Community Engagement Research Articles

Examining higher education through HyFlex

ABSTRACT This design-based research (DBR) study investigated the following research question: How can the HyFlex instructional model be leveraged to create more accessible and equitable education for graduate students? To address this question, the researchers explored two education doctoral courses in the USA, with 37 participants for one semester. The essential elements of the intervention included the following: digital, multimodal tools; equity of online and face-to-face learning environments; and engagement in community. A mixed methods approach to data collection and analysis was utilised in accordance with the DBR framework, including inhibiting and enhancing factors of the intervention, modifications made, unanticipated outcomes, and progress towards the goal. The discussion provides guidance for future implementation of the HyFlex model in higher education.

Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Amish and Mennonite Women.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in the USA and ranks second in cancer-related deaths. Disproportionately higher breast cancer rates can be found in rural and Appalachian regions due to several social drivers of health, including poverty, access to healthcare, and lack of culturally sensitive health education. Amish and Mennonite communities, religious groups with distinct cultural practices and beliefs, experience lower mammography screening and higher breast cancer mortality rates (among Amish women). This study focuses on knowledge about breast cancer and causes of cancer among Amish and Mennonite women. A total of 473 women participated in the study at 26 separate women's health clinics throughout Ohio, consisting of 348 Amish and 121 Mennonite women, the largest study conducted on breast cancer knowledge spanning dozens of communities. Statistically significant differences were found in total knowledge scores between Amish and Mennonite women (rpb = .178, n = 466, p = .007), with Amish women having lower scores and stronger beliefs in myths associated with breast cancer cause and symptoms (χ(1) = 7.558, p = .006). Both groups often provided scientifically accurate descriptions of cancer etiology. The majority of participants underestimated breast cancer risk, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate health education programs that consider numeracy and health literacy. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders using a multifaceted approach that incorporates cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and collaboration, significant progress can be made towards reducing breast cancer disparities and improving health outcomes.

Advancing Health Equity through 15-min Cities and Chrono-urbanism.

Implementing the 15-min city and chrono-urbanism aims to improve sustainability and quality of life by ensuring residents' proximity to essential services. The 15-min city model is gaining global traction, with localized adaptations to suit communities' needs. Beyond environmental motivations, 15-min cities can benefit public health through enhanced walkability, social cohesion, and universal accessibility. However, research examining the intersection of health and equity among chrono-urbanism and the 15-min city remains limited. This study aims to develop a framework to integrate health and equity into chrono-urbanism and 15-min city plans. We describe the potential benefits and risks of the 15-min approach for urban planning, daily behaviors, and health outcomes. Potential benefits of 15-min cities for health equity include proximity to destinations, increased physical activity, strengthened social capital, reduced emissions, and traffic calming. Risks that must be mitigated include gentrification, variable proximity definitions, infrastructure upgrades, and inadequate cultural sensitivity. Recommendations to integrate 15-min cities into planning activities include conducting comprehensive baseline assessments, aligning goals with sustainability, economic development, flexible zoning, inclusive public spaces, and diverse community engagement tactics. We recommend interventions targeting marginalized communities and developing standardized measurement tools for comparison, monitoring, and evaluation. A nuanced, equitable approach to implementing 15-min cities can help urban plans support health equity across diverse populations.

Enhancing vaccination uptake through community engagement: evidence from China

With growing recognition of the importance of community engagement in addressing public health challenges, its role in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing infectious diseases has gained attention. However, vaccination coverage remains a significant concern in many developing countries. While previous studies have linked community engagement to positive health outcomes, there is a gap in understanding its influence on individual vaccination choices, particularly in the context of developing countries. Utilizing data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study examines the impact of community engagement on COVID-19 and flu vaccination uptake among 7281 individuals. Community engagement, measured by community vaccination notifications, serves as the key independent variable. The study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methods to analyze the relationship between community engagement and vaccination behavior. The analysis reveals a positive association between community engagement and vaccination rates. Specifically, individuals receiving notifications were more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine compared to non-recipients (vaccination rates: 100% vs. 53.3%), and flu vaccination rates were also significantly higher among those notified (2.7% vs. 1.9%). Mechanism analysis suggests that individuals receiving community notifications are more aware of the benefits of vaccination, leading to higher vaccination rates among this group. This study underscores the effectiveness of community engagement strategies in promoting positive vaccination behavior among individuals in China. By enhancing awareness and trust in immunization, community engagement initiatives play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors and improving vaccination uptake. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating community engagement approaches into public health interventions to address vaccination challenges.

