Community-based Initiatives Research Articles

The Role of Community-Based Programs in HIV/AIDS Management in Uganda: Challenges, Strategies, and Impact

Community-based programs had become a pivotal element in the management of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, addressing the unique needs of diverse communities and bridging gaps left by conventional healthcare systems. These programs, were driven by local organizations, volunteers, and grassroots initiatives, had significantly contributed to prevention, treatment, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This review examined the role of these programs, highlighting their impact on community mobilization, access to testing and counseling services, support systems, and the integration of traditional and modern healthcare practices. The review also explored youth-focused HIV prevention efforts and the challenges faced by community-based programs, such as limited resources, persistent stigma, and the need for better integration with national health systems. A comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and case studies was conducted to provide a detailed understanding of these initiatives. The findings emphasized the importance of sustained support, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness of community-based programs in Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Addressing these challenges and leveraging the strengths of community-based initiatives will be crucial for achieving long-term success in managing the epidemic. Keywords: Community-Based Programs, HIV/AIDS Management, Uganda, Public Health, Stigma and Discrimination.

Rethinking rural: Public health advocates' views on ENDS cessation for young adults in rural areas.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, commonly referred to as e-cigarettes), have become popular among young adults (YAs, 18-24 years) in the United States. YAs in rural areas increasingly consume more ENDS than those in urban areas. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the perspectives of public health advocates (PHAs) on ENDS use and cessation among YAs in rural areas. The objectives of the study are to describe the perspectives of PHAs and identify strategies to strengthen the capacity for promoting the cessation of ENDS among YAs in rural communities. A qualitative study and interpretive description were used with semi-structured interviews. The content analysis was used to analyze the data. Twenty-two PHAs, including public health officers, nurses, and tobacco-free educators, from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, were invited to the semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged: (a) Perceived ENDS use and cessation; (b) rural contexts and infrastructure influencing ENDS use; (c) essential public health responsibilities controlling ENDS use in rural areas; and (d) regulating ENDS use: Policies and law. PHAs stressed the importance of increased awareness of ENDS use in YAs, improved regulation, and tailored policies to tackle rural communities' distinct challenges. The study emphasizes the urgency for specialized programs to aid YAs in quitting ENDS in rural areas. A comprehensive strategy is needed to effectively address ENDS use among YAs in rural areas, involving education, policy adjustments, and community-based initiatives.

Bridging the Needs of Marginalized Children from Malaysian Plantations: The Role of Community-Based Kindergarten Initiatives

Bridging the Needs of Marginalized Children from Malaysian Plantations: The Role of Community-Based Kindergarten Initiatives

Phyto-ecological studies and distribution patterns of subfamily Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors across diverse ecological zones

The species of the subfamily Polygonoideae is an essential component of temperate forests as well as the flora of the western Himalayan region. The aim of this research was to explore the taxonomic diversity, distribution patterns, and associated flora of Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors in various ecological zones in the Muzaffarabad division of the Kashmir Western Himalayan Region. We applied a random sampling approach for data collection from 10 different sites with a cumulative 780 quadrats to record the diversity of wild Polygonoideae species across the Muzaffarabad division between 2021 and 2022. This study revealed 279 plant species from 192 genera and 75 families associated with Polygonoideae, with the dominant families being Asteraceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Herbs were predominant in the investigated area, with a proportion of 72.40 %, followed by shrubs (9.68 %) and pteridophytes (8.24 %). The flora was dominated by therophytes (37.35 %), whereas nanophylls (37.28 %) were the most dominant leaf form. Persicaria, Rumex, and Polygonum genera were observed and collected from various ecological zones, while Bistorta, Fagopyrum, Oxyria, and Rheum were only collected from a single zone, representing a restricted niche. A total of 28 taxa from 8 genera were studied in the investigative subfamily Polygonoideae, with the majority being therophytes (57.14 %), followed by hemicryptophytes (28.57 %), and leaf form dominated by microphylls (50 %) and nanophylls (17.85 %). The average values for Shannon and Simpson's diversity for the reported plant communities were 0.96 and 3.53, respectively, whereas species richness averaged 2.43 and species evenness 0.92. The vegetation exhibited a relatively lower (<50) maturity, averaging 32.08. Deforestation, overexploitation for medicinal purposes, soil erosion, overgrazing, forest fires, and the expansion of agricultural fields were identified as major threats to floral diversity. A significant correlation was observed between elevation and soil nutrient parameters, where moisture content, SOC, SOM, TK, and TN ratios showed a positive correlation, while pH and TP showed a negative correlation. Polygonum paronychioides and Rumex alpinus were the least observed of Polygonoideae taxa, whereas 39 species were found to be threatened, having low (<0.2) IVI values and seeking immediate conservation efforts. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure may lead to a change in the composition patterns and threaten the Polygonoidae species. We suggest community-based initiatives and sustainable conservation measures to safeguard the floral wealth of the Western Himalaya.

