London Community Research Articles

Human papillomavirus testing with conventional Pap smear screening in three inner London community clinics

Background and methodologyThis observational study aimed to establish prevalence of high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPV) in women attending three inner London community clinics for routine screening and to pilot hrHPV testing...

Towards a pedagogy of mentor education

This paper is based on findings from an exploratory study carried out during 2004/05 among members of the London Providers Mentoring Group. Qualitative data from nine teacher education partnerships working with a significant proportion of the schools in London was subjected to interpretative analysis. The paper explores how the London Providers Mentoring Group, a community of practice adopting an ‘inquiry as stance’ philosophy, has worked towards a pedagogy of mentor education. The paper outlines tensions the group has faced resulting from the changing nature of provision for initial teacher education in England. The main purpose here is to present an analysis of activities designed by mentor educators to enhance learning in mentors and to begin to describe a pedagogy of mentor education. Findings reveal that there are two main types of activities engaged in by London communities of mentoring practice, which are based on divergent principles. Both are necessary for successful mentor development and lead to different types of knowledge. The paper explores and distils principles relating to the nature of the participatory learning processes within these communities and how they are planned and enabled through increasingly collaborative processes as mentors become more experienced. The nature of these communities of mentoring practice is also discussed.

Rose Quong becomes Chinese: An Australian in London and New York

The story of Rose Quong (1879–1972) reveals how an Australian learned to use the pervasive Orientalism of the early twentieth century to her own ends. Quong claimed an essential ability to interpret Chinese culture, forging a career out of lecturing and writing on Chinese literature and traditions, and performing her own Chineseness. She juggled her mixed Australian, British and Chinese heritage in both London and New York, showing the plasticity and transportability of ethnic identities. Quong's story points to the role of London as imperial metropolis in the staging of an Australian's transnational career, even for an Australian whose imaginary homeland was China. The fact that Quong was embraced by the Australian community in London adds a new perspective on White Australia, even though that community was instrumental in steering her towards Chineseness and Orientalism.

Queering the Field? The complexities of sexuality within a lesbian-identified football team in England

Lesbian-identified sports teams provide a challenge to the heterosexing, and heterogendering, of sport and sport space. An ‘out’ lesbian football (soccer) team can be understood as offering resistance to compulsory heterosexuality. It is this disruption of normative sexuality that can be described as queer and contributes to the queering of sport space. Given evidence of obdurate heteronormativity in most sporting arenas, such a team could be described as a queer community. However, a critical engagement with lesbian subversion is necessary before claiming lesbian ‘subjects’ as queer ‘subjects’. In this vein, the discussions that follow reflect an engagement with marginalised sex–gender–sexuality identities within a specific lesbian sport community in London, England. Relatively little is known about the social relations that exist within lesbian sporting communities. Through an engagement with femme-inine players and transsexual players this article aims to highlight the diversity of sex–gender–sexuality experiences. Moreover, it demonstrates the tensions and complexities within a particular footballing sub-culture, which can be described as both queer and anti-queer. In this way it contributes to developments in the feminist–queer theorising of the spatiality of sexuality. The research is drawn from a larger ethnographic study of the team, which includes analysis of archival materials and club documents, semi-structured interviews and participant observation.

Childhood Landscapes: An Educational Resource Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Refugee Communities in London

Childhood Landscapes: An Educational Resource Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Refugee Communities in London

‘The voice of the minister heard in words of exhortation and instruction’: Abraham de Sola and the Jewish sermon in Victorian Montreal, and beyond

On April 26, 1846 members of Board of Shearith Israel, Portuguese Congregation of Montreal, approved recommendation of their hiring committee engage Abraham de Sola, from London, as their minister. But there were conditions. First, Trustees wanted be sure that enough money could be raised actually pay minister. They also wanted reassurance that twenty-one year old had the requisite qualifications give English discourses addition other duties required of him.1 On this, there was a meeting of minds between Trustees and candidate: Abraham de Sola had already informed Congregation that he was eager deliver sermons his new community.2 Preaching English was not a new phenomenon Sephardic community, but neither was it commonplace.3 In early nineteenth century, ordinances of Sephardic community of London called only for Sephardic Chief Rabbi, or Haham, deliver sermons Spanish twice a year. After Abraham's father, David Aaron de Sola delivered his first English sermon 1831, Elders of Congregation resolved words of David Aaron that in future, Sermons English language should be frequently delivered at synagogue, order afford congregation religious instruction only way it could prove useful.4 These sermons became a regular feature two years later when David Aaron was commissioned deliver a talk on one Sabbath each month.5 In Montreal, Trustees of Shearith Israel had stipulated on March 13, 1844, that de Sola's predecessor, David Piza, be required to deliver two sermons English language appropriate approaching festival of Passover.6 But phenomenon of hazan, or minister, who could address, instruct, and/or rebuke his congregation was still noteworthy. London's Jewish Chronicle reported with favour late 1846 on modern qualifications of A.P. Mendes, who was off serve as minister Kingston, Jamaica, and Abraham de Sola. The paper especially commended Mendes for agreeable effect produced upon his auditors few discourses we had pleasure of hearing Portuguese Synagogue [that] left no doubt their mind

Does bilingual advocacy improve Bengali patients’ satisfaction with cancer services?