Investigating consumers' experiences with community supported agriculture: Convergent parallel design methods.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) represents a collaborative model where local farms and community members form partnerships to facilitate the direct delivery of fresh produce from farms to consumers. This study primarily investigates the experiences of current CSA members, focusing on the key factors influencing their retention intentions. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, this study gathers and analyzes both quantitative data (such as factors affecting members' retention intentions) and qualitative data (derived from interviews reflecting members' perceptions of their CSA experiences). The integration of these datasets provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape CSA membership dynamics. The research findings underscore that Convenience, Product Quality, and Positive Interactions are pivotal factors that contribute to members' Intentions to continue their CSA memberships. These insights are crucial for enhancing the services provided to CSA members and hold significant implications for the broader scope of CSA membership research. This study not only fills a critical gap in understanding the Chinese CSA context but also contributes to the global discourse on sustainable agriculture practices and community engagement.

“We might not have been in hospital, but we were frontline workers in the community”: a qualitative study exploring unmet need and local community-based responses for marginalised groups in Greater Manchester during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe response to the COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant increase in demand for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to provide support to local communities. In Greater Manchester (GM), the VCFSE sector and informal networks provided health and wellbeing support in multiple ways, culminating in its crucial supportive role in the provision of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout across the GM city region. However, the support provided by the VCFSE sector during the pandemic remains under-recognised. The aims of the study were to: understand the views and experiences of marginalised communities in GM during the COVID-19 pandemic; explore how community engagement initiatives played a role during the pandemic and vaccine rollout; assess what can be learnt from the work of key stakeholders (community members, VCFSEs, health-system stakeholders) for future health research and service delivery.MethodsThe co-designed study utilised a participatory approach throughout and was co-produced with a Community Research Advisory Group (CRAG). Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely between September-November 2021, with 35 participants from local marginalised communities, health and care system stakeholders and VCFSE representatives. Thematic framework analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsLocal communities in GM were not supported sufficiently by mainstream services during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased pressure onto the VCFSE sector to respond to local communities’ need. Community-based approaches were deemed crucial to the success of the vaccination drive and in providing support to local communities more generally during the pandemic, whereby such approaches were in a unique position to reach members of diverse communities to boost uptake of the vaccine. Despite this, the support delivered by the VCFSE sector remains under-recognised and under-valued by the health system and decision-makers.ConclusionsA number of challenges associated with collaborative working were experienced by the VSCE sector and health system in delivering the vaccination programme in partnership with the VCFSE sector. There is a need to create a broader, more inclusive health system which allows and promotes inter-sectoral working. Flexibility and adaptability in ongoing and future service delivery should be championed for greater cross-sector working.

Environmental stewardship in the oil and gas sector: Current practices and future directions

