Community Dialogue Research Articles

Examining the complex dynamics influencing acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu counties: Study protocol.

Acute malnutrition in children under 5 years is persistent in Eastern Africa's arid and semiarid lands. This study aimed to identify the drivers of acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu counties, Kenya. This was a population-based longitudinal mixed-methods observational study. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected at Wave 1, but only quantitative data were collected during follow-up. Participants were a representative sample of children and their primary caregivers from households with children under 3 years at Wave 1. Anthropometric measurements of all children under 5 years in the sampled households were taken at Wave 1 (May to July 2021), and one child under 3 years was randomly selected for follow-up about every 4 months over 2 years for six data collection waves. The study also collected data on sociodemographics; child feeding practices and morbidity; household water and food insecurity; shocks; coping strategies, social safety nets and economic safeguards; water, sanitation and hygiene; women's decision-making and food consumption. Qualitative data were collected through community dialogues, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, photovoice and key informant interviews with mothers and fathers with children under 5 years, community leaders, county officials and staff of nongovernmental organisations. Data collection is complete and analysis is ongoing. The analysis includes thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive and multi-variable regression analyses of quantitative data.

Insights in Practice: Success Stories of Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics

Practitioners of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) must frequently adapt to the constraints of organizations, multidisciplinary teams, changing customer requirements, and development lifecycles. Tradeoffs are made in applying techniques and levels of rigor; made to ensure that the highest caliber of HF/E is achieved that is also adoptable and impactful in practice. HF/E professionals, and particularly early career professionals, benefit from positive examples of HF/E practice in a variety of applied settings. In this panel, we will present perspectives and success stories that enable community dialogue about the art of the possible for HF/E in application. Success stories applying HF/E methods and practices at work is a thread deserving of continual discussion to add to the adaptive repertoire of our field and support the next generation of HF/E professionals.

Community-Based Health Information Systems in Africa: A Scoping Review of Data Generation, Utilization, and Community Empowerment

Introduction The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. Objective This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilisation of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. Methods We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesised findings using a thematic approach. Results Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. Conclusion CBHIS utilises both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on digitisation and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

Fostering Community Dialogue through Participatory Methods: A People‐First Approach in Participatory Development Activities

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces innovative participatory methods designed to foster community dialogue and engagement in development initiatives. We present participatory mapping, participatory photography, and two culturally grounded games, “Mayuk” and “Cachiveras,” as tools to facilitate community participation, dialogue, and reflection. Grounded in the theory of participatory action research (PAR) by Orlando Fals Borda, these methods prioritize local knowledge, foster a dialogue of knowledge between communities and researchers, and aim for social transformation through active community participation. By implementing these participatory activities, we not only engage communities in identifying resources, strengths, and opportunities but also promote a playful strategy for adults to deepen analysis and engage in critical dialogue about their culture and communication. This approach aligns with the conference theme of Putting People First, demonstrating responsibility, reflexivity, and care in the creation and evaluation of participatory development activities.

The local wisdom approach in resolving non-performing loans at traditional village credit institution in Bali: a case study during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the role of local wisdom in managing non-performing loans (NPLs) within Village Credit Institutions (VCDs) in Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a case study approach, the research examines the effectiveness of traditional mechanisms such as awig-awig (customary law) and pararem (community agreements) in maintaining social cohesion and addressing financial challenges. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and document analysis, the study seeks to understand how these customary practices contribute to resolving NPLs. The findings indicate that local wisdom fosters community engagement and dialogue, offering temporary solutions to financial problems during crises. These traditional mechanisms promote a sense of collective responsibility and help maintain social harmony by facilitating discussions between debtors and VCDs. However, the research also highlights several limitations. While effective in the short term, local wisdom struggles to enforce sanctions and provide long-term resolutions, especially during severe economic downturns like the pandemic. This issue is compounded by external factors such as Bali’s heavy reliance on tourism, which makes the local economy highly vulnerable to global disruptions. The lack of digital infrastructure and the absence of integrated government support further intensify the challenges faced by VCDs in managing NPLs. The study concludes that while local wisdom remains a valuable tool for crisis management, its effectiveness is constrained in times of prolonged financial instability. For VCDs to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in future crises, it is essential to integrate traditional practices with modern financial systems. Additionally, stronger government support, including digital infrastructure development and comprehensive financial regulations, is crucial to ensure the sustainability of VCDs. This combination of traditional and modern strategies can help VCDs navigate future economic challenges more effectively and safeguard their role in the local economy.