Interdisciplinary provider visits attenuate relationship between patient concerns and distress in older adults with cancer.

This study examined the relationship between multidimensional patient concerns and anxiety and depression in a national sample of older adults with cancer (OACs ≥ 65years) and the buffering effect of visiting providers across disciplines (e.g., oncology, allied health, primary care, mental health) on these relationships. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey through the Cancer Support Community's Cancer Experience Registry (CER), an online community-based research initiative. Eligible participants were 65years and older and diagnosed with cancer in the past five years. Participants completed self-report measures of (1) the severity of their concerns across multiple domains, (2) anxiety and depression, and (3) whether they received care for "symptoms and side effects" from various providers. The sample consisted of 277 OACs; 45% endorsed elevated anxiety and 31% endorsed elevated depression. The most severe concerns were in the domains of body image and healthy lifestyle and symptom burden and impact. More severe concerns were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. The relationship between concern severity and distress was weaker in OACs who saw a palliative care, mental health, physical or occupational therapy provider, pharmacist, or primary care provider relative to OACs who did not. A visit with an oncology provider did not moderate most relationships between concerns and distress. The relationship between OACs' concerns and distress was attenuated by treatment with a specialty provider. Interdisciplinary team care may be a vital component of comprehensive patient-centered care for OACs.

Spatial Pattern and Distribution of Malaria Cases in Owo Local Government Area, Nigeria

This study investigates the spatial pattern and distribution of malaria cases in Owo Local Government Area, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used, such that 50% of the 7 urban political wards were selected. The selected 4 urban political wards comprise of 12,466 household heads. Also, 10% of the 127 rural settlements were randomly selected making 14 rural settlements with 9,095 household heads. In all, 1.5% of the total household heads, comprising 187 in the urban areas and 136 in the rural settlements were interviewed using systematic random sampling techniques. A secondary data source obtained from relevant healthcare facilities was used for spatial analysis. Specifically, 59 selected residential settlements were used as the input feature class, while the records on malaria cases in each residential settlement during the reviewed year serve as the input field for the analyses. Spatial statistical functions provided by ArcGIS 10.8 and Geospatial tool are utilized for data analysis. Findings revealed preponderance of malaria within the urban core area of Owo. This can be attributed to inadequate wastewater management, poor waste disposal methods, and inadequate environmental education and awareness. On the other hand, malaria cases in rural areas were relatively low due to the use of alternative disease treatment methods. To ameliorate these challenges, there is a need for improved access to a safe and high-quality environment, implement suitable sanitation facilities and solid waste disposal methods, promote community-based educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, and encouraging hygienic behaviors. Through these, the health challenges of malaria can be mitigated.

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density in Loka Abaya and Derara districts in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia.

Animal trypanosomosis is a significant livestock disease with economic and social repercussions, reducing the supply of animal products and restricting the utilization of animals for traction and transportation. In Ethiopia, it is prevalent and poses a major hindrance to the advancement of animal production. This repeated cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing seasonal variation in bovine trypanosomosis prevalence and tsetse fly density and identifying the potential risk factors in the Loka Abaya and Derara districts of the Sidama National Regional State. Blood samples were collected from 964 cattle, 484 samples during the dry season, and 480 during the wet season. The buffy coat method was employed to analyze these samples. Furthermore, 78 standard NGU traps were set up at various locations in the two districts during both seasons for entomological investigation. The overall apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis was 9% (95% CI 7.3-11.0), without a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dry season (7.4%) and wet season (10.6%). The apparent prevalence was significantly higher in Loka Abaya (11.8%) than in Derara (6.3%) district (OR = 2.04; p = 0.003) and in cattle with black coat color (29%) than in mixed color (6.8%) (OR = 5.3; p < 0.001). The majority of infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (70%), followed by T. vivax (29%), and mixed infections (1%) with the two species. The average packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in infected animals (20.7 ± 4%) compared to uninfected ones (25.5 ± 5.4%), in cattle examined during the dry season (24.1 ± 6%) versus the wet season (26.1 ± 4.7%), in cattle sampled from the Loka Abaya district (24.2 ± 5.5%) versus Derara district (26 ± 5.3%), and in cattle with poor body condition (23.6 ± 5.7%) compared to those with good body condition (26.5 ± 5.3%). A total of 5282 flies were captured during the study, with 4437 (84%) being tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes), 439 (8.3%) Tabanids, 190 (3.6%) Stomoxys spp., and 216 (4.1%) Musca spp. The apparent density (AD) of G. pallidipes was 28.4 flies/trap/day, showing no statistically significant difference between wet (32.1) and dry (24.6) seasons (p > 0.05). The AD of G. pallidipes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the Loka Abaya district (57.3) than in the Derara district (0.9). The study highlights a moderate trypanosomosis apparent prevalence and high AD of G. pallidipes, showing significant variation between the study districts but no seasonal difference. The observed apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density notably affects animal health and productivity. As a result, strategies for vector control like insecticide-treated targets, trypanocidal medications for infected animals, and community-based initiatives such as education and participation in control programs are recommended.