This research aimed to establish the efficacy of introducing bilingual health advocates to Bengali cancer patients who could not speak English. Two health advocates from the Bengali community received cancer-specific training and were allocated a group of cancer patients from the Bengali community in east London. Three methods were used to gauge the impact of the advocacy service: General Health Questionnaire-12; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30); and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Qualitative interviews were also conducted to gather patient and carers views. As a result of this study it is recommended that all hospital-based staff receive training on role and responsibilities of bilingual health advocates.

Characteristics and needs of asylum seekers and refugees in contact with London community mental health teams

Asylum seekers and refugees may have substantial needs for mental health care, to which both pre-migration and post-migration traumas are likely to contribute. However, there is a paucity of data available to guide appropriate service development. To ascertain numbers and describe the characteristics and needs of asylum seekers and refugees in contact with London Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). Data were obtained from staff and clinical records regarding socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and service use. Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS) and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) were completed. A total of 104 (11%) of the CMHT population were asylum seekers or refugees. Co-morbidity was frequent, and psychiatrists reported significant diagnostic uncertainty for 30%. The most common diagnoses were depression (50%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (41%), and just over half had a psychotic diagnosis (53%). Social isolation was common, levels of unmet need were high (mean of 6.8 unmet needs each using CANSAS) and the group used few services other than CMHTs. The combination of high levels of need and limited service use suggests a need to develop more effective services. High rates of diagnostic uncertainty suggest a need for a clearer understanding of the complex clinical syndromes afflicting this group.

The Mythology of Female Sexuality: Alternative Narratives of Belonging

The concept of duty is overrated (Fire) The swamiji's testicles have grown too big for his loincloth (Fire) It's a dyke thing (Junky Punky Girlz) Eswar Allah tero Naam (Junky Punky Girlz) Before ex...

Mayisha II: Pilot of a community-based survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles and anonymous HIV testing within African communities in London

The pilot aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking anonymous HIV testing using oral fluid samples as part of a community-based survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles of black African communities in London. The three components of the study were administered in various venues across London: (1) a cross-sectional self-completion anonymous questionnaire survey, (2) an optional oral fluid sample for anonymous HIV testing and (3) a nested in-depth interview study in a sub-set of respondents. A total of 114 black African men and women were recruited. A large number of African countries were represented among respondents from newly-migrant and well-established communities. The response rate to the oral fluid sample was high at 82% and all samples collected were of sufficient quality to be tested for HIV. In-depth interviews with respondents revealed positive views and experiences about participating in the study whilst understanding of the questionnaire was good. We therefore conclude that anonymous HIV testing as part of a community-based survey is feasible and acceptable, whilst a set of recommendations was produced to refine the survey methodology and questionnaire. Participatory research methods are essential for achieving successful community-based surveys among black Africans in Britain.

Postcolonial geographies of privilege: diaspora space, the politics of personhood and the ‘Sri Lankan Women's Association in the UK’

This paper explores diaspora spatialities infrequently evoked within postcolonial geography: those of early twentieth‐century South Asian migrants to Britain who occupied privileged positions of class and status in their countries of origin. Specifically, I explore the collective practices of members of a London‐based, upper middle‐class/elite Sri Lankan women's association, formed in 1949. By closely exploring the group's historically contingent social practices, the paper evokes a problematic set of postcolonial geographies. Members’ performative expression of feminized and respectable modes of Sri Lankan‐ness, underpinned by the ‘trusteeship’ that characterized Ceylon's late colonial relationship with Britain and familiar to them from their privileged backgrounds, have cultivated spatialities that remain imbued with colonial ideology. In this diaspora space, dimensions of late colonial modernity continue to problematically shape members’ subjectivities and social relations amidst an expanding Sri Lankan community in London. This paper shows how the Association's ongoing performance of late colonial, privileged and elite modes of Sri Lankan‐ness has (re)produced space for the possibility of the negotiation of a politics of personhood for women whose bodies were racially and sexually marked as outside in post‐imperial London. The paper contributes a better understanding of the wide range of postcolonial formations that occur in variable ways and distinct settings.