Examining the development and utilisation of Community-Based Health Information Systems (CBHIS) in Africa: A Scoping Review

Introduction The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. Objective This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilization of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. Methods We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesized findings using a thematic approach. Results Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. Conclusion CBHIS utilizes both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on its digitization and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

Elderly Victimization in the Context of Witchcraft Accusations and Persons Accused of Witchcraft Practices Living Within the Gambaga Witches’ Camp: Understanding of Human Rights

The practice of sociocultural belief systems in Ghana such as witchcraft accusations leads to situations where some elderly people in the northern part of Ghana are likely to be victimized based on sociocultural belief systems. Persons accused of witchcraft practices can be denied some of their basic fundamental human rights. The lack of a clear understanding of human rights standards among many rural folks, especially in a rural part of Northern Ghana, makes many people consider accusations of persons suspected of witchcraft practices as a non-abuse of victims’ human rights when persons accused of witchcraft are encamped in witches’ camps. Hence, this study sought to explore the accused persons of witchcraft practice’s understanding of human rights and how their conceptualization of human rights has led to elderly victimization based on sociocultural practices regarding witchcraft accusations. The study employed a qualitative method where 37 participants were selected consisting of persons accused of witchcraft practices living within the Gambaga witches’ camp. A thematic approach was used in the data analysis. The study found that accused persons of witchcraft practices have a distinctive understanding of human rights, which they conceptualized to include social and cultural rights, economic rights, civil and political rights and legal rights and missed out on the civil and political aspects of human rights. The study found that the accused persons’ lack of understanding of the civil rights concept of human rights made most of the persons living within the Gambaga witches’ camp to be victims of torture, undergo forced labour, lack their right to protection, gender discrimination and slavery within the camp. The study recommended that traditional leaders should engage in community dialogues that facilitate open and inclusive community dialogues to discuss the negative impact of witchcraft accusations on individuals and the community as a whole.

Perceptions of Violent Crime Among a Sample of Bronx College Students: Results From Focus Groups

Purpose:This study sought to understand how a convenient sample of college students between the ages of 20 and 35 years of age in the Bronx perceive and experience violent crime (VC). The focus of the study is on perceptions of risk and an exploration of crime prevention strategies.Methods:This project conducted two online focus groups with a sample of 24 young adults residing in the Bronx, NY, enrolled at the higher education institution in Spring 2021 and Fall 2022. The main research questions are the following: (a) How do young adults in the Bronx perceive and better understand VC risk? (b) What are the young people’s proposals or ideas to develop prevention strategies to address VC in the Bronx? The focus groups were held online using Zoom and Mentimeter.Results:Study participants expressed concerns about feeling unheard and feeling of a constant threat to their safety. They expressed a lack of trust for the existing political and social programs and did not express strong community ties and community engagement. This research suggests a promise of using spatial research to engage young adults in the Bronx in VC prevention and advocacy programs.Conclusions:Overall, this study found an active voice in young adults when discussing VC. Participants expressed a need for community dialogue and action to address the increasing trend of VC in the Bronx.