Coming back for more: individual participation patterns in the physical activity initiative parkrun in Australia.

Most physical activity (PA) maintenance research has concerned adherence to small-scale interventions or infrequent observation in cohort studies. We analysed individual attendance trajectories and their drivers in a large-scale 'real-world' community-based weekly PA event (parkrun) cohort in Australia. Data were weekly attendance (walking/running) of 223 224 unique parkrun participants over their first 3 years of participation. An unweighted moving average of participation in the preceding 12 weeks from the 12th week since the first participation to the 156th week was calculated and submitted to a cluster analysis of attendance patterns. Association of individual- (demographic, personal parkrun performance) and site-level (aggregated site-level participant characteristics and area-level measures) covariates with cluster membership was estimated with multinomial logistic regression models. We identified four groups: Few-Timers (76.4%), Decliners (12.4%), Low Maintainers (6.9%) and High Maintainers (4.3%). In the first 12 weeks, attendances averaged 2, 6, 5 and 7.5 times for each cluster, respectively, and by 52 weeks, they were 0.17, 1.9, 3.4 and 7.6 times, respectively. Continuing participation (vs Few-Timers) was strongly associated with faster personal finish times, but slower performance at the site level. Higher running club/group membership at a participant's parkrun predicted higher odds of being a High Maintainer. Our identification of a Low Maintainer group shows a community-based initiative may sustain interest, despite not requiring continuous or near-continuous attendance. Where someone is placed 'in the pack' locally and degree of identification with others in the group may be bidirectionally associated with attendance, underscoring the importance of considering social environment of PA maintenance.

Local economic development strategy through hiking tourism: A case study of the selo trail on Mount Merbabu

Background: The existence of the Selo Hiking Trail tourist attraction also provides job opportunities for the local community to work in various business units. Method: Using Multiplier Effect analysis, this study shows that tourism activities along the Selo Trekking Trail significantly impact the livelihoods of the local community. Economically assessed through Multiplier Effect Analysis, the Keynesian Income Multiplier was found to be 0.6, with a Type I Income Multiplier Ratio of 3.3, and a Type II Income Multiplier Ratio of 3.5, highlighting the substantial economic benefits derived from tourism along the Selo Trekking Route. Result: The study indicates that the high leakage rates, particularly in transportation and logistics costs outside the tourist destination, encourage the development of new business units such as convenience stores or minimarkets, as well as gas stations to meet the needs of tourists. Conclusion: To enhance the broader economic impact of tourism, further research and development are needed, especially in the context of culture-based rural tourism or Community-Based Tourism initiatives. This approach aims to promote sustainable economic benefits while preserving cultural heritage and increasing community participation in tourism activities. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study uses Multiplier Effect Analysis to measure the economic impact of nature tourism and provides quantitative evidence of substantial economic benefits to local communities. The study also identifies new business development opportunities to reduce economic leakage, providing a framework for community-based sustainable tourism development.

