been given in the training. The activity method is inthe form of exposure to quality and sustainable tourism material to maximizeexisting potential. This program was divided into three parts: planningand preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This trainingprogram was well executed because the community had better post-testscore results compared to the pretest. However, they still need to learn moreabout the positive impact of tourism on the environment and its applicationin the community, especially businesses that support tourism.