Quality of life in dementia: more than just cognition. An analysis of associations with quality of life in dementia

Objectives: To explore the extent to which commonly used measures of specific outcomes in dementia are an appropriate proxy for quality of life in dementia. Methods: This was a cross...

Barriers to Uptake and Adherence with Malaria Prophylaxis by the African Community in London, England: Focus Group Study

Background Rates of imported malaria in the UK and other European countries are increasing, and particularly the more serious Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study investigated beliefs about malaria and barriers to the uptake and adherence to malaria prophylaxis experienced by African descent individuals in inner London who have low rates of use of malaria prophylaxis and high risks of P. falciparum malaria. Design Five focus groups conducted with 44 volunteers of African origin living in south London. Transcripts were analysed qualitatively. Results Failure to access the drugs prior to travel was influenced by perceptions of malaria as a low threat, non-serious and easily treatable, and a belief that they were vaccinated or somehow not at personal risk, together with concerns about side effects of the drugs, dislike of the taste and disbelief by some participants of the drugs effectiveness. Health service barriers included the cost of drugs, waiting times for appointments and uncertainty regarding appropriate medication. Adherence to the prophylaxis was hindered by difficulties in remembering complex regimes, a lack of understanding of the rationale for continuing the drugs after return to the UK and the practice of leaving drugs for relatives in Africa. However, there was some variability in beliefs and practices that appeared to be associated with socio-economic status, prior experience of malaria and the local organisation and delivery of primary care travel services. Conclusions Much non-adherence is ‘intentional’ and reflects both beliefs common to all travellers and the particular circumstances and experiences of migrants of African descent. However, there was considerable variability in beliefs and practices among participants that reflects the heterogeneity within the West African community in their socio-economic position and circumstances. Changing behaviours requires a multi-dimensional approach involving community-based health promotion that targets the beliefs of this ethnic group and health service measures.

City of London School and Communities that Care: Researching Pupil Experience to Inform Policy and Practice in the Independent Sector

This article is an account of the decision by an independent school to participate in its local Healthy Schools Scheme. One of the factors that influenced this decision was the value the school gained from a pupil survey. The same survey was used to track the impact of the school's Personal, Social and Health Education curriculum and pastoral work on pupils' experience of the school, and academic achievement. In particular, the authors explore the role of survey analysis and consultancy advice in interpreting survey results and developing school practice. The survey contributed to pupil participation in school development. The use of an external consultant as critical friend was perceived as an aid to school reflection and self-review.

Property and Citizenship: What Kelo Leaves Behind

What is the relationship between property and citizenship? That is the question I seek to answer within the context of what procedures ought be required before one's home is condemned, and if we allow such taking, then what compensation is justly due. The vehicle for my exploration is Kelo v. City of New London, 125 S. Ct. 2655 (2005). My position is that theory - an amalgam of communitarianism and utilitarianism on the one hand (by the Kelo majority), and libertarianism on the other - has itself become a trap for our thought, obscuring the way forward. There is a path out of this thicket we have assembled for ourselves, but it is not theoretical in nature; rather, it is pragmatic. Ergo, my prescription, and eventually my argument that we embrace a pragmatic way of understanding, of deliberative democracy: citizenship. My survey begins by studying the similarities between the economic revitalization challenged in Kelo and that which took place in New York (especially in the postwar era) under the command of Robert Moses. I then discuss the wealth-maximizing utilitarian approach taken by the Connecticut Supreme Court, before turning to the affirmance of that judgment by the United States Supreme Court on (authoritative) communitarian grounds. I next address the libertarian theory advocated by the dissenters in Kelo. I conclude that each of these theories is inadequate, and that what we really require is a discussion of what property and citizenship are as ideas, rather than the peculiar frozen crystallizations of them presented by the three perspectives I (constructively) critique. I affirmatively argue in favor of citizenship as conferring upon a member of a political community sets of rights, not merely 'of' private property, but 'to' private property. I submit that Kelo was wrongly decided because it relegated citizens of New London to a subordinate status, where a private corporation was able to make decisions exiling certain persons from the New London community.

The use of health foods, spices and other botanicals in the Sikh community in London

Attitudes and practice concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are currently an area of considerable interest. However, little is known about the overall importance of such practices, for example, in immigrant communities such as the Sikh (Punjabi) British. The use of CAM in immigrants belonging to the Sikh religion in London was studied. The primary objective was to analyse the extent to which traditional medicine is used and understood by this population. Traditional Sikh medicine is important to this group of informants and a total of 42 species were recorded and identified tentatively. The most frequently mentioned species were Allium cepa (onion -- gunda), Allium sativum (garlic -- lasan, thon), Capsicum frutescens (cayenne pepper -- lalmirch), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamom--dhal chini), Citrus limon (lemon -- nimbu), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel -- saunf), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom -- elaichi) and Zingiber officinale (ginger -- adrak). The study also highlights the rapid change this tradition is undergoing in a diaspora situation. In depth studies on the use of CAM among other immigrant communities and among ethnic groups are urgent and may help to manage better the treatment of minor ailments as well as chronic diseases. Specifically, more research on traditional and herbal remedies amongst the numerous ethnic groups in urban Britain and how this impacts on the use of biomedicine (e.g. as it is provided by the NHS) is essential.