This paper provides an overview of the current practices and future directions in environmental stewardship within the oil and gas industry, focusing on key areas of concern and strategies for improvement. The oil and gas industry has made significant strides in environmental stewardship in recent years, driven by a combination of regulatory requirements, corporate initiatives, and stakeholder pressure. One of the primary areas of focus has been the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with extraction, refining, and transportation processes. Companies have implemented technologies such as carbon capture and storage to minimize their carbon footprint, alongside investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures to transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. Furthermore, the industry has placed increasing emphasis on the responsible management of water resources, recognizing the potential environmental impacts of water extraction and usage in oil and gas operations. Strategies for water recycling, reuse, and wastewater treatment have been adopted to mitigate pollution and minimize strain on local ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation has also emerged as a critical aspect of environmental stewardship in the oil and gas sector, with companies undertaking environmental impact assessments and collaborating with conservation organizations to minimize habitat disruption and restore ecosystems affected by their operations. Community engagement and social responsibility are integral components of environmental stewardship, with companies seeking to address the social impacts of their operations through employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and social programs benefiting local communities. However, the industry continues to face challenges and limitations in its efforts to minimize environmental impact. Accidental spills, leaks, and other incidents pose significant ecological risks, highlighting the importance of stringent safety regulations and emergency response protocols. Moreover, the transition to renewable energy presents challenges for traditional oil and gas companies, requiring substantial capital investment and strategic planning. To address these challenges and advance environmental stewardship, several future directions are proposed. These include accelerating the transition to renewable energy, enhancing transparency and accountability in reporting environmental performance, strengthening environmental regulations and enforcement, investing in research and development of innovative technologies, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and local communities. Keywords: Stewardship, Oil, Gas, Sustainability, Climate, Mitigation

An Assessment of the Critical Success Factors of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia

This research focuses on the critical success and failure factors of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia, addressing a vital aspect of the financial landscape that impacts small businesses and low-income individuals. Despite the positive role of MFIs in providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs, recent closures of six institutions in Zambia underscore the need to understand the factors influencing their success or failure. The problem statement highlights the potential consequences of MFI closures, such as negative impacts on women, increased poverty levels, income inequality, child labor, and barriers to sustainable local economic development. Notably, the study aims to fill a research gap by assessing factors affecting MFIs' operations in Zambia, particularly those leading to closures, which the Bank of Zambia has not yet addressed or documented. The research objectives are clear and specific, intending to assess both critical failure factors from MFIs that have closed in Lusaka and critical success factors for the functioning of MFIs in the region. Additionally, the study aims to suggest measures to enhance the application of these critical success factors. Moving into the research methodology, an exploratory research design is chosen, providing a foundation for assessing the critical success factors of MFIs in Zambia. The mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative strategies, enhances the comprehensiveness of the study. The target population comprises 29 registered MFIs in Lusaka, and a one-stage cluster sampling technique is applied to select 10 MFIs with 60 key informants. The use of questionnaires for data collection, both open and closed-ended, facilitates the gathering of both qualitative and quantitative information. Ethical considerations are diligently addressed, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, justice, anonymity, and protection from harm. In the discussion of findings, a demographic analysis reveals important characteristics of the respondent base, emphasizing the predominantly male representation and the prevalence of tertiary education among participants. Objective one focuses on assessing critical failure factors, with limited access to funding, operational efficiency, and limited financial literacy emerging as primary challenges. Objective two delves into critical success factors, highlighting financial stability, marketing strategies, technology adoption, and outreach to the underserved population as significant considerations. Objective three provides insights into measures employed by MFIs, such as technology integration, capacity building, customer-centric approaches, and risk management systems. The recommendations emphasize diversification of funding sources, tailored financial literacy initiatives, operational efficiency optimization, and enhanced community engagement to address identified challenges. In summary, this study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of MFIs in Lusaka, offering practical recommendations for their sustained success and impact on local communities.

Breaking down silos: Postsecondary leaders collaborating to advance One Health in education.

This contribution describes how leaders from the University of Calgary Knowledge Engagement team, the manager of One Health at UCalgary and faculty members from Werklund School of Education came together to form a leadership team and plan a transdisciplinary initiative for future implementation in K-12 schools. The One Health initiative at the University of Calgary is committed to tackling complex problems at the convergence of people, animals, and the environment, and the underlying economic and social factors that determine the opportunities for health across all ecosystems. Systems thinking and inviting different perspectives into the conversation provided a greater understanding of the scope of global challenges and how our individual actions impact others and the environment we all share. The authors used a collaborative and dialogic approach to plan a knowledge engagement session with regional public-school educators to consider how inclusion of the One Health approach into existing curriculum could benefit students. In this chapter, the authors reflected on how matchmaking brought the team together as a boundary-spanning and transdisciplinary team and describe their collective actions and leadership in building collaboration and connections with community partners to lay the foundation for a robust outreach program. The reflections suggest that leaders in higher education can break down silos using a complexity paradigm for their leadership and work together across different departments to combine diverse expertise for community engagement.