Communal dialogue and peacebuilding education in volatile terrain: A study of the volatile African region

This article evaluates the adoption of communal dialogue as an education tool for peace building in volatile terrain in Africa, using Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, as a case in point. Benue State has, in the last eight years, been known for constant communal clashes. This article looks at ways to adopt a valid model of conflict resolution to end this struggle. The yearly uproar arising in this region as residents live in constant fear calls for concern. This inquiry collated churns of research using secondary data together with a survey to ensure a tangible solution was proffered. All the local governments in this region were selected, especially where there are consistent struggles, interferences of herdsmen, and insecurities. About 363 copies of the questionnaires were distributed among residents living in this region. The aim is to generate data bordering on peace building education initiatives, as regular conflicts have rampaged this region for over a decade. Expected findings will focus on the best model that can tackle insecurity appropriately. The study's findings show that all the respondents agreed that they see communal dialogue approaches employed as viable tools for peacebuilding education in the region. Important to note is the need to consider the peculiarities of this region. It is crucial to leverage frameworks that best suit this struggle, considering peculiarities in these regions as seen in similar areas in different parts of the world today. We therefore recommend that communal dialogue approaches be properly employed to restore lasting peace.

Impact of Citizens Do-It-Yourself Activities on Digital Platform of Community Policing in Malawi

Digital platform has become catalyst for effective and efficient enforcement of rule of law in human society. This study examines impact of citizens do-it-yourself activities on digital platform of community policing in Malawi. Under exploratory sequential mixed methods design, Interviews followed purposive sampling targeting four focus group discussions of 10 participants each using interview guide instrument. House hold survey identified 432 respondents guided by Yamene (1969) formular, and were randomly distributed within 10 centers of Muloza, structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Transcribed interviews were coded, then grouped into sub themes, further merged into themes responding to research questions with help of NVivo application. House hold survey analysis implored descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20. Guided by pragmatics philosophical assumptions under lens of social-disorganization, democratic participation, and broken window theories, findings reveal citizens have participated in virtual interaction through ICTs in community policing, characterized by formal and non-formal wide participation improving police accountability and transparency in handling policing and, citizens are satisfied with level of engagement during virtual interaction. Multinominal regression shows gender has no impact on factors that influence Do-It-Yourself participation are (1) communication and sharing information between citizens and police p=.747, (2) to be aware of rights violations and safety needs, (3) people’s involvement in rights violations and suspicious activities p=.708, (4) citizen’s involvement in crime prevention and community policing efforts, (5) to maintain community dialogue and engagement p=.088, (6) looking for faster emergency response times, and (7) to provide evidence and share information with authorities p=.806. Effectiveness of digital participation of Do-It-Yourself is that it is at random and influenced by different causes surrounding personal interests. As such they could be engaged on daily, weekly, occasionally or monthly basis as long as citizens secure their environments. The discussion is that while other studies reveal that ICTs may reduce corruption, this current study reveals that flexibility and user friendly of ICTs allowing formal and non-formal wide participation that has improved police accountability and transparency in policing empowers citizens to participate claiming for their rights to secure their environments in community policing. Based on findings the study recommends community guardians including duty bearers like police officers to enlighten citizens to embrace ICTs for more security empowerment to take part in security issues of their times.

Community-Based Health Information Systems in Africa: A Scoping Review of Data Generation, Utilization, and Community Empowerment.

The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilisation of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesised findings using a thematic approach. Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. CBHIS utilises both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on digitisation and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

Disparities of Electronic Vehicle Adoption in California and Urban Gentrification: A Community Dialogue Informed Approach

Disparities of Electronic Vehicle Adoption in California and Urban Gentrification: A Community Dialogue Informed Approach

Writing globally: South Korean adolescents' digital multimodal composing practices in a global online community

AbstractThis design‐based study explored the digital and linguistic practices of South Korean adolescents from a rural area within the Write4Change global online community, emphasizing their use of image‐driven tools. Framed within the cosmopolitan literacies perspective, these adolescents adeptly merge local and global dimensions, integrating their multilingual identities, and compelling visual narratives into their work. They navigate English, the dominant language of the online community, while incorporating multilingual elements to enrich community dialogues. These practices reflect their linguistic adaptability and digital literacies and underscore the significant role of cosmopolitan literacies in transforming literacy studies. The study highlights the impactful digital practices of South Korean adolescents, contributing to a broader understanding of inclusivity and diversity in global literacies.