Helicobacter pylori antibiotic-resistance patterns and risk factors in adult dyspeptic patients from ethnically diverse populations in central and south London during 2000

Surveillance of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic susceptibility from patients in London, the largest metropolitan area in the UK, is limited, despite resistance being a key factor in treatment failure. A two-centre survey was performed over 12 months (1999-2000) to determine antibiotic-resistance rates of isolates from dyspeptic patients attending endoscopy clinics serving two ethnically diverse central and south London communities. The in vitro antibiotic susceptibilities were determined from disc diffusion and epsilometer (E) tests on 101 H. pylori isolates. Overall resistance rates were 59% for metronidazole and 11% for clarithromycin, with 8 % resistance to both antibiotics. Corresponding primary resistance rates were 50% and 7%, respectively. High-level-resistance was a feature of 82% of the metronidazole (MIC > or = 256 mg l(-1)) -resistant and 55% of the clarithromycin (MIC > or = 32 mg l(-1)) -resistant strains. All isolates were susceptible to amoxycillin and tetracycline. No associations between resistance and either the gender or the age of the patients were detected. The main risk for resistance to metronidazole was non-UK birth as comparative rates were 68% for non-UK vs. 40% for UK-born individuals. Resistant isolates were genotypically diverse with respect to cagA/vacA type. Four 23S rDNA nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with clarithromycin resistance, mostly (9/11) at A2143G. In conclusion, the high overall metronidazole-resistance rate of 59% for H. pylori from inner London was twice the rate found in other UK-based studies and was attributed to the higher risk of resistant strains infecting individuals born outside the UK. The need for continued resistance surveillance is indicated to monitor the effects of the 'test and treat' strategy for H. pylori eradication, particularly of isolates from at-risk individuals.

The Nature and Resource Field of the Kurdish Resistance in Turkey: A Dormant Resource

The Nature and Resource Field of the Kurdish Resistance in Turkey: A Dormant Resource

Language Attitudes and Use in a Transplanted Setting: Greek Cypriots in London

In this paper we explore language attitudes and use in the Greek Cypriot community in London, England. Our study is based on an earlier survey carried out in Nicosia, Cyprus and we compare attitudes to language and reported language use in the two communities. We thereby highlight the significance of sociolinguistic variables on similar groups of speakers. We further extend our investigation to include codeswitching practices in the London community. Analysis of language attitudes and use within the Greek-Cypriot population of London, and comparisons with findings in Nicosia, reflect symbolic forces operating in the two contexts. Despite obvious differences between the two communities, (most obviously the official languages and distinct cultural backgrounds of the two nations), the Greek Cypriot Dialect continues to play an active role in both. English is however the ‘default choice’ for young Cypriots in the UK and Standard Modern Greek occupies a much more limited role than in Cyprus. It is argued that differences in language attitudes and use can be interpreted in light of different market forces operating in the nation (i.e. Cyprus) and the Diaspora (i.e. UK).

Educators’ Experience of Managing Sexually Abused Learners: Implications for Educational Support Structures

The purpose of this study was to establish the personal impact that managing sexually abused learners had on primary school educators working in an East London (South Africa) community. In addition, the researchers sought to establish what support these educators felt they needed in order to help alleviate the personal impact that managing sexually abused learners might have on them.A phenomenological approach was employed to address the research questions. Using availability-sampling methods, four educators from a local primary school were interviewed and the data systematically analysed in accordance with Morrisette’s (1999) seven–step procedural model.The present study confirmed the finding of Skinner (1999) and Mzamo (2003) that managing cases of sexually abused learners had a profound personal effect on the participants. What was most commonly felt was a sense of frustration with the justice system, as well as a sense of personal responsibility. In addition, the participants felt that they needed support structures to assist them in managing sexual abuse cases in the school. In particular, they felt that they needed a forum where they could share their own experiences and feelings, as well as receive guidance on how to deal with problems in their class. A need for more support from professional psychologists was also expressed, as well as a need for counselling skills training and general training in the area of child sexual abuse. It is hoped that these findings will prove useful in providing guidelines for the development of appropriate support structures for educators managing cases of child sexual abuse in South African schools. More research on the subject needs to be conducted within South Africa, however, in order to ensure that the support structures implemented address context-specific needs.