Addressing childhood malnutrition in low-income communities in northern Nigeria

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a critical public health issue in Northern Nigeria, significantly affecting the survival, development, and growth of children. This project in Kano State aimed to combat the high malnutrition rates in low-income communities. Factors contributing to malnutrition include food insecurity, poverty, and limited access to healthcare, compounded by cultural norms. This initiative required collaboration with various stakeholders, including government health departments, NGOs, and community leaders, to effectively address the root causes and promote health equity. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify nutrition-related issues and knowledge gaps among caregivers. Partnerships with local organizations facilitated resource sharing and program implementation. Baseline surveys assessed caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood nutrition. The intervention included a nutrition education program, a long-term food supplementation initiative, and capacity-building for healthcare providers. Pilot testing and observational studies were used to refine the program and gather data on malnutrition patterns and trends. Results: The intervention significantly improved caregivers' knowledge and practices related to child nutrition. There was a 30% increase in caregivers' nutrition knowledge and a 40% increase in appropriate nutrition practices from baseline to post-intervention. Caregivers' attitudes towards nutrition also improved, with a 25% increase in positive attitudes. The program effectively addressed malnutrition by enhancing knowledge about essential nutrition concepts, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and improving complementary feeding practices and hygiene. Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity of a multifaceted approach to reduce childhood malnutrition in Northern Nigeria. Successful strategies included community-based initiatives, caregiver support, and targeted nutrition education. Addressing underlying causes such as poverty and food insecurity is crucial for sustainable progress. Future efforts should focus on scaling the program, engaging healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes to ensure long-term child nutrition and health improvements.

CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT A NEW PARADIGM FOR SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Cultural heritage preservation is crucial for maintaining social sustainability, particularly through community engagement. This study examines the new paradigm of involving communities in the preservation of cultural heritage, exploring how their participation contributes to social sustainability. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research includes qualitative interviews with community members and stakeholders, as well as quantitative analysis of preservation outcomes. Findings indicate that active community involvement enhances the effectiveness of preservation efforts, fosters a sense of ownership, and promotes cultural continuity. This paper aims to provide insights and practical recommendations for policymakers and heritage conservationists to strengthen community-based preservation initiatives.

Exploring the role of salon professionals in identifying sex trafficking and violence victims in Indiana

BackgroundSex trafficking victims often have touchpoints with salons for waxing, styling, and other body modification services required by traffickers. Recently, some states have administered laws requiring salon professionals to receive intimate partner violence (IPV)-related training, with even fewer states mandating training on identifying sex trafficking. This study aimed to understand how salon professionals have witnessed evidence of violence, including IPV and sex trafficking, in the workplace and to explore the differences in their approach to each type of victim.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with salon professionals (N = 10) and law enforcement professionals/policymakers (N = 5). Content and thematic analysis techniques were used.ResultsSalon professionals typically identified potential violence through signs such as bruises, odd behavior, and client disclosures, prompting them to engage in cautious conversations. Yet, few were trained to identify and intervene. Often, they responded to suspected violence by talking with the client, sharing concerns with salon leadership, directly intervening on the client’s behalf, or contacting the police. Law enforcement and salon professionals had suggestions about improving salon professionals’ recognition of and response to violence, including training on victim-focused resources, creating a safe environment, and building relationships with law enforcement. They also suggested strengthening community partnerships to increase resource advocacy and reporting.ConclusionsOne-on-one salon services may provide a unique opportunity to intervene and identify victims of violence, especially when empowered through additional training and collaborative partnerships with community-oriented policing initiates. Implementing training and community-based initiatives could aid salon professionals in gaining greater confidence in knowing what to do when serving a client who is a victim of IPV or sex trafficking.

E-waste Management Practices: A Case of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal

The fast deterioration of electronic gadgets is being caused by the highly competitive electronic market and the rising purchasing patterns of consumers. It can be difficult to handle electronics when their useful lives are ending and when they are replaced or thrown away for various reasons over time. This research aims to comprehend the viewpoint of electronics consumers regarding managing their electronic waste, with a particular focus on Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City's ward no. 05. The factors found in the literature were used to create questionnaires. The questions were created using various sources, including socioeconomic and demographic data, information on E-waste generation and disposal practices, consumer intentions toward E-waste management, and awareness levels. The study's findings demonstrated that while consumers were aware of the issues surrounding E-waste, they lacked a significant amount of knowledge regarding formal recycling centers and other strategies for managing waste. Additionally, it was seen that most respondents were either willing to sell their televisions and desktop computers to scrap traders or wanted to repair them. For instance, the majority of participants reported never receiving any E-waste management training, but many also claimed they would be prepared to pay the E-waste handling organization to participate in E-waste management programs and hence, Itahari Sub-Metropolitan is advised to undertake community-based initiatives to improve E-waste management programs.