The Role of War-Related Marketing Activism Actions in Community Resilience: From the Ground in Ukraine

Extant literature considers marketing activities as instrumental for postwar recovery and peace-building. However, war is an ongoing lived experience for numerous societies across the world. Focusing on the role of marketing during war, this article presents a study examining how and why people living in war adversity deploy, perceive, and respond to war-related marketing activism actions (MAA). War-related MAA are acts through which brands/organizations and consumers create or draw on marketing meanings to convey and to enact stances and experiences related to war. This study adopts a multimodal qualitative methodology integrating photo elicitation and in-depth interviews with consumers and with marketing and management professionals in Ukraine, the country enduring invasion and war by Russia at the time of this article’s publication. Analyses through a community resilience theoretical lens generate a conceptualization that demonstrates how war-related MAA are harnessed and serve as a medium in community dialogues concerning envisaged resilience trajectories (survival, creativity and growth, and recovery). The article advances understanding of marketing activism during war by illuminating its potential and boundary conditions for serving as a community resilience resource. It also offers public policy development directions for marketing practice, organizations, and governments.

"You Need to be Able to Stand Up for What is Right": MTV Shuga Naija's Transformative Impact on Youth Attitudes Toward Sexual Violence in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, approximately 10% of women of reproductive age report experiencing sexual violence in the past year, with potentially enduring health and social consequences. The effects can be especially severe for younger women and adolescents. MTV Shuga Naija utilizes an entertainment-education TV serial drama to promote gender equality and challenge norms around sexual violence. Using a two-wave panel survey of Nigerian youth (574 females; 317 males) aged 15 to 24 years, this study explores the impact of MTV Shuga Naija on disclosing experiences of sexual violence, reducing stigma, and fostering dialogue. Baseline data were collected in person, while endline data were collected by telephone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), examined shifts in self-reported sexual harassment and attitudes toward victims of sexual violence. A doubly robust, difference-in-differences (DID) analysis compares changes in outcomes in treatment versus comparison areas, adjusting for observed and unobserved differences and using inverse probability weighting to enhance the precision of impact estimates. DID models show significant attitude shifts and increased disclosure of sexual violence among youth exposed to MTV Shuga Naija. Agreement with victim-blaming statements dropped significantly for both men and women in treatment versus comparison areas. However, contrary to hypotheses, respondents in comparison areas were more likely to discuss sexual violence with family, although the context and content of these discussions could not be examined. This study therefore confirms that MTV Shuga Naija's entertainment-education effectively improves attitudes and behaviors concerning sexual violence. Even so, victim-blaming norms and experiences of sexual violence remain prevalent. While the program has made progress in addressing this sensitive issue in Nigeria, further research is needed to improve family and community dialogues and to enhance support for victims.

An Artist/Researcher Model for Participatory Action Research in Transdisciplinary Learning Contexts

Participatory action research and the arts are tools to bridge power divides found in disciplinary learning where many students have traditionally been excluded (e.g., STEM). In this study, we apply an Artist/Researcher model as a way of positioning individuals within a social context, anchoring their identities around shared values and epistemic practices. Situated in four after-school projects with Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, we explore how an Artist/Researcher model that is rooted in constructionism can lead to new ways of considering how artwork itself might enhance the aims and processes of participatory action research. We find that the Artist/Researcher model supports transdisciplinary learning in ways that foreground student agency and social dialogue in community: through materials and design choices; representing self as expert, leader, and creator; co-opting activities and transforming participation; and engaging with art and science as tools for social change. This study has implications for applying constructionism to participatory action research in out-of-school settings and for designing interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary learning experiences. 

Promoting community cohesion and dialogue: Navigating the complexities of Permendagri 52/2020 in Saigon Urban Village and Ambawang Raya Village

The issuance of Home Affairs Ministry Regulation Number 52 of 2020 regarding regional boundaries has resulted in conflicts among residents of Saigon Urban Village, Pontianak City, and Ambawang Raya Village, Kubu Raya Regency. This community service activity aimed to mitigate these conflicts by facilitating dialogue and fostering cooperation between the two parties, as well as mapping out problems and jointly planning programs. The method employed was a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The results of the community service activities can be considered successful, based on several indicators. Firstly, both parties engaged in intensive dialogue and reached a common understanding. Secondly, a coordination agreement was established between Ambawang Raya Village and Saigon Urban Village, involving mutual cooperation in community service activities, such as PKK (Family Welfare Education) programs. Thirdly, the community has gained a better understanding of the issues arising from the implemented policy.