Proposing the Community Triad Model to action social accountability in medical schools

This article is the third in a series exploring drivers of social accountability (SA) in medical schools across Canada. Findings from the two previous articles have highlighted a central relationship between community, students, and faculty at medical schools, and led to the emergence of a new social accountability model– the Community Triad Model (CTM). The CTM proposes an interconnectedness between community, students, faculty, and the broader institution, and the pathways through which community-based learning directly and indirectly influences decision-making in medical institutions. This article explores the relationships between the three arms of the CTM by examining the literature on community engagement and SA, as well as by revisiting popular models and foundational SA reports to garner insights into authentic community engagement in health professions education. While there is an abundance of literature demonstrating the impact of community placements on students, there are limited studies describing the influence of communities on faculty and the broader institution either directly, or indirectly via students. The authors recommend that institutions be more intentional in engaging students and faculty, and learn from their experiences with community to shape curriculum, practices, policies, and culture of the broader institution. This study offers an operational model of SA that is easy to adopt and implement. It intends to demonstrate how the components of the triad (students, faculty/leadership, community) function together in the community engagement and social accountability of medical schools.

Exposing Uganda’s Cultural Mosaic: An examination of the Endingidi’s origins, educational and aesthetic dimensions

The field of music analysis has experienced significant growth, encompassing diverse aspects such as corporal movements in instrumental performance, dance studies, and cognition-centric methodologies. This paper provides a historical overview of the endingidi, a traditional tube-fiddle, within a broader context. It examines the materials used in constructing the endingidi as well as the challenges encountered in this process. Additionally, the paper explores the performative expressive elements of the endingidi, including accompanying gestures. Despite the enduring presence of the endingidi as a timeless traditional instrument, there remains a notable gap in comprehensive studies that unravel its intricate cultural significance, an oversight this investigation conscientiously seeks to address. The study identifies challenges in material sourcing for the endingidi due to scarcity and environmental degradation. Proposed interventions include afforestation, alternative materials, government support, and community engagement. Emphasizing sustainable practices and responsible harvesting, it urges government leadership, documentation of techniques, and community support for artisans. Linking to broader music education challenges, it advocates for government resource allocation. Providing a nuanced understanding of the endingidi, it underscores multidimensional approaches to safeguarding it as part of Ugandan cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of sustainability, research, government, and community involvement in preservation efforts.

Community Engagement in Vaccination Promotion: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Community engagement plays a vital role in global immunization strategies, offering the potential to overcome vaccination hesitancy and enhance vaccination confidence. Although there is significant backing for community engagement in health promotion, the evidence supporting its effectiveness in vaccination promotion is fragmented and of uncertain quality. This review aims to systematically examine the effectiveness of different contents and extent of community engagement for promoting vaccination rates. This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive and exhaustive literature search was performed in 4 English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and 2 Chinese databases (CNKI and Wan Fang) to identify all possible articles. Original research articles applying an experimental study design that investigated the effectiveness of community engagement in vaccination promotion were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently performed the literature search, study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion, with the arbitration of a third reviewer where necessary. A total of 20 articles out of 11,404 records from 2006 to 2021 were retrieved. The studies used various designs: 12 applied single-group pre-post study designs, 5 were cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 3 were non-RCTs. These studies targeted multiple vaccines, with 8 focusing on children's immunization, 8 on human papillomavirus vaccine, 3 on hepatitis B virus vaccine, and 1 on COVID-19 vaccine. The meta-analysis revealed significant increases in vaccination rates both in pre-post comparison (rate difference [RD] 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.47, I2=99.9%, P<.001) and between-group comparison (RD 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.29, I2=98.4%, P<.001). The meta-analysis revealed that participant recruitment had the largest effect size (RD 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.67, I2=99.9%, P<.001), followed by intervention development (RD 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.50, I2=100.0%, P<.001), intervention implementation (RD 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.47, I2=99.8%, P<.001), and data collection (RD 0.34, 95% CI 0.19-0.50, I2=99.8%, P<.001). The meta-analysis indicated that high community engagement extent yielded the largest effect size (RD 0.49, 95% CI 0.17-0.82, I2=100.0%, P<.001), followed by moderate community engagement extent (RD 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.58, I2=99.6%, P<.001) and low community engagement extent (RD 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.25, I2=99.2%, P<.001). The meta-analysis revealed that "health service support" demonstrated the largest effect sizes (RD 0.45, 95% CI 0.25-0.65, I2=99.9%, P<.001), followed by "health education and discussion" (RD 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.58, I2=99.7%, P<.001), "follow-up and reminder" (RD 0.33, 95% CI 0.23-0.42, I2=99.3%, P<.001), and "social marketing campaigns and community mobilization" (RD 0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.41, I2=99.9%, P<.001). The results of this meta-analysis supported the effectiveness of community engagement in vaccination promotion with variations in terms of engagement contents and extent. Community engagement required a "fit-for-purpose" approach rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach to maximize the effectiveness of vaccine promotion. PROSPERO CRD42022339081; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=339081.