Hunting indicators for community-led wildlife management in tropical Africa

Engaging local communities is pivotal for wildlife conservation beyond protected areas, aligning with the 30 × 30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We assessed the effectiveness of 33 offtake indicators, derived from hunter declarations, in monitoring the status and extent of degradation of hunted wildlife sourced from camera trap surveys and faunal composition analysis. The rodents:ungulates ratio in offtake and the mean body mass of total offtake emerged as practical and robust indicators of faunal degradation within hunting systems, with significant potential for broader application in similar tropical forest environments. Our findings provide a blueprint for managing and conserving natural resources in tropical regions through community-based initiatives. Involving local stakeholders ensures sustainable wildlife use and fosters ownership and responsibility. This study advances conservation efforts, bridging scientific rigor with community engagement for effective biodiversity preservation.

A critical review of biomonitoring in East African rivers: fostering community-based collaboration for environmental change observation

The contribution of citizen scientists to environmental monitoring is notably increasing significantly. Governments worldwide establish Water Users Associations (WUAs) as a good practice model to implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) at local levels. These associations target different stakeholders depending on the expected outcome. However, their effectiveness, especially in East Africa, can only be determined case by case. In Kenya, Water Resources Users Associations are registered, voluntary community groups whose members are water users and land owners. Similarly, in Uganda, community-based initiatives exist, especially along degraded rivers, involving cooperation between local communities and regional water authorities. On the contrary, it has been reported that in Tanzania, many community initiatives created become non-functional within 2–3 years of induction. In general, the main responsibility of Water Users Associations or its equivalent is to manage and conserve water resources for sustainable uses. In most cases, water quality monitoring by communities through citizen science is limited to the visual appearance of water in the river channel. While this can indicate the water’s esthetic value, it is insufficient for assessing the ecological status of rivers, which is influenced by a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic factors. The use of bioindicators has been advocated as a feasible method for community-based water quality river monitoring. Therefore, this review explores the commonly used bio-indicators and bio-assessment tools for river health assessment and their complexities when using a biomonitoring community-based approach through citizen science. Tolerance and intolerance macroinvertebrate and fish metric protocols that utilize identification keys have been recommended. These protocols are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal taxonomic expertise, making them easy for community volunteers to use with minimal basic training. The sustainability of these citizen science initiatives relies on the motivation of volunteers, the frequency of monitoring activities, and collaboration with researchers and government agencies. These initiatives not only facilitate environmental monitoring but also foster community engagement and awareness regarding the ecological status of rivers, thereby addressing knowledge and data gaps necessary for effective policy-making. This approach provides a practical model for environmental stewardship and participatory resource management in East Africa.

Role of Advocacy Efforts in Conservation of Pangolins Species in Kenya

Pangolins, the unique and enigmatic scaly mammals, are facing an existential crisis due to rampant poaching and habitat loss, particularly in Kenya, where four species reside. This study assessed the role of advocacy efforts in conservation of pangolins species in Kenya. Advocacy efforts play a crucial role in the conservation of pangolin species in Kenya by raising awareness, influencing policy changes, and mobilizing resources for conservation initiatives. Pangolins face severe threats due to illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and lack of strong legal protections. Effective advocacy can address these challenges through various means. Firstly, advocacy efforts contribute significantly to raising awareness about the plight of pangolins among the public, policymakers, and key stakeholders. By highlighting the ecological importance of pangolins and the threats they face, advocates can generate public support and empathy, leading to increased conservation action. This awareness can also foster behavioral change, such as reducing demand for pangolin products, which is critical in combating illegal trade. Advocacy also plays a pivotal role in influencing policy changes and strengthening legal frameworks for pangolin conservation. Advocates work with policymakers to enact and enforce laws that protect pangolins from poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction. This includes advocating for stricter penalties for wildlife crimes and advocating for the inclusion of pangolins in international conservation agreements. Furthermore, advocacy efforts help mobilize resources for pangolin conservation projects. By engaging with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international donors, advocates can secure funding and support for research, enforcement efforts, and community-based conservation initiatives. This financial backing is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies on the ground. Community engagement is another critical aspect of pangolin conservation advocacy. Advocates work with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependency on pangolin-related activities, such as bush meat hunting or illegal trade. Empowering communities through education and alternative income-generating projects not only helps protect pangolins but also fosters long-term conservation efforts. In Kenya, advocacy efforts are also focused on addressing broader conservation challenges, such as habitat loss and fragmentation. By advocating for the protection of critical pangolin habitats, such as forests and savannahs, advocates contribute to the overall biodiversity conservation landscape. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of species conservation and ecosystem health. Advocacy efforts also contribute to international collaboration and knowledge-sharing on pangolin conservation. By participating in global forums, conferences, and campaigns, advocates can leverage international support and expertise to amplify conservation efforts and promote best practices

Factors Influencing Community Engagement during Guinea Worm and Polio Eradication Endgames in Chad: Recommendations for "Last Mile" Programming.