Operationalizing Racism as a Public Health Crisis: Moving Beyond the Rhetoric!

It is well documented that systemic racism and social injustice result in health inequities for communities of color, including premature death. To date, more than 260 municipalities across the United States have declared racism as a public health crisis. In January 2021, the Nation’s Health, a monthly American Public Health Association newsletter, acknowledged Genesee County, Michigan, as one of the communities leading the work in operationalizing these declarations. This research highlights community engagement and participatory processes, models, and tools used to operationalize racism as a public health crisis in Genesee County. A participatory approach grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods was used to operationalize Genesee County’s resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. To ensure our efforts centered community voices, experiences, and priorities, our methodology consisted of: 1) hosting community dialogues focused on systemic racism; 2) the novel application of a committee composition matrix to develop a geographically and socially diverse Community Action Council to serve as the decision-making body for our strategic plan to identify and address systemic racism within Genesee County; 3) the development of a draft county-wide strategic plan; and 4) focus groups to review and provide feedback on the drafted strategic plan. CBPR provides guidance for effective community engagement and ensures that community voices are centered when identifying effective responses to systemic racism. CBPR principles also foster co-ownership of solutions, increasing trust, transparency, and accountability between researchers, community members, and other stakeholders.

Social Justice in Community Environments: A Collaborative Photovoice Process

A small New England University and a local community center undertook a community based participatory research approach to understand the community-driven factors that most impact health. Photovoice was utilized to collaboratively highlight priority issues and to collectively advocate for change. The Photovoice approach was particularly useful in this context to transcend language differences and foster community dialogue between community and institutional partners in a way that dismantled traditional — and historically harmful — power dynamics between institutions and communities. The goal of utilizing this participatory-based method was to support community-identified social-ecological change, advocate for identified environmental justice priority issues, and support sustained community involvement. The novel aspects of the approach included guiding students and community members through this process in a community-engaged learning context that brought together linguistically diverse populations with a foundation of cultural humility, respect, and multi-directional learning.

Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Care and Education Provisioning: Towards Empowered Communities

Early Childhood Care and Education provide opportunities for children to develop holistically to flourish after their early years. Families and preschool environments influence children's development. However, preschool experiences are not the primary factor in a child's development during early learning, hence the foundations laid by the family matter most during the children’s early years. Hence, communities, parents, and caregivers need to ensure that children's holistic development is realized and this begins from conception. During the early years, community collaborations that benefit children are often encouraged. Children may miss out on learning and developmental chances, and their brain development and capacity to thrive later in life may be jeopardized if partnerships between communities and early childhood centres are not realized and achieved. Research suggests that caregivers, parents, and communities are not completely involved in their children's early learning, and this impacts negatively on the provision of ECCE services. Hence, this paper investigates how early childhood education is conceptualized to empower communities. The cooperation theory which emphasizes interpersonal contact among various stakeholders with varied roles to achieve a shared goal, was adopted. Ten communities from Chris Hani District Municipality were purposefully chosen to be included in the study using the qualitative research approach and interpretive paradigm. Data collection tools included focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that stakeholders are working in silos for the ECCE provisioning as the research participants were not aware of the services rendered by other stakeholders. Practitioners mentioned lack of parental involvement as another factor compromising the provision of ECCE. Parents seemed to be unaware of their responsibility when it comes to early learning. In empowering communities about their involvement in the provision of ECCE, the paper suggests community dialogues with the cooperation of other stakeholders, including government departments. In addition, parents need to be engaged in their children’s early learning by providing caring and nurturing environments that support children’s holistic development from their early years for them to thrive even beyond their childhood years.