A Systematic Review of the Role of School Management Committee for the School Performance in Nepal

According to Nepal&amp;apos;s Education Act (2028 B. S.), the School Management Committee (SMC) is crucial to educational institution governance. This legislation emphasizes the role of School Management Committees (SMCs) in infrastructure management, policy implementation, and school issues. The reviewed articles examine SMCs&amp;apos; complex formation, operational challenges, and crucial role in community involvement to improve education. Although attendance monitoring is difficult, the articles consistently emphasize SMCs&amp;apos; positive impact on community involvement. By encouraging citizen committees like SMCs to make decisions, the international perspective broadens the debate on school democratization. School Management in low-income countries can improve education despite its challenges by encouraging greater involvement, independence, and responsibility. An inclusive strategy that values diverse perspectives is essential for educators and administrators to work together. The Education Act of Nepal establishes and governs School Management Committees (SMCs) to ensure accountable administration and community engagement. The reviewed articles discuss SMCs&amp;apos; benefits and drawbacks and encourage educational institutions and local communities to work together. Complex SMCs require constant dedication to overcome challenges, demonstrating their vital role in improving education. Effective school governance and management shape education quality and equity, especially in poor nations. This article examines School Management Committees (SMCs) and their effects on education in Nepal. SMCs, which include parents, teachers, and local authorities, oversee school activities, encourage community participation, and assure responsibility. SMCs confront many obstacles, including lack of awareness, capacity restrictions, and political meddling, despite their importance. In response to these problems, School-Based Management (SBM) is being promoted to improve community involvement, autonomy, and accountability in school governance. SBM implementation may face resource restrictions and change resistance despite its potential benefits. Effective leadership at the school and SMC levels drives educational improvement and stakeholder collaboration, according to the paper. It promotes school democratization and community decision-making.

Rethinking Insecurity and Scoping Security Threat in Nigeria: Looking Ahead

Early in the 2000s, Boko Haram emerged with an Islamisation agenda concentrating mostly on Nigeria the largest African economy. There is empirical evidence suggesting that the government of Nigeria has not successfully warded off this group’s hostility. Yet there are gaps in security threats and extant literature. This study therefore examined the instability and anomic conditions resulting from this insurgency using the document analysis method and the Containment Theory employed as the theoretical framework. The analysis showed that there is no clear reason why the Nigerian military has failed to contain the Boko Haram insurgency given the army’s undoubted gallantry after excelling in several international peacekeeping assignments. It was recommended that public programs for enlightenment through community engagement and transparency would influence positively the government’s efforts to contain these terrorist activities. Given the complex nature of terrorism, there is a need for robust empirical studies that have to be done before any meaningful policy implementation can be considered. This study will amplify the international awareness of violent extremist activities in this most populated African nation. It will significantly provide the Nigerian government, human rights groups, researchers, civil society, policymakers, and public and private security agents with more knowledge to understand these terrorists better. Keywords: Nigeria, Threat, Peace, Security, Boko Haram

Family Involvement in the Care of Hospitalized Older Adults: Protocol for a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.