Community engagement is a strategy commonly used in health and development programming. Many disease eradication programs engage with communities through different structures and mechanisms to detect, report, contain, and respond to the diseases they target. Qualitative operational research was conducted in a district of Chad co-endemic for both dracunculiasis (i.e., Guinea worm disease) and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus to reveal factors influencing community engagement behavior in the context of eradication-related programming. Women and men from six communities and stakeholders from the local, district, and central levels were recruited to participate in focus group discussions and semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was performed to identify barriers and facilitators of community engagement. Barriers to community engagement included mistrust in exogenously established health program initiatives (i.e., initiatives designed by partners external to targeted program communities) resulting from negative past experiences with external entities and community groups and the lure of profit-motivating community engagement. Subgroup and intersectionality analyses revealed that gender and other identities influence whether and to what extent certain members of the community engage in a meaningful way. Facilitators of community engagement included leadership and the influence of authorities and leaders in community participation, perceived benefits of being engaged with community-based initiatives, and use of incentives to enhance community participation. Study findings may be used to inform the refinement of community engagement approaches in Chad and learning agendas for other "last mile" disease eradication programs.

Community-Engaged Data Science (CEDS): A Case Study of Working with Communities to Use Data to Inform Change

Data-informed decision making is a critical goal for many community-based public health research initiatives. However, community partners often encounter challenges when interacting with data. The Community-Engaged Data Science (CEDS) model offers a goal-oriented, iterative guide for communities to collaborate with research data scientists through data ambassadors. This study presents a case study of CEDS applied to research on the opioid epidemic in 18 counties in Ohio as part of the HEALing Communities Study (HCS). Data ambassadors provided a pivotal role in empowering community coalitions to translate data into action using key steps of CEDS which included: data landscapes identifying available data in the community; data action plans from logic models based on community data needs and gaps of data; data collection/sharing agreements; and data systems including portals and dashboards. Throughout the CEDS process, data ambassadors emphasized sustainable data workflows, supporting continued data engagement beyond the HCS. The implementation of CEDS in Ohio underscored the importance of relationship building, timing of implementation, understanding communities’ data preferences, and flexibility when working with communities. Researchers should consider implementing CEDS and integrating a data ambassador in community-based research to enhance community data engagement and drive data-informed interventions to improve public health outcomes.

Community-based tourism and rural demographic decline. Reflections from Extremadura (Spain)

ABSTRACT Policies that aim to tackle rural depopulation have prioritised the development of tourism as a primary strategy to reverse demographic decline. But do we really understand the demographic impact of these community-based tourism initiatives on the development of rural areas in crisis? It is very difficult to address this question from a statistical perspective based on secondary data, because such an approach is unable to establish direct causal relationships between tourism and demographics. In this research, we present an ethnographic case study in Extremadura (Spain) that allows us to implement a scaled analysis of local households to explore the direct links between tourism and demographic evolution based on the economic significance of tourism activities. The results of the study show that there is no substantial demographic effect of tourism, although it has implications for other dimensions of the rural crisis. This conclusion, drawn from one specific but significant case, invites us to reconsider the role of tourism initiatives in the face of the demographic challenge and the appropriate methodologies to study it.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover change around Volcanoes National Park and their implications for biodiversity conservation

ABSTRACT This study comprehensively analyses spatiotemporal land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics within a 10-km buffer zone surrounding Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda, from 2000 to 2019, integrating biophysical and socio-economic drivers. It aims to quantify LULC change extent, rate, and type around VNP and inside the park; identify socio-economic, demographic, and policy drivers of LULC change; and evaluate the impact of LULC changes on VNP’s biodiversity via habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and species diversity. Employing remote sensing, spatial modelling, and field data, we reveal profound transformations within the park’s periphery. Forests and woodlots have significantly declined, replaced by agriculture, grasslands, and built-up areas, particularly in the 5.1–10 km belt (92.29% forest loss). While reforestation efforts exist, they are outpaced by deforestation, creating a stark deforestation-to-reforestation ratio of 12:1 in the 5.1 10 km belt and 6:1 in the 0–5 km belt. This alarming trend threatens VNP’s biodiversity as resource dependent communities continue to extract firewood, construction materials, and beanpoles from the park. To mitigate these impacts, we propose integrated strategies encompassing strengthened law enforcement, sustainable land management practices, community-based conservation initiatives, and alternative livelihood development.