Older adults are frequently hospitalized. Family involvement during these hospitalizations is incompletely characterized in the literature. This study aimed to better understand how families are involved in the care of hospitalized older adults and develop a conceptual model describing the phenomenon of family involvement in the care of hospitalized older adults. We describe the protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES), a systematic review of qualitative studies. We chose to focus on qualitative studies given the complexity and multifaceted nature of family involvement in care, a type of topic best understood through qualitative inquiry. The protocol describes our process of developing a research question and eligibility criteria for inclusion in our QES based on the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research type) tool. It describes the development of our search strategy, which was used to search MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Elsevier), PsycINFO (via Ovid), and CINAHL Complete (via EBSCO). Title and abstract screening and full-text screening will occur sequentially. Purposive sampling may be used depending on the volume of studies identified as eligible for inclusion during our screening process. Descriptive data regarding included individual studies will be extracted and summarized in tables. The results from included studies will be synthesized using qualitative methods and used to develop a conceptual model. The conceptual model will be presented to community members via engagement panels for further refinement. As of September 2023, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, health services researchers, a librarian, a social worker, and a health economist. We have finalized our search strategy and executed the search, yielding 8862 total citations. We are currently screening titles and abstracts and anticipate that full-text screening, data extraction, quality appraisal, and synthesis will be completed by summer of 2024. Conceptual model development will then take place with community engagement panels. We anticipate submitting our manuscript for publication in the fall of 2024. This paper describes the protocol for a QES of family involvement in the care of hospitalized older adults. We will use identified themes to create a conceptual model to inform further intervention development and policy change. PROSPERO 465617; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023465617. PRR1-10.2196/53255.

Catalyzing change: A framework for equitable health among MSM—insights from South Africa for developing nations

AbstractThis research paper seeks to close health disparities among MSM in developing countries by presenting a holistic framework that will ensure equal access to healthcare services. Conducted in South Africa with 25 MSM participants, employing qualitative methods and Nvivo software for analysis, the framework integrates WHO's social health determinants and systems theory principles into three dimensions: Input, process, and output. The main components are sensitization training, community engagement, MSM empowerment, health promotion coupled with the look at finances, human resources, and infrastructure. The study underlines the importance of collective action by MSM and other stakeholders for achieving health equity and offers valuable lessons for policy makers and healthcare professionals in terms of inclusiveness and equal health service delivery. It highlights the critical role of inter‐disciplinary strategy comprising of community participation and resource allocation to erase the health inequality among MSM in developing countries.

Towards right to work: A reflexive analysis on an action research

This article explores the potential of action research by evaluating the research process, methodological nuances and experiential learnings of an action researcher involved in the action research conducted at Dudhera, a rural village in India on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It documents the struggles and resistance of MGNREGA workers of Dudhera. They came together and decided to claim rights under MGNREGA when they felt powerless and starved - of both information and influence over the key decisions that affected their lives. The article critically examines the implementation failure of MGNREGA and the malpractices perpetuated by the Panchayat. It also portrays the community’s determination to bring change by claiming their right and challenging the status quo. The article also presents a reflexive analysis of action research, including the role of action researcher, community engagement and subjective transformation of both self and community in the action research process. The article advances knowledge about participatory action research and its potential for transformative change.

Integrating Water Management Practices with Modern Irrigation Technologies in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh

This research addresses the imperative of harmonizing traditional water management practices with contemporary irrigation technologies to ensure sustainable water use in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Given the pressing need to optimize water resources for agricultural pursuits while upholding environmental integrity and socio-economic progress, a multidisciplinary methodology is employed. Aalo faces multifaceted challenges such as water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, and escalating agricultural demands. While traditional water management methods have historically upheld agricultural livelihoods, the advent of modern irrigation technologies presents promising avenues for bolstering water efficiency, crop productivity, and sustainable development. Through a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis, qualitative assessments, and participatory research methods, the study endeavors to comprehensively understand water management practices and irrigation technologies in Aalo. Surveys, interviews, and field observations will facilitate the assessment of traditional water management systems' efficacy in mitigating water scarcity and supporting agricultural productivity. Concurrently, the study will evaluate the adoption and impact of modern irrigation technologies on water use efficiency, crop yields, and socio-economic indicators in the region. Anticipated findings are poised to unveil synergies and prospects for integrating traditional wisdom with modern irrigation practices to fortify sustainability and resilience in water management. Consequently, the study will offer actionable recommendations targeted at policymakers, agricultural extension services, and local communities. These recommendations encompass preserving traditional water management systems, promoting the uptake of modern irrigation technologies, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity-building initiatives, and nurturing community engagement in water management endeavors. Through these initiatives, the research aims to foster a holistic approach towards sustainable water management practices in Aalo, poised at the nexus of traditional knowledge and contemporary innovation.

Studying the context of psychoses to improve outcomes in Ethiopia (SCOPE): Protocol paper

Background Global evidence on psychosis is dominated by studies conducted in Western, high-income countries. The objectives of the Study of Context Of Psychoses to improve outcomes in Ethiopia (SCOPE) are (1) to generate rigorous evidence of psychosis experience, epidemiology and impacts in Ethiopia that will illuminate aetiological understanding and (2) inform development and testing of interventions for earlier identification and improved first contact care that are scalable, inclusive of difficult-to-reach populations and optimise recovery. Methods The setting is sub-cities of Addis Ababa and rural districts in south-central Ethiopia covering 1.1 million people and including rural, urban and homeless populations. SCOPE comprises (1) formative work to understand care pathways and community resources (resource mapping); examine family context and communication (ethnography); develop valid measures of family communication and personal recovery; and establish platforms for community engagement and involvement of people with lived experience; (2a) a population-based incidence study, (2b) a case-control study and (2c) a cohort study with 12 months follow-up involving 440 people with psychosis (390 rural/Addis Ababa; 50 who are homeless), 390 relatives and 390 controls. We will test hypotheses about incidence rates in rural vs. urban populations and men vs. women; potential aetiological role of khat (a commonly chewed plant with amphetamine-like properties) and traumatic exposures in psychosis; determine profiles of needs at first contact and predictors of outcome; (3) participatory workshops to develop programme theory and inform co-development of interventions, and (4) evaluation of the impact of early identification strategies on engagement with care (interrupted time series study). Findings will inform development of (5) a protocol for (5a) a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of interventions for people with recent-onset psychosis in rural settings and (5b) two uncontrolled pilot studies to test acceptability, feasibility of co-developed interventions in urban and homeless populations.

Understanding the Impacts of Online Mental Health Peer Support Forums: Realist Synthesis.

Online forums are widely used for mental health peer support. However, evidence of their safety and effectiveness is mixed. Further research focused on articulating the contexts in which positive and negative impacts emerge from forum use is required to inform innovations in implementation. This study aimed to develop a realist program theory to explain the impacts of online mental health peer support forums on users. We conducted a realist synthesis of literature published between 2019 and 2023 and 18 stakeholder interviews with forum staff. Synthesis of 102 evidence sources and 18 interviews produced an overarching program theory comprising 22 context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Findings indicate that users' perceptions of psychological safety and the personal relevance of forum content are foundational to ongoing engagement. Safe and active forums that provide convenient access to information and advice can lead to improvements in mental health self-efficacy. Within the context of welcoming and nonjudgmental communities, users may benefit from the opportunity to explore personal difficulties with peers, experience reduced isolation and normalization of mental health experiences, and engage in mutual encouragement. The program theory highlights the vital role of moderators in creating facilitative online spaces, stimulating community engagement, and limiting access to distressing content. A key challenge for organizations that host mental health forums lies in balancing forum openness and anonymity with the need to enforce rules, such as restrictions on what users can discuss, to promote community safety. This is the first realist synthesis of online mental health peer support forums. The novel program theory highlights how successful implementation depends on establishing protocols for enhancing safety and strategies for maintaining user engagement to promote forum sustainability. PROSPERO CRD42022352528; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=352528.